Test trail running shoes | runner's World

Running thrives on versatility. The freedom to constantly break new ground is encouraged by special trail running shoes. Digging through deep mud with a waterproof membrane shoe, stalking over lonely alpine passes with a light mountain running shoe or running through the forest with a flat trail shoe on small paths expands the range of running experiences enormously. There are very different trail running shoes for different requirements. We present the latest models and reveal which surfaces they are suitable for.

🏆 If you want to start running particularly quickly, here are our top 3 trail shoe recommendations for quick deciders:

You should consider this before buying trail shoes

You can find detailed purchase advice in this article under our shoe test - just scroll down!

Trail shoes – the editors' recommendations

Salomon Sense Ride 4

Manufacturer

Order here: men's model or women's model

salomon is the market leader in the trail shoe segment. The competition models in particular are considered the ultimate in the scene. At Salomon, the Sense Ride is therefore often overshadowed by the spectacularly light competition models; but the Sense Ride 4 is definitely the better choice for an average runner who likes to cover his training kilometers on forest paths or through fields and meadows.

The mesh upper with the comfortable shoe collar proves to be breathable and offers more space inside the shoe than in the narrow competition models. The quick lacing (Quicklace) can be stowed in a lacing garage on the tongue, still practical and easy to use. The two-layer "Optivibe" EVA foam in the midsole provides very balanced cushioning and also makes the shoe suitable for long distances; Of course, the cushioning level is not at the level of the maximum cushioned trail shoes à la Hoka Speedgoat. The drop is relatively high (8 millimeters), heel strikers will feel more comfortable with the shoe than midfoot strikers.

The outsole is a compromise, as with most trail shoes - but it meets your needs 90 percent of the time. You could only wish for more grip when it gets very muddy. Conclusion: The Sense Ride 4 is a recommendable all-rounder that feels just as at home in the low mountain ranges as in the North German lowlands or in the foothills of the Alps.

Weight: 290 grams (men), 235 grams (women) Drop: 8 millimeters Price: 130 euros

Adidas Terrex Speed ​​Ultra

Manufacturer

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This model carries its determination in the model name: the Terrex Speed ​​Ultra is designed for speed. Accordingly, the shoe is designed to be lightweight, without neglecting protection and stability. The midsole is made of Adidas light, very reactive "Lightstrike" foam combined with "Boost" cushioning foam. A conventional strap combined with lacing with six lace eyelets ensures a secure fit. A test runner: "The shoe sits phenomenally securely on the foot, even with loose lacing you can't shake it off," but he qualifies: "The fit is more suitable for narrow to medium-wide feet and - typical for Adidas competition lasts - tends to fall a little smaller.” No wonder: the fit, or the last, is copied from the popular Adidas AdiZero competition models. And so the construction of the Speed ​​Ultra is not dissimilar in terms of characteristics (26 millimeters sole height at the heel, 18 millimeters in the ball area).

The walking characteristics: The shoe is flexible, has a relatively flat construction and the midsole is very reactive; at the same time, the Continental outsole offers very good grip; the lugs, which are only 3 millimeters deep, are only overwhelmed in deep mud. Runners who have previously run models like the Speedgoat (Hoka) will find a serious alternative here. And Adidas fans who know the SL-20 or even the Adizero-Pro (also with Lightstrike midsole) will quickly feel comfortable in the Speed ​​Ultra.

Conclusion: The Speed ​​Ultra offers an excellent solution for ambitious trail runners - although it is definitely designed for speed, dynamics and fun on the trails. If you are looking for comfort or extensive protection, you should choose a different model. The non-slip Conti outsole goes perfectly with the shoe.

Weight: 240 grams (men), 206 grams (women) Drop: 8 millimeters Price: 180 euros

Brooks Cascadia 16

Manufacturer

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The Cascadia has been a long-seller over the years and consistently one of the most popular trail models in RUNNER'S WORLD's running shoe choice of the year. Originally, the Cascadia was light, flexible and definitely a dynamic shoe. Over time it got stiffer, better cushioned, yes, but also a lot more rigid and sluggish. The 14th and also the 15th version then again offered clear changes - and in the eyes of the RUNNER'S WORLD testers also improvements. Praised for their versatility, the 14 and 15 were very good as hybrid trail shoes that performed well off-road and on firm ground.

