Trail-Running Shoes
Archive
The Gripper On the worst running surfaces of our test—loose dirt, rock slabs, and muddy sidehill traverses—the Rockridge excelled. Prominent lugs and sticky rubber combined for a gluelike grip on all surfaces, making these an “epic adventure partner,” as one tester put it. The mesh upper was supremely breathable, thanks…
Trail If you want the rock-solid side-to-side stability of a mountain runner, Gore-Tex for mud stomping, and extra armor for nasty trails, you’re going to pay a slight weight penalty. But we still loved the snug heel and arch (for good agility) and wide forefoot (to accommodate swelling on descents).
Why They’re CoolTo keep the mesh uppers on the XA Pro 2 adventure-running shoes from stretching after repeated dunkings, Salomon topped ’em with a polymer exoskeleton this year. » These shoes protected me from sketchy terrain better than tall models: Their ground-hugging profile meant I had less chance of rolling…
FAST AND CUSHIONED Isn’t it disheartening when you spot a chunky-looking guy at the starting line—inside you think, Well, at least I won’t come in last—and then he pulls away, leaving you sucking wind? The Lava Run is that guy. “They look like they’d be clunky,” said one tester, “but…
LONG-DISTANCE TRAVELER Like a full-suspension mountain bike, the Arnuva can barrel over rocky, undulating trails with utmost comfort. The upper is armored against trail debris, and the ultrarunners on our crew deemed it an excellent choice for even the harshest high-alpine trails in Colorado’s Indian Peaks. A Gore-Tex liner keeps…
RIDGE RACER Most of us stick to established trails when we run. For those who don’t, or whose “runs” end atop toothy peaks, may we suggest the Cooper’s Hill? With an extremely pliable forefoot and easy-twisting torsional rigidity, this shoe remains stable even while blasting up steep, scree-covered slopes. “The…
em>Packed Trail If you run on a mix of pavement and dirt—often in the same outing—you’ll appreciate the Voza. To prove the point, we tested these lightweight trail runners on the streets of L.A., where the shoe’s midsole, and especially the amply cushioned heel, proved remarkably comfortable.
Flat and Fast If you’re running dry, flat dirt trails, you might as well enjoy road-shoe-like comfort. Here the SyncroFuel XC delivers with a seamless upper and even cushioning—pillowy enough for long, slow miles but light enough to feel fluid at a lung-busting pace. The upper’s secure midfoot wrap held…
Trail Newton’s first trail shoe still uses the company’s trademark set of prominent, extra-springy lugs under the forefoot to encourage mid- and forefoot running, but it adds tight mesh to the upper to keep debris out and grippier rubber for traction. It’s good for working on form and running fast,…
I'm doing the Tough Mudder in November and was wondering what shoes to wear? -Ben (Albany, NY)
Get in gear with these heavy-duty trail runners and barely-there road shoes.
What's the best gear to buy a beginning hiker? My 22-year-old girlfriend is just getting started, but she's not outdoorsy. CilliantLouth Ireland
“Not just different. Better.” That tester’s observation sums up this 15-degree bag from Montbell, whose major tech innovation—spiraled baffles—made it the most comfortable and best-functioning bag we tested this year. Far from a gimmick, the spiral baffles drape more evenly over the body, creating…
Advice on finding the best gear—and tried-n-true methods for maintaining your gear for years to come.
2010 Buyer’s Guide Videos Summer ϳԹ Winter Buyer's Guide 2009/2010 Winter Buyer's Guide Trail Shoes Sleeping Bags Women’s Gear Road Bikes…
I plan to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail next year, so I'm gearing up now so that I'll have time to test everything. I'm experienced, have guided, and I'm looking to go superlight. What's the best pair of trail-runners for the AT? Dave New York, NY
I'm looking for cross-over footwear for hiking. I'm not so much into the high-top thing. What is the best shoe/boot for multi-day backpacking with a 25- to 30-pound pack? S Tujunga, CA
Half approach shoe, half hiker, SCARPA‘s Zen keeps you confident on any angle of terrain ($120; scarpa.com).
