Granite Gear Perimeter 50 ($220)

The Perimeter was one of the most versatile packs in our test: equal parts big-load mule and gram-counter鈥檚 dream, and suited to a huge spectrum of body types. With a quick flick of two buckle latches, you can adjust the shoulder width and torso length to your frame. The pivoting waist belt also expands from 26 to 42 inches on the unisex version and 24 to 40 inches on the women鈥檚 version. (You can also opt for a larger belt that goes up to 52 inches.) Granite Gear is one of the few packmakers to deliver such a wide fit range while preserving comfort and capacity. On paper, the Perimeter is a 50-liter pack, but the top-loading, potato-sack-shaped hull simply devours cargo. Partial thanks goes to the frame, which is just curved enough to enhance fit without getting in the way. Compression straps, four stretch-woven pockets, and extendable top and bottom flaps for securing bulky items further broaden its capability. We easily stuffed in 40 pounds of gear, and the lightweight back panel still held its shape. That鈥檚 impressive for a pack that weighs almost half of some others in our test. Don鈥檛 expect luxuries, like extra cushioning or even a key clip. But if you鈥檙e looking for a pack that can fit both Mom and Dad and pivot from through-hiker to family wagon, the Perimeter is hard to beat. 3.1 lbs

Gregory Kalmia 50 ($260)

Best for Hiking in the Heat

The Kalmia 50 (and men鈥檚 Katmai 55) utilizes the same trampoline-style mesh back panel that helped Gregory鈥檚 Deva/Baltoro, nab Gear of the Year honors in 2018. That breezy suspension does push the load a bit farther from your center of gravity, but its form-hugging shape and superior ventilation yield blissful comfort on the trail. This pack combines all of that with a host of niceties, like rugged 210- and 420-denier fabrics, six zippered compartments, a stashable water-bottle hip holster, extendable tongues that pad the waist buckle, and pivoting shoulder straps. Still, the pack somehow weighs in below the magic five-pound mark that so many other feature-rich models exceed. Polygiene anti-odor treatment quells stink on long trips. 4.7 lbs (men鈥檚) / 4.4 lbs (women鈥檚)

REI Traverse 60 ($229)

Best for Backpacking on a Budget

The Traverse proves that fancy technology is never a substitute for smart design. This dual-compartment utilitarian workhorse may not have the high-tech fabrics or cutting-edge suspension of its competitors, but it excels in what matters most: carrying heavy loads comfortably, without fuss. A deep air channel bisects the back panel, which is made of thick mesh-covered foam and contoured to keep loads close to your spine. That and a meaty waist belt lend stability, which was handy on gear-intensive family outings in Colorado鈥檚 Elk Mountains. Still, the Traverse has plenty of extras, like a lid that doubles as a daypack (with padded straps) and forward-leaning water bottle pockets you can actually reach while hiking. 4.4 lbs (men鈥檚) / 4.3 lbs (women鈥檚)

Osprey Aether Plus 60 ($340)

Best for Bringing the Kitchen Sink

Meet the everything bagel of backpacks. The new Plus generation of Osprey鈥檚 Aether (and women鈥檚 Ariel) line is so bedecked with features, pockets, and external storage mechanisms that you need GPS just to navigate them all. With thickly padded straps and a stout suspension system, this multi-day rig easily handled loads over 50 pounds. You can even shorten or lengthen the suspension on the fly, with a drawcord located near your kidneys. At camp, ditch your heavy gear and explore with the breakaway lid, which doubles as a 17-liter summit pack complete with a sternum strap and hydration sleeve. Accordingly, the Plus weighs almost six pounds, but for those who prize comfort under oxen loads, it鈥檚 pure decadence. 5.8 lbs (men鈥檚) / 5.5 lbs (women鈥檚)

Gossamer Gear G4-20 42 ($180)

Best for Ultralight Backpacking

When it launched over two decades ago, Gossamer Gear鈥檚 G4 set a standard for shedding base weight while still fitting a full-size backpacking kit. That tradition continues with the new G4-20, an ultralight bag built with through-hikers in mind. The roll-top closure expands to fit gargantuan loads, then cinches down with side compression straps when you want to minimize your setup for lighter trips. We like the front stretch pouch and asymmetrical side pockets for water bottles and layers; but the left one is deep enough for a rolled tarp or sleeping pad. While the pack is frameless, with a removable closed-cell foam back panel that doubles as a seat pad, we comfortably carried up to 30 pounds. One downside: the unisex design offers little fit adjustability. 1.6 lbs

Arc鈥檛eryx Aerios 30 ($190)

Best for Going Far Fast

Whether you鈥檙e loading up for a long day out in the mountains or stripping down your gear for a fast-and-light overnighter, the Aerios delivers big on technical details. The body fabric, a ripstop Cordura grid impregnated with liquid-crystal polymer, is supremely durable. In testing, it held up against snagging tree branches and even the occasional squeeze through a sandstone slot canyon. A heat-molded back panel breathes well, even on steep climbs in hot weather. Meanwhile, two zippered shoulder pockets and two padded pouches on the waist belt (one zippered and one stretch) hold on-the-go sundries like energy bars and sunscreen. Stretchy loops on each shoulder keep folded trekking poles at the ready. 2 lbs (men鈥檚) / 1.9 lbs (women鈥檚)

Patagonia Altvia 22 ($119)

Best for Day Hiking

Our ideal go-to daypack is just technical and featured enough to handle a big mission without needing an instruction manual to operate. The Altvia fits the bill. It鈥檚 simple yet covers all the most elemental needs, with a padded waist belt and shoulder straps, included rain cover, and stretch-mesh pockets on either side of the body. Aside from the main compartment, it has just one small zippered pocket that鈥檚 big enough to fit a trail map but not so big that you鈥檒l need to mount a search and rescue mission to find your keys. Stretchy compression cords on the back are perfect for quickly stashing a spare jacket, while the main zippered interior area swallows more layers and a sizable lunch. We also love that the polyester-nylon body fabric is entirely recycled. 1.5 lbs

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Gregory 颅颅颅Maven 65 ($250)