The Cascadia 16 now has a new outsole, a midsole with more responsive DNA Loft V2 foam and a new fit through the new upper. There is noticeably more space in the toe area. "The fit on the foot is great, the walking comfort is even higher," confirms a test runner. The all-round and trail properties have been improved once again. The quality of the upper and the fit are also improved. If you want to find points of criticism, runners with narrow feet commented negatively on the wide fit of the upper material and the slightly poorer traction compared to other models.

Other than that, the Cascadia 16 has what it takes to surpass its popular predecessor models in every respect. It may not be as cushioned as Brooks' Caldera 5, nor offer as much speed as the Catamount, but the Cascadia is the all-purpose offering with more trail suitability. And it can be compared to models like the Hoka Speedgoat, Altra Olympus or the Asics Trabuco Max.

Weight: 298 grams (men), 269 grams (women) Drop: 8 millimeters Price: 140 euros

Asics Trabuco Max

Manufacturer

Order here: men's model (160 euros) or women's model (160 euros)

The Trabuco has been one of the most popular trail running shoes for many years. With the new version as Trabuco Max, this should solidify. Because the Trabuco has always been popular as an all-rounder - with which you can travel very comfortably on easy trails, forest paths or hiking trails. The "Max" emphasizes this strength - now offers even more cushioning with the 28 millimeter high midsole (heel; 23 millimeters at the front) and an additional "Flytefoam" cushioning layer. "Wonderfully cushioned, super soft ride with a high bounce effect, great!", describes a test runner. This Trabuco is therefore even better suited for long trail stretches, even over rough ground, only in deep mud are the rather flat lugs quickly overwhelmed. The "Guidesole" with its light rocker construction (also known from the Glideride street running shoe) then fits the impression of comfort, brings a lot of protection and stability in the rolling process. The speed lacing system was also good for such use, "I was able to quickly adjust the lacing depending on the route - whether uphill or downhill," said one tester. The Trabuco Max now has the potential to win the hearts of hardcore trail runners. There is one caveat to bear in mind: the shape of the last is better suited for narrow and medium-wide feet. Otherwise, it quickly becomes too tight in the toe area. It can be compared to models like the Altra Olympus or a Hoka Speedgoat.

Weight: 297 grams (men), 237 grams (women) Drop: 5 millimeters Price: 160 euros

Hoka OneOne Speedgoat 4

Manufacturer

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The Speedgoat 4 may seem a bit daunting at first: the voluminous midsole, in the Hoka way, the rough outsole profile and the eye-catching design - you have to like all of that. The running characteristics of this trail all-rounder are characterized by the "rocker" construction of the midsole, the very comfortable cushioning and the coarse-profiled outsole. The now slightly revised outsole comes from Vibram, the Italian outsole specialist, and works excellently even on wet surfaces. Above all, the grip is exceptionally good on sand and soft ground. And that applies above all to downhill passages: "The Speedgoat provides noticeably more support than many comparable trail shoes," says a test runner, adding, "The sole also has excellent hybrid properties, you can also use it for asphalt passages without restrictions." run."

Contrary to the bulky visual impression, the shoe, which weighs around 300 grams, is quite dynamic. In this respect, the Speedgoat is a recommendation even for ultra trail distances. But with its all-round qualities, the flagship of the Hoka trail shoes is functionally so broad that it represents an extremely attractive, comfortable solution for beginner runners, trail beginners and trail professionals alike. Here is the detailed test report.

Conclusion: The Speedgoat 4 is suitable for any form of trail use, a trail all-rounder so to speak, it suits passages from alpine terrain to paved forest paths and for almost all running speeds and distances.

Weight: 306 (men), 263 grams (women) Drop: 4 millimeters Price: 140 euros

Merrell Moab Flight

Manufacturer

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The Moab Flight is a well-protected and well-cushioned trail shoe that offers the foot good support on all surfaces. It is based on a wide Vibram outsole, which also ensures safe rolling comfort and good grip. The midsole is made of "FloatPro" material, a new invention from Merrell. It is not extreme in terms of lightness and damping effect, but is well balanced and thus ensures a wide range of uses. The drop is 10 millimeters, the forefoot is 20, the rear foot 30 millimeters high in the shoe; in practice, however, the blast is hardly noticeable. Due to the rather firm structure of the midsole, the Moab Flight does not need a protective plate (rock plate) in the midsole.

