Asics Gecko XT

Women’s 244 g (8.6 oz.) Men’s 295 g (10.4 oz.) Drop ratio: 6 mm $150

The Gecko is an all-new model from Asics. The Japanese company has always offered a strong, lightweight option for the trails, and the Gecko is perhaps their best effort yet. It also features some newer technologies by Asics, starting with their Geckotrac outsole, which provides the most grip of any Asics trail shoe. It’s built upon their wonderful Flytefoam midsole, which is soft and even more gel-like than their legendary Gel cushioning, as one of our tester’s put it.

The Gecko XT also features a rock plate in the forefoot to protect from rough terrain, as well as a smooth and light mesh upper to finish off a rather refined design. For a first-generation shoe, the Gecko XT is surprisingly well resolved, and will be pleasing for those looking to get after it on some fast yet gritty singletrack.