I recently took an informal inventory of my gear to try and figure out what piece I鈥檝e used the most over the past three months. A favorite pair of and a were near the top, but as I finished the tally, it became clear that individually sealed wipe packets, like those from and , led the way by a longshot. I’ve used them countless times in every scenario imaginable, and trust me, I’ve never regretted carrying one with me while playing outside.

One standout moment was during an epic backpacking trip with my kids in the San Pedro Parks Wilderness; my wife and I relied on wipes to keep their faces (somewhat) clean during three days in the dirt. Another was the weekend I spent camping out of a car at Overland Expo West, where a morning face wipe-down was equally as important as my daily coffee鈥攁nd much easier and more effective than washing in the sink of a public restroom.

But the majority of my wet wipe uses, and the biggest reason I now find them indispensable, have come while running. At the ripe old age of 44, I鈥檝e decided to go all in on distance running鈥攁nd I鈥檝e quickly found out that the more miles I run, the more often I have to poop.

I鈥檝e visited the Porta-Potty that sits in the middle of my run loop so many times I almost take ownership. When a wind storm knocked it over for a week, it completely changed how I organized my day because I had to find another route and an accessible bathroom.

As runners know, a dirty bum, especially combined with sweat, is an easy way to increase your chances for butt chafing. And yet, toilet paper sometimes falls short in its cleaning duties. Through lots of testing (haha), I鈥檝e found that the added moisture in the wipe does a much better job cleaning so there鈥檚 as little chance as possible for chafing鈥攚hich is why I now carry a wipe on every run, no matter the distance or location.

Moisture and butts is a topic that America is actually converging around in a big way at the moment. After decades of wipes being just for babies, tons of companies now offer adult wipes for butt health. One of them, , echoes my recent revelation on its website, 鈥淵ou wouldn鈥檛 wash your face with a dry washcloth, why would you clean your butt with dry toilet paper?鈥�

One problem I鈥檝e had to overcome, however, is how to dispose of the used wipes. Companies claim that their wipes are 鈥渇lushable,鈥� and it鈥檚 technically true that the wipes will go down your toilet. But once they reach the city鈥檚 sewer system, the wipes don鈥檛 break down fast enough, so they cause backups and shutdowns (). Non-plant-based wipes not only cause blockages but also leak micro-plastics into the water system. Wipes, whether plant-based or not, stand almost where I live, so they鈥檒l be a hazard if left in the wild.

The good news is that there鈥檚 a fairly simple fix. At home it鈥檚 been as simple as using the wipe and then throwing it in a special plastic-bag lined trashcan. The trashcan never smells, thanks to a lid, and when the bag is full I tie it up and throw it in the outside trash, where it will eventually be taken to a landfill and have time to biodegrade. This process feels a little gross at first, but after the 100th wipe, I鈥攁nd my family鈥攃ame to treat it as normal.

国产吃瓜黑料 of the house, things get a little messier, but with a little practice, the process is totally manageable. Any time I have to use a wipe in the backcountry or when visiting the Porta-Potty, I put the soiled product in a sandwiched-sized plastic bag and either throw it away at the trailhead or at home. It can be weird to hike or run with a poopy wipe bouncing around in your pack or shorts, but there are usually bigger things to worry about (e.g., don鈥檛 trip, where鈥檚 the trail, look at that stunning sunset), so it鈥檚 easy to forget the baggage.

In terms of brands, I鈥檓 pretty agnostic, but have gravitated toward companies like the ones from that are made from plant-based ingredients so that I鈥檓 not using petroleum products and putting more plastics into a landfill. At home, I鈥檓 a big fan of because they鈥檙e cheap and come in bulk.

It鈥檚 ironic that as a gear tester, I show up to a run or a hike decked out in the newest shoes, the fanciest shorts, the most powerful GPS watch, even high-performance socks鈥攂ut secretly feel completely unprepared unless I have a wet wipe in one of my pockets. I would certainly survive my run or backpacking trip without these moist towlettes, but I鈥檓 glad I don鈥檛 have to.