Because the Vibram outsole also provides sufficient protection; especially since their comparatively large contact surface gives the foot a lot of stability. In addition, the component mixture of the "EcoDura" sole ensures a very non-slip footing, even on damp ground. The 3 mm deep profile is always sufficient for paved trails or forest paths, only in deep terrain the imprint could suffer. By the way, the sole is made of recycled material, as are the lacing, the upper and the insole.

Conclusion: There was hardly any criticism from the testers - only the ventilation of the foot was slightly criticized. Overall, the relatively light and comfortable shoe offers a wide range of uses. The foot is super secure and the sole offers very non-slip rolling properties.

Weight: 298 grams (men), 241 grams (women) Drop: 10 millimeters Price: 125 euros

Joe Nimble NimbleToes Trail Addict

Manufacturer

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Two characteristics of the NimbleToes Trail Addict are striking. The flat construction of the sole with zero millimeter drop and the unusually wide shoe construction in the forefoot area for running shoes. Describing the shoe as a model that offers a lot of toe freedom is on the one hand true to the most characteristic feature of the Trail Addict, on the other hand the description falls short. Because behind the wide toe box is a complete shoe philosophy. The toes can spread out in the Trail Addict - and ensure a stable footing. This also reduces the risk of injuries - says the manufacturer.

The comfortable insole and the ten millimeter high EVA sole ensure comfort, which makes the Trail Addict a very comfortably cushioned shoe. Incidentally, the insole can be replaced with a Flexitec insole. Even by trail shoe standards, the grip of the outsole is excellent off-road: developed in cooperation with rubber specialist Michelin, it offers a lot of grip on soft ground and trails thanks to multidirectional lugs - supported by the wide, large contact surface. With 6 millimeter lugs, it is also deeply profiled and can also take on rough terrain and loose trails.

The outer material made of tear-resistant ripstop mesh is extremely robust: very flat and smooth, it repels dirt and water. It is complemented by a quick lacing system, where you tighten the laces with a cord and then stow them in a "lace pocket" on the front of the tongue. And if it gets extremely rocky, eyelets and Velcro for additional gaiters are already integrated.

Conclusion: Runners looking for a trail shoe with natural rolling behavior will find a shoe in the trail version of the Addict that combines excellent traction with very good protection and stability, but at the same time ultra runners will also appreciate the comfort. However, all target groups benefit from maximum toe freedom thanks to the asymmetrical toe box.

Weight: 250 grams Drop: 0 millimetersPrice: 189 euros

La Sportiva Kaptiva

Manufacturer

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The La Sportiva Kaptiva is a trail running shoe for medium and long distances. It features a slip-on construction with a knit fabric. This reduces the shoe volume to a minimum. The fit is snug and comfortable with no destabilizing voids. The single-layer elastic collar fits directly to the ankle - like a sock. The shoe sits comfortably and dirt does not get inside so easily. In addition, this construction makes it easier to put on the shoe.

The FriXion White outsole has a particularly grippy rubber compound and the Impact Brake System supports braking when running downhill and, thanks to special nubs, ensures a soft impact. The sole is compatible with AT Grip Spikes. A midsole made of compressed EVA with stabilizing TPU and Rock Guard inserts under the ball provides cushioning and excellent comfort. Conclusion: trail running shoe with a clever slip-on upper construction.

Weight: 280 g, drop: 6 millimeters, price: 159 euros

La Sportiva Helios III

Manufacturer

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The Italian mountain sports and trail manufacturer La Sportiva is known for its alpine trail equipment, including trail shoes. Figuratively speaking, the Helios 3 is the trail shoe that takes the trail runner from the front door to the trail. The midsole is quite roadworthy. And the light shoe construction, the shoe weighs only 220 grams (US size 9), is completely sufficient for the vast majority of trails. Especially when these trail sections are covered in the form of forest runs or low mountain range routes. The seamless processing of the upper contributes a lot to the comfortable wearing impression. The very good fit with its cuddly shaft stands out, which brings with it a particularly successful running feeling. The midsole (drop: 4 mm) made of "MEMElex EVA" also contributes to this, which together with the Ortholite insole ensures extremely good cushioning. The outsole is made from a highly durable FriXion Blu compound, making it ideal for use on hard and rocky ground.