Built for comfort-minded backpackers who carry heaps of gear, the women鈥檚 Maven 65 (and men鈥檚 Paragon 68) has one of the most effective trampoline-style suspension systems we鈥檝e ever seen. Wings of stretchy nylon at the lumbar produce a snug, wraparound fit for superior weight distribution and allow the sturdy, padded mesh hipbelt to pivot with each stride, keeping the pack blissfully stable under oxen-grade loads. 鈥淚t feels like a bear hug on your back,鈥� a tester said. Gregory goes full bore on the feature set, with side- and bottom-access zippers, a floating lid, phone-size pockets on the hipbelt, an adjustable back panel, and an integrated rain cover. But because it鈥檚 built on a flexible aluminum frame, the pack remains feather颅light. 3.7 lbs (men鈥檚) / 3.5 lbs (women鈥檚)

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Fj盲llr盲ven Bergtagen 30 ($200)

Best from Trail to Tavern

Short on gear-storage space? Simplify your pack lineup with the Bergtagen, which is equally suited to the mountains and a trip to the pub. The minimalist design fits most essentials in a roomy main compartment that also includes a hydration-bladder sleeve. The zippered 颅pocket on the floating top lid stashes small items like batteries, headphones, and gloves. For big missions, carry your skis A-frame and attach ice tools using the daisy-chain webbing down the front panel. The padded back plate helps you shoulder it all with ease. 2.3 lbs

Osprey Archeon 70 ($340)

Best for Travel

Basics like a rain cover, sleeping-bag divider, and compression straps make the Archeon trail capable. But it鈥檚 equally suited to urban adventure, with stylish metal buckles (they require some fiddling) and a body made of burly 1,880-denier recycled-nylon canvas that can withstand careless baggage handlers. The back panel鈥攏arrow strips of foam behind mesh鈥攌ept us dry on blistering days, and dual zippers on the front open wide for easy access. The price for these features is weight, but a massive waist belt offloads that from your shoulders. 5.5 lbs

Granite Gear Dagger 22 ($100)

Best for Day Hiking

Most ultralight designs necessitate essentials-only packing. Not this featherweight daypack, which sheds ounces via a thin yet durable 颅100-denier nylon shell while still delivering on features. Luxuries we love include a stretchy exterior pocket that keeps snacks or a headlamp within easy reach and zigzag elastic on the front panel to quickly stow layers. A removable framesheet helps the Dagger 22 hold its shape even when not fully loaded, and an 颅arch-like zipper makes it easy to dig out those stray energy bars that inevitably sift to the bottom. 1.5 lbs

Jack Wolfskin Kalari Trail 36 Recco ($130)

Best for Overnight Missions

If your hiking partner has search and rescue on speed dial, this is your pack. A Recco reflector on the Kalari鈥檚 lid makes you easier to locate by helicopter. The 颅dual-compartment cargo hold and trekking-pole attachments give it the functionality of a much larger pack. A 300-颅denier recycled-nylon body and steel frame add brawn. On the downside: the nonfloating top lid and integrated rain cover pilfer room from the lower compartment. But we liked the 颅close-fitting, vented back panel and PFC-free construction. 2.4 lbs

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Cushioning

Your first decision鈥攅ven before thinking about fit or feature set鈥攊s whether you prefer a thick, deep-dish ride or a 颅snappy, low-to-the-ground one. Lighter runners looking for efficiency and speed should steer toward a thinner (but not minimalist) shoe鈥斅璾sually less than 20 millimeters in the heel鈥攚hile those who are slower, heavier, and more comfort ori颅ented will enjoy a bit of cushion underfoot. But pay attention to where that foam is placed. Thin cushion in the forefoot delivers a more responsive ride; thick cushion yields a plush cruiser.

Drop

Heel drop鈥攖he height difference between the stack of foam in the heel and the stack in the forefoot鈥攎akes a huge difference in how well a shoe meshes with your particular stride. If you land on your heel, you鈥檒l probably appreciate the thicker slab of foam in a shoe with eight to twelve millimeters of heel drop. Midfoot strikers, who land closer to flat-footed, will find a smoother stride in a shoe with zero to seven millimeters of drop.

Responsiveness

Some shoes feel like they鈥檙e equipped with wings. Others feel like down pillows. The joy of a soft midsole is plush, forget-the-road cushioning, but the trade-off is sluggishness鈥攖hink running on dry sand. If speed and efficiency are what you鈥檙e after, you鈥檙e looking for a responsive ride: a midsole that鈥檚 probably on the thinner side, with just enough foam to let you move at full speed without needing to baby each step. It should feel snappy and energetic. Brands have their own proprietary foam compounds, with the attendant marketing-jargon names. The best way to determine if a foam is responsive enough for you is to try on a shoe and walk around in it.

Weight

Most train颅颅ing shoes weigh anywhere from seven to thirteen ounces for a men鈥檚 size nine, with the average being ten or eleven ounces. Just three ounces can mean the dif颅ference between a shoe that feels so-so and one that鈥檚 effervescent, like it floats through your stride. Lighter shoes tend to be thinner and forgo details like a rubber outsole (for durability) and protective features in the midsole and upper. So if you need more support when you run, don鈥檛 become too enamored with 眉ber-low weights.

Structure

Thankfully, the old superstition that what most runners need is a 鈥渟tability鈥� shoe鈥攚ith attributes like a thick medial post and arch braces鈥攕eems to be fading. But a structured shoe can be a godsend for tired feet and heavier runners on big-mileage days. If you鈥檙e new to running, start with a slightly bulky, less flexible shoe. But if you like pushing the pace, you鈥檒l be amazed at how liberating a flexy, lightweight shoe can be.

Upper

Speedsters may want to jettison all the optional comforts they can, but there are a few features that are worth their weight. A thick, pillowy tongue will prevent the laces from biting into the top of your foot, which can reduce blood flow. A heel counter鈥攖he plastic cup at the back of the foot鈥攈elps keep the shoe from feeling wishy-washy when paired with a thick midsole on upward-sloping terrain. A springy footbed and thick padding around the heel collar can take the sting out of each step.

Fit

We鈥檙e not just talking about avoiding hot spots or pinch points: a snug, well-fitting shoe will save a little bit of energy with every stride and make landings and toe-offs more efficient. You鈥檒l know your shoe is too wide if your foot moves from side to side, if you see puckering in the fabric above your toes, or if you have to crank down on the laces to the point of numbness. You鈥檝e nailed the fit when you can lace up, forget about your shoes, and enjoy your run.