The post An Ode to the Small But Mighty Wet Wipe appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

If, like me, you鈥檙e a ridiculously heavy sweater, you may have been told after a run: 鈥淵ou look like you jumped in a pool.鈥� And if you鈥檝e been paid that compliment, you鈥檙e in luck, because the Ciele ATShort is designed for exactly that鈥攄ipping in a pool or a lake during or after a run鈥攕o they are exceptionally adept at managing moisture. This makes them the best warm-weather shorts I鈥檝e owned in my 46 years of running.

You see, I don鈥檛 just sweat when I run. I get post-run puddles when I wring out tops and socks, complaints from training partners about being sprayed with my sweat, and the dreaded squishy foot, in which my shoes are so soaked that each moist footstep is audible.

We heavy sweaters need to choose our warm-weather running gear with extra care. When your shorts, shirts, and singlets get saturated on an easy 5-miler, you want them to somehow still facilitate air flow, so that the sweat can do its intended job of cooling you. You also want gear that doesn鈥檛 cling like plastic wrap once wet, to reduce your risk of . And it鈥檚 a nice touch if the items resist odor buildup enough that you can wear them more than once between launderings.

The Ciele ATShort excels in all of these properties. The 鈥淎T鈥� in the shorts鈥� name stands for 鈥渁ll terrain.鈥� Meagan Smith, Ciele鈥檚 production and sourcing manager, says, 鈥淎 lot of our customers are running on trails or running in nature, and these shorts encompass that summer vibe of wanting to run and then jump in a lake, jump in a river, and just get wet.鈥�

Ciele ATShort

According to Smith, design details such as a weft (horizontal) stretch, fine-gauge shell that鈥檚 chlorine- and salt-resistant, lightweight knit liner, self-draining pocket, and PFC-free durable-water-resistant coating distinguish the shorts as run/swim candidates. The weft stretch, for example, reduces the clinging that can lead to chafing.

When I started testing the Ciele ATShorts, my hope was that they wouldn鈥檛 distinguish between getting soaked because I dove into a pond or because I ran for an hour around a pond. And I was right! I wore the ATs on three consecutive days when the daytime highs were close to 100鈥搃n Maine!鈥揳ccompanied by stifling humidity. Of course, the shorts were soon saturated. But they didn鈥檛 bunch up or create rivulets down my thighs or rub me raw or any of my other usual experiences in severe heat. Nor, incredibly, did they smell like an ammonia factory. A few days later, the weather shifted to low 60s and rain. I wore the ATs on a nearly four-hour trail run, and thought about them only when I realized I wasn鈥檛 thinking about them. Meanwhile, two of my four companions on the run suffered some fairly significant chafing.

In less extreme conditions, the ATs are simply a pair of attractive, light, stay-out-of-the-way shorts that I find myself regularly reaching for. The 5-inch inseam is perfect for my tastes鈥攏ot circa-1982-style too short, not movement-impeding clownishly long. ( has a 4-inch inseam.) Their length and moisture-management properties make them my go-tos for warm-weather hard workouts and races.

Ciele didn鈥檛 invent the run-swim apparel niche. Almost a decade ago, Tracksmith introduced what it then called its Run Swim Run shorts. Now known as , the shorts are thoughtfully constructed and high-quality, as you would expect from Tracksmith. I鈥檝e used various versions as I do the ATs, as a bulwark against extreme sweatiness. But I鈥檝e found their weight and thick waistband lean too much toward the swim side of things.

If you want a running short that鈥檚 going to perform well on the run when wet from water you鈥檝e jumped in, water that has fallen on you, or water you鈥檝e produced copious amounts of yourself, the Ciele ATs have no peers.