Weight: 219 grams (men), 175 grams (women) Drop: 4 millimeters Price: 129 euros

Mizuno Wave Daichi 6

Manufacturer

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The sixth version of the completely revised Wave Daichi is very mature and offers versatile use. Due to the complex, voluminous midsole with new foam components, the Daichi 6 offers very good all-round properties and can take any type of trail - but also cuts a fine figure on firm ground. After all, the sole thickness under the heel is 28 millimeters, and it also has a large volume with a wide base plus wave technology (now also here as dual-density foam; the plastic plate is a thing of the past): All this ensures a lot of comfort and high Stability. The shoe has become significantly lighter than its predecessor (approx. 40 grams) and now has a drop of 10 millimeters that is not quite as high.

Outstanding is the grip of the Michelin outsole, which is one of the best that's currently on the trails thanks to its studs and rubber compound. In the forefoot area, an EVA plate protects against stones pushing through, while at the same time increasing stability. The lacing system can be easily adjusted thanks to the elongated eyelets.

Conclusion: The Wave Daichi 6 is an all-rounder for the trail, but also has very good hybrid properties. Heel runners in particular will appreciate the good cushioning properties. The Daichi can be compared to models such as Brooks Cascadia, Asics Trabuco Max or Saucony Peregrine. Within the Mizuno shoe range, it is the most versatile trail model between the alternatives Wave Hayate (for lighter, faster trail runs) and Wave Mujin, which offers even more cushioning comfort and protection.

Weight: 300 grams (men), 250 grams (women) Drop: 8 millimeters Price: 160 euros

New Balance Hierro 6

Manufacturer

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The current version of the Hierro is also extremely popular as a leisure shoe; one can assume that this is due to the fact that the shoe cuts a very good figure with jeans. But that shouldn't and can't diminish its trail qualities. Because the sixth version of the Hierro is more of a trail shoe than ever before. The shoe has become lighter - and in terms of comfort it's a good average. There are lighter trail shoes, but also significantly heavier ones. A clear improvement is the new upper material - more comfortable, more supple and with a secure fit. The tongue is very comfortable. The bottom line is that the Hierro is also suitable for very long trail use, where a good fit is crucial.

Under the heel, the midsole is 28 millimeters thick - indicating the level of comfort it offers. The "Freshfoam X" foam is actually very comfortable, whether on long trails or even on an asphalt passage. The tuning is very successful for training speed (or sometimes intervals). The outsole from specialist Vibram offers the right, gripping grip. Also due to the wide contact surface, the Hierro certainly offers one of the most slip-resistant outsoles; perhaps only surpassed by the Inov8 Graphene sole. The Hierro is definitely comparable to the Inov8 G300.

Conclusion: The Hierro 6 is certainly one of the most versatile trail shoes currently; whether for occasional trail runners or for very long trail use, the shoe is equally conceivable. There are other options for light runners or competitions - but the Hierro is ideal for universal use away from the asphalt.

Weight: 337 grams (men), 280 grams (women) Drop: 8 millimeters Price: 140 euros

Hoka OneOne Mafate Speed ​​3

Manufacturer

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Constructed for long and demanding trails, you feel well equipped with the Mafate everywhere. The wide platform with the very reactive midsole "walks like a comfortable street shoe", judged one test runner (weight: 316 grams). The Vibram outsole grips any slippery surface, be it mud or snow. A wrap-around film on the upper material, which offers very good support, effectively protects against subsurface moisture.

Weight: 316 grams (men), 269 grams (women) Drop: 4 millimeters Price: 170 euros

On Cloudventure

Manufacturer

Order here: men's model (from €159.95) or women's model (from €159.95)

Like all On models, the Cloudventure is also characterized by the typical Cloud sole construction: These hollow elements of the midsole are primarily used for comfortable cushioning and ensure the typical On reactive walking feeling. And with the Cloudventure trail shoe, they also deliver a very special quality: when running downhill, the Cloud elements ensure extremely comfortable cushioning. The individual cloud elements shift, the deceleration speed is reduced, which results in extreme damping properties and lengthens the power curve. This not only reduces the strain on the musculoskeletal system, but also improves the traction of the sole due to the lower force peaks.

Of course, all this also applies to straight-ahead running on trail surfaces; however, the slightly increased weight of the shoe, which results from the type of construction, can also be felt. In the first models, compromises had to be made with the grip of the sole on wet asphalt, the sole could sometimes become slippery, that has been fixed, it can now also compete well with other trail shoes on wet terrain. The test runners describe the running feeling as very comfortable - but it lacks a bit of dynamics (the Cloudventure Peak would be an alternative). The Cloudventure is also one of the trail models that tolerate use on firm ground and even on asphalt passages - and here hardly requires any sacrifices in comfort. The model is also available in a waterproof version.