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The North Face Griffin 75 ($320)

If you often find yourself stopping to fiddle with the fit of your pack, the Griffin can solve that for you. The most dynamic and customizable big-load hauler we鈥檝e seen, it has a pair of rip cords at the shoulder and hip that let you adjust the back-panel length and load-stabilizer tension on the fly, so you can transfer weight to your hips without breaking your stride. Throw in a pivoting hipbelt that keeps the load centered while you hop-step over boulders鈥攑lus all the high-end bells and whistles you鈥檇 expect to find in a full-featured pack, including zippered cargo access, a detachable daypack, and a jumbo floating top lid鈥攁nd you鈥檝e got a recipe for unparalleled comfort on extended trips. 5.3 lbs (men鈥檚) / 5.1 lbs (women鈥檚)

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Granite Gear Blaze 60 ($270)

Best Ultralight

The three-pound Blaze punches well above its weight, working in features rarely seen on ultralight packs. A hidden zipper opens up side access, while a rigid plastic back panel allows you to dial in the torso length. Even when loaded with 50 pounds of gear鈥攅asily achieved, thanks to the stretchy fabric and floating top鈥攖he Blaze rode comfortably on its dual-density hipbelt, which features a firm ring of foam for stability and a soft, cushy center. Massive side pockets further distribute weight, though they鈥檙e a bit bulky even with the straps cinched. 3 lbs (men鈥檚)

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Osprey Renn 65 ($165)

Best on a Budget

It鈥檚 hard to tell that the Renn (and the men鈥檚 Rook) is a budget pack. It has the polished look and many of the features of Osprey鈥檚 higher-end models鈥攍ike the breezy trampoline-style back panel, integrated rain cover, and phone-size belt pockets鈥攂ut at about half the price. Yes, there are sacrifices, but nothing major. The hip颅颅belt is less anatomical, the back panel requires two hands to adjust, and there鈥檚 no built-in hydration system. But on short overnights and casual trips, we barely noticed that anything was missing. 3.5 lbs (men鈥檚) / 3.4 lbs (women鈥檚)

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Deuter Trail Pro 36 ($165)

Best Daypack

Tough, meet smart. The Trail Pro is a no-frills pack built with burly 600-denier fabric and a solid deck of features鈥攍ike U-zip cargo access, a quick-stash pocket, a rain cover, and ax loops. We loved the novel quick-cinch cord that pulls the load closer to the wearer鈥檚 center of gravity, and the tall zippered pocket on the side is perfect for a pair of thick gloves or a bottle of pinot. The Trail Pro isn鈥檛 all that versatile鈥攖he suspension doesn鈥檛 adjust, the top lid doesn鈥檛 float, and the back panels could have more cushioning for big days鈥攂ut it鈥檚 a dependable trail companion nonetheless. 3.3 lbs

Mammut Trea Spine 50 ($350)

Best for All Seasons

The Trea (and men鈥檚 Trion) is like your best adventure buddy. Built to handle summer backpacking overnights, mountaineering day missions, and winter ski tours, it鈥檚 a tough utility pack. The stand颅out feature is the pivoting hipbelt and harness, which provides a smoother hiking gait (not common in midsize packs). We also loved the novel, glove-friendly pull-pin back panel, which allowed for one-handed adjustment. Ice-ax straps, climbing-rack loops, and A-frame ski carry round out the details. As a do-it-all hauler, this pack was a real standout. 4.9 lbs (men鈥檚) / 4.7 lbs (women鈥檚)

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Whether you prefer fat or fast, these kicks are ready to roll.听

Saucony听Peregrine 8 ($120)

With a moderately thick midsole and good energy return, the Peregrine 8 manages to be both agile and well cushioned. Technical trails? Mud? You鈥檝e got six-millimeter lugs, a rock plate, and a sticky, full-rubber outsole. The shoe is wide, but the thick tongue, flat laces, and padded heel collar make casual runs a dream. 10 oz (men鈥檚) / 9 oz (women鈥檚); 4 mm drop

Columbia Montrail Rogue FKT II听($110)

If Dr. Frankenstein created a shoe, this would be it. The Rogue FKT has the burly outsole of a mountain runner, the breathability and low weight of a speed shoe, and the squishy midsole and deep heel of a comfort cruiser. (Though the midsole does sacrifice precision on rocky ground.) Our biggest quibble? The laces just wouldn鈥檛 stay tied. 8.9 oz (men鈥檚) / 7.4 oz (women鈥檚); 10 mm drop

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Inov8 Trail Talon 290听($125)

The Talon 290鈥檚 finest feature is its buttery ride, which takes the sting out of hardpack. Yet the moderately low midsole still delivers a quick, energetic, and lively feel. (Watch out for sharp rocks, though!) Steep grades caused some foot slippage. 10.2 oz (men鈥檚) / 10.2 oz (women鈥檚); 8 mm drop

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Altra Superior 3.5听($110)

Runners who like zero drop with moderate cushion will love the Superior 3.5. The shoe takes a centrist鈥檚 approach to foam and protection, with a slow, cruisey vibe and a wide, boxy fit best suited for ambling runs on less technical trails. 10.3 oz (men鈥檚) / 8.2 oz (women鈥檚); zero drop

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Arc鈥檛eryx Norvan LD ($160)

The Norvan LD is Arc鈥檛eryx鈥檚 first attempt at a more cushioned, distance-capable shoe. It鈥檚 firm, responsive, and precise in technical terrain, with quicker turnover than the weight suggests. But it鈥檚 a little clunky and stiff, and the ride is still a bit firmer than we鈥檇 like. 10.9 oz (men鈥檚) / 9.2 oz (women鈥檚); 9 mm drop

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Brooks Caldera 2 ($140)

With a plush upper, pillow-soft midsole, and broad, flat lugs, this was the shoe we reached for when we wanted to take it easy on our dogs. On most trails, the Caldera provided ample protection, though those accustomed to stiff, aggressive shoes found it lacking on rocky terrain. 9.9 oz (men鈥檚) / 9 oz (women鈥檚); 4 mm drop

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Vasque Constant -Velocity II ($120)

This maximalist shoe was the most comfortable ride of the test, mostly because of its flexy fabric heel cup and the deepest, spongiest midsole we鈥檝e ever encountered. This shoe is on the heavier side, but we loved it for recovery days. 11 oz (men鈥檚) / 9 oz (women鈥檚); 8 mm drop

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Salomon XA Elevate ($130)

While the midsole is firm to the point of harsh on hardpack, this shoe鈥檚 responsiveness is off the charts. Plus, with a snug, narrow fit and meaty lugs, it was one of the fastest, most technical, and most agile shoes we tested. 10.4 oz (men鈥檚) / 9 oz (women鈥檚); 8 mm drop

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Haulers big and small that go above and beyond.