The post I’ve Been Running鈥攁nd Sweating Profusely鈥攆or More Than 40 Years. These Are the Best Hot-Weather Shorts I’ve Ever Owned. appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Finding the right pair of road running shoes can invigorate鈥攐r reinvigorate鈥攁nyone鈥檚 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鈥檝e tested more than 100 pairs of new and updated models with a diverse team of over 20 testers. Whatever your current goals may be鈥攍earn to love running or best your marathon PR鈥攐ur guide is here to help.

Updated July 2025: We鈥檝e 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鈥攁nd 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鈥�33.5 mm (men鈥檚); 40.5鈥�32.5 mm (women鈥檚)
Drop: 8 mm
Sizing: 6-13, 14, 15 (men鈥檚), 5-12 (women鈥檚)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Great weight-to-cushioning ratio
鈯� Smooth ride
鈯� 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鈥檚 a touch softer and bouncier than its predecessor. Testers praised it for its 鈥減lush experience鈥� and 鈥渓ively and energetic feel underfoot.鈥� 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鈥檚 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鈥檛 affect traction on dry surfaces, but one tester noted that he lacked confidence in the shoe during cold and wet runs. 鈥淚t鈥檚 not slick, but it doesn鈥檛 grip,鈥� 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鈥�36 mm
Drop: 10 mm
Sizing: 6-13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 (men鈥檚), 5-12 (women鈥檚)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Outstanding stability for such a tall shoe
鈯� Extremely comfortable
鈯� Heavy, slow

When it comes to adding volume to running shoe midsoles, more isn鈥檛 always better. Sometimes more is just more. That鈥檚 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鈥檚 most thickly cushioned running shoe to date, the Vomero 18 features a dual-density midsole that pairs a new version of Nike React X鈥攚hich Nike claims has 13 percent more energy return鈥攚ith 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鈥檛 just add more cushioning underfoot鈥攖he 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鈥檛 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鈥�39 mm
Drop: 6 mm
Sizing: 7-13, 14, 15 (men鈥檚), 5-12 (women鈥檚)

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

The Brooks Glycerin has long been Brooks鈥� 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鈥� highest-stacked shoe to date but manages to not feel overly tall.

Brooks鈥� 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. 鈥淭he result is a high-cushion shoe that I found doesn鈥檛 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,鈥� 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鈥檚 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鈥�27.5 mm
Drop: 8 mm
Sizing: 7-15 (men鈥檚), 5-12 (women鈥檚)

Pros and Cons
鈯� A lot of bang for the buck
鈯� Foot-following fit and ride
鈯� Versatile
鈯� 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 鈥渓ight and springy and propels you forward,鈥� while another called it 鈥渄ownright snappy.鈥� Another tester gave the $120 Launch 11 a score of 10 out of 10, raving that it has 鈥渙ne of the best sneaker fits so far鈥� for her narrow foot, with 鈥渁ll the bells and whistles needed.鈥� 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鈥檚), 36-30 mm (women鈥檚)
Drop: 7 mm (men’s), 6 mm (women’s)
Sizing: 6.5鈥�15 (men鈥檚), 5-12 (women鈥檚)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Smooth at any pace
鈯� Excellent balance between cushioning and responsiveness
鈯� Lightweight and nimble
鈯� Toe box can feel wide
鈯� 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. 鈥淚t strikes a nice balance between cushioning and responsiveness,鈥� said one tester.

At the core of the Evo SL鈥檚 excellence is a thick slab of Adidas鈥� 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鈥檚 ride is buttery smooth, with a gentle, flexible forefoot rocker that is absent of Energy Rods鈥擜didas鈥檚 version of a carbon-fiber propulsion plate鈥� making it more versatile for different strides. 鈥淭he shoe rolls really well and does a great job returning energy and propelling me forward,鈥� said a tester.

The clean-looking mesh upper, accentuated by oversized versions of Adidas鈥� 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鈥檚 hard to beat. 鈥淕reat for fast days without breaking the bank,鈥� summed up one tester.