1. Most frontside skis are too precise and exhausting for freeskiing. Not the pared-down CX 80, which does away with heavy add-ons like complex binding plates for a more responsive feel. It’s ten millimeters fatter than most, but its World Cupinspired…
In the Store: If you’re buying just one pair of skis (and not building a quiver), look for a set that matches your style of skiing and the terrain you frequent 70 percent of the time. And don’t be afraid to upgrade: Buy skis slightly above…
How do you feel about trail-runners versus hiking boots for light backpacking and day summits? Also, can you put crampons on trail-runners if you encounter snow? Phong Seattle, Washington
1. SHELL MontBell's Mistral Parka is a hooded squall shield that vents well enough for sweaty runs and packs down to a softball-size bundle. $110; montbell.com Trail-Running Gear Essentials 2. SUNGLASSES The new VR50 lenses in Oakley's Flak Jackets block blue light to make trail details…
I’m an experienced road runner, and now I want to train for an off-road triathlon. Where should I start with trail-runners? Chris Indianapolis, Indiana
I've run one ultrarathon and looking to do a few more this year. What are the best and lightest trail shoes on the market? I tried the North Face Arnuva 50 Boa, but I'd like to hear about some lighter choices. Thanks! Alex Iowa City, Iowa
In the Store: Know where, what, and how you’re skiing, and make sure the shop guy knows. And don’t be swayed by brand name or graphics. If possible, demo a few different pairs and go with whatever works. Guys: Don’t lie about your ability. If you’re an intermediate skier,…
I competing in an ultra trail race (50 miles) in the Golden Gate Headlands area of California in December. Those trails, from what I told, are quite different from the more technical trails up here in the Vancouver area. What do you recommend as a good shoe for the trails down there? Scott Vancouver, British Columbia
I’m an avid hiker and getting back into running, too. I love my Vasque hiking boots, which offer a lot of support, cushioning, and a cradled heel. But none of the running shoes I have tried offer the se fit. Can I run a 5K in hiking boots? Just kidding, sort of. Any suggestions? Matt Downingtown, Pennsylvania
Strange but true: It feels good to run all day. Prep yourself with this go-far gear.
In the Store: Don’t know what kind of arches you have? Dunk your foot lightly in some water and then step on a paper bag. See almost your entire foot? You’re an overpronator. See very little? You’re an underpronator (this is less common). »…
I’m so glad it’s finally spring, and I can’t wait to get out on the trails. But it’s pretty muddy on some of my favorites. Which trail-runners do you recommend for these conditions? Kevin Boulder, Colorado
ϳԹOnline's Gear Guy reports on the latest trends at this season's gearapalooza.