Conclusion: A trail shoe made for a variety of off-road use with great cushioning properties. Our testers particularly mentioned its downhill damping strength. You don't have to worry about dirt collecting in the sole loops.

Weight: 295 grams (men), 240 grams (women) Drop: 6 millimeters Price: 159.95 euros

Salomon Sense Ride 4

Manufacturer

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salomon is the market leader in the trail shoe segment. The competition models in particular are considered the ultimate in the scene. At Salomon, the Sense Ride is therefore often overshadowed by the spectacularly light competition models; but the Sense Ride 4 is definitely the better choice for an average runner who likes to cover his training kilometers on forest paths or through fields and meadows.

The mesh upper with the comfortable shoe collar proves to be breathable and offers more space inside the shoe than in the narrow competition models. The quick lacing (Quicklace) can be stowed in a lacing garage on the tongue, still practical and easy to use. The two-layer "Optivibe" EVA foam in the midsole provides very balanced cushioning and also makes the shoe suitable for long distances; Of course, the cushioning level is not at the level of the maximum cushioned trail shoes à la Hoka Speedgoat. The drop is relatively high (8 millimeters), heel strikers will feel more comfortable with the shoe than midfoot strikers.

The outsole is a compromise, as with most trail shoes - but it meets your needs 90 percent of the time. You could only wish for more grip when it gets very muddy. Conclusion: The Sense Ride 4 is a recommendable all-rounder that feels just as at home in the low mountain ranges as in the North German lowlands or in the foothills of the Alps.

Weight: 290 grams (men), 235 grams (women) Drop: 8 millimeters Price: 130 euros

On Cloudultra

Manufacturer

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The model name gives it away: The Cloudultra is designed for very long distances. It is robustly constructed and has a stable, rather firm cushioning midsole. An ultra-suitable highlight is the small plastic element "Fliprelease" in the lacing on the front of the foot: With swelling feet, the lacing can be made a few millimeters longer by turning the element. “That promptly had the desired effect: any pressure pain quickly subsided. A great thing,” said one test runner. The fit is rather narrow to medium wide. The foot is well protected, the rolling comfort is designed more for trails than for the street.

Weight: 295 grams (men), 245 grams (women) Drop: 8 millimeters Price: 189.95 euros

True Motion Nevos Elements

Manufacturer

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The "U" on the upper not only indicates a smiley face, but also stands for the innovation of this young German brand: A U-shaped recess in the middle of the heel ensures that the stress forces are ideally distributed when walking. Many testers were impressed by the comfortable walking impression, the relatively slim constructed sole has "a fairly precise pressure point despite the comfort", according to one tester. The tuning is ideal for light and medium-heavy runners. With the water-repellent upper and the non-slip sole, the Nevos Elements is a beautiful autumn training shoe.

Weight: 290 grams (men), 250 grams (women) Drop: 10 millimeters Price: 160 euros

Adidas Terrex Agravic Ultra

Manufacturer

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Opinions were divided among our test runners. "The Agravic Ultra reminds me more of a light hiking shoe than a running shoe," noted one test runner on his test sheet. Others found that the firm upper material in combination with the stable running behavior gave them a lot of security, especially in technical terrain. Both assessments are absolutely correct: With the shoe you feel like you are plowing over bumps. At the same time, you don't notice much of it.

Yes, there are models that allow you to be more agile, get more feedback from the ground, and run faster. What you prefer is a decision that everyone has to make for themselves. For us, the Adidas Terrex Agravic Ultra is a top trail shoe for runners who run many hours and kilometers and want a lot of protection and stability. A shoe for ultra trails. If you prefer agile running behavior with lots of feedback, the Speed ​​Ultra is the more suitable trail shoe from Adidas Terrex.

Weight: 299 grams (men), 249 grams (women) Drop: 8 millimeters Price: 160 euros

Altra Olympus 4

Manufacturer

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Altra's fourth edition Olympus has become a standout trail shoe. The technical structure is complex. The midsole with "EVA Inner Flex" should offer a lot of comfort and stability at the same time. The tongue and lacing system are optimized for a better fit. This is worth mentioning because the predecessor was criticized by the RUNNER'S WORLD team for being a bit chunky and not having a perfect fit.

