by Cregg Weinmann
SHOE REVIEW
HOKA Challenger ATR 3 $120
The Challenger ATR was inspired by its sibling, the Clifton; however with each successive version, the two diverge a little bit more. Round 3 is the best of the three ATR versions: trail equipment with protection and a quick feel. The upper is closed mesh covered with a welded, meshy matrix, with thick protective overlays in the rearfoot, and anchored by stitched overlays at heel and the toecap. The eyestay is also reinforced, and a thin but plush-feeling tongue and ankle collar add comfort against the foot. The midsole has the familiar geometry for which HOKA is known—a thick stack of foam with a rocker bottom—which responds well both to the surface of the trail, while giving a small amount of feedback and adequate protection from the trail. The outersole continues with the minimal rubber distributed in the key portions of the heel and toe’s surface, giving the midsole some protection from the trail while also offering a good amount of grip. The combination of protection, light weight, and traction makes the Challenger ATR 3 a valuable addition to your quiver of trail running shoes.
Trail Shoes Summer 2017 If you’re a year-round trail runner, you already know that summer is a great time for getting off the pavement and onto the trails. If you’re thinking of trying the trails for the first time or getting out there more frequently to change up your routine (less impact, more interesting scenery, and often cooler temps)—our new batch of Trail shoes has a little something for everyone. In our reviews, shoes designated as “Responsive Trail“ have more protection, so they weigh more, while Performance Trail shoes pare back the extras to save weight and are a great choice for racing or if you’re a lightweight runner yourself. Not sure what to look for? Well, your preference in Trail shoes may mirror your preferences in road shoes and they shake out similarly: Some are more stable than others, others are lighter weight for competition and, of course, there are those that are suitable for use on both road and trail, which makes them a great starter Trail shoe. Whatever you choose, wisely adding some variety into your runs keeps the mind and body engaged and using the proper “tool” is a wise investment. 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 Ortega 2 $120
In its debut, the Ortega showcased the adaptability of the 361˚ technology to trail running, while hinting at more to come. Version 2 keeps up the momentum, refining an already well-built shoe. The upper trades the open mini-mesh and traditional overlays for a closed (but effectively breathable) mesh supported by fused overlays providing performance and support with less weight. The midsole is a top layer of Qu!kFoam mated to molded EVA, giving a bouncy ride on roads and a resilient feel on the trail. A switch from fabric to an EVA Strobel board gives the ride a plusher feel. The rubber outersole is segmented in a low-profile lug pattern that manages roads well, and provides a sure-footed grip on trails. The forefoot lugs are laid on a polyurethane foam layer to add a conforming feel, along with extra cushion and traction on rocky terrain. The light feel, quality, and versatility earned the Ortega 2 our award for Best Trail Shoe.
“The ATR series has impressed with its comfort and protection; the 3 is better. The traction and feel on the trail keeps me comingback.” RESPONSIVE TRAIL Sizes: Men 7–13,14; Women 6–11 Weight: 9.6 oz. (men’s size 11); 7.9 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 Vazee Summit v2 $100
The Vazee Summit v2 takes the series to a lighter, flashier, and more breathable level. The tough, closed mesh upper has welded overlays that snug the midfoot well, with a thicker layer at the toe to protect from trail bumps. The stretchy tongue and gusseted arch band are elastic, providing support and a snug fit. As in Round 1, the midsole is the durable REVlite foam which is known for its responsive ride. The trail feel is enhanced by the fibrous Strobel board and a thin insole—good to know, if your preference is firm and snappy because you will really feel the trail. The forefoot has a thin rock plate extending into the arch without compromising flexibility. The outersole has a low-profile feel, but its substantial lugs are designed for effective grip, both uphill and down. The great value, traction, and fit make the Vazee Summit v2 an almost-automatic Trail choice.
BEST SHOE
“Great fit! Hugs the foot comfortably. Snappy feel, skims over the trail and the traction is top notch.” PERFORMANCE TRAIL Sizes: Men 7–12,13,14; Women 5–12 Weight: 10.0 oz. (men’s size 11); 8.1 oz. (women’s size 8) Shape: semi-curved Construction: Stobel slip-lasted Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to mild pronation
Trail
Summer 2017
Skechers GoTrail Ultra 4 $120
The Skechers GoTrail Ultra 4, updates the brand’s first Trail shoe. The upper continues to evolve—now with closed meshes and welded overlays offering protection from scrapes along the trail—while conforming nicely to the foot. The midsole features a tall, resilient, and protective layer of foam that responds well as it conforms to the surface of the trail. The stack height provides a healthy measure of cushioning and flexes better than some other trail shoes with similar profiles. The outersole has more coverage than previous versions, thanks to its use of the parametric web outersole, a thin design offering protection and grip while allowing the oversized sole to flex and adapt effectively. Though durability is still a consideration, the Ultra 4 is the best version yet, and our testers found its performance to be quite good.
“Feels snug on the foot but with a good fit all over. Nice cushioning, but secure and grippy on the trail.” PERFORMANCE TRAIL Sizes: Men 7–12,13,14; Women 5–12 Weight: 11.7 oz. (men’s size 11); 9.5 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 to mild pronation
“Logic said ‘incompatable with trails’ but the GoTrail Ultra 4 handled dirt, gravel, and hills with ease. Love the cushion.” RESPONSIVE TRAIL Sizes: Men 7–13,14; Women 5–10,11 Weight: 13.4 oz. (men’s size 11); 10.7 oz. (women’s size 8) Shape: semi-curved Construction: Stobel slip-lasted Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics
Brooks Caldera $140
The Caldera is a brand new trail shoe from Brooks that rounds out its line-up as a balanced trail-crafted option, a stable running-mate to last Fall’s Mazama. The upper is a tightly woven, closed mesh with welded overlays and a reinforced thermoplastic toe cap. The midfoot is supported by a fan-shaped saddle of welded supports that extend from the eyestay into the full rand. The heel features a gaiter tab that broadens the protection options by accommodating the use of gaiters on rough trails. Built on a broad base and stable geometry, the bi-layer midsole is a cushy foam over a firmer bottom layer. The effectively lugged outersole sports a three-prong, computer-generated pattern that gives the shoe good grip in wet or dry conditions. Excess material has been carved away, employing negative space and reducing weight. The stability, protection, and grip make the Caldera a trail adventure shoe that’s comparable to the best of the trail cruisers. “Brooks definitely went for a very cushioned shoe with the Caldera. That said, it is smooth and stable. The traction is outstanding.” RESPONSIVE TRAIL Sizes: Men 7–13,14,15; Women 6–11 Weight: 11.2 oz. (men’s size 11); 8.9 oz. (women’s size 8) Shape: semi-curved Construction: Stobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board Recommended for: medium-arched feet with mild to moderate 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 © 2017 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.
Presents
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