I need a headlp for late-night trail running. I have a Petzl Tikka, which is great if everything is within hands reach, but beyond your feet it doesn't work very well. What do you suggest? David Syracuse, New York
I’m an avid runner who must contend with about six months of snow, slush, and cold temperatures if I to pursue this sport year-round. Can you suggest a running shoe for winter excursions? Standard running shoes are no match for a Quebec winter. Thomas Westmount, Quebec
I’m an over-pronator and run marathons with motion-control shoes to compensate. I’d like to get into adventure racing and need to know which trail-running shoes offer the best motion control. Any ideas? Jay Pensacola, Florida
I do light hikes in the hot, humid, muddy Puerto Rican rainforest multiple times a year for work. My coworkers wear rubber wellies, and I usually buy essentially disposable boots (and throw them away after a week). I’m sick of wet feet, but most waterproof boots seem made for winter. Any advice? Heather Mountain View, California
What running shoes would you recommend for a ten-mile competition in which I run through knee-deep mud, waist-high water, and on pavement? Last year, after coming out of the mud and water, I had to run eight miles with wet feet and sand in my shoes. Michael Visalia, California
I stopped running at age 50 because my knees just couldn’t take it anymore. I now walk daily and need a good shoe for fast walking. What is your opinion of Ecco’s Performance shoes? Donna Plano, Texas
I’ll be working in northeastern Africa for the next five months, and I need a daily-wear shoe. The terrain is rocky, sandy, very hot, and very dry. I’m looking for a trail-runner or light hiker and have considered Merrell’s Cheleon. Any other suggestions? Peter Copenhagen, Denmark
I'm considering trading in my hiking boots for trail-running shoes on backpacking trips. Why? I've been backpacking for years with sore, uncomfortable feet. (I'm a bit hard to fit.) Other than the lack of ankle support, is there a downside to going with a good trail shoe rather than a boot for a long backpacking trip? Which trail-runners have the guts for this type of trail work? Tim Indianapolis, Indiana
Get the most out of long summer days with featherweight performance gear for running, riding, climbing, and hiking
Where can I find a trail-running shoe that does not look like a space shoe or some exotic bird? I want something that looks at home outdoors while serving the needed function. Doug Pocomoke City, Maryland
I started trail running this winter and absolutely love it. However, as a beginner, I only have my street running shoes, and with the wet weather up here in the Pacific Northwest they're just not making the grade. I was hoping you could recommend some good shoes for cutting through the mud (and we have a lot of it). I don't have to worry about snow, but I slipping all over the place on the trails. Aaron Corvallis, Oregon
I looking for the perfect shoe for walking Spain's El Cino de Santiago de Compostela, something that will cushion for 20- to 25-pound loads and up to 20 miles a day. There will be some wet weather, and temps will range from almost freezing to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. I hearing a lot about choosing a trail runner over a hiking boot from former Cino hikers who say it's not necessary for this terrain. I currently considering the women's Vasque Endorphin. Sheila Calgary, Alberta
Whether your happy medium is mud, water, or plain old dirt, there's a trick new trail runner built to take you there
Which hiking boots are the coolest for hiking the Copper Canyon in Mexico? We're going in August. Would trail sandals be OK? We will be taking a day excursion with less than ten pounds per pack. Susie Kansas City, Missouri
I'll be on a 28-day outdoor survival course in southern Utah shortly and I looking for a pair of light, quick-drying shoes that can last over 500 miles of rough terrain and provide good traction. My current choice is a pair of Salomon XA Raid 3D's, but I'm having second thoughts as the ordeal approaches. Pierre Ardeche, France
The makers of adventure gear and apparel had utility dialed long ago. Now R&D types are zeroing in on style.
Should I buy trail runners for winter running, or is it best just to stick with my running shoes? Kingston is, to the best of my knowledge, the slush capital of the world. Scott Kingston, Ontario
I'm planning a trip to Ecuador this December, where I'll spend a few days each of mountain biking, hiking in the Andes, and whitewater rafting. Last time I hiked in the Andes I just wore running shoes, without problems. I was thinking of getting a pair of Chaco-type sandals and a pair of trail runners, instead of full-on hiking boots, to cover the variety of activities as well as lighten my load. Any advice? Sarah Houston, Texas
I climbing Rainier this July and instead of wearing my normal hiking boots up to Cp Muir, I was wondering if you thought a pair of trail-running shoes would work until we have to switch to plastic boots? What would be some good options for lightweight shoes that would still give you good support when wearing a pack? Mike Columbus, Ohio
I'm hiking the Grand Canyon rim to rim this spring, and I'm wondering what footwear to use. I like the lightness and cushioning of the trail runners that I've been using for my ten-mile training hikes, but I'm wondering if I need something a little more burly for my unsteady legs over the course of the 24-mile hike. Any thoughts on the Lowa Tempest? Jay Phoenix, Arizona
To sort through this season's trail-runner bounty, mix equal parts rugged design and motivational psychology