Best Super Trainer

Nike Zoom Fly 6

Weight: 9.3 oz (men), 7.7 oz (women)
Stack height: 40鈥�32 mm
Drop: 8 mm
Sizing: 6-15 (men鈥檚), 5-12 (women鈥檚)

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

By definition, supertrainers combine racing technology with more durable elements. The Zoom Fly 6 borrows ZoomX, Nike鈥檚 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鈥檚 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鈥檛 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鈥檚), 4-12 (women鈥檚); D, 2E, 4E widths

Pros and Cons
鈯� Upgraded, livelier midsole
鈯� Plush upper
鈯� Stiff sole

When your legs are still aching from yesterday鈥檚 run, few things feel better than slipping into a pair of thick-soled running shoes with a plush, cushioned upper鈥攕omething 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鈥檚 still not a shoe we鈥檇 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鈥檚 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. 鈥淚t’s got all the right bells and whistles of a true Hoka,鈥� said one tester.

Best Natural Ride

Topo Athletic Cyclone 3

Weight: 6.9 oz (men鈥檚), 5.5 oz (women鈥檚)
Stack height: 28鈥�23 mm
Drop: 5 mm
Sizing: 8-13 (men鈥檚), 6-11 (wome鈥檔s)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Extremely lightweight
鈯� Comfortable toe space with secure foothold
鈯� Excellent ground feel combined with bouncy cushioning
鈯� 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: 鈥淲hen you put it on you feel like you can take off quicker than expected. It鈥檚 an easy-going ride.鈥� Another noted, 鈥淎s 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.鈥�

We credit the Cyclone 3鈥檚 easy forward roll to its incredibly light weight, rockered geometry, great flexibility, and midsole pop. 鈥淭his reminds me of an old-school, lightweight, flexible shoe for speed and racing,鈥� 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鈥�32 mm (men鈥檚), 39鈥�31 mm (women鈥檚)
Drop: 8 mm
Sizing: 6-16 (men鈥檚), 5-13 (women鈥檚)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Reliably stable
鈯� Plush cushioning
鈯� 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鈥檚 not a lightweight, speedy shoe, but it doesn鈥檛 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鈥檚 foot is in a pronated position. 鈥淭he shoe feels supportive under the midfoot, but not firm,鈥� said one tester. 鈥淚t allows my foot to move naturally, then rebounds under the arch and provides a pleasant push-back as I roll onto my toes.鈥� The cushioning, while feeling slightly firmer and more responsive than that in the 31, remains plush鈥攍ong 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. 鈥淚 found the fit and feel of the shoe to be great,鈥� said a tester. 鈥淭he 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.鈥�

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鈥�28 mm
Drop: 10 mm
Sizing: 7-13, 14 (men鈥檚), 6-11 (women鈥檚)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Soft and smooth
鈯� Stable without feeling controlling
鈯� Toe box uncomfortable for some

The Puma ForeverRun Nitro 2鈥檚 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鈥攁 combination of a softer core surrounded by a firmer perimeter 鈥攖o feel great underfoot, noting that the shoe ran 鈥渟mooth and easy.鈥� That鈥檚 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.听 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鈥檚), 6.9 oz (women鈥檚)
Stack Height: 31.5鈥�23.5 mm
Drop: 8 mm
Sizing: Men鈥檚 7鈥�15; Women鈥檚 5鈥�12

Pros and Cons
鈯� Lightweight
鈯� Low-profile, agile-feeling, and supportive ride
鈯� Highly breathable upper
鈯� 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 鈥渇un and fast.鈥� The second version is updated with a new midsole compound鈥攏itrogen-infused DNA Flash v2鈥攚hich Brooks says is lighter weight and more responsive than its predecessor. We concur鈥攐ne tester described it as 鈥渟nappy,鈥� 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鈥攁 raised extension of the midsole foam on the outside, a firmer TPU piece on the inside鈥攖o 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. 鈥淚鈥檇 definitely speed train in these,鈥� said a tester. 鈥淭hey鈥檙e responsive, nimble, and light.鈥� 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. 鈥淚 found these easy to run in at any speed,鈥� said one. 鈥淭hey鈥檙e very responsive to whatever I feel like doing in them.鈥�

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鈥�32 mm
Drop: 8 mm
Sizing: 6-15 (men鈥檚), 5-12 (women鈥檚)

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

We鈥檝e run in all three versions of the AlphaFly to date and think this third iteration is a great update. Subtle adjustments to the shoe鈥檚 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鈥檒l wear no other shoe for races longer than 10 miles. Another speedy tester noted, 鈥淓ven running as fast as 5k pace, I found the Alphafly responded quickly, encouraging a fast turnover.鈥� Some slower runners noted, however, that landing on the Alphafly鈥檚 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鈥�31.5 mm
Drop: 8 mm
Sizing: 3.5-14 (men鈥檚/unisex)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Fast and springy
鈯� Secure foothold
鈯� 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鈥檚 new, proprietary midsole material made out of TPEE that they鈥檙e calling 鈥淚ncrediRUN鈥� foam. While the original Elite鈥檚 midsole felt until compressed powerfully, the Elite 2鈥檚 midsole feels wildly squishy and unstable when walking or slow jogging in the shoe. But, as one tester noted, 鈥淥nce I started to pick up the pace, the foam firmed up and became insanely responsive.鈥� With a stack height that falls just within legal limits for a marathon-racing shoe, that massive amount of rebounding foam鈥攃ombined with a carbon fiber plate that鈥檚 slotted in the forefoot for flexibility (the same plate as in the original Saucony Elite) and an aggressive toe spring鈥攎akes 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鈥�33 mm
Drop: 6 mm
Sizing: 6-13.5, 14.5 (men鈥檚), 5-12 (women鈥檚)

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

For short road races like the 5k and 10k you need a shoe that鈥檚 lively, explosive, and ready to roll. The new Adios Pro is all that. 鈥淯nlike the Pro 3, which felt more like a cruising shoe, the Pro 4 actively pushed you forward,鈥� one tester remarked, adding that 鈥渋t makes fast paces feel easier.鈥� 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鈥� 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鈥� 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, 鈥淭his shoe allows you to push off of your toe a lot easier than other shoes, which gives that fast feel.鈥�

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

鈥淭he Pro 4 is lighter, bouncier, and responsive than the Pro 3鈥攁 huge step up.鈥� 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鈥檒l 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鈥檚 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鈥檙e most comfortable with.

Once you鈥檝e 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鈥檚 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鈥檙e running. To determine fit and feel, there鈥檚 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鈥檚 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鈥檛 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鈥檚 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 鈥渃omfort filter,鈥� 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 鈥減referred movement path.鈥� 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鈥檒l know that you鈥檝e found your pair.

It鈥檚 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 鈥淎鈥� or 鈥淏,鈥� 鈥�1鈥� or 鈥�2.鈥� 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鈥攍ike cushioning or pronation control鈥攚ith 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鈥檛 consistently reduce injuries.

Don鈥檛 assume that you need more cushioning or more stability if you have sore joints, or if you鈥檙e a heavier runner, or if you鈥檙e a beginner鈥攅vidence doesn鈥檛 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鈥檚 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鈥攏ot 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 国产吃瓜黑料 and 国产吃瓜黑料 Buyer鈥檚 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鈥檚 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鈥檚 World.

