There’s a reason I don’t believe in running streaks, as in, committing to putting on my running shoes and heading out every single day for a certain number of days or months, regardless of what it takes to keep the streak going. It just isn’t right for me and my body.

A streak means ignoring aches, pains, cravings for different physical movements, or, at times, no movement at all. I credit listening to my body and carefully heeding what it’s telling me for my longevity in terms of being able to run, practice yoga, and engage in multiple other athletic endeavors for—literally—decades.

Perhaps irrationally, I thought a power yoga streak, or a challenge, would be different. It’s yoga, after all. Breathing. Core strengthening. Finding stability in my joints. I figured doing 20 minutes of yoga with the help of an app on my phone on top of whatever else I’d done that day—running, snowboarding, swimming—would make me stronger and maybe even better at everything.

But here I was, committed to 20 minutes a day, no matter what.

Also, I’d be lying if I didn’t admit to envisioning a more ripped version of myself. A stronger version, inwardly and outwardly. A more balanced version, both in my body and in how I spend each waking moment of my days. Or maybe I was buying into those Instagram ads targeted at women of a certain age.

Anyways, I decided to switch things up.

Here’s What Happened When I Practiced Power Yoga Every Day for 21 Days

Days 1–10: I Was Very Into It

For the past 25 years, I’ve intermittently practiced all styles of yoga, and for the past five years, I’ve practiced a 60-minute power yoga class every week or so. So I landed on power yoga for my challenge. I have hypermobile joints, so I figured focusing on strengthening might help prevent me from overstretching.

I’d never been concerned with which day of the week I unrolled my mat. Instead, I’d listened to my body and practiced yoga when it felt needed. A Monday after a big weekend of running. A Thursday when I wanted to slow down and focus on stretching and strengthening. A Sunday evening when I needed some quiet mental space.

But here I was, committed to 20 minutes a day, no matter what.

When I got in the pool a couple of days afterward, I felt like I was in someone else’s body. My shoulders and lats were so tight, I couldn’t extend into my stroke like usual.

On Days one through seven, I felt like a badass. On the fifth day, I outlasted my husband and teenage sons while snowboarding deep powder in Steamboat, Colorado. In fact, I had to beg my 16-year-old to head back out with me after lunch. Riding in powder basically requires a one-legged squat, and I single-legged the shit out of those powder runs.

Shortly after the lifts closed, I hit the gym with my phone and headphones and cranked out 20 minutes of power yoga. The twisting and balancing of my muscles felt great. The additional strengthening—and working through my fatigue—after a long day of activity was empowering. The soreness in new places made me feel like I was doing something good for my body. And sticking to the commitment—and all the yoga-ness—did the same for my mind.

Snowboarding and yoga felt complementary to one another. Swimming and yoga, not so much. When I got in the pool a couple of days afterward, I felt like I was in someone else’s body. My shoulders and lats were so tight, I couldn’t extend into my stroke like usual. And I definitely couldn’t glide.

I fought my way through a slow 1,600 yards in the pool and then practiced 20 minutes of core yoga that evening, all the time thinking about all the damned I’d been doing. As I begrudgingly did another Chaturanga and recalled my clunky swim stroke from earlier in the day, I told myself: It’s okay. I’m stronger. I’m tighter in a good way.

Days 11–15: I Felt Invincible…Until I Didn’t

I may do a shit ton of various outdoor activities, but I’m a runner at my core. Though I’d been sidelined from putting in as many miles as usual due to being sick (which somewhat inspired the challenge), I was surprised at my stamina when I headed out for a slow run with my dog and then, the next day, went out for four miles with a friend. We weren’t breaking any records, but I felt more cardiovascularly capable than I’d anticipated.

After both runs, I did my 20 minutes of yoga. I felt invincible.

The next day, I decided to join another friend for a run that climbs roughly 1,000 feet in one mile. I did this against my better judgment—I rarely run three days in a row. She’s faster and fitter than I am, and I’ve been chasing her up mountains for 20 years. Since we usually talk nonstop, I had to keep up. Toward the end of the run, I felt a sharp twinge in my calf.

That evening, I told myself would be a useful calf stretch; I proceeded to settle into my 20 minutes. I needed to adjust some poses by bending my knees and moving with extra care, and I kept paying attention to my calf. I started to notice my hamstrings feeling more stretched out than maybe ever before, a good thing for most, but not me. I filed that away in my brain and continued with my challenge.

In the meantime, I became somewhat obsessed with a new pose: . I’d been dialing up various 20-minute power yoga options from my app, based on what I felt like (I didn’t entirely abandon listening to my body), so one night I found myself doing a class focused on arm balances. I had zero experience doing Side Crow, but was able to get some hang time and felt my upper abdominals fire up. I loved it.

I found another session a few days later that allowed me to reenact that pose again. Turns out my commitment gave me a small gift—a pose I wouldn’t have found otherwise.

By Day 15, despite focusing on newfound poses and a stronger core and stabilizing muscles, I started noticing flexibility in places I hadn’t had it before. My forward folds felt bendier (high hamstrings, behind my knees) as did my (low back). My twists were twistier. I started to worry. I’m naturally bendy and have learned that tension in my body is good for me. Too much pull on my joints tends to throw me out of alignment, most often in my hips. The stretchiness made me feel vulnerable. I felt less durable than I had been in a while.

Days 16–21: I Started to Rethink Things

Winter in Colorado, for beach volleyball players, means gathering with friends in a warehouse filled with sand. I hadn’t played in months, and the niggle in my calf had gone away by the time I showed up at the volleyball gym.

Do I need more yoga? Or do I need less?

Serving the ball still hurt due to a loose shoulder I was working on strengthening, but all other movements—even flailing across the court to dive for a ball in the sand—felt good. My mobility was there. My quickness was, too. It seemed the consistent yoga had kept all of the parts needed for volleyball—side body, muscles in my feet—engaged.

That night, exhausted from volleyball, I chose a restorative yoga session. I was pleased to find that I wasn’t all that sore the next day.

But a couple of days later, my right knee began to ache. I was still able to run, lift, and do my 20-minute sessions, but I started to wonder what I needed to adjust. The pain felt similar to what I’d experienced with a torn lateral collateral ligament (LCL) and hyperextension on that same knee years prior. It had healed with a , strength training, and time.

Was it the that were aggravating my knee? Was it something in my hip, a tight gluteus medius perhaps, pulling my knee out of alignment? Or were my hips out of whack and my knee the victim? Do I need more yoga? Or do I need less?

Skate skiing in my local park on Day 20 of my yoga streak gave me my answer. As I glided around the park, my body coiling, then releasing and gliding, coiling and then gliding, it hit me: my body needs to coil more than it needs to glide. My hypermobility requires strengthening and tension as a form of glue. Too much glide, too much stretch, pulls at the glue. I realized that night, as I struggled to find comfort in my knee in , the most comforting of all poses for many, that I needed to stop my streak.

On Day 21, I decommitted. I learned what I already knew—streaks are bad for me. Adjusting each day for what I’m craving, both in mind and body, is good.

I’m back to listening.

Want moreĚýšú˛úłÔšĎşÚÁĎĚýhealth stories?Ěý. Ready to push yourself? Enter MapMyRun’sĚýĚýrunning challenge.

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Since entering the running apparel scene in 2014, Tracksmith’s aesthetic has exuded clean-cut, preppy, East-Coast vibes. Think fast track runners who put on cardigans once they’re showered at their private New England school. Yet now Tracksmith is charging into a new, dirtier, grungier realm: Trail running.

The brand has made individual pieces of trail running apparel in the past, but as of this week it’s going all-in with the . Anchored by a new trail running shoe, the line includes a long- and short-sleeve tee, shorts for men and half tights for women, a jacket, hydration vest, and a hat (the only item in the collection under $100).

Since I’m a dirty, grungy trail runner (and proud of it), I happily stepped into just about every item from the new kit, head-to-toe, for a 7-mile mountain run in the Indian Peaks above Boulder, Colorado.

Here’s how each item fared as the run unfolded.

The post I Mountain-Tested Tracksmith’s New Trail Running Shoe and Apparel. Here’s How It Fared. appeared first on šú˛úłÔšĎşÚÁĎ Online.

Years ago, when I was 20-something, I heard comedian Jon Stewart on stage in San Francisco quip, “Do you ever shave one of your legs to make it feel like you’re in bed with someone else?” All these years later, Stewart’s line came back to me to inspire a unique way to test the , which claims to be the first razor made and marketed for men’s legs.

Many male cyclists, triathletes, and swimmers shave their legs for reasons related to performance that include aerodynamics, ease of taping, and better healing of road rash. I understand that men typically use their face razor or buy (or borrow) a woman’s razor, which are all intended for shaving legs.

Most women who shave their legs do it out of habit and societal norms for appearance. I’ve been shaving mine since I stole my mom’s razor when I was about 12 or 13. I’ve solely used inexpensive, disposable razors designed for women. I’d never considered using one intended for men’s legs…probably because they didn’t exist until now.

Inspired by Jon Stewart and looking for a clear comparison, for roughly three months, I shaved one of my legs with the , and the other leg with a simple $15 Gillette Venus targeted towards women. (There are many versions of the Venus; mine is the .) The Venus may be inexpensive, but it has replaceable cartridges with four blades, and skin lubricating panels built in, making it a step up from a single-blade Daisy Razor.

Did my experiment make me feel like I was in bed with a third party, aside from my husband? Not exactly. But it did give me some interesting results.

What Makes the Bolt Performance Razor Male Leg-Hair Specific?

First, I needed to find out what makes the Bolt Razor tailored for men. A company rep told me that it’s ergonomically designed to be held by larger hands for specific use on the legs (versus the face), and for non-slip use in the shower thanks to its heavy, zinc-alloy handle. The razor, designed in Finland, also has Swedish specialty steel blades tuned sharper for the coarse leg and body hair of a man. The Bolt’s 5-blade cartridge is bordered by strips made of aloe vera and vitamin E to help moisturize as you shave, which is not unique; my Gillette razor has similar strips.

The Bolt Performance Razor vs. Gillette Venus Experiment

During my 12-week experiment, my right leg became my Bolt Razor leg; my left, my Gillette Venus razor leg.

I soon found I looked forward to shaving my right leg with the Bolt Razor. I was also using the that contains aloe vera and menthol, said to exfoliate and prep the follicles for a shave. The process of shaving my right leg became more of a soothing ritual than a quick duty, and the extra time and care resulted in a smooth shave. I enjoyed the nice, weighty razor. It wasn’t too large for my female hands (Note: I wear women’s medium to large gloves). I began to like my right leg better.

My left leg suffered a bit, more because of my lack of attention. Shaving my left leg just wasn’t as fun. I regularly missed a panel of stubble somewhere. The closeness of the shave was similar between legs, maybe a little smoother on the right/Bolt Razor side, but not wildly different. I just enjoyed shaving the right leg much more, and so I didn’t tend to leave patches of unshaved hair, even around my knobby ankle bones. My left leg, it should be noted, also didn’t get the treatment of the Bolt Shave Butter, which contributed to its lack of attention.

Even when I switched to fresh blades on both razors, I didn’t perceive a significant difference in the closeness of the shave. I also didn’t note a difference in the two razors related to gender. Instead, I found that the Bolt razor delivered a significantly different shave experience due to its quality.

Simple razors work just fine. But, I discovered, a quality, weighted razor—with a handle that feels good and solid in the hand and blades dedicated to leg hair, male or female— makes for a better shave (especially when used with a nice shave butter). Cheap razors are also disposable, and I like the idea of using one razor for longer and keeping plastics out of landfills and the ocean.

A quick internet search tells me there are “fancy” razors made for women, which, no doubt, give luxurious shaves and are worth exploring. But, no surprise here: many are small and pink. I hate feeling pandered to. I’m an athlete, for God’s sake, not a fairy princess.

I’m going to keep using the Bolt Razor, male marketing be damned, for its superior shave experience. But I’ll stop taking Jon Stewart’s advice and start shaving both legs the same.

The post I Shaved One Leg With a Razor Made for Male Athletes and the Other With a Women’s Model for Three Months. Here’s What I Discovered. appeared first on šú˛úłÔšĎşÚÁĎ Online.

Every woman is built differently and has a different idea of what makes the perfect sports bra. But every woman wants (and deserves) a sports bra that is comfortable and supportive, and lets her do activities with zero distraction. In light of that, we had a team of testers—all different sizes—try more than 30 of the best sports bras while hiking, climbing, practicing yoga, running, weightlifting, and more to find the models that delivered the best performance and comfort for a variety of different types of bodies, conditions, and activities.

Update April 2025: We’ve replaced the sports bras in four categories, added three new categories (best for summer, best for wearing a pack, and best simple running bra) and changed the categories of two we carried over from the fall round-up.

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Running terrain of the rocky-rooty-rutty variety is fun and rewarding, but no easy task. Add stream crossings, scree fields, and occasional snow patches, and it’s no surprise wild trails demand focus and athleticism at any pace, even the most leisurely. If you up the stakes by racing, then every foot strike carries even more weight.

That heightened challenge is why your shoes matter. The new HOKA Mafate 5 delivers go-long performance with reliable support over countless miles of rough ground. HOKA updated this ultrarunning fan favorite with enhanced durability, protection, and comfort for all terrain. As the first model HOKA introduced to the world in 2010, the Mafate is now better than ever, ready for demanding off-road runs and rugged ultra races.

The Shoe That Launched the Brand

Fifteen years ago, HOKA disrupted the running shoe industry with its first-ever model: the original Mafate. At a time when minimalist zero-drop shoes were all the rage, the thick midsole of the Mafate was a maximalist rebuke, upending the trail running world with its rockered shape and bucket seat–like foot positioning. Born in the mountains, the Mafate was designed to inspire a feeling of flying, not unlike the softer glide and float of a powder ski through deep snow.