Gregory Baltoro 65 and Deva 60 ($300)

We like our packs one of two ways: stripped-down minimalists that excel at specific tasks, or blinged-out haulers that do everything we need and more. The Gregory Baltoro 65 (men鈥檚) and Deva 60 (women鈥檚) represent the very best of the latter. Both offer a full buffet of features along with excellent load-carrying comfort and very low weight, considering that they include just about every bell and whistle you could possibly hope for. Backpackers will love the U-shaped front panel, which allows you to peel open the pack like a suitcase and access the gear you鈥檝e stuffed into the middle. There are zippered compartments and pouches for everything, including a waterproof hipbelt pocket that fits an oversize smartphone. The hydration sleeve converts to a simple summit or daypack. The 2018 versions drop a quarter of a pound, thanks to a new lightweight aluminum frame and redesigned ventilated back panel. The integrated rain cover moves to the top lid, where it鈥檚 easy to access. The frame isn鈥檛 super customizable, but the straps connect to the back panel on pivoting wings, so they adjust to match the contours of the wearer鈥檚 shoulders. The waist-belt wings also pivot upward, letting the pack weight settle nicely onto the shelf of the pelvis. Both versions weigh near the high end for a 60-ish-liter hauler, but it鈥檚 well worth the sacrifice if comfort is your goal. 5 lbs (men鈥檚) / 4.7 lbs (women鈥檚)

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REI Traverse 35 ($139)

Best affordable pack

A screaming deal for a full-service 35-liter pack, REI鈥檚 Traverse has just enough room to hold everything one person needs for an overnight or summer weekend trip (tent, sleeping bag, cookstove, and a couple of days鈥� worth of food). It has the right mix of features鈥攆loating top lid, stretchy front-panel pocket, trampoline-style mesh upper back panel. The water-bottle pockets are set forward of the main cargo hold, so even with the pack completely stuffed, it鈥檚 easy to pull out a Nalgene. A load-lift strap pulls the bottom of the pack up and in to draw the weight closer to your center of gravity. Though it鈥檚 a nice feature, it makes more sense on big, high-volume packs. That said, the Traverse carries fairly well. A 20-pound load felt stable and rested nicely on the hips, although the lumbar pad rode a little high on the lower back for some testers鈥� taste. There is, however, a thoughtful cutout in the padding for the lower spine. And we challenge you to find another pack this competent at anywhere near the price. 3.1 lbs (men鈥檚) / 3 lbs (women鈥檚)

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Osprey Levity 45 and Lumina 45 ($250)

Best ultralight weekender

The men鈥檚 Levity and women鈥檚 Lumina are marvels of ultralight design. Both weigh in at just 1.8 pounds鈥攖he lightest we鈥檝e seen with legitimate hauling capabilities. And Osprey achieved that without sacrificing features: there鈥檚 an aluminum frame, a fixed top lid, a stash pocket on the front, removable side compression cords, and ample lash points. The 3/8-inch straps, microbuckles, and efficient use of tissue-thin 30-denier fabric keep the weight low. While many packs rest the load on a trampoline-style back panel and above a lumbar pad, the Levity and Lumina use Osprey鈥檚 Airspeed back panel, which suspends it across a stretchy mesh that extends down from the shoulders and wraps the hips. Two of these packs had no trouble accompanying a pair of testers during a peak-bagging excursion in Colorado鈥檚 Chicago Basin, transporting two nights鈥� worth of food and lightweight gear. The chief drawback is the fragile fabric Osprey used in the upper half of the pack. Treat these like you would an ultralight tent鈥攂aby, don鈥檛 abuse. 1.8 lbs

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JanSport Helios 30 ($90)

Best casual tote

A nontechnical daypack, the JanSport Helios has one feature that sets it apart: strap padding. The shoulder straps on the company鈥檚 new Moonlift harness are stuffed with a stretchy, mesh-covered foam. It gives them a remarkably soft, even gummy feel that turns a fairly ho-hum hauler into one that鈥檚 weirdly fun to wear, even when overloaded. Designed for low-key front-country missions (coffee shop, dog park), the Helios swallows a ton of stuff鈥攊t has two enor颅mous clamshell openings, a fleecy pocket for shades or a smartphone, a stash pocket for a thin jacket or gloves, and a pair of water-bottle pockets on the sides. The padded laptop sleeve fits a 14-by-12-inch computer. Even when full of layers, food, a guidebook, a brick-like DSLR camera, and extra lenses, the Helios felt comfortable to wear. No back panel means overstuffing causes the pack to grow a bit cylindrical, but the effect isn鈥檛 pronounced. For $100, the Helios is twice the price of a simple daypack of similar quality, but you won鈥檛 find straps this comfortable anywhere else. 1.5 lbs

Osprey Aether Pro 70 and Ariel Pro 65 ($375)

Best long-haul backpacker

There are stout, stable backpacking packs, and there are delicate, gram-pinching minimalist packs. The Aether Pro (men鈥檚) and Ariel Pro (women鈥檚) combine elements of both. They鈥檙e streamlined and lightweight but built to haul heavy loads and survive extensive field use. We brought along the Ariel Pro for a four-day trip in the Maroon Bells Wilderness in Aspen, Colorado, and no matter how much we crammed into it, the pack felt solid, centered, and balanced. Both versions are made for pros and are suitably spartan鈥攏o extraneous pockets, pouches, or doodads. Even so, the lashing options are exceptional. You could hang most of any other backpack鈥檚 load from the outside of this one. Gram counters can ditch the top lid and use an integrated flap to lock the contents in place. Osprey鈥檚 quick-stash system for trekking poles is an excellent way to free up your hands while on the move. Testers had a couple gripes: the cargo hold barely fits a bear canister. And minimalist vibe aside, an integrated rain cover would have been nice. 3.9 lbs (men鈥檚) / 3.7 lbs (women鈥檚)

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Light up the trails with these all-terrain performers.

