Trail Shoes Fall/Winter 2016

SHOE REVIEW

by Cregg Weinmann

Trail Shoes Fall/Winter 2016 It has been said that every run is an adventure, and if that is true (and it is), then Trail running is an adventure multiplied. On the trail, our running skill can use a little help, which is why there’s an ever-increasing number of trail running shoes entering the market. Here’s our semi-annual look at shoes to get you over the trails: some for training, others for competitive efforts. This Fall we looked at 5 new models and 2 wholesale renovations (meaning that the shoes are almost like new models). Trails are each a bit different, and there are trail shoes to match each type. Your footwear needs and preferences factor into the equation as well. As we always say, it’s a good idea for your shoes to match the running you’ll be doing. Looking at your preference in road shoes can help you assess trail shoes: If you like protection on the roads, start with Responsive Trail shoes. If you prefer speedier Performance shoes on the road, then Performance Trail is the best place to begin. This review is only a starting point in your search for your best trail shoes. We recommend seeking out the assistance of a Specialty Running retailer whenever possible. Remember to check-in with www.RunningProductReviews.com for more updated shoes, and look for us on Facebook at Running Product Reviews, and on Twitter @shoes2run.

361º Santiago $120

The 361º Santiago is the latest shoe from this upstart brand to cross over to the trail, intended to mirror the success of its Neutral road shoes. The upper is closed mesh with no-sew, welded overlays supporting the forefoot, a brawny stitched saddle and toecap that also features a high-friction surface to fend off trail debris. Additional fused overlays create a full rand for more protection. The midsole features a top layer of cushy Qu!ckfoam over a single-density EVA layer. The outersole is carbon rubber, with lugs which manage both trail and road well, proving its hybrid nature. The comfortable fit, effective traction, and protective ride add up to a quality trail performer.

“Good fit with plenty of protection. Traction was equal to trail and road, with good durability to boot.”

RESPONSIVE TRAIL Sizes: Men 8–12,13,14; Women 6–12 Weight: 11.9 oz. (men’s size 11); 9.5 oz. (women’s size 8) Shape: semi-curved Construction: Stobel slip-lasted Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics

Altra Lone Peak $120

The Lone Peak was Altra’s first Trail running shoe, and continues as its flagship trail shoe. The upper is a semi-open mesh with traditional overlays creating a full rand and providing shape, structure, and protection. Altra’s Footshaped® toe box accommodates a wide range of foot volumes. The Lone Peak facilitates the use of gaiters with a D-ring at the lace throat and a velcro strap called GaiterTrap™ that secure gaiters in position. The redesigned midsole has an A-bound layer over a newly sculpted EVA layer—a combination that offers cushioned comfort, a measure of protection, and decent durability just as fans of the shoe have come to expect from the Lone Peak. A rock plate called StoneGuard™ is sandwiched between the midsole and outersole adding a protective layer that’s great on even the rockiest trails. The outersole has a new configuration of hexagonally-shaped lugs from midfoot to the toes and a perimeter of beefy lugs to ensure grip in all conditions and on all surfaces, including the man-made variety. Runners interested in a rugged trail shoe with plenty of room in the toes and the low profile of zero-drop geometry need look no further.

“Fits nice and snug in the heel, but really roomy in the toes. Plenty of traction. I have not run on any trails they can’t handle.”

PERFORMANCE TRAIL Sizes: Men 7–13,14,15; Women 5–11,12 Weight: 10.3 oz. (men’s size 11); 8.3 oz. (women’s size 8) Shape: semi-curved Construction: Stobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics

Brooks Mazama $140

Named for an ancient volcano in Oregon, the new Brooks Mazama is synonymous with trail adventures. Though it’s the lightest Brooks trail shoe to date, it’s no lightweight when it comes to handling its share of rugged trails. The upper is semi-open mesh with 3D-printed overlays for structure and a thermoplastic toe bumper for protection. A stiffer, closed mesh forms a full rand for durability and an additional (slim) layer between you and the trail. The thin and flexible gussetted tongue seals the upper from trail debris. The midsole consists of two layers of foam; both are responsively firm.

The top layer, in the forefoot and nearest the foot, allows good flexibility without feeling too stiff. The bottom layer sandwiches a propulsion plate, which works with the outersole for a snappy feel, and doubles as a rock shield. The outersole features a lug pattern that’s never been seen in a Brooks trail shoe. The forefoot features a network of spines running longitudinally and interspersed with toothy lugs. Open cavities between the lugs keep it light and the rock shield allows the negative space to create additional traction without losing the protection of a uniformly thick sole. The heel is solid rubber, but the forefoot and rearfoot flex independently in response to uneven ground. The Mazama has a snug, almost racer-like fit, a firm responsive ride, and great traction which earned it our award for Best Trail Shoe.

“Nice fit; snug, but not too snug. Good flex and really digs in on the traction. They were my first choice for fast trail running.”