A decade and a half later, it’s hard to tread a busy trail without seeing a handful of HOKAs. Trail runners, in particular, lean into the comfort of the brand’s amped-up cushioning and stability features. Combine the midsole benefits with a secure upper, serious traction, the foot-cradling feel of HOKA’s Active Foot Frame, and the smooth-rolling MetaRocker shape, and it’s easy to understand the off-road appeal.

Today, the shoe that started it all is in its fifth iteration. After years of product development, the does everything its predecessor did, but better. It’s more durable in the midsole and upper, with a styling that pays homage to the 106-mile (UTMB) course spanning the French, Italian, and Swiss Alps. And the Mafate 5 is the first HOKA trail runner that has gaiter-compatible features. It’s ready to fly through unexpected turbulence.

Improved Durability, Support, and Traction

The Mafate 5 has been updated for long-term durability. While the Mafate has always been designed with a MetaRocker shape to encourage forward momentum, it now features all-new Rocker Integrity Technology. That translates to a curved, pliable plate made from lightweight TPU that helps the shoe hold its shape for longer while enhancing an efficient stride.

The upper has also been updated for 360-degree foot protection and durability with a molded TPU structure that encases a stretchy jacquard knit. That lightweight armor provides extra support for more precise foot placement. And if you’re heading into tricky terrain, you can quickly and securely attach a gaiter to help keep trail gunk out of your shoes (and from irritating your feet).

Credit surefootedness to a Vibram MegagripÂŽ outsole that increases ground contact on everything from wet slabs to sandy trails. New to the Mafate 5, the dual-density midsole has been flip-flopped: The softer bottom layer supports a firmer upper layer, providing ample cushioning that morphs over rocks and roots while absorbing and rebounding the impact of every step.

Who Is It For?

Runners who are ready for their off-road best. Built for ultrarunners who demand durability, protection, and comfort on the most challenging terrain, the new Mafate 5 delivers unwavering trail performance and steadfast support from start to finish.

HOKA is one of the fastest-growing performance footwear and apparel brands in history. Conceived in the mountains, HOKA footwear delivers an unprecedented combination of enhanced cushioning and support for a uniquely smooth ride. Every day, HOKA pushes the innovation and design of its footwear and apparel by teaming up with a deep roster of world champions, taste makers and everyday athletes. From finish lines to everyday life, HOKA fans love the brand for its bold and unexpected approach, and its belief in the power of humanity to create change for a better world. HOKA empowers a world of athletes to fly over the earth. For more information, visit or follow @HOKA. #FlyHumanFlyĚýĚý

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It’s mid-July and stupid hot where I live in Boulder, Colorado (and in virtually every other part of the country). While I’d love to spend all day every day by a beach or in the water wearing a bikini—like these I tested over the past six weeks—there’s reality. Aside from societal norms asking me not to wear a bikini to the post office and the impracticality of not having pockets, there’s the fiery ball in the sky threatening things like skin cancer and heat exhaustion. Since I can’t live life in a bathing suit, I’ve honed in on a few practical pieces of gear to help me survive the summer swelter in other ways.

Paka Sol Hoodie

My answer to not living by a beach in the summer is to head to the mountains for a run or hike with girlfriends or my dog. I’m desperate for cooler air, big trees, and mountain lakes (that I often jump into mid-run). Even when the temperature is 65 degrees and rising quickly at the trailhead parking lot, I’ve been pulling on or packing the Paka Sol Hoodie. The shirt is 30 UPF-rated and covers my arms, chest, and upper back which are usually bare and just begging for sun damage. When it’s in hoodie mode, even the sides of my face are shielded.

Aside from the sun protection, the extremely soft material—a blend of Tencel, nylon, spandex, and Royal Alpaca wool—makes me wish the weather would not reach the 90s in town so I could wear this thing all the time. When the temps do change this fall, I’ll be wearing the Paka Sol Hoodie for camping, sports watching, and hanging out on cool autumn days.

Unlike most midlayers that provide similar coziness, however, the Sol hoodie is super thin, packable, lightweight, and highly breathable, making it a favorite summer piece as well. I usually run hot, but while friends are shedding their sun hoodies mid-run, I remain comfortable in the Paka Sol Hoodie until the temps climb to 70-something degrees. I like to start my mountain runs with it on, shed it for the heat of the day, and pull it back on after I’ve jumped in a lake for the run back to the car.

SunBum Signature SPF 50 Tinted Sunscreen Face Stick

I am a woman who spends a lot of time being active outside, and I’m no longer a teenager, so I need to protect my skin to keep from looking like my teenage sons’ grandmother. I’m also someone who cares deeply for the ocean and the coral reefs I’ve seen deteriorate over my lifetime—deterioration that is traced to the sunscreens we wear. There’s also proving toxic sunscreen ingredients affect freshwater eco-systems and all animal life. So it’s not just the reefs we need to worry about with our sunscreen choices, it’s all water.

I’ve been on the lookout for a lightly tinted mineral sunscreen face stick that doesn’t feel sticky and gross and avoids toxic ingredients avobenzene and octinoxate. This stick from SunBum feels light and smooth, not thick and heavy. I’ve sweat and swum plenty while wearing it, and it seemed to stay on just fine, with no burns to report. The tint is just enough to even out some sunspots that I swear weren’t there yesterday and I love the grab-and-go, fit-in-a-pocket size and slender shape. Plus, being a mineral (zinc oxide) sunscreen, it’s compliant with Hawaii Act 104, which banned the sale and distribution of sunscreens containing octinoxate and oxybenzone. Don’t need SPF 50? An SPF 30 clear version is also available.

Rabbit Hydration Trail Bra

Did I mention that it’s been high-90s in Boulder, and that there’s no ocean here? Since I can’t escape to the mountains every day, I sometimes have to run in the heat, even if I get up early (which I kind of don’t).

To beat the heat, I’ve recently been running with something that makes me look both like someone with a protrusion on her back and the smartest runner out there: a hydration bra. The Rabbit Hydration Trail Bra comes with a small (250mL) HydraPak soft flask and a dedicated stretchy pocket at mid-back. Brilliant. I can carry a little water comfortably and hands-free without wearing a pack or belt.Ěý When I plan ahead, I’ve been sticking the full flask in the refrigerator or freezer for a short time before shoving it in the pocket and heading out to run. This helps to keep me cool—something you don’t get when wearing a hydration vest.

I don’t have the most flexible shoulders, but can still access the flask mid-run no problem. Returning it to the pocket requires me to slow my pace and shove, but I don’t have to stop completely. I imagine some runners will be able to do this easily, though others might have to focus and stretch harder.

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To those who don’t run, calling the act of running “fun” can seem absurd. Even for those who do understand, it’s not easy to define or explain. In the most basic sense, it’s just fun to move playfully through the world—running wherever you are—with just a pair of shoes and your body. You feel capable. Free.

And that fun extends beyond me. I met my husband through running. I’ve shared running with the people I love, my two sons, and my dog. My running friends, who I’m eternally grateful to have, are like family. Running forges those bonds. It presents events and opportunities to strengthen those connections, while also constantly introducing me to new people. It’s a part of who I am.

So it’s worth a moment to say thank you, running, for all that you’ve given and continue to give me and the others who share your benefits.

You are a sport, an activity, a lifestyle, a need. You’re something I used to avoid as a high school high jumper, hiding behind the foam pits during the two-lap team warm-up. You’re something I learned to love the summer before college, making myself run on the beach in San Diego, training to walk onto my college volleyball team. You’re what I fell back on when I walked off that volleyball team the following spring after juggling volleyballs on the sidelines proved to be not all that fun.

But then I discovered that running was fun. During college, I ran on ocean bluffs and sandy beaches. I jumped into the cold Pacific to wash off the sweat and relish the post-run feeling that you can’t get from doing anything else. I craved the motion, and I loved how running made me feel.

I still do.

Now I run on trails crossing foothills and peaks of the Rocky Mountains and on the roads and paths of Boulder, Colorado. In this special town that truly values running, the culture and community that comes with running provides so much: friends, work, adventure, energy, fun.

The sense of gratitude I feel also has many layers, which made me wonder how others felt about the sport. I wanted to understand the varied benefits that runners experience, so when I started asking a simple question: “Why are you thankful to running?” The depth of emotion impressed me most. Responses ranged from the practical to the metaphysical. I collected thoughtful reflections from a diverse set of runners, each with their unique take on what the sport offers them. The next time you wallow in that push-pull cocktail of runner’s high and exhaustion, consider the collective gratitude below and perhaps take an extra moment to reflect.

Ana Wallin, 20, University of Oregon Campus Running Tour ambassador and student—on the mental clarity found in running:

“Running is a great way to clear your head. No one can really bother you when you’re running. You can just say, ‘I’m going for a run,’ turn your phone off, and go as far as you want. Sometimes I go out for a mile, and then it’s so pretty out, I keep going for five. I have seen a lot more of Eugene this year than I have in the past two years combined because of running, so I’m thankful to the sport for that.”

, 27, holds the South African record in the 5,000m and 10,000m, and recently raced the 5,000 at a after six weeks of training, only to wake up on race day with a head cold:

“What I love about this sport is that no matter how prepared you think you are, it can fall apart at any moment. Or, you can have the breakthrough of your life. That risk/reward element is incredibly exciting. Yes, some days are challenging getting out of bed to do that early morning workout, and stressful because I challenge myself constantly to improve, but it’s all worth it. Even on my most adverse days, I find joy in the dusty trails with birds chirping everywhere. This simple sport that requires hard work and many miles is rewarding in a way that’s beyond comprehension. It allows me to be better than what I was the day, the month, or the year before.”

, 41, on how running provides perspective and helps him use his voice and story (eight years sober, seven years running) as a podcast host (, , ):

“Running has reminded me of three things that are hard to remember at times: We are all in this together. We can accomplish great things if we do the work and trust the process. And the key to life and running: Be where your feet are.”

, 35, professional runner who also works full-time and chases a 3-year-old, on the value of carving out adventure time:

“My favorite days of training are when I get hours to go explore: seeing a mountain peak in the distance and figuring out a way to its summit. There’s nothing that compares to the feelings of freedom and accomplishment you get atop a mountain peak. Not to mention self-confidence. When I can navigate stressful, technical scrambling routes and safely make it back to the car in one piece, I always feel a deep sense of achievement and pride for staying calm and making good decisions.”

Jeanette Scotti, 50, elementary school librarian and everyday trail runner:

“I’m grateful that running keeps me in shape for adult-league soccer and for life in general!”

, 50, a three-time Hardrock 100 winner (10-time finisher) and 2012 Grand Slam of Ultrarunning winner, on her gratitude for the running community of friends she’s made over the years:

“In ultrarunning specifically, you form a special bond because you know a different kind of suffering. Running is also the way I stay connected to nature—it reminds me to stay present and focus on what’s right in front of me at all times.”

Lloyd Kahn, 90, who knows resilience after recently running the grueling, rugged 7.4-mile Dipsea trail race in Marin County, California—not to mention surfing and swimming in the frigid waters of the San Francisco Bay:

“Running develops character. It really hurts in various stages. When I get down and see the finish, I’m like, ‘How am I ever going to make it to the finish line?’ If you go through that, you come out stronger.”

, 43, ultrarunner and immigration lawyer who, through her nonprofit, Touching Land, uses hands-on experiences like running to :

“I’ve seen running help immigrants and refugees feel a sense of belonging in the U.S. Running provides a place where, with fellow runners, we can share tears of joy and vulnerability, a place where we celebrate green cards and PRs, but especially a place where our humanity can build our sense of community.”

Aidan Reed, 28, 2024 winner of and 2025 fifth-place professional race and fifth-place USATF 10-Mile National Championships, on developing the sense of self, purpose, and community through running:

“Through running, I’ve been fortunate to meet some of the most important people in my life and travel to places I probably wouldn’t have traveled otherwise. Ultimately, running has given me an identity as I move through the world; it’s the lens through which I understand who I am.”

Beth Smith, 52, private wealth adviser and mom, on balancing running with life chasing teens, clients, and PRs:

“After a run, I either solve the world’s problems or I forget what the original problem was. Both are wins.”

, 40, cultural strategist and filmmaker (including , 2025), climate advocate, and runner, on the healing, wellness, and growth in running:

“In the last five years, running has become a core part of who I am—a way to explore interconnectedness between self, culture, and place. Sometimes it’s moving meditation. Sometimes it’s processing grief. Sometimes it’s pure joy in finding the right relations [with the natural world]. Often, it’s all of the above.”

HOKA is one of the fastest-growing performance footwear and apparel brands in history. Conceived in the mountains, HOKA footwear delivers an unprecedented combination of enhanced cushioning and support for a uniquely smooth ride. Every day, HOKA pushes the innovation and design of its footwear and apparel by teaming up with a deep roster of world champions, taste makers and everyday athletes. From finish lines to everyday life, HOKA fans love the brand for its bold and unexpected approach, and its belief in the power of humanity to create change for a better world. HOKA empowers a world of athletes to fly over the earth. For more information, visit or follow @HOKA. #FlyHumanFlyĚýĚý

The post Thank You, Running appeared first on šú˛úłÔšĎşÚÁĎ Online.

Finding the right pair of road running shoes can invigorate—or reinvigorate—anyone’s relationship with running. Shoe technology is constantly evolving. With lighter weight, springier midsole foams, comfort-enhancing upper materials, novel shapes that add stability, and embedded plates for increased efficiency, there are more great shoes on the market than ever to meet the demands of an incredibly wide range of runners.

The multitude of choices, however, can lead to decision paralysis. To help you find the best running shoe for your specific needs, we’ve tested more than 100 pairs of new and updated models with a diverse team of over 20 testers. Whatever your current goals may be—learn to love running or best your marathon PR—our guide is here to help.