Brooks Mazama 2 ($140)

The reason the Mazama is taking home Gear of the Year is simple: it鈥檚 a Ducati with knobby tires. Built for hammer-day speed, it鈥檚 a low-riding shoe that can absolutely scorch flat and rolling trail sections, yet has the technical chops to move with abandon through rocky terrain. The flexible, rock-plate-protected design makes it easy to hopscotch patches of dirt between loose rubble. While the Mazama is pretty pared back, Brooks significantly boosted the shoe鈥檚 comfort-oriented features compared with last year鈥檚 version鈥攖hink extra padding around the heel collar, suppler overlays in the forefoot, and a thicker tongue. That made for a much more enjoyable ride at short and middle distances. 鈥淲ell balanced, smooth, effortless, and willing to move as fast as you can,鈥� one tester said. Make no mistake, however: this shoe is about efficiency. Testers agreed that the ride is on the firm side; a couple even thought it was harsh. But what made the Mazama stand out was the level of comfort it achieved while retaining its race-ready profile鈥攕omething no other speed shoe we tested was able to do. 9.3 oz (men鈥檚) / 7.9 oz (women鈥檚); 6 mm drop

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Hoka One One Challenger ATR 4 ($130)

Most comfortable

If you want a maximalist shoe that stops short of soggy and energy sapping, the Challenger ATR is the way to go. The fourth generation of this fatty was the lightest of the thick-soled shoes we tested, and it earned high marks for its balance of comfort, quick turnover, and responsiveness. Extra-long days on hardpack? Easygoing efforts? Both felt great. 鈥淎 perfect balance of cush and pep,鈥� one tester said. While big midsoles can make for difficult landings and rely on precise footing, that wasn鈥檛 a problem with the Challenger. It鈥檚 an admirably nimble shoe, considering how much foam there is between your foot and the ground. The chief drawbacks are the underpadded, even somewhat harsh upper and a capacious fit that felt loose through uneven terrain. Downhills had our team hitting the brakes to avoid slipping forward. 9 oz (men鈥檚) / 7.4 oz (women鈥檚); 5 mm drop

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Topo Runventure 2 ($110)

Best for midfoot strikers

The Runventure 2 was our favorite among this year鈥檚 shoes catering to the 鈥渘atural鈥� runner, especially where mellow trails transitioned into rocky terrain. For its second generation, the Runventure gets zero millimeters of drop and a huge, wide-open toe box. The ride is firm and responsive, with excellent traction on dry turf (thanks to aggressive lugs), and the flexy rock plate and full-rubber outsole lend protection underfoot. The Runventure is a muscular, protective shoe, even though it鈥檚 among the lightest in its category, and it鈥檚 ready for moderately rocky and technical trails. The flexible upper is about as comfortable as you鈥檒l find. While the shoe has an excellent, locked-in feel in the midfoot, the heel counter had too much give, and we slipped around a bit on uphills. And like many zero-drop shoes, we just couldn鈥檛 get the afterburners to kick in. 9.2 oz (men鈥檚) / 7.4 oz (women鈥檚); zero drop

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ASICS Gecko XT ($120)

Best all-terrain

More proof that ASICS is upping its trail-running game. The Gecko XT turned out to be one of the more well-balanced, versatile shoes in the test. It鈥檚 responsive, it offers a good mix of protection, speed, and comfort, and the cushioning is just right. While this midweight, medium-thick shoe felt most at home on rolling and moderately technical trails, it manages to protect while still delivering decent ground feel. As one tester pointed out, the Gecko has 鈥渓ong-range speed鈥濃�攁 combo of manageable weight with first-rate structure and responsiveness that translates into longer, faster efforts with less fatigue. The fit was superb, although the toe box is a little narrow. The shallow lugs work best on dry and packed trails. The only real complaint we had was the bit of topside pressure that bled through to the foot. Don鈥檛 go cranking the laces. 10.2 oz (men鈥檚) / 8.4 oz (women鈥檚); 6 mm drop

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New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v3 ($135)

Best for long runs

Call the Hierro a mobile pillow party. Best for extended, chill runs on meandering terrain, it鈥檚 a fun, bouncy shoe鈥斺�渢he new king of comfort,鈥� one tester said鈥攁nd an excellent choice for cruisey marathons and ultramarathons. Don鈥檛 expect much energy return or a lot of tiptoeing through rock patches. The Hierro lacks confident security on steeps, sloped trails, and rocky turf. Its bootie construction is wrapped in a protective TPU skin that鈥檚 perforated with little slits for ventilation, and the liner is similar to a compression sock that doubles as an integrated gaiter, snugging up around the ankle and keeping debris from dropping in. It鈥檚 a great feature, although it forces the shoe into a tongueless design that creates lace pressure and some numbness. Still, the Hierro is a dream on descents and flats. 11.5 oz (men鈥檚) / 9.4 oz (women鈥檚); 8 mm drop

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The North Face Flight RKT听($150)

Best fast-and-light

Like the name says, the Flight RKT is built to soar. This featherweight, cushioning shoe weighs just eight ounces for men and 6.5 for women, making it absolutely churn. It feels like you鈥檙e wearing nothing at all on uphill slogs and hammering at full speed on flats. These are dry-trail, nontechnical speedsters: the barely-there lugs are too shallow to bite through anything loose, but the Flight did grip on boulders, hardpack, and dusty trails. The springy FastFoam midsole is where this shoe really shines, delivering the perfect balance of firmness for responsive toe-off and softness for trail marathons. 鈥淭he midsole is to die for,鈥� said one tester. By cutting every ounce possible, the North Face made a couple of sacrifices worth noting: the thin laces can bite across the foot. And watch your step鈥攕idewall, rock plate, and toe protection are nonexistent. 8 oz (men鈥檚) / 6.5 oz (women鈥檚); 8 mm drop

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Columbia Montrail Rogue FKT II ($110)

Most lightweight and technical

The Rogue earned this year鈥檚 Goldilocks award. It slots into that run-anywhere sweet spot between lightweight speedster and tank-like protective shoe. With 4.5-mil颅limeter lugs, a rock plate, and a meaty outsole鈥攂ut weighing in at around nine ounces for the men鈥檚 version鈥攖he Rogue鈥檚 chief talent was surefootedly moving at casual speeds over moderately technical turf. 鈥淎 solid, all-around performer,鈥� said one tester. The cons? Some gave it flack for delivering a tipsy, blocky ride and for its narrow toe box. The shorter last also rubbed a few testers wrong (buy a half-size up), and no one liked that the slippery laces came untied so often. Are you a midfoot runner? You鈥檒l want to steer clear. But if you鈥檙e a die-hard heel striker who wants confidence in your shoe (and you can tie a sturdy double-knot), there鈥檚 none better. 8.9 oz (men鈥檚) / 7.4 oz (women鈥檚); 10 mm drop

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Seven top performers for pounding the pavement.