PERFORMANCE TRAIL Sizes: Men 7–13,14; Women 5–12 Weight: 10.3 oz. (men’s size 11); 8.2 oz. (women’s size 8) Shape: semi-curved Construction: Stobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics

BEST SHOE Trail

Fall/Winter 2016

HOKA ONE ONE Speed Instinct $140

The Speed Instinct is a new trail shoe in the HOKA ONE ONE line-up. Borrowing from the success of the Tracer, HOKA’s hybrid tempo/racing shoe, the Speed Instinct combines the more familiar HOKA midsole geometry with a quick-feeling trail runner. The upper is a closed minimesh, covered almost entirely in no-sew overlays, with little surface exposed in the rand. The only stitching is in the lace throat to support the flexing of the laces. The plush ankle collar conforms well to the foot. The midsole is soft in the heel, to cushion touch-down, and firm in the forefoot for a more powerful toe-off. The resulting ride is resilient, responsive and durable. The outersole is lugged with a perimeter of tough rubber and is open through the center in diamond-shaped slots that allow the sole to compress and conform to the trail. The Speed Instinct is right on target with excellent traction, adaptable cushioning, and a consistent fit for trail running at all speeds.

“Fit close; felt snug and fast. The midsole’s foam was quite cushy and protective. Surefooted on the trail.”

PERFORMANCE TRAIL Sizes: Men 7–13,14; Women 5–11 Weight: 10.7 oz. (men’s size 11); 8.6 oz. (women’s size 8) Shape: semi-curved Construction: Stobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics

New Balance Fresh Foam Gobi $95

By offering a little something for everybody, New Balance has carved out a niche in the trail running category. The Gobi is the first Fresh Foam trail shoe, merging two logical New Balance strengths. The upper is an engineered mesh with no-sew overlays and the requisite Toe-Protect™ for toe protection that’s up to the job. It features dependable support, a complete rand, a solid heel counter, and a no-sew saddle/stitched eyestay design that never lets you forget that the shoe is firmly and comfortably secured to your foot. The midsole is low-profile Fresh Foam so the shoe performs equally well on roads and trails. The full-length rubber outersole, AT TREAD by name, features hexagonal lugs that negotiate traction on both trail and road. With its versatility, smooth ride, and value, the Fresh Foam Gobi Trail is very hard to beat.

“A treat to put on. Plenty of room up front and anchors the heel. Decent cushioning on the road combined with a good bite from the tread. Sort of a ‘best of both worlds.’”

PERFORMANCE TRAIL Sizes: Men 7–13,14, 15 D, 2E; Women 5–11,12 B,D Weight: 10.3 oz. (men’s size 11); 8.1 oz. (women’s size 8) Shape: semi-curved Construction: Stobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics

Salewa Lite Train $129

Salewa has a long history in outdoor products and footwear, but it’s new to trail running. The Lite Train marks its first attempt in the category and is a surprisingly well-done and versatile trail running shoe. The upper is closed mesh with fused overlays that create a partial rand over most of the fore- and mid-foot. The eyestay and ankle collar are supported by 3F, rubbery injected elements with prominent 3D surfaces that protect from rugged trails and help to secure the foot within the shoe. The midsole is low-profile, single-density EVA. Firm and responsive, it’s best suited to softer trails— though nimble and protective—especially for more competitive efforts. The outersole is covered with randomly-oriented, Z-shaped angular treads in a sticky rubber compound courtesy of a partnership with Michelin. This outersole is best off-road, though tough enough to run to the trailhead from the car, if that’s your habit. The light weight, good traction, and low-profile geometry combine to make the Lite Train a good choice for technical trail running.

“Good snug, secure fit. Nice flex, light feel, good traction. That’s all I need in a trail shoe.”

PERFORMANCE TRAIL Sizes: Men 7–12,13; Women 6–10,11 Weight: 10.1 oz. (men’s size 11); 7.4 oz. (women’s size 8) Shape: semi-curved Construction: Stobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics

Saucony Xodus ISO $130

The Xodus has been the flagship of Saucony’s trail line, and has just received a complete overhaul to highlight its new approach to the category. The upper is a closed, engineered mesh with no-sew overlays, and now uses the ISO fit system long seen on Saucony’s high-end road models. A TPU heel counter adds protection and anchors the full rand, with a bit of forefoot support from the midsole sidewall. A no-sew toe bumper called Toe Shell, shapes and protects the toe, raising the upper material over the toes for a bit of extra volume. The midsole features EveRun foam that enhances the cushioning here just as it has across its entire running line. The newly designed outersole is a herringbone-shaped tread, angled to best handle the trail. The full-contact bottom adds effective stability to go along with the grip. The Xodus ISO is a full-featured trail SUV, with traction, good protection, and an adaptable fit.

“Built like a tank, but not clunky. Plenty of toe room, but secure in the midfoot. The tread has a great grip on the trail, but is also smooth on the road. This one is a keeper.”

RESPONSIVE TRAIL Sizes: Men 7–13,14; Women 5–11,12 Weight: 11.9 oz. (men’s size 11); 9.2 oz. (women’s size 8) Shape: semi-curved Construction: Stobel slip-lasted, TPU Strobel board Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to mild pronation

Cregg Weinmann is footwear and running products reviewer for FORTIUS Media Group, LLC. He can be reached via email at shuz2run@lightspeed.net Copyright © 2016 by FORTIUS Media Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved. No part of this article may be stored, copied, or reprinted without prior written permission of FORTIUS Media Group, LLC. Reprinted here with permission.