Updated July 2025: We’ve tested and selected new models in four out of 14 categories, naming new shoes for Best Lightweight Trainer, Best for Recovery Runs, Best Natural Ride, and Best All-around Stability Shoe—and updated prices and availability for all the shoes in the guide.

At a Glance

Training Shoes

• Best All-Around: Asics Novablast 5 ($140)
• Best Cushioned Trainer: Nike Vomero 18 ($150)
• Best Distance Trainer: Brooks Glycerin Max ($165)
• Best Value: Brooks Launch 11 ($120)
• Best Lightweight Trainer: Adidas Adizero Evo SL ($150)
• Best Super Trainer: Nike Zoom Fly 6 ($170)
• Best for Recovery Runs: Hoka Bondi 9 ($175)
• Best Natural Ride: Topo Athletic Cyclone 3 ($155)

Stability Shoes

• Best All-Around: Asics GEL-Kayano 32 ($165)
• Best Plush Stability: Puma ForeverRun Nitro 2 ($150)
• Best Lightweight Stability: Brooks Hyperion GTS 2 ($140)

Racing Shoes

• Best Marathon Racer: Nike Alphafly 3 ($285)
• Runner-Up Marathon Racer: Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 ($275)
• Best For Shorter Road Races: Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 ($250)

Trail Running Shoes

Tips and How We Test

• How to Choose a Road Running Shoe
• How We Test
• Meet Our Lead Testers

Best Training Shoes

Best All-Around

Asics Novablast 5

Weight: 9 oz (men), 7.9 oz (women)
Stack Height: 41.5–33.5 mm (men’s); 40.5–32.5 mm (women’s)
Drop: 8 mm
Sizing: 6-13, 14, 15 (men’s), 5-12 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Great weight-to-cushioning ratio
⊕ Smooth ride
⊗ Poor outsole grip in slick conditions

Versatile, cushioned, and responsive, few shoes check as many boxes as the ASICS Novablast 5. Underfoot, ASICS upgraded the midsole to FF Blast Max, a polyolefin-based compound that’s a touch softer and bouncier than its predecessor. Testers praised it for its “plush experience” and “lively and energetic feel underfoot.” The shoe delivers a buttery smooth ride with a noticeable poppy feeling most everyday trainers lack. Despite the thick stack of foam underfoot, the Novablast 5 remains surprisingly nimble for an everyday trainer. While it’s not our first choice for dedicated speedwork, it handles uptempo efforts better than any other daily trainer we tested. The ride is also surprisingly stable thanks to the wide base and the responsiveness of the foam, which saves it from feeling squishy.

The fit, which is true to size, remains largely unchanged from the Novablast 4. Testers appreciated the new stitch-free engineered jacquard mesh upper, noting it felt a touch softer, improving overall comfort. Straight out of the box, the Novablast 5 felt run-ready with no break-in required.

One area that could be improved is the outsole. In an effort to keep the weight down, ASICS skimped on the rubber. This didn’t affect traction on dry surfaces, but one tester noted that he lacked confidence in the shoe during cold and wet runs. “It’s not slick, but it doesn’t grip,” he said.

We rarely suggest one shoe that would work for every runner, but the ASICS Novablast 5 is a standout that just about anyone would appreciate for almost any type of run.

Best Cushioned Trainer

Nike Vomero 18

Weight: 11.5 oz (men), 9.3 oz (women)
Stack Height: 46–36 mm
Drop: 10 mm
Sizing: 6-13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 (men’s), 5-12 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Outstanding stability for such a tall shoe
⊕ Extremely comfortable
⊗ Heavy, slow

When it comes to adding volume to running shoe midsoles, more isn’t always better. Sometimes more is just more. That’s not the case with the Vomero 18. With an added six millimeters of foam underfoot, everything about this shoe exudes comfort. Holding the title as Nike’s most thickly cushioned running shoe to date, the Vomero 18 features a dual-density midsole that pairs a new version of Nike React X—which Nike claims has 13 percent more energy return—with a new, TPE-based ZoomX foam. React X, the firmer, more durable layer, delivers structure and support on the bottom, while the softer, more responsive ZoomX sits on top for a bouncier ride. The pairing delivered a smooth, cushioned ride that testers found both plush and surprisingly stable for such a high-stack shoe.

Nike didn’t just add more cushioning underfoot—the revamped engineered mesh upper also receives a healthy dose of padding for all-day comfort. The downside to all this plushness is that the Vomero 18 tipped the scales at 11.5 ounces for men and 9.2 ounces for women, making it the heaviest shoe we tested. While they are well balanced and don’t feel like weights on your feet, testers did note the shoe is best suited for everyday, easy, comfortable runs.

Best Distance Trainer

Brooks Glycerin Max

Weight: 10.5 oz (men), 9.5 oz (women)
Stack Height: 45–39 mm
Drop: 6 mm
Sizing: 7-13, 14, 15 (men’s), 5-12 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Tuned midsole is both soft and responsive
⊕ Wide platform keeps tall midsole stable
⊗ Feels somewhat bulky

The Brooks Glycerin has long been Brooks’ premium highly cushioned everyday trainer. However, with stack heights increasing across the industry, its 38mm/28mm profile no longer stands out as a true max-cushioned option for long-distance running. Enter the Glycerin Max, which is Brooks’ highest-stacked shoe to date but manages to not feel overly tall.

Brooks’ new DNA Tuned midsole starts with its familiar nitrogen-infused EVA-based compound, but instead of being a consistent density throughout, the foam has different-sized cell structures in different locations, making it softer on the outside of the heel and firmer and more responsive on the inside of the heel and throughout the forefoot. “The result is a high-cushion shoe that I found doesn’t wallow and allows the foot to engage as it rolls through the stride, making it a shoe that I, usually a max-shoe hater, wanted to wear more,” noted one tester.

Raised sidewalls and a noticeably wide base aid in creating a stable stance for such a tall shoe. To enhance a smooth roll from an otherwise inflexible sole, a rockered forefoot encourages a natural forward transition, helping maintain momentum with each stride. A rather simple engineered mesh upper, consistent with other Brooks models, provides a true-to-size fit that complements the shoe’s plush underfoot feel. All in all, the Glycerin Max coddled our feet while rolling smoothly through the miles, making us want to keep going no matter how far from home we wandered.

Best Value

Brooks Launch 11

Weight: 7.7 oz (men), 7.1 oz (women)
Stack height: 35.5–27.5 mm
Drop: 8 mm
Sizing: 7-15 (men’s), 5-12 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ A lot of bang for the buck
⊕ Foot-following fit and ride
⊕ Versatile
⊗ Narrow for some

It is not easy to find a good running shoe for less than 125 bucks these days, but the Brooks Launch 11 is an exception. The Launch 11 may not offer massive cushion or a carbon or nylon plate, but we kind of love that about it. Instead of the trampoline-like ride of so many other shoes on the market right now, the Launch 11 provides a classic, almost old-school vibe by allowing groundfeel while still offering a little bouncy rebound. Paired with an upper that conforms around and moves with your feet, plus looks great, we think this shoe gives a range of runners great bang for their buck.

With this update to the Launch, Brooks added 1.5 millimeters more lightweight, responsive cushioning (Brooks nitrogen-infused DNA Flash foam) under the heel and 2.5 millimeters more under the forefoot, with an insert of even lighter and springier DNA Flash 2. This gives the Launch 11 a higher stack height but a lower heel-toe offset (eight millimeters instead of 10) than the Launch 10. We found this update super comfortable and more than capable for everything from daily miles at a cruisy pace to shorter, faster efforts, and even allowed us to dance nimbly over tame trails. One tester noted that this shoe feels “light and springy and propels you forward,” while another called it “downright snappy.” Another tester gave the $120 Launch 11 a score of 10 out of 10, raving that it has “one of the best sneaker fits so far” for her narrow foot, with “all the bells and whistles needed.” Some other testers, however, found the fit too narrow.

Best Lightweight Trainer

Adidas Adizero EVO SL

Weight: 7.9 oz (men), 6.6 oz (women)
Stack Height: 39-32 mm (men’s), 36-30 mm (women’s)
Drop: 7 mm (men’s), 6 mm (women’s)
Sizing: 6.5–15 (men’s), 5-12 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Smooth at any pace
⊕ Excellent balance between cushioning and responsiveness
⊕ Lightweight and nimble
⊗ Toe box can feel wide
⊗ Thin laces can be hard to tie

A great lightweight trainer is the ideal one-shoe quiver: nimble enough for speed workouts yet providing enough cushioning and support for daily mileage. Of all the shoes we tested, the Adidas Evo SL nailed this versatility better than any other. “It strikes a nice balance between cushioning and responsiveness,” said one tester.

At the core of the Evo SL’s excellence is a thick slab of Adidas’ gas-infused TPEE foam called Lightstrike Pro, the same high-energy midsole used in their flagship racing shoe, the Adios Pro 3. Testers described the foam as soft but not squishy, with a lively, more responsive feel. Regardless of pace, the Evo SL’s ride is buttery smooth, with a gentle, flexible forefoot rocker that is absent of Energy Rods—Adidas’s version of a carbon-fiber propulsion plate— making it more versatile for different strides. “The shoe rolls really well and does a great job returning energy and propelling me forward,” said a tester.

The clean-looking mesh upper, accentuated by oversized versions of Adidas’ signature three stripes, offers a surprising level of structure for such a lightweight shoe, especially through the heel, and provides excellent lockdown through the midfoot. A few testers, however, noted that the toebox felt slightly wide.

Still, the Evo SL delivers great performance at a price that’s hard to beat. “Great for fast days without breaking the bank,” summed up one tester.

Best Super Trainer

Nike Zoom Fly 6

Weight: 9.3 oz (men), 7.7 oz (women)
Stack height: 40–32 mm
Drop: 8 mm
Sizing: 6-15 (men’s), 5-12 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Works for a variety of runners
⊕ Performs at a variety of paces
⊗ Can feel funky when heel striking

By definition, supertrainers combine racing technology with more durable elements. The Zoom Fly 6 borrows ZoomX, Nike’s premium Pebax midsole foam, from the lauded Vaporfly super shoe racer. But while the Vaporfly 3 (and Alphafly 3) are solely built with ZoomX cushioning, the Zoom Fly 6 adds a bottom layer of more stable and durable EVA foam, making it a daily trainer built to last day in and day out. The Zoom Fly 6 also has a wider profile to feel less tippy than the raceday rockets, and a lower stack height which allows greater connection to the ground.

While the previous version of the Zoom Fly could feel thick and chunky on the foot, the 6 is lean and streamlined. We found it felt light and fast on tempo runs or when doing speedwork, and stable and comfortable on longer, slower runs, although the heel-toe transition is less smooth when heel striking at an easy pace.

The carbon plate sandwiched between the two layers of foam, which feels slightly less rigid and aggressively rockered than that in the Zoom Fly’s racing siblings, seemed to stabilize the ride and save energy. The texturized rubber outsole does a great job gripping dry or wet roads, and even feels capable on smooth dirt. The woven mesh upper is comfortable and breathable, and the partially gusseted tongue cradles the foot. The Zoom Fly 6 feels capable and fun for daily miles, but is no slouch as a race-day choice either.

Runners who don’t want to fork more than $250 for a race-only super shoe may just fall in love with the Zoom Fly 6, as many of our testers did.

Best For Recovery Runs

Hoka Bondi 9

Weight: 10.5 oz (men), 9.3 oz (women)
Stack Height: 43-38 mm (men), 42-37 mm (women)
Drop: 5 mm
Sizing: 7-16 (men’s), 4-12 (women’s); D, 2E, 4E widths

Pros and Cons
⊕ Upgraded, livelier midsole
⊕ Plush upper
⊗ Stiff sole

When your legs are still aching from yesterday’s run, few things feel better than slipping into a pair of thick-soled running shoes with a plush, cushioned upper—something just like the Hoka Bondi 9. For this version, Hoka completely overhauled the midsole, adding two millimeters of stack height and replacing the standard EVA foam found in the Bondi 8 with a new supercritical (gas-infused) EVA compound. The result? A softer, more responsive ride.

We were pleasantly surprised to find the Bondi 9 had a speedy streak that we would not expect from such a thick-soled shoe. One longtime Bondi tester described the updated version as more plush and squishy, with a sole that feels noticeably less stiff than the previous version. Another noted the new foam felt livelier and springier. While it’s still not a shoe we’d pull for speed sessions, it made recovery runs feel a little peppier.

Hoka incorporates strategically placed flex grooves, carved into the outsole and bottom of the midsole, to promote smooth transitions and enhance flexibility throughout the gait cycle. That said, compared to most running shoes, we still found the Bondi 9 to have one of the least flexible soles. But Hoka’s signature rocker shape, which allows the foot to roll forward without bending, compensates for this, and the shoe delivered a smoothly flowing ride from heel-strike to toe-off.

The engineered mesh upper is generously padded around the heel collar and tongue, providing a secure and comfortable wrap around the foot. One tester praised the extra cushioning, noting that it made the shoe fit better. On that note, all agreed that the Bondi 9 runs true to size.

If you’re looking for the classic plush and protected Hoka ride, the Bondi 9 delivers. “It’s got all the right bells and whistles of a true Hoka,” said one tester.

Best Natural Ride

Topo Athletic Cyclone 3

Weight: 6.9 oz (men’s), 5.5 oz (women’s)
Stack height: 28–23 mm
Drop: 5 mm
Sizing: 8-13 (men’s), 6-11 (wome’ns)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Extremely lightweight
⊕ Comfortable toe space with secure foothold
⊕ Excellent ground feel combined with bouncy cushioning
⊗ Best limited to short runs for most

Topo Athletic shoes are known for their roomy toe box, which provides ample wiggle room and allows for natural foot movement, while also offering a secure midfoot and heel hold. The Cyclone 3 lives up to that reputation. We felt, in fact, that the foot hold and comfort of the Cyclone 2 was improved upon here. And in an era where the vast majority of shoes boast massive amounts of midsole foam and rigid propulsion plates, the Cyclone 3 unapologetically keeps things simple with a thin, flexible layer of premium Pebax foam.