The new one now offers high cushioning comfort and a lot of resilience of the midsole; Of course, the midsole is, as the visual impression suggests, quite voluminous. Under the heel it is 33 millimeters thick; the drop is Altra-typically zero, heel and ball are on the same level. "In contrast to the predecessor," writes a test runner, "my foot now sits very securely without slipping in the shoe." And one test runner describes his impression as follows: "I would describe the Olympus 4 as a sports car with the appearance of a monster truck ."

The Vibram outsole with the chunky profile leaves no doubt as to its suitability for off-road use. It also contributes to the rough appearance - whereby the shoe is light, well cushioned and very flexible. It is suitable for long, slow trail paths, but also for fast units on well-trodden hiking trails. The Altra-typical "Footshape" design guarantees plenty of room for the toes at all times, an invaluable advantage, especially for long distances.

Weight: 329 grams (men), 272 grams (women) Drop: 0 millimeters Price: 170 euros

Altra Timp 3

Manufacturer

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As with all Altra shoes, the striking feature of the Timp 3 is the wide toe box, which is adapted to the shape of the foot and does not taper on the inside, but instead offers plenty of space for the big toe (and the other toes). Together with the soft tongue and the well-padded shoe collar, the result is a very comfortable fit. The shoe is rather wider, but the lacing can also be used to adapt it to narrower feet, and the support in the midfoot area is good. Another characteristic of this (and all other) Altra shoes is the zero drop, meaning that heel and forefoot are at the same height. Due to the comparatively wide sole in combination with the zero deflection, you have a very stable footing, which protects against twisting.

The Timp offers very comfortable cushioning for a trail shoe (also on asphalt passages) - and that without the midsole building up high. But even in alpine terrain, the sole absorbs all disturbances caused by stones and roots. At the same time, the Timp is very dynamic because the sole flexes well. Differently shaped lugs with a slightly structured, flat contact surface provide excellent grip on soft and hard trails as well as on stony surfaces. As extras, the Timp comes with a rubber strap for stowing the laces and attachment options for gaiters, i.e. a plastic eyelet below the lacing and a Velcro fastener on the back of the heel. Conclusion of a tester: "A super comfortable trail shoe for many kilometers!"

Weight: 311 grams (men), 234 grams (women) Drop: 0 millimeters Price: 160 euros

Brooks Catamount

Manufacturer

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The Catamount was presented as a new model by Brooks with "DNA FLASH" midsole. According to Brooks, this ensures an optimal combination of energy return and low weight. Exactly the ingredients that are needed for fast trail runs. In addition, the Catamount has a "TrailTack rubber" outsole, which only offers flat lugs, but the rubber compound is supposed to ensure excellent traction uphill, downhill and also on wet, slippery surfaces. As a typical trail shoe ingredient, the shoe has a "Ballistic Rock Shield", a plate in the midsole to protect the feet from stones and roots. A drainage system allows water to drain out of the shoe - after crossing a stream, for example.

The DNA Flash midsole material was interestingly first introduced on a competition shoe, the Brooks Hyperion, showing where the shoe is headed. In addition, it weighs a whopping 265 grams in the men's version and only 249 grams in the women's version. The running impression actually reminded the RUNNER'S WORLD testers of the Hyperion Tempo - a similarly springy, light running impression. The midsole gives enough cushioning comfort to the foot, but it doesn't take away too much from the ground feel. This gives the impression that the shoe encourages speed.

The upper doesn't offer the protection of some heavier models, but it is more breathable. However, the lighter upper comes at the expense of stability, so runners shouldn't ask too much. A test runner sums up the conclusion of the Catamount: "It doesn't necessarily feel like a trail shoe on the foot. The rolling comfort is very smooth.” It therefore also feels very good on the street or grass paths and is a hot tip for brisk trail runs.

Weight: 264 grams (men), 249 grams (women) Drop: 6 millimeters Price: 160 euros

361° Taroko 2

Manufacturer

The Taroko 2 is advertised by 361° as a hybrid shoe - for the (many) runners who also want to use the qualities of a road running shoe off-road. The midsole is made of "Quikfoam", which has also proven itself in the 361° street running shoes. It is a bit flatter on the Taroko and offers a little less cushioning here. On the other hand, the outer sole with the approximately 4 millimeter deep tread lugs is very grippy on field and forest paths. Overall, the construction is very stable, the heel is well embedded in the shoe and the lacing can be adjusted very well. A test runner draws the conclusion: "The Taroko is a good training partner on the road, gravel or in the forest, comparable to shoes like the Asics Trabuco or the Brooks Cascadia." According to the testers' feedback, the Taroko is rather small in size .