A high school jumper and occasional sprinter/hurdler, she started running鈥攔eally running鈥攁fter walking off the collegiate volleyball team, and moved on to road and trail races of any distance, triathlons, adventure races, and mountain running. She鈥檚 happiest testing rugged trail shoes on gnarly terrain, and also loves a good neighborhood jaunt鈥ut is almost always looking for ribbons of dirt. Lisa is the author of Running That Doesn鈥檛 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鈥檚 determined not to let age slow him down and competes on the national master鈥檚 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鈥檚 tested and reviewed hundreds of running shoes, clothing, and gear for 国产吃瓜黑料, Runner鈥檚 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鈥� to over 100 Boston Marathon Qualifying times.

Here鈥檚 one of 颁辞谤测鈥檚 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鈥檚 World, then editor of PodiumRunner, and currently fitness gear editor at 国产吃瓜黑料. Having now worn nearly every running shoe created in this century鈥攁nd a fair amount of those dating back to the early models of the 鈥�70s鈥攈e鈥檚 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鈥攂ut he says he still enjoys an uptempo workout or two each week. Beverly is the author of the book which explores how each individual鈥檚 gait鈥攁nd, consequently shoe preference鈥攊s unique. He enjoys getting scientists鈥� take on new shoe trends and trying to describe the nuances of each shoe鈥檚 ride.

The post The Best Running Shoes for Training and Racing (Summer 2025) appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

I was out on the trail with my dog, Bailey, letting my mind turn off and wander, when I saw another dog and its owner we didn鈥檛 know coming towards us. I had Bailey off-leash, and as a courtesy, I started fumbling to get her leash on her before our encounter. Before I could get Bailey clipped in, I looked up and saw the other dog owner reach down to the harness on his dog, and somehow magically produce a leash.

鈥淚 need one of those!鈥� I said as we approached each other.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a game changer,鈥� he said. He showed me how the leash retracted into the harness, so his dog was carrying it, making it available at all times. I got the name of the leash company, FreeRun, and ordered one for $70 when I got home.

I鈥檓 lucky to live in a part of Vermont where there are plenty of trails that allow me to run with my dog off-leash. But even in places where running free is permitted, I carry a leash with me to steer Bailey away from yucky things she shouldn鈥檛 be getting into, navigate around people or other dogs who might not want to interact, and get her to the car worry-free at busy trailhead parking lots. And I find carrying a leash鈥攊n addition to my car keys and my phone鈥攁lways cumbersome.

Yes, dealing with a leash while trail-running is a first-world problem, but it鈥檚 still a pain. And, as a working mom of two toddlers, I鈥檓 always juggling, so I’m thrilled to find anything that makes my life just a bit simpler and easier.

California-based dog trainer Mary van Kriedt came up with the idea for the FreeRun leash. Van Kreidt says she forgot a leash while hiking with her dog and got creative by attaching a loop to the harness using her shoelace. The easy availability of the shoelace leash inspired her to create a more durable, retractable version.

The FreeRun leash is everything I鈥檇 hoped it would be on the first day I saw it. Using the four sets of buckles, I can clip Bailey into the harness without having to slide it over her head or ask her to step into it. The leash housing is stainless steel on the inside, plastic on the outside, and equipped with drainage holes, so it鈥檚 durable, lightweight, and can be worn in water without getting funky.

Fully extended, the leash is three feet long. While that is shorter than a standard leash, we鈥檝e found it to be plenty long for the short stretches when we need it on the trails. Bailey and I don鈥檛 run at night, but there are reflective bands on the harness for extra safety if you find yourself out in the evenings.

It鈥檚 been easy to use. When I need to corral her, I call Bailey to me and grab the handle. The leash extends automatically to its full length and we get beyond whatever situation we need to. Then I let go of the leash, and it retracts back into the harness. The design works well: I鈥檝e never had an issue with it getting jammed and the handle returns flush to the leash housing unit, so there isn鈥檛 any extra leash material flapping around.