This shoe may have one of the lowest stack heights available on the market (short of minimalist models), but the Pebax midsole still provides springy cushioning that one tester said makes you want to run faster: “When you put it on you feel like you can take off quicker than expected. It’s an easy-going ride.” Another noted, “As the foam compresses, I feel a connection with the ground without being harsh, and when it bounces back, it seems to enhance the power of my push-off.”

We credit the Cyclone 3’s easy forward roll to its incredibly light weight, rockered geometry, great flexibility, and midsole pop. “This reminds me of an old-school, lightweight, flexible shoe for speed and racing,” said a tester.

We found the airy upper ideal for summer running, whether in the hot and dry climate of Colorado, thick humidity of Virginia, or tropical vibes of Hawaii. And because of its feather weight, flexibility, and versatility, the Cyclone 3 is a great choice for traveling: it packs easily and is equally adept whether running on the soft surfaces of a beach or a concrete bike trail.

Best Stability Shoes

Best All-Around Stability Shoe

Asics Gel-Kayano 32

Weight: 10.6 oz (men), 9.0 oz (women)
Stack height: 40–32 mm (men’s), 39–31 mm (women’s)
Drop: 8 mm
Sizing: 6-16 (men’s), 5-13 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Reliably stable
⊕ Plush cushioning
⊗ On the heavier side

Two Kayanos ago, Asics ditched the traditional medial post with a more forgiving, smoother-running geometry and foam combination to achieve stability for those who need it. The Kayano 31 built on the success of the 30, and the Kayano 32 is even better. This is a plush, well-cushioned, supportive shoe that can take overpronators from mile one to 26, and through all of their long-run training miles. It’s not a lightweight, speedy shoe, but it doesn’t claim to be.

Stability comes from a wide, flared sole and a soft, bouncy insert under the arch designed to reduce how long a runner’s foot is in a pronated position. “The shoe feels supportive under the midfoot, but not firm,” said one tester. “It allows my foot to move naturally, then rebounds under the arch and provides a pleasant push-back as I roll onto my toes.” The cushioning, while feeling slightly firmer and more responsive than that in the 31, remains plush—long gone are the days of overpronators having to wear a blocky, stiff shoe.

This version is updated with two millimeters more foam under the forefoot, reducing the heel-toe drop for a more balanced stance, making the forefoot rocker more pronounced, and delivering more comfort over the long haul. Plus, it gets a better-fitting tongue. “I found the fit and feel of the shoe to be great,” said a tester. “The gusseted tongue wraps a bit nicer than in the past, and the slightly thinner material is more sock-like so there are no pressure points.”

Final verdict: The Kayano32 is protective without feeling overbearing. This tried-and-true model has evolved, and continues to impress.

Best Plush Stability

Puma ForeverRun Nitro 2

Weight: 10.4 oz (men), 8.1 oz (women)
Stack height: 38–28 mm
Drop: 10 mm
Sizing: 7-13, 14 (men’s), 6-11 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Soft and smooth
⊕ Stable without feeling controlling
⊗ Toe box uncomfortable for some

The Puma ForeverRun Nitro 2’s significant stack of nitrogen-infused TPE foam underfoot and a wide forefoot silhouette make this feel like a lot of shoe. This thing is plush. But for that much cush this shoe comes in at a reasonable weight and offers a forgiving, comfortable ride.

Testers found the foam—a combination of a softer core surrounded by a firmer perimeter —to feel great underfoot, noting that the shoe ran “smooth and easy.” That’s not a description that comes easy for a stability shoe, and makes the ForeverRun Nitro 2 stand out. Complementing the underfoot cush is a premium engineered mesh upper that eliminates interior seams (aside from the partially gusseted tongue, which adds midfoot hold) to provide a welcoming step-in feel.Ěý The secure heel hold with a stabilizing external heel clip gives way to a narrow/secure-fitting midfoot, then splays out to a wide forefoot geometry that seems to add inherent stability throughout the gait cycle.

Despite the wide forefoot shape at the base, some testers craved more room on the interior, noting a feeling of crammed toes. But overall, the ForeverRun Nitro 2 is a great option for those seeking a combination of stability and cushioning in a good-looking shoe.

See our full round-up of stability shoes

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HOKA Clifton 9 Running Shoe

Need a light, plush shoe for your everyday miles? Meet the HOKA Clifton 9. HOKA added more foam underfoot yet somehow dropped ounces to give increased shock absorption at a lower weight, making the ride smoother and your stride freer. The strategically placed rubber zones ensure this pair holds strong against the rigors of a daily trainer, while the articulated heel collar keeps you locked in mile after mile.

Best Lightweight Stability

Brooks Hyperion GTS 2

Weight: 7.6 oz (men’s), 6.9 oz (women’s)
Stack Height: 31.5–23.5 mm
Drop: 8 mm
Sizing: Men’s 7–15; Women’s 5–12

Pros and Cons
⊕ Lightweight
⊕ Low-profile, agile-feeling, and supportive ride
⊕ Highly breathable upper
⊗ Can feel too squishy in the heel for some

We loved the first-iteration Hyperion GTS for its lightweight comfort and springy, nitrogen-infused cushioning that one tester described as “fun and fast.” The second version is updated with a new midsole compound—nitrogen-infused DNA Flash v2—which Brooks says is lighter weight and more responsive than its predecessor. We concur—one tester described it as “snappy,” while another remarked on how it seems to push back while compressing and offers impressive rebound.

The GTS 2 still features stabilizing guide rails along the sides of the heel—a raised extension of the midsole foam on the outside, a firmer TPU piece on the inside—to help reduce heel shift and rotation for runners whose stride strays excessively inward or outward, especially towards the end of their run as a result of fatigue.

We appreciated the feeling of support while still being able to run smoothly and speedily when we wanted to up the effort. “I’d definitely speed train in these,” said a tester. “They’re responsive, nimble, and light.” These shoes are ideal for any runner looking for a daily trainer or racer that gives them a connected ground feel without being minimal. The cushioning is noticeable and lively, while the stability features are discreet. “I found these easy to run in at any speed,” said one. “They’re very responsive to whatever I feel like doing in them.”

See our full round-up of stability shoes

Best Racing Shoes

Best Marathon Racer

Nike Alphafly 3

Weight: 7.8 oz (men), 6.2 oz (women)
Stack Height: 40–32 mm
Drop: 8 mm
Sizing: 6-15 (men’s), 5-12 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Bouncy, trampoline-like ride
⊕ Works for a wide range of runners
⊕ Lighter weight than previous versions of the AlphaFly
⊗ Heel can feel unstable
⊗ Can be hard to find in specific sizes

We’ve run in all three versions of the AlphaFly to date and think this third iteration is a great update. Subtle adjustments to the shoe’s geometry, including a wider footprint and carbon fiber plate, paired with repositioned Air Zoom units and strategically sculpted midsole, give the Alphafly 3 a distinctly different feel from its predecessor, which many found heavy and clunky compared to the original. This shoe again feels bouncy, fun, and fast.

Complementing the cush and rebound of ZoomX (Pebax) foam and Air Zoom units (pockets of compressed air and tensile threads) is a full-length carbon fiber plate that gives the shoe extra snap and adds a touch of appreciated stability that even the most efficient runners can benefit from when fatigued (marathon, anyone?). One of our more competitive testers praised the Alphafly 3 for its bouncy, energy-saving ride and says she’ll wear no other shoe for races longer than 10 miles. Another speedy tester noted, “Even running as fast as 5k pace, I found the Alphafly responded quickly, encouraging a fast turnover.” Some slower runners noted, however, that landing on the Alphafly’s sculpted heel can create a feeling of instability until the plate is engaged at the midfoot roll.

The upper of the Alphafly 3 is a lightweight, super-breathable mesh with an integrated tongue and thin, notched laces that pull tight and stay tied. Our feet were comfortable and secure without any pressure points on top of the ready-to-fly platform. We love that this shoe got lighter than its previous versions, which adds to its race-readiness.

Read our full review of the Alphafly 3. .

Runner-Up Marathon Racer

Saucony Endorphin Elite 2

Weight: 7.0 oz (men)
Stack height: 39.5–31.5 mm
Drop: 8 mm
Sizing: 3.5-14 (men’s/unisex)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Fast and springy
⊕ Secure foothold
⊗ Slightly unstable

Talk about an overhaul. This second iteration of the Saucony Elite could not be more different than the first. The primary reason is the underfoot feel of Saucony’s new, proprietary midsole material made out of TPEE that they’re calling “IncrediRUN” foam. While the original Elite’s midsole felt until compressed powerfully, the Elite 2’s midsole feels wildly squishy and unstable when walking or slow jogging in the shoe. But, as one tester noted, “Once I started to pick up the pace, the foam firmed up and became insanely responsive.” With a stack height that falls just within legal limits for a marathon-racing shoe, that massive amount of rebounding foam—combined with a carbon fiber plate that’s slotted in the forefoot for flexibility (the same plate as in the original Saucony Elite) and an aggressive toe spring—makes this shoe beg for speed.

The upper has also been drastically updated, and we dig it. A combination of knit and mesh plus an airy knit tongue makes the shoe highly breathable. Testers found the heel collar and areas underneath the TPU overlays a bit warmer, but loved the secure heel fit paired with a roomier toe box. This is a fast, fun, lively shoe for race day.

Fit notes: We found this shoe to run a bit short. Also, the heel collar comes up high enough that a longer-than-no-show sock is needed.

Best For Shorter Road Races

Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4

Weight: 7.1 oz (men), 6.1 oz (women)
Stack Height: 39–33 mm
Drop: 6 mm
Sizing: 6-13.5, 14.5 (men’s), 5-12 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Soft, bouncier midsole than previous versions
⊕ Great fitting, comfortable upper
⊗ Less stability and ground feel than previous versions

For short road races like the 5k and 10k you need a shoe that’s lively, explosive, and ready to roll. The new Adios Pro is all that. “Unlike the Pro 3, which felt more like a cruising shoe, the Pro 4 actively pushed you forward,” one tester remarked, adding that “it makes fast paces feel easier.” To achieve this, Adidas overhauled the Adios Pro 4 from top to bottom. Previously recognized as one of the firmer and more stable super shoes, it now joins the ranks of softer, bouncier super racers built for maximum cushioning and energy return. The newly formulated midsole is noticeably softer and bouncier.

Adidas’ signature energy rods are still embedded in the midsole, adding a bit of rigidity to the squish and roll. The start of the rocker, however, has been shifted backward, from 70 to 60 percent of the distance from heel to toe. When building their ultralight, high-performing race model, the , Adidas’ designers learned that the longer rocker engages the foot earlier in the stride and benefits forefoot and midfoot runners, enabling a smoother transition from midfoot to toe-off. Testers noted the change, with one saying, “This shoe allows you to push off of your toe a lot easier than other shoes, which gives that fast feel.”

Substantial improvements were also made to the upper, which is now crafted of a one-way stretch-woven upper material that’s incredibly soft and form-fitting. Testers loved how it adapted to their foot’s shape, providing a secure, locked-in feel for total control. “The upper disappears on my foot in the best way possible,” remarked one.

“The Pro 4 is lighter, bouncier, and responsive than the Pro 3—a huge step up.” Unfortunately, those who liked the firmer, more stable and grounded feel of the Pro 3 may feel differently.

How to Choose a Running Shoe

When choosing a road running shoe, the first step is to determine the type of running you’ll primarily be doing in them. Do you need a speedy racer, a shoe that offers comfort during long, slow jogs, or a versatile trainer that can handle various distances and paces?

Next, consider your preference for the feel of the shoe’s cushioning: do you like a soft, forgiving ride, a more energetic, bouncy sensation underfoot, or a firmer platform that provides better ground feel? With advancements in foams and technologies, many shoes today offer cushioning without compromising responsiveness or stability. However, each shoe balances these characteristics differently, providing a spectrum of options to choose from. The key to finding the perfect running shoe is choosing the one you’re most comfortable with.

Once you’ve narrowed the search to a certain type of road shoe, you need to find a pair that complements your unique body and stride. Every runner’s body, gait, speed, experience, and ride preferences are different, so every runner will interact differently with each running shoe. The shoe that your best friend or your sister-in-law loves may be uncomfortable for you and make running feel slow, sluggish, or even painful. Finding the perfect pair of road running shoes is a seriously personal affair.

The process for choosing the best running shoes is a matter of finding the models that both fit your foot and also feel best when you’re running. To determine fit and feel, there’s no substitute for trying the shoes on and running in them.

Fit: Match Your Foot Shape

When assessing fit, first pay attention to length. You need room at the end of your toes as your feet lengthen during their dynamic movements on the run. A rule of thumb is to allow a thumb’s width between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. Runners often wear a running shoe a half or full size bigger than their street shoes.

Ensure that the shape of the sole and the upper matches your foot shape. The sole should be as wide or wider than your foot for the whole length, and match the curve of your arch comfortably. The shoe should hold your foot securely over the instep, while allowing the ball of the foot and the toes to splay and flex when you roll forward onto them. Your heel shouldn’t slip when you lift it, and the arch should be able to dome and lengthen naturally. Nothing should bind or rub as you roll through the stride.

Feel: Match Your Movement Path

If the shoe fits, it’s time to take them on a short run on a treadmill, around the store, or, ideally, down the block and back. Every running shoe has a unique ride created by the type and density of foam in the midsole and the geometry of that foam: its thickness, width, heel-to-toe drop, molded sidewalls or flares, and forefoot flexibility or rocker shape (plus, in an increasing number of models, the presence of and type of embedded plate). Each of these elements interact with each other and your stride to determine how the shoe reacts on landing, how much it cushions, how stably it supports, how smoothly it transitions from landing to toe off, and how quickly and powerfully it rebounds.

