BEST FOR ADVENTURE RACING
You run where others walk? Then this is the shoe for you. After cruising up Colorado’s wickedly steep Mount Sanitas Trail, one tester gave the Active Trail Pro props for its reinforced sides, protective toe cap, and branch-busting undercarriage. Plus the Vibram sole adhered to everything from wet rock to loose dirt. The mesh upper delivers the perfect blend of abrasion resistance, breathability, and comfort. It’s one of the burliest shoes we tested, and a great choice for adventure racing, long-mileage mountain running, and—let’s be honest—walking where others run. 12.3 oz; lafumausa.com
Bonus: A dual-adjustment lacing system allows different levels of snugness fore and aft.
Bummer: Not as nimble as some of its competitors.