FALL TRAIL SHOES
HE FALL ALWAYS SEEMS TO BE A GREAT TIME TO HIT THE IN ADDITION TO PROVIDING SOME VARIETY TO YOUR REGULAR TRAINING, TRAIL RUNNING CAN BE A GREAT WAY TO WORK ON YOUR STRENGTH AND TURNOVER. THE SOFTER TERRAIN CAN ALSO GIVE YOUR BONES AND JOINTS A BIT OF A BREAK, TOO. WHILE A REGULAR PAIR OF TRAINING SHOES WILL CERTAINLY DO THE TRICK WHEN IT COMES TIME TO HIT THE TRAILS, JUST ABOUT ALL OF THE MAJOR PLAYERS IN THE SHOE MARKET OFFER AT LEAST ONE TRAIL-SPECIFIC MODEL WITH A BIT MORE SUPPORT AND TRACTION TO ENSURE YOU’LL GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR TRAIL RUNNING EXPERIENCE.
NEW BALANCE 880 GB7
$155 With a surprising amount of cushioning in a lightweight shoe, the 880 GB7 feels fast but still has all the protection and support you’ll need for even the longest of trail efforts. The breathable mesh Fantomfit upper uses a no-sew overlay so you get a snug, but very comfortable fit. The midsole uses two layers of foam to provide a smooth ride even over gnarly rocks and roots. The blown rubber outsole provides lots of protection, durability and traction. (314.5 g or 11 oz.)
SAUCONY XODUS ISO 2
$170 This trail-specific shoe sits at the top of Saucony’s Runanywhere collection and it lives up to expectations – this shoe will get you through even the toughest terrain in style. The trail-specific Isofit system is designed to give you added protection in a neutral, low-riding shoe so you are less likely to roll over on your ankles as you hit rocky terrain or run over root-laden trails. The external support frame on the shoe provides extra protection and seems to hug your heel, while the beefy outsole offers outstanding traction and durability. Weighing just a hair over 261 g (9.2 oz.), the Xodus ISO 2 is very light and easy to turnover quickly on the trails.
UNDER ARMOUR HORIZON RTR
$140 The latest version of the Horizon trail shoe from Under Armour, the RTR offers lots of cushioning and support, making it an ideal option for the most challenging trails. The shoe exudes durability with a breathable textile upper and high-traction rubber lug outsole that provides lots of traction. The mesh heel and moulded collar cups the back of your foot, ensuring a snug fit and providing lots of lateral stability that will keep you upright through rocky terrain or over trails that require negotiating around lots of big roots. The Charged Cushioning foam puck in the heel provides lots of cushioning. At 340 g (12 oz.) these are a bit heavier than other shoes in our review, but for those looking for durability and support for rough outings will appreciate all the support and cushioning these shoes provide.