The best way to choose the shoes that complement your body and stride is to find the ones that feel right on the run. Benno Nigg, the world-leading biomechanics professor who , calls it the “comfort filter,” but makes clear it is far more than how plush the shoe feels when you step into it. What you want to assess is whether the shoe allows and supports the way your feet want to move, what Nigg calls your “preferred movement path.” In the right shoe, while running at your normal pace, you will touch down where you expect to land, roll smoothly and stably through the stride without noticing the shoe, feel both cushioned from and connected to the ground, and push off naturally, quickly, and powerfully. When this comes together you’ll know that you’ve found your pair.

It’s likely that several shoes will feel good on your feet. To find the most comfortable, it helps to compare them back to back, like an eye doctor will do with corrective lenses: flipping between “A” or “B,” “1” or “2.” You may also find that different shoes feel better at different paces or level of fatigue, and you may want more than one pair. In fact, research shows that wearing a variety of different shoes is one of the few to reduce injury risk as it appears to vary the stresses on your feet and joints.

What About Injury Prevention?

Running shoes have long been marketed and sold as prescriptive devices to help runners stay healthy, but there is correlating shoes, or any specific shoe properties—like cushioning or pronation control—with running injuries. Medical professionals say that it is highly difficult to determine whether a runner needs a certain type of shoe, and studies have shown that prescribing shoes using traditional methods like treadmill gait analyses or wet-foot arch height tests don’t consistently reduce injuries.

Don’t assume that you need more cushioning or more stability if you have sore joints, or if you’re a heavier runner, or if you’re a beginner—evidence doesn’t support many common beliefs. The best way prevent injury is find two or three different pairs that feel right on the run, ease into using them, and vary your shoes, your running surface and your pace regularly (plus avoid rapid increases in your training load and work on ).

How We Test

• Number of testers: 27
• Number of shoes tested: 119
• Number of miles: 21,000+ over a year

To test running shoes, we begin by researching every brand’s upcoming offerings for the coming season. We wind up with dozens of samples of the models (39 road shoes this season, 119 over the year) that are most promising—not just for us, but for 27 testers that range in age, ability, running form, geographical location, and preferred shoe types. We try to put each tester in models from within the same category (e.g., neutral, stability, carbon fiber, zero drop or uptempo) so everyone can compare apples-to-apples.

After three to six months of running in each model on paved roads, concrete multi-use paths, treadmills, sandy beach paths, dirt roads, and tracks at a variety of distances, paces, and weather conditions, our crew members report back with their assessments of fit, comfort, traction, cushioning, flexibility, stiffness, pop, what type of running the model is best used for, how the shoe compares to other models, and more. We also run in every shoe ourselves, and, combining all the tester feedback with years of personal experience, hone in on the best. This guide combines the best recent shoes with outstanding shoes still available from the past two test periods.

Meet Our Lead Testers

Lisa Jhung

Freelance journalist, editor, and author has researched, tested, and written about running shoes for the past decade and a half, much of that time for šú˛úłÔšĎşÚÁĎ and šú˛úłÔšĎşÚÁĎ Buyer’s Guides. She coordinates a fleet of female shoe testers out of Boulder, Colorado, and says her home office is a perpetual obstacle course of cardboard boxes and piles of running shoes. Lisa’s written about gear of all kinds for numerous national magazines as both an editor and freelancer, including a stint as the Shoes & Gear blogger and trail running microsite editor for Runner’s World.

A high school jumper and occasional sprinter/hurdler, she started running—really running—after walking off the collegiate volleyball team, and moved on to road and trail races of any distance, triathlons, adventure races, and mountain running. She’s happiest testing rugged trail shoes on gnarly terrain, and also loves a good neighborhood jaunt…but is almost always looking for ribbons of dirt. Lisa is the author of Running That Doesn’t Suck: How to Love Running (Even If You Think You Hate It) and Trailhead: The Dirt on All Things Trail Running.

Cory Smith

passion for running started over 30 years ago in high school when he became the number six ranked runner in the nation at 3000 meters his senior year. After high school, he competed at Villanova University, earning two NCAA Division I Championship showings. Today, he’s determined not to let age slow him down and competes on the national master’s circuit, running a 4:12 (4:30 mile pace)) 1500 meters and 9:04 (4:52 mile pace) 3000 meters in 2021 at age 43. He prefers a hard track workout or tempo run over an easy long run any day but also appreciates a challenging trail or mountain run.

His obsession with running shoes started in 2014 when he wrote his first shoe review for Gear Institute. Since then, he’s tested and reviewed hundreds of running shoes, clothing, and gear for šú˛úłÔšĎşÚÁĎ, Runner’s World, Footwear News, and other outlets. He has a soft spot for speedy shoes over heavy trainers but loves dissecting all shoes equally and thinking like a product engineer to explain the why behind every design detail. Cory is the Founder of , an online running coaching business, and since its inception in 2014, has coached runners’ to over 100 Boston Marathon Qualifying times.

Here’s one of °ä´Ç°ů˛â’s shoe-testing routes on MapMyRun:

Jonathan Beverly

Jonathan fell in love with running his freshman year of high school and quickly became fascinated with finding the perfect pair of running shoes. That quest got a boost when he became editor of Running Times in 2000 and started receiving every new model as they were released. The parade of shoes continued while he served as shoe editor for Runner’s World, then editor of PodiumRunner, and currently fitness gear editor at šú˛úłÔšĎşÚÁĎ. Having now worn nearly every running shoe created in this century—and a fair amount of those dating back to the early models of the ’70s—he’s given up on finding the one best and now relishes the wide variety of excellent options.

Once a 2:46 marathoner regularly doing 50+ mile weeks, recent injuries and his age have reduced his volume by about half and slowed his easy training pace to around nine-minute miles—but he says he still enjoys an uptempo workout or two each week. Beverly is the author of the book which explores how each individual’s gait—and, consequently shoe preference—is unique. He enjoys getting scientists’ take on new shoe trends and trying to describe the nuances of each shoe’s ride.

The post The Best Running Shoes for Training and Racing (Summer 2025) appeared first on šú˛úłÔšĎşÚÁĎ Online.

Having grown up a San Diego beach kid and Santa Barbara college kid, I’ve spent a lot of time in bikinis. Now that I live in Boulder, Colorado, I’m often at a community pool swimming laps, paddling on lakes or reservoirs, or playing volleyball in the sand. I also travel often to beaches where I can surf, ocean swim, and play soccer in the sand with my boys. So it was natural for me to test bikinis for active women.

I’ve always felt the right two-piece is way more comfortable—more supportive on top and less creeping on the bottom, plus cooler in summer heat—than a one-piece bathing suit. But as I’m not 20 years old anymore (far from it, actually) I’ve wondered: Do I need to retire my two-pieces and give in to a life of wearing only one-piece bathing suits? Do societal norms accept us in our 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond, baring our midriffs and wearing bikinis?

I’ve decided I don’t care. And if you also prefer bikinis over one-pieces, I’m suggesting that you don’t care, either. To help you find the best bikini for any activity, I’ve updated last summer’s list of bikinis for active women with 11 more styles that appear as either a new category winner for this season, or as a runner-up option in a key category.

At a Glance

• How I Tested Bikinis for Active Women
• Most Comfortable
• Most Coverage
• Most Secure
• Most Fashionable
• Best Value

How I Tested Bikinis for Active Women

I took a collection of bikinis for active women on family trips to Costa Rica and Hawaii. I’ve worn them surfing, swimming, bodysurfing, and playing volleyball and soccer on the beach with my teenage sons and husband. I’ve sometimes spontaneously taken off on a barefoot run on the sand at low tide while wearing these suits. I also brought the suits on a river rafting trip in Arizona where we paddled and hiked for a week, only removing our bathing suits at the end of each day, sometimes after doing cartwheels on the riverbank.

This year, I also had some suits tested by friends—who are also a bit past 20 years old, but, one could say, hyperactive. One hiked and swam in her test suits on a family trip in Switzerland. Another swam laps and lounged at the community pool in Boulder.

The following bikinis for active women have been thoroughly—and I mean thoroughly—tested over two summers. They all provide more coverage both in the rear and up top than skimpier bikinis, and they stay put whether you’re paddling out, diving for a volleyball, chasing a toddler—or racing a teenager.

Most Comfortable

Carve Designs Escondido Top

The pulls on overhead and fits like a sports bra. Though the company rates it as “light support” for A/B cups, I found it plenty supportive for a run and any other beach activity. I love the simplicity of this top. There are no hooks, loops, adjustment straps, or fasteners digging into the skin, so it’s comfortable to wear under a PFD or backpack. I also love how the fabric is a blend of 82 percent recycled polyester, made from plastic water bottles, and 18 percent spandex for stretch. I’m a big fan of companies striving to minimize plastics that end up in the ocean, especially when I’m wearing a suit to enjoy said ocean. Plus, the material is 50 UPF.

Carve Designs Pipa Compression Bottoms

The strike a great balance between modesty and style. They have decent rear-end coverage, although they’re a tad cheeky, and the material extends high enough to cover the lower belly. These bottoms stayed put while doing cartwheels, surfing, and playing in the ocean. They’re made with a compressive fabric blend: 42 percent spandex (the compressive quality), 35 percent recycled polyester, and 23 percent recycled nylon. They feel supportive in the right places without being constrictive. 50 UPF.

Most Comfortable Runner Up Top and Bottoms

Carve Designs Tofino Top

The interior shelf bra inside the makes this half-tankini (it doesn’t extend to the waist) a comfortable, supportive choice for going for a run and then jumping in the ocean for a full-on swim afterward, goggles and all. The soft v-neck front, combined with a wide-cut back, adds to the Tofino Top’s ability to work well for activities like pickleball—it’s as supportive as a shimmel-style sports bra, but the styling adds just that: style.

Carve Designs Reversible St. Barth Bottom

The strike a great balance of fit, function, and style. Fun prints (reversible with a solid color) and comfortable recycled polyester/spandex make these bottoms easy to wear. “These were chafe-free during a short trail run,” said a tester who took them on a family summer trip to Switzerland. She also wore them on a sweltering hike where she got sweaty and took a dip in the ocean. “I loved that these bottoms stayed in place,” she reported. “Perfect practical and flattering suit for a 50+ year old.”

Most Coverage

Patagonia Cami Top

The ’s high neck silhouette made me feel perfectly appropriate when driving my 13-year-old son and his friend to the local pool. It then remained comfortable when I snuck in 1600 yards of laps, and it dried in time to drive home comfortably. The racerback cut makes the top fit and stay put as well as a sports bra, while the blend of recycled nylon/recycled spandex material both looks and feels good.

Prana Baja Bound Swim Bottom

The are the most full-coverage of any other bottoms I tested, both in the rear and around the midsection as the top extends past my belly button. The wide side cut helps the material—78 percent recycled nylon, 22 percent Lycra/elastane blend—stay put for minimal creeping. A small, zippered pocket at the back holds a key or other essentials, though it kept me from wanting to do crunches or yoga poses on my back. An adjustable tie at the waist helps keep them from getting washed off my body while playing in whitewater, though I’m not sure they need it. 50 UPF.

Most Coverage Runner Up Top

Carve Designs Sanitas Compression Reversible Top

The made me feel securely covered, with its high neck providing both modesty and coverage from the sun. The neckline and the racerback style (with a cut out), also provide support, making the top function like a long sports bra. We love all the reversible color and print options, and the top’s major comfort helped it stand out in our testing.

Most Secure

Left on Friday Double Scoop Top

The surprised me. The Italian fabric blend of 46% nylon/ 38% polyester/16% Lycra is ridiculously smooth, soft, and supportive all at once. (That support may also come from the top seeming to run a bit small.) A band around the rib cage and the scoopneck cut make this top fit somewhat like a sports bra, but it’s much better looking. It also handles swimming and surfing without moving or sagging, and dries quickly. This is a comfortable, secure, do-everything swim top.

Patagonia Nanogrip Bottoms

I’ve long been a fan of for their in-between amount of coverage and comfort. The , however, stay in place better. They feature a “Nonslip Nanogrip lining” throughout the entire interior which felt like it did, indeed, stick to my bare skin just a touch, and didn’t slip or creep when I paddled out on a longboard or played volleyball. The cut is midrise and mid-coverage: they’re much lower at the waist than others in this roundup, but the material covers more of my rear and stays put.

Most Secure Runner Up Bottoms

Carve Designs Stinson Bottom

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Earning a place among the best bikinis for active women this year, the Carve Designs Stinson Bottoms have a banded waist designed for high-energy activity, and they stayed put through lap swimming, surfing, pickleball, and sand volleyball. The Stinson Bottoms provide moderate coverage without being frumpy. They’re extremely comfortable for active use and lounging alike.

Most Fashionable

Left on Friday Playa Top

The one-shoulder cut of the had me intrigued. I’d seen the style worn by the Canadian beach volleyball team and noted how the tops kept them covered despite amazing, body-flailing digs. I found the top just as secure as a two-shoulder design, and surprisingly comfortable. Not only is one arm completely free to swing, swim, and pull weeds (I may have done some gardening in a bikini behind my tall fence), but the support and compressive feel of the smooth fabric just doesn’t budge. As a bonus, the style made me feel cooler in the heat. Note: This cut seems to run smaller than the we also tested in this roundup.

Vuori High Waisted Bikini Bottom

The strikes an interesting balance of mom-vibes and cheekiness. The high-waist cut offers a slight compressive—yet comfortable—feel on the belly, while the backside is more Euro-chic (as one tester pointed out, European women well into their golden years embrace cheekiness more than on American beaches). The polyamide/elastane material of Vuori suits is smooth and stretchy, and it feels great against the skin—wet or dry. And the cut of this suit adds style, even in classic solid colors. (Check out the for a more traditional cut.)