Hoka One One Mach ($140)

Since Hoka hit the running-shoe scene in 2009, not one of its lightweight megafoam constructions has managed to earn our Gear of the Year honors. This year the curse is broken. The superfast, midfat Mach was the top pick of about half our team, and it earned strong marks from everyone else鈥攁 rare instance of something approaching unanimity. Built atop a snappy midsole that鈥檚 firmly energetic but easy on the legs, the Mach is thick, quick, and easy to love. 鈥淭he responsiveness allowed me to get some energy back when I took these on a tempo run,鈥� a tester said. One downside: the thin upper has almost no padding. Another: the soft outsole wears fast and is a little slippery on wet pavement. While there鈥檚 enough cushion to take the sting out of heel strikes, the five-millimeter drop makes this best for those who favor the midfoot. At the risk of stating the obvious, the Mach is likely to please runners who prefer maximalist shoes, but with 24 millimeters of stack height, it isn鈥檛 so beefy that others won鈥檛 enjoy it. At long last, a Hoka that doesn鈥檛 polarize. 8.2 oz (men鈥檚) / 6.7 oz (women鈥檚); 5 mm drop

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On Cloud X ($140)

Best crossover trainer

This funky, lightweight low-rider from Swiss upstart On is part cheetah, part gym rat. For purists, it delivered a surprisingly crisp ride on short and medium-length runs. The unusual mid- and outsole construction鈥攈ollow foam arches compress to absorb shock鈥攄elivers a fairly smooth transition. The attention to detail and quality of construction are impeccable. 鈥淭he shoe fit my foot extremely well,鈥� one tester said (and several others echoed). Cushion is limited, however, giving the Cloud X a harsher feel than other shoes we tried. It鈥檚 designed for efficient, light-landing midfoot strikers鈥攁nd, frankly, indoor use. Heel strikers and foam addicts should probably look elsewhere. 8.5 oz (men鈥檚) / 6.6 oz (women鈥檚); 6 mm drop

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Mizuno Wave Shadow ($110)

Best for tempo runs

The Wave Shadow is something of a hybrid racing flat and trainer. The shoe is low to the ground, with a thin, moderately firm midsole and very quick turnover. Its greatest asset is the fit, which our team universally praised. But the Wave Shadow won鈥檛 pamper you. It鈥檚 made for efficiency and ground feel鈥攃haracteristics favored by lighter, speed-oriented runners鈥攁nd performed best on three-to-six-mile distances near the red zone, not long-range efforts, where the thin midsole could prove exhausting. Runners who like Mizuno鈥檚 firm, responsive ride will enjoy the snappy feel. But the more you weigh (or the harder you land), the more minimalist the shoe feels. 8.8 oz (men鈥檚) / 7.4 oz (women鈥檚); 8 mm drop

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Nike Epic React Flyknit ($150)

Best for heel strikers

This shoe came close to earning our top honors for the season. It belongs to a rare class of trainer: both thick and speedy. In addition to an unusually snug and stretchy knit-mesh upper, the Epic React Flyknit is distinguished by its heel-strike-friendly geometry. Where the shoe surprised testers most was in its peppy ride, even with the foam鈥檚 generous softness. While the heel is plush and deep, the forefoot is responsive and low to the ground. That combination produces a comfortable, pampered ride with a poppy toe-off. If you鈥檙e a heel striker looking for a cushy feel but still want to keep pace with the rest of the pack, consider this your fatty. 8.4 oz (men鈥檚) / 6.9 oz (women鈥檚); 9 mm drop

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Saucony Kinvara 9 ($110)

Best for speedy midfoot strikers

The Kinvara defies categorization. As a trainer, it鈥檚 ridiculously light鈥攋ust 6.4 ounces in the women鈥檚 version, and a mere ounce heavier for men鈥攂ut then there鈥檚 that moderately fat heel. The pairing makes it a blistering training shoe, one that can accom颅modate long, pounding runs and mellow days when you want to go easy on your legs. (Be warned, though: the flexy, unstructured midsole can be a little fatiguing on longer efforts.) Overall, the fit of the Kinvara was superior to every other shoe we tested in this category. The updates to this year鈥檚 version are more form than function, and fans of prior editions won鈥檛 notice a big difference. There鈥檚 still plenty to love here. 7.5 oz (men鈥檚) / 6.4 oz (women鈥檚); 4 mm drop

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New Balance 890v6 ($120)

Best daily driver

The 890v6 is a compromise between a lightweight speed shoe and a go-to trainer. Some testers believed that the combination made it a jack-of-all-runs, while others couldn鈥檛 get past its mastery of none. The shoe is lean, durable, and comfortable鈥攂uilt for up-tempo training, with an excellent fit and buoyant feel. It lacks the spark of the faster shoes we tested, but the 890v6 is better adapted to daily training, given its durability. After logging 80 miles in a pair, one of our testers reported almost no visible wear. Everyone gave the shoe high marks for its lean, perfect last. This is a quick-moving workhorse adept at heavy mileage. 8.9 oz (men鈥檚) / 7.8 oz (women鈥檚); 6 mm drop

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Brooks Levitate ($150)

Best for cruising

This wasn鈥檛 the most exciting shoe in our test, but it proved its worth as a slow and steady cruiser with even cushioning and a plush ride. Despite its name, the main knock against the Levitate is its portly weight. Every tester dinged it for slow turn颅over. Once you get past that, however, it鈥檚 an enjoyable shoe for long, rambling runs. The fit is on the narrow side, especially in the forefoot, but the lack of overlays around the meta颅tarsal heads means there鈥檚 noth颅ing to rub you raw. And the pillowy padding on the heel collar is a luxurious touch. The upshot: opt for the Levitate if you want an even-tempered, comfort-centric shoe with traditional geometry. 11.2 oz (men鈥檚) / 9.7 oz (women鈥檚); 8 mm drop

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These eight shoes show soft doesn鈥檛 have to be sluggish.