Weight: 342 grams (men), 265 grams (women) Drop: 9 millimeters Price: 119 euros

Inov8 TerraUltra G270

Manufacturer

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With the Terraultra G 270, manufacturer Inov-8 primarily advertises the particularly non-slip and durable graphene outsole material. The entire midsole (12 millimeters thick) made of "Powerflow Max" is amazingly reactive and lightweight. The whole thing conveys a very comfortable, well-cushioned feeling when walking, without the shoe appearing sluggish. The restoring forces of the new material are much better than in the previous model, the 260. In addition, the sole construction is very flexible medially and laterally. Deep flex grooves in the outsole provide flexibility in the forefoot area.

The Graphene outsole is the pride of manufacturer Inov-8. Once developed together with the University of Manchester, the graphene material is said to be extremely durable and non-slip than other outsole materials. The grip of the shoe was exceptionally good on wet, rocky trails. The model didn't show any weaknesses even in changing terrain, it can be walked equally well from grass to scree to street passages.

Conclusion: A successful combination of comfort and flexibility, the Terraultra G 270 is a shoe for long trails on changing terrain. Outstanding is its combination of comfortable walking with low weight (270 grams for the sample size) and a lot of flexibility. The outsole is extremely durable.

Weight: 270 grams (men) Drop: 0 millimeters Price: 170 euros

Inov8 Trailfly ultra G300 Max

Manufacturer

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The Inov8 Trailfly Ultra G 300 Max with graphene sole is the first trail running shoe with the new G-FLY foam. It offers 25% more energy return, according to manufacturer Inov8. The "G" in the model name stands for graphene, which consists of a tight honeycomb structure of carbon atoms and, when mixed with liquid rubber, becomes the ideal material mix for trail shoes - extremely durable and with outstanding outsole support. With the Inov8 Trailfly Ultra G300 Max, graphene is not only added to the outsole material, but also to the midsole. The result is a better and more durable cushioning quality of the midsole; Inov-8 promises 1,200 kilometers without loss of cushioning quality.

Due to the voluminous midsole, the Trailfly (373 g in US 11) is not hard like a trail shoe, but comfortable and suitable for ultra use. "I wouldn't have thought for a second that I was running a trail shoe if I hadn't known it," says one test runner. In the future, trail runners will no longer have to worry that the first few kilometers on the way to the trail will be particularly uncomfortable because the shoes are cushioned too hard. The outsole with the up to one centimeter deep, laterally and longitudinally inserted flex grooves is comparatively very flexible and offers a safe, superior walking feeling with the outstanding grip on trails. And there is no reason to worry about premature wear of the sole.

Conclusion: The Trailfly Ultra G300 Max is an absolute recommendation for trail runners, ultra-trail runners, but also for trail beginners or road runners who are looking for a shoe for occasional trail use. Its home is the terrain, the trail, but it fears neither the road nor the park path. In addition, the fit adopted from the revised Inov8 G270 offers plenty of space and perfect support for the foot in the shoe.

Weight: 300 grams (men) Drop: 6 millimeters Price: 195 euros

Trail shoes purchase advice

Running thrives on versatility. The freedom to constantly break new ground is encouraged by special trail running shoes. Digging through deep mud and slush in a waterproof membrane shoe, stalking over lonely Alpine passes in a light mountain running shoe or simply running across the forest in a flat trail shoe expands the range of running experiences enormously. There are very different trail running shoes for different requirements. The offer is huge. So before you buy, you should consider what terrain you need the shoe for. You should pay attention to these characteristics of trail shoes:

Your leg muscles tense up just by looking at the new trail running shoes: they are a great motivator to run. Shoes that let you hit the trail like a hound on a leash. The suitability profiles of the 19 shoes selected here are very different. No matter which trail you want to run: There is guaranteed to be a suitable shoe - whether for the city park, the mud run, the cross-country run with a river crossing or the snow passage on the Alpine trail.

Each shoe has its strengths, which we have divided into categories:

For each model you will find the categories that apply and underline their respective range of use. This makes it easier for you to see what special suitability you have for a certain terrain.

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