Best Value

Quince V-Neck Bikini Top

It’s nearly impossible to find a good-looking, activewear bathing suit top and bottom for under 50 bucks, but these two separates deliver a modest, functional cut and style at that bargain price. And their performance won them a spot on our list of best bikinis for active women in this new category this year.

The provided more coverage than a classic triangle top and stayed put while wallowing in lazy rivers and hitting the snack bar. The adjustable shoulder straps helped two testers of different shapes and cup sizes find a perfect fit, but our personal recommendation: This suit is best for low-impact activity. “This top is movement-friendly and okay for walking and easy swimming, but didn’t stay in place for cliff-jumping,” said a 52-year-old tester. The recycled polyamide/spandex blend fabric looks and feels good when dry but seems to stay wet longer than other suits in this roundup, especially with the removable pads in place. (Staying damp can provide a natural cooling system in sweltering heat, but it can be a drag after a while.)

Quince High-Rise Bikini Bottom

While most high-rise bikini bottoms make up for the tummy coverage by practically baring both butt cheeks, the offers a bit more material on the rear, without looking like your granny’s underwear. We appreciated the coverage when walking around the community swimming pool and liked how the bottoms stayed in place while swimming a few casual laps. A downside to these bottoms is that this suit, like the top, stays wet longer than others, and it can feel like a lot of material on the skin.

The post 13 Best Bikinis for Women Who Move appeared first on šú˛úłÔšĎşÚÁĎ Online.

Trails are portals to adventure, and good trail running shoes enable you to safely, confidently, and comfortably experience those trails, whether it’s a mellow, packed path or a rock-strewn mountainside. We’re constantly researching, testing, and comparing new releases with the tried-and-true. Our test team runs on rutty Santa Barbara bluffs, rocky Colorado peaks, sage-strewn Nebraska sandhills, and soggy Virginia forest pathways, to name a few terrains. After miles and miles (and miles) of trails, these are the shoes that have risen to the top.

Update June 2025: We’ve tested and selected new models in four categories, including a new best max-cushioned shoe and a new best daily workhorse. We also added runner-up picks in the growing categories of trail running supershoes and road-to-trail. We are continually testing and will be updating this list of best trail running shoes throughout the year as new models impress our testers and editors.

At a Glance

• Best All-Around: Salomon S/Lab Ultra Glide ($250)
• Runner-Up All-Around: La Sportiva Prodigio Pro ($195)
• Best Trail Super Shoe: Adidas Agravic Speed Ultra ($220)
• Runner-Up Trail Super Shoe: Puma Deviate Nitro Elite Trail ($230)
• Best for Ultrarunning: Hoka Tecton X 3 ($275)
• Best Daily Workhorse: Mount to Coast T1 ($180)
• Best Value: Saucony Peregrine 15 ($140)
• Best Zero Drop: Altra Lone Peak 9 ($140)
• Best for Speedy Scrambles: Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 Matryx ($112)
• Best for Soft Terrain: Scarpa Spin ST ($179)
• Best for Groomed Trails/Gravel: The North Face Vectiv Enduris 4 ($160)
• Best Road-to-Trail: Nike Pegasus Trail 5 ($140)
• Runner Up Road-to-Trail: Craft Nordlite Ultra 2.0 ($180)
• Best Max Cushioned: Nike Wildhorse 10 ($165)
• Best Natural Ride: Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4 ($150)
• Best for Beginner Trail Runners: New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 ($155)
• How to Choose a Trail Running Shoe
• How We Test
• Meet Our Lead Testers

Best All-Around

Salomon S/Lab Ultra Glide

Weight: 10.2 oz (unisex)
Stack Height: 41–35 mm
Drop: 6 mm
Sizing: 4.5-13, 14 (men’s), 5.5-14, 15 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Unmatched combo of comfort and trail performance
⊕ Quick-feeling for such a cushioned shoe
⊕ Outstanding grip
⊗ Quicklace system is difficult to adjust

Thick soles typically feel unstable on rocky, rooty trails, sloped surfaces, or sharp descents. But the Salomon S/Lab Ultra Glide defies expectations, delivering a surprising blend of cushioning, stability, and responsiveness. “I’m always a little wary of big-stack trail shoes because some of them feel mushy and slow, or even worse, unstable,” said one tester. “These were none of those. I felt like I nestled right into the soles and bounced right along.”

Aesthetically, the S/Lab Ultra Glide looks like no other. The funky-looking wavy midsole with ankle-deep sidewalls combines a chassis of firmer EVA for stability with a softer, bouncier PEBA/EVA core underfoot. The outsole molds to the wavy midsole, creating circular indents across the bottom of the foot, designed to defuse impact. The combination works: the shoe delivered a soft, responsive, and adaptable ride that morphed over uneven terrain. On the open trail, the four-millimeter lugs proved reliable, biting into packed dirt and loose gravel with ease.

“The shoe provided a smooth, supported run on a variety of terrains,” noted one tester, who was surprised that even when the footing got rocky, the S/Lab Ultra Glide “delivered a commanding performance, allowing for precise, responsive running.”

The soft but strong engineered mesh upper molded and moved with the contours of the foot, while providing a slight stretch for added toe box room. The gusseted tongue snugged our insteps nicely, but Salomon’s signature Quicklace system takes some adjusting each time you lace up to get the proper amount of pressure—not a dealbreaker, but not quite an effortless “set it and forget it” experience.

Once dialed in, however, the fit and ride topped every shoe in this year’s test selection, making them the shoes we always seemed to reach for.

Runner-Up All-Around

La Sportiva Prodigio Pro

Weight: 8.9 oz, 7.9 oz
Stack height: 34–28 mm
Drop: 6 mm
Sizes: 7.5-15.5 (men’s), 5.5-11 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Lively midsole that still allows ground feel
⊕ Great traction
⊗ Some pressure on the top of the foot

The Prodigio Pro runs unlike any other La Sportiva shoe we’ve ever tested. We’ve enjoyed many from the brand, known for its nimble, rugged trail models. But this one is the softest to date and delivers a remarkably lively, fun ride. The midsole—a core of bouncy, nitrogen-infused TPU surrounded by a more stable, nitrogen-infused EVA cage—feels snappy underfoot. “Your foot just pops off the ground with each step,” said one tester.

The bootie construction—a sock-like, engineered mesh upper encircling the ankle—successfully kept trail debris from sneaking inside the shoe. The durable upper, made from a mix of polyester, TPU, and nylon threads that the brand is calling “Power Wire” mesh worked in conjunction with the secure midfoot wrap to hold our feet securely and comfortably. One knock on the upper: The tongue, with an interesting, tubular padding, caused a little irritation on the top of the foot beneath the laces for some testers. Most, however, found it a comfortable upper overall, one that was a pleasure to pull on.

Underfoot, a Frixion outsole with multidirectional, four-millimeter lugs did a fantastic job at gripping all surfaces. “This shoe has great traction in mud, slush, dirt, rocks, and roots,” said one tester, who noted that the shoe performs expertly on off-camber terrain. “This shoe makes me feel more nimble and quick than most shoes do.”

Best Trail Super Shoe

Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra

Weight: 9.5 oz (men’s), 8.1 oz (women’s)
Stack Height: 38–30 mm
Drop: 8 mm
Sizing: 6-13, 14 (men’s), 5-11 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Fast, smooth, and lively ride
⊕ Adaptive stability
⊗ Not great in really rocky terrain

Every Agravic Speed Ultra tester was in awe of how easily faster paces felt while wearing this shoe. “I consistently ran about 30 seconds per mile faster while running in these shoes than what the effort felt like,” said a masters tester. Adidas designers skillfully adapted the elements of a road super shoe to create a similar, effort-reducing, propulsive feel in a shoe that works on the uncertain terrain of the trail.

Underfoot, the main ingredients are a bouncy-but-not-too-soft gas-infused TPEE-based midsole working harmoniously with an embedded, trail-specific “plate.” Instead of a solid, rigid plate, Adidas uses semi-flexible rods that react independently to variations in the terrain. Made of PEBA in its hard plastic form as often found in track spike plates, the four prongs in the forefoot and two in the heel are splayed wider and closer to the edges than those in Adidas’s road shoes, to enhance stability. One tester said the resulting ride “provided a lively pop without being tippy on variable surfaces or prescribing a set, rigid roll.”

Deep sculpted side walls surround a beveled heel, delivering smooth, secure landings, and a narrow midfoot waist widens to a generous, flared forefoot, providing an agile and stable stance. The aggressively rockered geometry from heel to toe delivers what one tester described as “a balanced ride that makes it easy to stay forward on my feet and drive backward with each stride, creating a quick, powerful push-off.”

For the outsole, Adidas uses the same trustworthy, grippy Continental rubber found on most of the brand’s running shoes. This trail-specific version features variable 2.5- to 3-millimeter lugs for surefooted, no-stress traction. As one might expect in a high-level racing shoe, the upper is kept to a minimum for weight reduction. Made with a non-stretch, breathable, quick-drying, woven material, we found it offered a secure, snug lockdown while providing a touch of abrasion protection.

Given the tall stack height, testers had to cautiously check their foot placements through technical rocky terrain. But wherever the terrain smoothed out and allowed for full strides, the Agravic Speed Ultra came alive and delivered a ride that testers said felt like flying. If you’ve been holding out for a plated trail racing shoe that gets almost everything right, the wait is over.

Read our full review of the Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra.

Runner-Up Trail Super Shoe

Puma Deviate Nitro Elite Trail

Weight: 8.6 oz (men 9, women’s 10.5)
Stack Height: 36–30 mm
Drop: 6 mm
Sizing: 7-13, 14 (men’s), 5.5-11 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Bouncy and responsive
⊕ Breathable, hydrophobic upper
⊕ Stable for a shoe this cushioned
⊗ Tight and narrow fit
⊗ Poor grip

Building off the Puma Deviate Nitro Elite, one of Puma’s top-selling racing shoes, the Puma Deviate Nitro Elite Trail successfully brings road super shoe tech to the dirt. “It feels like a springboard. Super light and bouncy,” said one tester.

According to Conor Cashin, a senior product line manager at Puma running, the shoe’s magic stems from a new nitrogen-infused midsole foam called Aliphatic TPU that provides a more responsive ride than even PEBA, the industry standard to date, “Overall, you get a more energetic and ‘faster’ feeling in the Aliphatic TPU,” claims Cashin. After runs in the shoe, one tester said: “The foam feels like it is gathering energy as soon as my weight starts to compress it and then rebounds at just the right time and location.”

Embedded in the energetic foam is a full-length carbon-composite fiber plate engineered to have more torsional flexibility for the trail. Cashin says the plate is designed “to give you some stiffness in the shoe and some propulsion where you need it, but not going to hinder you or potentially make it more difficult to run on the trail with those different surfaces, roots, rocks, up and down.”

Our testers confirmed the plate’s effectiveness. In tandem with the bouncy foam, it produced a “super lively, great ride with huge energy return,” noted one tester. While the ride feels most efficient at higher speeds and cadences, testers reported that it works well at slower paces, too.

Despite a 36-millimeter heel, the Deviate Nitro Elite feels remarkably stable and runs more like a lower-profile shoe, thanks to the responsive foam (which keeps it from being squishy), the adaptable plate, the balanced, six-millimeter drop (two millimeters less than the Deviate Elite 3), and a slightly straighter shape than the road racer. All of which allowed the shoe to perform surprisingly well in moderately technical terrain.

The upper is constructed with an airy, durable weave featuring built-in reinforced strips for a vise-like hold. Every tester remarked on the snug, narrow fit, which most thought offered a precise sense of control and confidence while allowing enough room for comfort, especially in the toe box. One tester, who prefers wider-toe boxes, described the fit as akin to a track spike: “skinny, tight, and compressed.”

For the outsole, Puma uses its proprietary rubber compound paired with shallow 3-millimeter lugs, which testers found ideal for hard-packed, smooth trails. “On dusty flats, they feel like rocket ships,” said one California-based tester. But in mud, it’s a different story; they turn into what one called a “Slip-N-Slide.”

While not suited for every runner or trail, the Deviate Nitro Elite Trail impressed all our testers for its fun, super-shoe ride, especially when ripping through flat, fast races up to 50K and speed-focused training runs.

Best for Ultrarunning

Hoka Tecton X 3

Weight: 10 oz (men’s), 7.9 oz (women’s)
Stack Height: 40–35mm (men’s); 39–34mm (women’s)
Drop: 5 mm
Sizes: Men’s 7-14, Women’s 5-11

Pros and Cons
⊕ Gaiter keeps out trail debris
⊕ Excellent balance of comfort and responsiveness
⊕ Doesn’t feel tippy, despite carbon fiber plates
⊗ Pricey

This third iteration of Hoka’s Tecton X is the best yet (and we’ve loved them all, awarding the debut model Gear of the Year in 2022). Like the first two, the Tecton X 3 features two carbon fiber plates within each shoe that sit parallel to each other, allowing them to move independently. This enables the shoe to morph over rocks and roots instead of tipping the foot, a sensation we’ve felt in some trail running shoes that utilize one large plate. The two plates in the Tecton X 3 are slightly wider than those in version 2 and feature a winged shape under the heel that’s meant to add to the shoe’s stability on technical terrain.

Other updates include a softer layer of PEBA foam above the plate and directly beneath the foot which testers reported enhances the joint-comforting cushion over long, rugged runs. The bottom layer of foam remains firmly responsive for a tactile ground feel.