Salomon Sonic RA Max听($130)

This heavily cushioned trainer is the most sophisticated road shoe we鈥檝e seen from the French trail-running juggernaut. Meaty and damp, the Sonic was a hit with heel strikers and a favorite for pleasure cruises and recovery days. It has a few quirks (notably the slightly abrasive heel collar) and a chunkier ride. 9.3 oz (men鈥檚) / 8.3 oz (women鈥檚); 10 mm drop

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Adidas Aerobounce ST听($110)

This baby鈥檚 got back! While the Aerobounce has a moderately cushioned forefoot for a responsive toe-off, the heel is a bottomless cradle of bouncy foam. Fun and carefree, it鈥檚 billed as a stability shoe, though the medial post has a slight bit of pronation control. Best for unrepentant heel strikers who want to jog, not slog. 11 oz (men鈥檚) / 8.7 oz (women鈥檚); 10 mm drop听

Brooks Levitate听($150)

Are traditional running shoes more your jam? Brooks鈥檚 responsive new DNA Amp foam puts some caffeine into this cruisey, mid-thick trainer. The extra structure allows for blissful, long-range comfort鈥攖hough the trade-off is a few more ounces and a slower turnover. Still, for everyday support with some spring, the Levitate was a test-team winner. 11.2 oz (men鈥檚) / 9.2 oz (women鈥檚); 8 mm drop

New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v8听($150)

Credit New Balance for creating the most balanced shoe of the lot. With a moderate stack of foam in both the toe and heel, the latest 1080 caters to wide-footed midfoot strikers who are accustomed to classic trainers but want a little more comfort in their step. Testers dinged it for a general lack of energy and pop, though. 11 oz (men鈥檚) / 9.7 oz (women鈥檚); 8 mm drop

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Altra Duo $130

Heel pounders, look away. Like all Altras, which have zero drop, this light speedster is decidedly limited to midfoot strikers. The fit is wide and high volume鈥攃avernously so in the forefoot鈥攁nd the ride is quick, responsive, and single-malt smooth. Think of it as a mid-fattie with race-car genes, though given its sparse padding in the heel and tongue, the interior is decidedly spartan. 8.7 oz (men鈥檚) / 7.4 oz (women鈥檚); zero drop

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Saucony Triumph ISO 4听($160)

The Triumph dials up the soft to 11. Without overdoing the thickness of the foam, this flexy, mellow cruiser takes all trace of sting out of the pavement and pampers the ride with a swollen tongue and a set of detached overlays that give the upper a slipper-like feel. If easygoing were an art form, this would be a masterpiece. Best for midfoot strikers who prefer less structure. 10.8 oz (men鈥檚) / 9.4 oz (women鈥檚); 8 mm drop

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Under Armour Hovr Sonic CT听($110)

The coolest thing about the Hovr Sonic is its ability to pair with the Map My Run app, letting you ditch your phone while still tracking pace, distance, time, and less common metrics like cadence and stride length. The stretchy mesh upper lends a casual comfort to this moderately thick, quick, and firm trainer. That said, it isn鈥檛 the smoothest ride here. 9.6 oz (men鈥檚) / 6.7 oz (women鈥檚); 8 mm drop

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Nike Epic React听($150)

Soft doesn鈥檛 have to be sluggish. Proof in point: Nike鈥檚 new Epic React鈥攐ne of the best new shoes of the year鈥攈as deep cushioning in the heel and a highly energetic, bouncy ride made for fast, low-impact runs. It鈥檚 all courtesy of a new springy blend of foam, an extremely low weight, and a snug mesh-bootie upper. The nine-millimeter drop caters slightly to the heel-striking set. 8.5 oz (men鈥檚) / 6.9 oz (women鈥檚); 10 mm drop

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Pavement? Trail? Snow? These workhorses have you covered.

Nike Zoom Fly ($150)

Race shoes can鈥檛 be training shoes. Or so we thought. The Zoom Fly鈥攁 speed-addicted trainer born out of Nike鈥檚 attempt to break the two-hour-marathon mark鈥攚as both the most exciting shoe of the year and the most fun. With its carbon-infused nylon plate running from heel to toe, the Zoom Fly is the stiffest trainer we鈥檝e ever seen, period. But that isn鈥檛 a bad thing. We immediately noticed the powerful, propulsive forward spring, lightning-quick turnover, and snappy feel, despite the relatively thick cushioning of the 33-millimeter stack height. It feels like a highly caffeinated ride鈥攁n easy grab for fast long-distance training sessions and a no-brainer race-day pick for middle-of-the-packers, who won鈥檛 mind the extra foam. The only downside (if you can call it that): you may find yourself running PRs on recovery days. Wide feet? Mind the narrow, streamlined fit. 8.8 oz (men鈥檚) / 6.5 oz (women鈥檚); 10 mm drop

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ASICS RoadHawk FF ($100)

Best For: Quick training.

The Test: If it weren鈥檛 for a little bit of road slap, we would have had nothing but compliments for the RoadHawk, a new, impressively light, amply cushioned trainer with a socklike fit. The stretchy mesh in the toe box feels open and accommodating, but the slimmer last and midfoot overlays give it a secure and responsive locked-down feel. With its eight-ounce weight and springy FlyteFoam midsole, the RoadHawk can hammer out fartleks and tempo sessions while providing a soft landing鈥攃omfort without a sluggish feel. That crisp clap in the toe with every stride was not a deal breaker, but it was definitely a distraction.

The Verdict: One of ASICS鈥檚 best light- weight trainers in years. 8 oz (men鈥檚) / 6.4 oz (women鈥檚); 8 mm drop

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Hoka One One Clifton 4 ($130)

Best For: Cushioning addicts.

