2010 Trail Running Shoe Review

As the trail running scene expands, shoe manufacturers are now offering different shoes for specific trail conditions. The options include lighter models designed for racing on relatively smooth terrain, mid-weight all-around trail shoes for moderately technical routes and robust models that excel in rocky and unstable trails.

While road shoes are fine for some of the less-challenging trails, runners will enjoy the increased traction, control and push-through sole protection that proper trail shoes offer.

Here are this season’s newest trail runners:

::GEARBOX
813 – $120
New Balance
33092

Men’s – 360g/12.7oz, Women’s 280g/9.9oz

The New Balance 813 is a great shoe, offering solid performance on hard-pack trails, while maintaining an easy-gliding ride for the occasional road training run. This versatility stems from the low-profile outsole that produces the necessary trail traction without feeling heavy or slow on the road. Responsive cushioning takes the sting out of long runs, and the densely woven breathable uppers provide good ventilation without allowing dirt and sand to enter the shoe.

::GEARBOX
GEL-Trail Attack 6 – $140
Asics
33088

Men’s – 317g/11.2oz, Women’s 280g/9.9oz

Last season’s Trail Attack was a touch too heavy for fast trail runners, but with the release of the GEL-Trail Attack 6, Asics brings this shoe back to its performance roots. Unnecessary overlays are stripped from the uppers to cut the weight, while a snugger midfoot fit delivers a steady feel on uneven surfaces. The aggressive outsole provides solid traction when climbing or descending and the lightweight forefoot rock protection plate prevents bruising when running on stone covered routes. This is a  great shoe for a variety of trails.

::GEARBOX
Ravenous – $110
Columbia
33091

Men’s – 345g/12.2oz, Women’s 289g/10.2oz

The new Ravenous offers solid control on a range of trail conditions thanks to its multiple aggressive small-block outsole. Carefully positioned overlays provide durability without adding unnecessary weight, while a close-to-the-ground ride encourage fast-pace running. Columbia’s innovative thermo-formed heel cup and external heel counter improves fit and locks the foot over the midsole increasing stability on uneven terrain.

::GEARBOX
CTR Cruise
Merrell
33090

Men’s – 379g/13.4oz

Positioned as Merrell’s performance trail running shoe, the CTR Cruise uses a unique temperature- management fabric-technology for comfort during warm conditions. The nicely cushioned midsole is cushy enough to adapt to both trails and the occasional road run. The multi-shape lug outsole excels on hard-packed surfaces, controlling stability without feeling clunky. A short scree guard offers greater breathability than typical full-length version while still preventing dirt and debris from entering the shoe.

::GEARBOX
Cascadia 5 – $150
Brooks
33089

Men’s – 340g/12.0oz, Women’s 283g/10.0oz

The Cascadia has always had a loyal following thanks to its combination of exceptional traction, good push-through protection and a low, stable ride. Brooks wisely kept the new Cascadia relatively unchanged from last year’s model. The grippy outsole makes a repeat appearance, as do the independent stability-enhancing Pivot Point posts, but this year Brooks improves the Cascadia’s midfoot fit for better control on uneven terrain.  The result is a shoe with a responsive ride and excellent control on difficult trails.

::GEARBOX
Syncro Fuel XC – $165
Pearl Izumi
33094

Men’s – 309g/10.9oz, Women’s 272g/9.6oz

With its minimalist tread and lightweight construction, the Synchro Fuel XC is as close as a trail shoe can get to being a viable road running shoe while maintaining its off-road cred. Perhaps this explains why this shoe feels so nimble and fast.  The Synchro Fuel XC rules on smooth, groomed trails but as the terrain becomes more challenging, runners might prefer more rugged footwear.

::GEARBOX
Xodus 2.0 – $150
Saucony
33096

Men’s 337g/11.9oz , Women’s 306g/10.8oz

The first-generation Xodus was widely recognized as an excellent and rugged  trail running shoe. And much of that shoe’s performance resulted from Saucony’s use a Vibram outsole. The unique Italian rubber sole delivered consistent traction in all conditions. Thankfully, for 2010 Saucony kept the grippy outsole and only made some minor cosmetic changes to the shoe. The result is a shoe with great  trail traction and thanks to the Inter-Lock internal fit system a foot-hugging fit. Other trail-specific details include built-in gaiter compatibility and gusseted tongue – an excellent choice for serious trails.

::GEARBOX
XT Wings 2 – $160
Salomon
33095

Men’s 380g/13.4oz , Women’s 325g/11.4oz

The XT Wings 2 is Salomon’s update to their classic trail running shoe. This season, the shoe weighs 10 per cent less than last year’s model and delivers improved cushioning thanks to a softer midsole. The new symmetrical forefoot lacing delivers a greater lock-down feel. The small block outsole is good for trails, but also provides a smooth transitioning to paved surfaces. This is a remarkably versatile trail shoe capable of transition between the trails and the road.

::GEARBOX
Single-Track – $140
The North Face
33097

Men’s – 326g/11.5oz, Women’s 311g/11oz

The Single-Track is the newest addition to The North Face’s trail-running shoe program.  The Snake Plate offers flexible protection from rocks and roots, while the built-in under-the-lace scree guard prevents stones and debris from entering the shoe. Strategic fabric overlays improve midfoot support and increase stability without adding unnecessary weight.

::GEARBOX
AdiSTAR Raven – $160
Adidas
33087

Men’s – 340g/12oz, Women’s – 305g/10.7oz

This new trial shoe from Adidas is an ideal candidate for runners seeking great cushioning a responsive ride and a close-to-the ground feel.  Adidas employs its Formation 360 decoupled heel system which adapts to changing terrain while the new multi-compound outsole delivers excellent durability and traction. A an already hard-wearing mesh upper is reinforced with laminated abrasion-resistant panels and the semi-rigid toe-bumper protects toes from unexpected impacts.  A great shoe for fast trail running.

::GEARBOX
Air Pegasus+ 26 Trail WR – $130
Nike
33093

Men’s – 357g/ 12.6 oz , Women’s 283g/ 10.0oz

With its low profile outsole, smooth heel-to-toe transition and responsive ride the Air Pegasus+ 26 Trail WR is a solid choice for runners wanting a performance trail shoe that can easily transition to the occasional road run. Reinforced uppers ensure durability on rugged trails and a Stoneshield sandwiched in the midsole provide the necessary push-through protection when running on rugged trails. Like many other Nike shoes, the Air Pegasus+ 26 Trail WR accommodates the Nike+ system for tracking training information.