And then there’s the unique upper. While some testers were skeptical of having a gaiter built into the shoe, it proved not only comfortable but also highly effective. A tester who worried the material around the ankle would annoy her reported, “The gaiter is stretchy and adds to the overall comfort and techy feel.” Every tester appreciated how the built-in gaiter kept debris out of the shoes with zero irritation or awkward clips. The Matryx upper, made of high-strength synthetic yarns, was stretchy enough for easy on-and-offs and to move with the foot, while also doing a great job holding feet in place over wild terrain. Its also highly breathable: “I ran straight through a river, and the shoe dried out very quickly,” said a Boulder, Colorado-based tester.

The entire package—two layers of foam, four-millimeter Vibram Magagrip lugs, carbon-fiber plating, and a gaiter—comes in at minimal weight for such a rugged and feature-rich ride. “This thing is light, especially for a trail shoe,” marveled a female tester, adding, “It’s absolutely speed-inspiring.” The Tecton X 3 is our pick for ultra-runners and regular folks looking for a great shoe that can tackle the most mountainous terrain in comfort.

Best Daily Workhorse

Mount to Coast T1

Weight: 9 oz (men 9, women’s 10.5)
Stack Height: 36–32 mm
Drop: 4 mm
Sizing: 7-13 (men’s), 5.5-11 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Lightweight and nimble ride
⊕ Custom-fit dual lacing system
⊗ No lace garage for lower pull cord

After successfully bursting onto the road shoe scene less than two years ago, the T1 is Mount to Coast’s first foray into trail running shoes. The T1 takes the brand’s standout features from its road lineup—a responsive, long-lasting midsole and an independently adjustable lacing system—and tuned it for off-road performance.

Underfoot, the nitrogen-infused PEBA-based midsole offers a touch of bounce, enough to be responsive but not so much that it feels unstable or out of control on the trail. Despite a substantial 36-millimeter stack height at the heel, testers felt surprisingly connected to the ground, allowing for confident, nimble movement through uneven and unpredictable footing. The Litebase Vibram Megagrip outsole with four-millimeter lugs bit into a variety of surfaces, from loose gravel to slick rock, giving us a Velcro-like, confident grip. One tester reported, “I absolutely battered it on technical terrain.”

Unique to Mount to Coast is a dual pull-cord lacing system that lets you independently adjust the fit in the toe box and midfoot for customized lockdown and comfort. Initially, it took testers some jostling to fine-tune the fit of the two-part laces, but once dialed in it allowed a level of customization regular laces simply can’t match Complementing the fit from the innovative laces is the shoe’s well-crafted shape that follows the contours of the foot. “The baseline chassis of the shoe is so well tailored that even a laceless shoe would perform well,” one tester noted.

The only gripe? A lack of a lace garage to stash the excess cord from the lower half.

Best Value

Saucony Peregrine 15

Weight: 9.7 oz (men’s), 8.6 oz (women’s)
Stack height: 28–24 mm
Drop: 4 mm
SIZES: 7-13, 14, 15 (men’s); 5-12 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Performance features at a reasonable price
⊕ Light, flexible, and nimble ride
⊕ Deep outsole lugs
⊗ Forefoot cushioning can feel slight on long runs

In an era that’s serving up increasingly fat midsoles, we’re happy to see that Saucony’s longtime performer remains relatively low to the ground, making it flexible and connected to the trail. It doesn’t, however, run too firm. The reformulated EVA-based midsole with a premium, bouncy TPU-based insole feels soft underfoot and is plentiful enough to cushion the impact even on hard rocks and packed dirt.

The Peregrine 15’s outsole features aggressive, widely spaced, five-millimeter-deep, chevron-shaped lugs made of Saucony’s proprietary rubber compound. The bite gives the Peregrine secure traction on soft terrain, like loamy soil and fresh snow. Due to its low profile, secure-fitting upper, and light weight, the shoe also feels nimble on rocky, technical terrain. That upper is a simple, flexible-but-rugged mesh with a gusseted tongue and midfoot straps that tie into the laces, keeping the foot snugly in place.

“These kept me stable while running on both singletrack and wider fireroad trails, and I felt fast because they’re so lightweight,” said a tester. Another raved, “With the light and flexible feel of a toothy racing flat, the Peregrine always inspires me to pick up the pace and fly, but I never feel beat up in them no matter how far I go.”

For a shoe that can tackle all sorts of off-road adventures comfortably and capably, $140 is a steal.

Best Zero Drop

Altra Lone Peak 9

Weight: 11.1 oz (men), 9.3 oz (women)
Stack Height: 25–25 mm
Drop: 0 mm
Sizing: 7 – 13, 14, 15, 16 (men’s), 5.5 – 12 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Retains the best qualities of Lone Peak 8
⊕ Outstanding traction and grip
⊗ New protective toe bumper reduces flexibility in the toe box

“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” has been Altra’s motto regarding their flagship trail shoe for years. The Lone Peak 9 stays true to its roots, maintaining the zero-drop platform, wide toe box, and reliable grip, with a few minor updates, including a re-engineered upper, improved outsole, and lighter midsole.

The midsole is still made of Altra EGO foam, but the compound has been reformulated to weigh less and have more resilient compression, so it should last longer. Testers found the changes minimal, with the shoe maintaining its signature flexibility and excellent ground feel.

The upper, which received the lion’s share of updates, features 100 percent recycled ripstop mesh with no-sew overlays. A new protective toe bumper wraps up and extends over the top of the toe box in the front and along the sides. One tester with toe arthritis dinged the new bumper for reducing the flexibility in the toe box, but no other tester noted a problem. One small but clever addition is an additional set of eyelets, spaced farther apart, that allows the option of creating a tighter midfoot hold for those with low-volume feet.

Underfoot, Altra continues to use their proprietary MaxTrac outsole with 3.5-millimeter lugs but increased the rubber coverage for this version. One tester who slogged through the wet, snowy Wisconsin winter described the outsole as “top-notch.” The heel rudder that extends out the back has been split, improving stability by reducing lateral torque. (Note, a version 9+ was recently released that is identical except for a Vibram Megagrip outsole and a new ripstop mesh).

Bottom line: If you’re a Lone Peak fan there’s nothing new here that will jeopardize that. Slight improvements sharpen the ride without altering the shoe’s core identity. “The Lone Peak’s strengths haven’t changed for me,” said one longtime Lone Peak fan.

Best For Speedy Scrambles

Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 Matryx

Weight: 8.3 oz (men’s), 6.9 oz (women’s)
Stack Height: 23.5–19.5 mm
Drop: 4 mm
Sizing: 7-15 (men’s), 5-11 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Lightweight, low-profile
⊕ Secure foothold
⊕ Nimble over rough terrain
⊗ Cushioning can feel slight under toes

If you’re in need of an amazingly agile shoe to scale mountain trails like a bighorn sheep, the Long Sky 2 Matryx is here for it. The new upper, made out of Matryx—a thin, breathable, quick-drying synthetic fabric reinforced with super-durable Kevlar threads—secures the foot, with a half-booty tongue adding extra hold. Cutouts in the Vibram Megagrip outsole save weight between the tacky, grippy-rubber, five-millimeter lugs. The flexible, compression-molded EVA midsole is on the slight end, enabling confidence-inspiring proprioception and secure footplants on tricky terrain, and firm-but-adequate cushioning on hard-surface trails.

The upper and sole combination locks each stride to the ground. “It is such a lightweight shoe, with great traction and fit, that moving your feet over terrain is easier than in a more bulky, highly-cushioned shoe,” said Lousiville, Colorado-based tester Terri Kazanjian.

This was our go-to shoe for any fast-effort trail runs, or days we craved a highly nimble shoe that felt like an extension of our body. Kanzanjian summed up: “This shoe makes you feel nimble and peppy on technical terrain, like you can run up those hills and bomb those descents faster than normal.”

Best for Soft Terrain

Scarpa Spin ST

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Weight: 9.5 oz (men’s), 7.9 oz (women’s)
Stack Height: 22–18 mm
Drop: 4 mm
Sizing: European sizing 40-48 (men’s), 36-43 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Effective, toothy grip on soft surfaces
⊕ Low gaiter-link heel collar helps keep out debris
⊗ Harsh ride on hard-packed trails

The “ST” in the name stands for “Soft Terrain,” which is what this shoe is best suited for. Here’s the main reason why: 7 mm(!) lugs made out of Vibram Mega Grip rubber take hold in soft dirt, mud, and snow, offering secure footing on even the sloppiest surfaces. Complementing the toothiness is an impressively secure foothold from PU overlays that encase a stretchy mesh-paneled upper and pull securely around the foot when the laces are tightened. A tester with a bunion on one foot noted the shoe’s narrow and unstretchy toe box caused some irritation but raved about the shoe’s ability to grab hold in soft dirt.

We reached for this shoe often on snowy terrain—either on trails or when snow turned neighborhood roads into trails. The high heel collar made out of a neoprene-like stretch woven textile, which keeps trail debris out of the shoe in summer, also does a good job keeping kicked-up snow from infiltrating socks. The upper isn’t Gore-Tex, however, and doesn’t try to keep water out. Instead, moisture flows both in and out, and we appreciated the breathability on all-season runs where high effort caused hot feet, and for wet conditions when we wanted drainage. A plus: a lace-locking device and hidden lace pocket both eliminates unwanted loosening and snagging on low branches and roots.

With slight EVA cushioning in the midsole (22 mm under the heel and 18 mm under the forefoot), this isn’t a shoe you’d want to wear running hard-packed trails or road sections. But for the soft terrain it was intended for, the underfoot feel was just right, making the Scarpa Spin ST excel at tearing up the trail.

Best For Groomed Trails/Gravel

The North Face Vectiv Enduris 4

Weight: 10.1 oz (men’s), 9 oz (women’s)
Stack height: 32–26 mm
Drop: 6 mm
Sizes: 7-13, 14 (men’s); 5-11 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Great balance of stable and cushy
⊕ Propulsive feel
⊗ Can feel tippy on technical terrain

The North Face Enduris 4 is a downright comfortable shoe with a performance ride. Upon step -in, our feet felt cradled, secure, and ready for anything. The shoe excelled on routes like the 5.25-mile dirt-road loop around the Boulder Reservoir that is mostly loose gravel with occasional rocks and ruts. On smoother terrain like that, the super-trainer combination of lively cushioning sandwiched around a full-length TPU plate with rockered geometry made us feel smooth and energetic. The shoe can also handle technical terrain, but the plate makes it feel a tad tippy.

The swallow-tail design—the sole flares out behind the heel with a notch in the middle—seemed to aid a heel-striking gait, cushioning landings and helping to roll feet forward rather than torquing them inward. Traction comes from four-millimeter multidirectional lugs which worked well on a variety of surfaces and didn’t feel too clunky on smooth terrain, although one tester noted, “Mud seemed to stick to the outsole and stay there.” All testers found the seamless engineered mesh upper breathed great and kept feet in place.

Overall, we’re big fans of the updated Enduris 4 with more cush. “The shoe actually felt lighter than expected and easy to run in for both road-to-trail routes and straight trail running,” said one tester.

Best Road-To-Trail

Nike Pegasus Trail 5

Weight: 10.6 oz (men’s), 8.6 oz (women’s)
Stack Height: 37–27.5 mm
Drop: 9.5 mm
Sizes: 6-15 (men’s) 5-12 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Transitions well from asphalt to dirt
⊕ Secure fit for off-road confidence
⊕ Good-looking enough for casual wear
⊗ Not as cushioned as some other road-to-trail shoes

The Nike Pegasus Trail 5 is for runners who value a shoe that can take them from home to the trail and back, running smoothly on pavement while offering traction and foothold on even the most technical off-road terrain. What puts this shoe above other road-to-trail options is its superior performance on uneven, rooty, and rocky terrain. Flywire technology (super-strong, thin, and lightweight thread) in the upper kept our feet from sloshing around inside the shoe and helped us maintain quick, secure foot plants. “I felt confident in both the traction and how my feet remained in control on a burly trail with lots of rocks and ups and downs,” said a Boulder, Colorado, tester.

The cushioning is updated in this version to Nike’s smoothly responsive ReactX foam, with a stack soft and thick enough to soften pavement impact, especially under the forefoot. The shoe runs smoothly on roads with its flexible forefoot and 3.5 mm lugs that are hardly noticeable. But when you reach dirt those lugs kick into action and deliver solid traction.

Tightly woven mesh around the toe box adds durability, while strategically placed holes around the midfoot allow breathability. The addition of a looped cord at the heel makes this shoe easy to pull on—a simple feature we appreciated every time we used it.

This shoe also looks fashionable enough to crossover to casual wear, adding to its versatility. “It’s a great shoe for travel that might include hiking, running, walking, and general adventuring,” said our lead tester, who put it through its paces in Colorado and Costa Rica.

Runner Up Road-to-Trail

Craft Nordlite Ultra 2.0

Weight: 10.9 oz (men’s); 8.9 oz (women’s)
Stack height: 40–34 mm
Drop: 6 mm
Sizes: 8-13 (men’s); 6-10 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Ample, responsive cushioning
⊕ Solid traction
⊗ Foothold could be better

We loved the first version of the Nordlite Ultra for its ample and lively midsole, made of reusable materials turned into supercritical foam in a non-toxic process. This second iteration still boasts great cushioning that rivals straight-up road running shoes in shock absorption and rebound. In fact, the Nordlite Ultra 2.0 challenged the Nike Trail Pegasus 5 for the top spot in this category, thanks to that energetic ride. But while this second iteration of the Nordlite Ultra has been updated with a new, more secure-fitting upper, we still feel the lockdown is better on the Nike Trail Pegasus 5, which gives us better control on rugged terrain.

The Nordlite Ultra’s update did improve the fit, however. “It’s snug and secure in the heel, and the tongue is form-fitting and comfortable,” said a Virginia-based tester. “When I was on flat terrain and wearing zero-cushion socks, I felt very comfortable in the shoe.” The secure heel hold gives way to a moderately snug midfoot. It opens up farther in the forefoot, offering wiggle room in the toe box. Cheers to Craft for using recyclable TPU on the upper, adding to the sustainable efforts of this shoe.