The Test: The Clifton got a significant update in its fourth generation. It is still a mega-fat shoe built for easy cruising, but with a more durable midsole, a completely revamped upper now built with reduced overlays and engineered mesh, and a wider, slow-cinching fit that got a thumbs-up from our team. The rockered outsole throws heel strikers into the back seat, but the characteristically low weight allows for a good clip. The new midsole felt radically different as the seasons changed鈥攁lmost too firm and energetic on crisp mornings, but breadloafy on warmer afternoons. A few testers sniped at the still too narrow toe box.

The Verdict: A mature maximalist, best for foam fans who want some spring in their step. 9.3 oz (men鈥檚) / 7.5 oz (women鈥檚); 5 mm drop

Men's听Women's

Brooks Revel ($100)

Best For: Comfy cruising.

The Test: The new Revel offers the best overall balance of easygoing cush, long-distance support, and amenable fit of any of the year鈥檚 road shoes. 鈥淚t fits snugly but definitely opens up where you need it,鈥� one tester remarked. That said, the damp, supportive BioMoGo DNA midsole meant the Revel wasn鈥檛 our pick for days when we wanted to go fast. While the shoe looks like a new-school trainer, those who like the more traditional Brooks Glycerin or Ghost will find a familiar ride. The steep 12-millimeter drop caters strictly to the heel-striking set.

The Verdict: Nothing blew us away, but the Revel hovered near the top of our list. At this price, it鈥檚 a screaming deal. 10.4 oz (men鈥檚) / 8.8 oz (women鈥檚); 12 mm drop

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New Balance Trail 910v4 ($110)

Best For: Tough terrain.

The Test: If lightweight shoes leave you feeling somewhat vulnerable, the 910v4 is your safe zone. Moderately thick, muscular, and amply protective, it lends extra oomph on rougher trails and run-to-hike summits. And with seven pairs of grommets and a stout midfoot wrap, the 910 offered the most locked-down fit of any shoe in the trail test. But it鈥檚 certainly not the quickest or lightest shoe in the pack, nor the nimblest.听

The Verdict: A powerful, protective tool that won鈥檛 break any tape but will never duck a challenge. 11.5 oz (men鈥檚) / 9.6 oz (women鈥檚); 8 mm drop

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Altra Timp ($130)

Best For: Epic days for zero-drop fans.听

The Test: If the Timp were a ski, it would be a mid-fat: the 29-millimeter midsole is thick enough for long-haul comfort, but not so slabby that it felt sluggish or disconnected from the trail. The smooth, responsive ride begged for longer days, and while Altra claims the shoe has a narrower, performance-oriented fit, it still felt a little roomy and somewhat sloshy on downhills and rocky turf without a thicker sock. As with all zero-drop shoes, heel strikers need not apply. Bonus: the hidden reflective pattern pops in headlamps (or headlights).

The Verdict: For midfoot strikers who like to go long, the Timp is a welcome addition to the quiver. 11.1 oz (men鈥檚) / 8.9 oz (women鈥檚); zero drop

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Salomon Sense Ride ($120)

Best For: All-around versatility.

The Test: Simply put, the Sense Ride raised the bar for every other trail shoe in the test. Nothing came close to beating its combo of give-鈥檈m-hell speed and quick-stepping technical chops with an accommodating midsole鈥攐ne of the softest we鈥檝e seen from Salomon. The fit is narrow, as you鈥檇 expect, but not restrictive, and while we noticed some forward slip on downhills (due to the chronically loose forefoot laces in Salomon鈥檚 quick-lace system), overall this proved to be the most fun and fast-flying shoe of the bunch. Long distance, short distance, this shoe can do it all.

The Verdict: The best in the biz. 10.4 oz (men鈥檚) / 8.1 oz (women鈥檚); 8 mm drop

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Inov-8 Parkclaw 275 GTX ($150)

Best For: Slush stomping.

The Test: The Parkclaw features Gore-Tex鈥檚 new Invisible Fit waterproof liner. Unlike the typical Gore-Tex bootie that gets sewn into a shoe, this weatherproofing simply lines the upper fabric itself. The result: without that traditional bulky, crinkly bootie, it鈥檚 hard to tell the Parkclaw is waterproof until you step in a puddle. Otherwise, it鈥檚 a moderately low-riding, moderately lightweight all-terrain runner with an exceedingly high-volume fit (Sasquatches, rejoice!). Hard-packed trails and winter roads rolled smoothly under the Claw鈥檚 subdued lugs, although there is a fair bit of stretch in the sidewalls, so the shoe feels a bit loosey-goosey on rubble and rock.听

The Verdict: A versatile road-trail cross-over with a better kind of Gore-Tex. 10.8 oz (men鈥檚) / 8.7 oz (women鈥檚); 8 mm drop

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Saucony Peregrine 7 Ice+ ($150)

Best For: Icy roads.

The Test: The marquee feature on this winterized version of the Peregrine 7 is Vibram鈥檚 sandpaper-like Arctic Grip tread pads, specifically designed to glom onto glassy, wet ice. The pads work surprisingly well on those terrifying melt-freeze patches you hit on otherwise dry pavement. On hard-pack or slush, though, we still prefer an old-fashioned set of carbide spikes and a luggier outsole. The shoe itself is a champ鈥攚arm, low-riding, and plushly comfortable, with a thick tongue and decent water resistance, if a somewhat lumbering feel.

The Verdict: In shoulder season, these tacky soles shine. 9.4 oz (men鈥檚) / 8.4 oz (women鈥檚); 4 mm drop

Men's听

La Sportiva Uragano GTX ($180)

Best For: Postholing.

The Test: What blizzard? To keep snow out, La Sportiva sealed up the Uragano鈥檚 heel collar with a stretchy, insanely comfortable integrated gaiter that鈥檚 more sock than shoe. While the gaiter is only water-resistant, the bottom of the shoe is armored with waterproof Gore-Tex. With no tongue, the shoe has a blissfully even and non-bunchy fit across the instep. Normally we hate round laces (they tend to come undone quickly), but the Uragano鈥檚 are glove-friendly and stow securely in a stretchy pocket, and the foam padding across the top of the foot takes the bite out of snowshoe straps. But be aware: the fit can feel slim. Best to do yourself a favor and buy half a size up.

The Verdict: An uncompromising foul-weather friend. 12 oz; 10 mm drop

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