Off-road, the Nordlite Ultra 2.0’s traction proved capable on a range of surfaces, although the rubber is a tad noisy on pavement. “The outsole is extremely grippy,” said a tester, “which makes them fun on gravel and when accelerating. They also worked well on a dew-soaked wood boardwalk.” On steep, technical trails and even smooth descents, our feet slipped inside the shoe a bit too much. Still, most road-to-trail routes only cover pavement to moderate trails and back, and these versatile shoes excelled at making both surfaces comfortable and fun.

Best Max-Cushioned Trail Shoe

Nike Wildhorse 10

Weight: 11 oz (men’s); 8.6 oz (women’s)
Stack height: 38–28.5 mm (men’s); 40.3–30.8 mm (women’s)
Drop: 9.5 mm
Sizes: 6-13, 14, 15 (men’s); 5-12 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ ReactX foam is lightweight and lively
⊕ Secure foothold
⊗ A tad heavy

The Nike Wildhorse 10 takes over top spot from the Brooks Caldera 8 (which we still really like) for its ability to cushion, protect, and provide a super-secure foothold that inspires confidence on even the wildest terrain.

“Love this shoe!” exclaimed a tester based in Louisville, Colorado. “It has fantastic cushioning, great tread, and it’s just all-around comfortable.” She also noted that the cushioning placement of the Wildhorse 10 is unusually prominent on the perimeter. ”I noticed it more on the outer parts of my midfoot, which was new, but I really liked it.”

We’ve loved this shoe for everything from speedy, hilly dawn-patrols to all-day mountain epics. Its secure, comfortable engineered mesh upper moved with our feet more like a skin than a shell, which made us feel nimble over hill and dale (and river and rocky peak). And a protective midsole worked in conjunction with the Wildhorse’s full-ground-contact traction to make it a reliable go-anywhere partner. Traction comes from Nike Trail All Terrain Compound (ATC)—a rubber outsole that works well on steep ups and downs.

The Nike Wildhorse 10 is not the lightest shoe, but for all its cushioning, protection, and agility in rugged terrain, it’s a solid choice. (It may, however, be overkill for flat, smooth trails.)

Best Natural Ride

Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4

Weight: 10.4 oz (men’s), 8.2 oz (women’s)
Stack height: 35–30 mm
Drop: 5 mm
Sizes: 7-13, 14, 15 (men’s); 6.5-12 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Instantly comfortable on a variety of feet
⊕ Highly cushioned while still allowing ground feel
⊗ Doesn’t grab loose dirt well

The Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4 fits like a classic Topo shoe—a secure heel hold gives way to a wide toe box allowing the foot to splay out naturally. Even narrow-footed testers noted the secure and comfortable hold of this shoe, and enjoyed the feeling of support under the arch, which seems to further promote a relaxed forefoot.

The Topo Ultraventure 4 has a relatively high stack height and an ample amount of lively cushioning, which testers particularly noticed and appreciated under the ball of the foot. But unlike its high-cush contemporaries, the slightly firm, responsive, flexible midsole allows great feel for the ground. We enjoyed the surefooted feeling of being connected to the trails instead of floating on top of them.

The upper—a recycled mesh with a polyurethane wrap around the front of the shoe for protection from toe stubs—is slightly stretchy and conforms around the foot. “This felt like a slipper with traction,” said one tester.

Underfoot, wide, flat, 3.5-millimeter-deep lugs made of Vibram rubber stuck to steep rock slabs on dry trail runs in Boulder, Colorado, and ran smoothly on packed dirt. We craved a little more toothiness on loose trails, but appreciated the versatility and overall natural feel of this shoe. “The Ultraventure 4 felt better the longer I went and more tired I got, encouraging and supporting a soft midfoot landing and gentle roll that ate up the miles,” said one tester.

Best For Beginner Trail Runners

New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9

Weight: 10.3 oz (men), 8.3 oz (women)
Stack Height: 42–38 mm
Drop: 4 mm
Sizing: 7-13, 14, 15, 16, 17 (men’s); 5-11, 12 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Both well-cushioned and stable
⊕ Aggressive traction
⊗ Large lugs can feel rough on hard pack

If you’re just getting into trail running, you need a shoe that provides stability, grip, and comfort—in essence, one that makes you more confident on the trail. Testers all agreed the New Balance Hierro v9 fit that bill better than any other shoe we tested. In this version, New Balance used two layers of their EVA-based Fresh Foam X in the midsole—a softer layer closer to the foot for cushioned comfort sits on top of a firmer layer that enhances stability. One tester noted this midsole combo “absorbs shock well and returns energy efficiently.” She also praised the shoe’s forefoot rocker profile, which “makes for a smooth push-off and helps with your forward motion and efficiency.”

Despite having four millimeters more cushioning under the heel (and eight more under the forefoot) than version 8, bringing the total stack to a whopping 42–38 millimeters, we found the Hierro v9 shockingly stable as long as we steered clear of technical terrain—which most beginners tend to do anyway. Grippy 4.5-millimeter lugs—which one tester described as “very aggressive”—instill confidence, particularly on loose dirt and gravelly trails. The downside is that those long lugs contributed to a rough ride on hard-packed dirt or road.

A tough-skinned mesh upper with a gusseted tongue felt supportive, yet provided enough comfort for all-day use. All in all, the combination of a thick stack of soft cushioning, grippy outsole, and comfortable and secure upper make this a standout choice for beginner trail runners eager to explore.

How to Choose a Trail Running Shoe

If you’re in the market for a trail running shoe, first consider the type of trails you run on regularly: do you tackle rugged, mountainous terrain, or stick to mellow dirt paths? Some trail shoes can handle both adequately, while others are specialized and excel in one or the other. Shoes with smaller lugs are generally better on smoother, firmer terrain, whereas shoes with deeper, more aggressive outsoles are optimized for steep, muddy, or rocky trails. If you like to feel the trail and dance around rocks and roots, you’ll likely prefer a light, more minimal shoe, but if you’d rather let the shoe roll over trail variations, cushioning and protecting while you zone out, you should look for a shoe with a thicker midsole.

Once you’ve narrowed the search to a certain type of trail shoe, you need to find a pair that complements your unique body and stride. Every runner’s body, gait, speed, experience, and ride preferences are different, so every runner will interact differently with each trail shoe. The shoe that your best friend or your sister-in-law loves may be uncomfortable for you and make running feel slow, sluggish, or even painful. Finding the perfect pair of trail running shoes is a seriously personal affair.

The process for choosing the best running shoes is a matter of finding the models that both fit your foot and also feel best when you’re running. To determine fit and feel, there’s no substitute for trying the shoes on and running in them.

Fit: Match Your Foot Shape

When assessing fit, first pay attention to length. You need room at the end of your toes as your feet lengthen during their dynamic movements on the run. A rule of thumb is to allow a thumb’s width between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. Runners often wear a running shoe a half or full size bigger than their street shoes.

Ensure that the shape of the sole and the upper matches your foot shape. The sole should be as wide or wider than your foot for the whole length, and match the curve of your arch comfortably. The shoe should hold your foot securely over the instep, while allowing the ball of the foot and the toes to splay and flex when you roll forward onto them. Your heel shouldn’t slip when you lift it, and the arch should be able to dome and lengthen naturally. Nothing should bind or rub as you roll through the stride.

Feel: Match Your Movement Path

If the shoe fits, it’s time to take them on a short run on a treadmill, around the store, or, ideally, down the block and back. Every running shoe has a unique ride created by the type and density of foam in the midsole and the geometry of that foam: its thickness, width, heel-to-toe drop, molded sidewalls or flares, and forefoot flexibility or rocker shape (plus, in an increasing number of models, the presence of and type of embedded plate). Each of these elements interact with each other and your stride to determine how the shoe reacts on landing, how much it cushions, how stably it supports, how smoothly it transitions from landing to toe off, and how quickly and powerfully it rebounds.

The best way to choose the shoes that complement your body and stride is to find the ones that feel right on the run. Benno Nigg, the world-leading biomechanics professor who , calls it the “comfort filter,” but makes clear it is far more than how plush the shoe feels when you step into it. What you want to assess is whether the shoe allows and supports the way your feet want to move, what Nigg calls your “preferred movement path.” In the right shoe, while running at your normal pace, you will touch down where you expect to land, roll smoothly and stably through the stride without noticing the shoe, feel both cushioned from and connected to the ground, and push off naturally, quickly, and powerfully. When this comes together you’ll know that you’ve found your pair.

It’s likely that several shoes will feel good on your feet. To find the most comfortable, it helps to compare them back to back, like an eye doctor will do with corrective lenses: flipping between “A” or “B,” “1” or “2.” You may also find that different shoes feel better at different paces or level of fatigue, and you may want more than one pair. In fact, research shows that wearing a variety of different shoes is one of the few to reduce injury risk as it appears to vary the stresses on your feet and joints.

What About Injury Prevention?

Running shoes have long been marketed and sold as prescriptive devices to help runners stay healthy, but there is correlating shoes, or any specific shoe properties—like cushioning or pronation control—with running injuries. Medical professionals say that it is highly difficult to determine whether a runner needs a certain type of shoe, and studies have shown that prescribing shoes using traditional methods like treadmill gait analyses or wet-foot arch height tests don’t consistently reduce injuries.

Don’t assume that you need more cushioning or more stability if you have sore joints, or if you’re a heavier runner, or if you’re a beginner—evidence doesn’t support many common beliefs. The best way prevent injury is find two or three different pairs that feel right on the run, ease into using them, and vary your shoes, your running surface and your pace regularly (plus avoid rapid increases in your training load and work on ).

How We Test

• Number of testers: 18
• Number of shoes tested: 108
• Number of miles: 22,000+ over a year
• Most Memorable Trail Run: Having a mild winter afternoon turn into a blizzard while three miles from home in the western Nebraska sandhills.

To test running shoes, we begin by researching every brand’s new offerings for the coming season. We wind up with dozens of samples of the models (84 throughout the year, 34 trail running shoes this season) that are most promising, and distribute them to 26 testers who range in age, ability, running form, geographical location, terrain, and preferred shoe types. We try to put each tester in shoes from within the same category (all rugged, backcountry trail shoes, or all road-to-trail crossovers) so everyone can test apples-to-apples.

After three to six months of running in each model on varied terrain and in all conditions, our crew members report back with their assessments of fit, comfort, traction, cushioning, flexibility, stiffness, pop, what type of running the model is best used for, how the shoe compares to other models, and more. We also run in every trail running shoe ourselves, and, combining all the tester feedback with years of personal experience, hone in on the best. We then weigh this season’s bests against the heroes from previous seasons that are still available and choose winners and honorable mentions for each category.

Meet Our Lead Testers

Lisa Jhung

Freelance journalist, editor, and author has researched, tested, and written about running shoes for the past decade and a half, much of that time for šú˛úłÔšĎşÚÁĎ. She coordinates a fleet of female shoe testers out of Boulder, Colorado, and says her home office is a perpetual obstacle course of cardboard boxes and piles of running shoes. Lisa’s written about gear of all kinds for numerous national magazines as both an editor and freelancer, including a stint as the shoes and gear blogger and trail running microsite editor for Runner’s World.

A high school jumper and occasional sprinter/hurdler, she started running—really running—after walking off the collegiate volleyball team, and moved on to road and trail races of any distance, triathlons, adventure races, and mountain running. She’s happiest testing rugged trail shoes on gnarly terrain, and also loves a good neighborhood jaunt…but is almost always looking for ribbons of dirt. Lisa is the author of Running That Doesn’t Suck: How to Love Running (Even if You Think You Hate It) and Trailhead: The Dirt on All Things Trail Running.

Cory Smith

passion for running started over 30 years ago in high school when he became the number six ranked runner in the nation at 3000 meters his senior year. After high school, he competed at Villanova University, earning two NCAA Division I Championship showings. Today, he’s determined not to let age slow him down and competes on the national master’s circuit, running a 4:12 (4:30 mile pace) 1500 meters and 9:04 (4:52 mile pace) 3000 meters in 2021 at age 43. He prefers a hard track workout or tempo run over an easy long run any day but also appreciates a challenging trail or mountain run.

His obsession with running shoes started in 2014 when he wrote his first shoe review for Gear Institute. Since then, he’s tested and reviewed hundreds of running shoes, clothing, and gear for šú˛úłÔšĎşÚÁĎ, Runner’s World, Footwear News, and other outlets. He has a soft spot for speedy shoes over heavy trainers but loves dissecting all shoes equally and thinking like a product engineer to explain the why behind every design detail. Cory is the Founder of , an online running coaching business, and since its inception in 2014, has coached runners’ to over 100 Boston Marathon Qualifying times.

One of Cory Smith’s go-to routes for testing trail running shoes:

Jonathan Beverly

Jonathan fell in love with running his freshman year of high school and quickly became fascinated with finding the perfect pair of running shoes. That quest got a boost when he became editor of Running Times in 2000 and started receiving every new model as they were released. The parade of shoes continued while he served as shoe editor for Runner’s World, then editor of PodiumRunner, and currently fitness gear editor at šú˛úłÔšĎşÚÁĎ. Having now worn nearly every running shoe created in this century—and a fair amount of those dating back to the early models of the ’70s—he’s given up on finding the one best and now relishes the wide variety of excellent options.

Once a 2:46 marathoner regularly doing 50+ mile weeks, recent injuries and his age have reduced his volume and slowed his pace—but he still enjoys an uptempo workout or two each week. Beverly is the author of the book which explores how each individual’s gait—and thus shoe preference—is unique. He enjoys getting scientists’ take on new shoe trends and trying to describe the nuances of each shoe’s ride.

One of Jonathan Beverly’s go-to routes for testing trail running shoes:

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