Bailey has stress-tested the leash rigorously for several months, and it鈥檚 stood up well to all of her running, hiking, rolling, and swimming. The leash, which is made of a tight-knit polyester webbing similar to a seatbelt, doesn鈥檛 feel like it鈥檚 at risk of breaking. A stainless steel pin locks the leash in place, adding stability. In FreeRun鈥檚 own testing, they found it withstood 200 pounds of torque. I feel confident the harness will last us many more trail runs, and FreeRun has a lifetime warranty, should it ever fail.

It鈥檚 available in two sizes: The small/medium is for dogs weighing 15-35 pounds, and the medium/large is for dogs weighing 35-80 pounds. Bailey weighs 38 pounds and has a barrel-shaped chest, so I went with the medium/large. I鈥檝e set it about as tight as it can be and trimmed the straps to get the right fit for her. It works perfectly well, but I probably should鈥檝e gone with the smaller size.

Bailey and I now often find ourselves on the receiving end of comments like mine on the day I first saw the FreeRun leash. Dog owners will pause to watch our leash work and exclaim, 鈥淚 need one of those!鈥�

And they鈥檙e right; they do.

(Note: I searched for other retractible leashes and found options that looked similar to the FreeRun leash. But the reviews made me worried about quality. I saw enough comments about the leash snapping off the harness that I decided to go with the FreeRun, which looked like it could withstand the force of Bailey pulling on it鈥攁nd it has. I have not, however, tested any other brands with similar leash mechanisms.)听

The post The FreeRun Leash Makes Running with My Dog a Breeze appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Trails are portals to adventure, and good trail running shoes enable you to safely, confidently, and comfortably experience those trails, whether it鈥檚 a mellow, packed path or a rock-strewn mountainside. We鈥檙e 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鈥檝e 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鈥�35 mm
Drop: 6 mm
Sizing: 4.5-13, 14 (men鈥檚), 5.5-14, 15 (women鈥檚)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Unmatched combo of comfort and trail performance
鈯� Quick-feeling for such a cushioned shoe
鈯� Outstanding grip
鈯� 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. 鈥淚’m always a little wary of big-stack trail shoes because some of them feel mushy and slow, or even worse, unstable,鈥� said one tester. 鈥淭hese were none of those. I felt like I nestled right into the soles and bounced right along.鈥�

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.

鈥淭he shoe provided a smooth, supported run on a variety of terrains,鈥� noted one tester, who was surprised that even when the footing got rocky, the S/Lab Ultra Glide 鈥渄elivered a commanding performance, allowing for precise, responsive running.鈥�

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鈥檚 signature Quicklace system takes some adjusting each time you lace up to get the proper amount of pressure鈥攏ot a dealbreaker, but not quite an effortless 鈥渟et it and forget it鈥� experience.

Once dialed in, however, the fit and ride topped every shoe in this year鈥檚 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鈥�28 mm
Drop: 6 mm
Sizes: 7.5-15.5 (men鈥檚), 5.5-11 (women鈥檚)

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

The Prodigio Pro runs unlike any other La Sportiva shoe we鈥檝e ever tested. We鈥檝e 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鈥攁 core of bouncy, nitrogen-infused TPU surrounded by a more stable, nitrogen-infused EVA cage鈥攆eels snappy underfoot. 鈥淵our foot just pops off the ground with each step,鈥� said one tester.

The bootie construction鈥攁 sock-like, engineered mesh upper encircling the ankle鈥攕uccessfully 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 鈥淧ower Wire鈥� 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. 鈥淭his shoe has great traction in mud, slush, dirt, rocks, and roots,鈥� said one tester, who noted that the shoe performs expertly on off-camber terrain. 鈥淭his shoe makes me feel more nimble and quick than most shoes do.鈥�

Best Trail Super Shoe

Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra

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

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

Every Agravic Speed Ultra tester was in awe of how easily faster paces felt while wearing this shoe. 鈥淚 consistently ran about 30 seconds per mile faster while running in these shoes than what the effort felt like,鈥� 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 鈥減late.鈥� 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鈥檚 road shoes, to enhance stability. One tester said the resulting ride 鈥減rovided a lively pop without being tippy on variable surfaces or prescribing a set, rigid roll.鈥�

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 鈥渁 balanced ride that makes it easy to stay forward on my feet and drive backward with each stride, creating a quick, powerful push-off.鈥�

For the outsole, Adidas uses the same trustworthy, grippy Continental rubber found on most of the brand鈥檚 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鈥檝e 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鈥檚 10.5)
Stack Height: 36鈥�30 mm
Drop: 6 mm
Sizing: 7-13, 14 (men鈥檚), 5.5-11 (women鈥檚)

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

Building off the Puma Deviate Nitro Elite, one of Puma鈥檚 top-selling racing shoes, the Puma Deviate Nitro Elite Trail successfully brings road super shoe tech to the dirt. 鈥淚t feels like a springboard. Super light and bouncy,鈥� said one tester.

According to Conor Cashin, a senior product line manager at Puma running, the shoe鈥檚 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, 鈥淥verall, you get a more energetic and 鈥榝aster鈥� feeling in the Aliphatic TPU,鈥� claims Cashin. After runs in the shoe, one tester said: 鈥淭he 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.鈥�

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 鈥渢o 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.鈥�

Our testers confirmed the plate鈥檚 effectiveness. In tandem with the bouncy foam, it produced a 鈥渟uper lively, great ride with huge energy return,鈥� 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: 鈥渟kinny, tight, and compressed.鈥�

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

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鈥檚), 7.9 oz (women鈥檚)
Stack Height: 40鈥�35mm (men鈥檚); 39鈥�34mm (women鈥檚)
Drop: 5 mm
Sizes: Men鈥檚 7-14, Women鈥檚 5-11

Pros and Cons
鈯� Gaiter keeps out trail debris
鈯� Excellent balance of comfort and responsiveness
鈯� Doesn鈥檛 feel tippy, despite carbon fiber plates
鈯� Pricey

This third iteration of Hoka’s Tecton X is the best yet (and we鈥檝e 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鈥檝e 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鈥檚 meant to add to the shoe鈥檚 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鈥檚 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, 鈥淭he gaiter is stretchy and adds to the overall comfort and techy feel.鈥� 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: 鈥淚 ran straight through a river, and the shoe dried out very quickly,鈥� said a Boulder, Colorado-based tester.

The entire package鈥攖wo layers of foam, four-millimeter Vibram Magagrip lugs, carbon-fiber plating, and a gaiter鈥攃omes in at minimal weight for such a rugged and feature-rich ride. 鈥淭his thing is light, especially for a trail shoe,鈥� marveled a female tester, adding, 鈥淚t鈥檚 absolutely speed-inspiring.鈥� 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鈥檚 10.5)
Stack Height: 36鈥�32 mm
Drop: 4 mm
Sizing: 7-13 (men鈥檚), 5.5-11 (women鈥檚)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Lightweight and nimble ride
鈯� Custom-fit dual lacing system
鈯� 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鈥檚 first foray into trail running shoes. The T1 takes the brand鈥檚 standout features from its road lineup鈥攁 responsive, long-lasting midsole and an independently adjustable lacing system鈥攁nd 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, 鈥淚 absolutely battered it on technical terrain.鈥�

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. 鈥淭he baseline chassis of the shoe is so well tailored that even a laceless shoe would perform well,鈥� 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鈥檚), 8.6 oz (women鈥檚)
Stack height: 28鈥�24 mm
Drop: 4 mm
SIZES: 7-13, 14, 15 (men鈥檚); 5-12 (women鈥檚)

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

In an era that鈥檚 serving up increasingly fat midsoles, we鈥檙e happy to see that Saucony鈥檚 longtime performer remains relatively low to the ground, making it flexible and connected to the trail. It doesn鈥檛, 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鈥檚 outsole features aggressive, widely spaced, five-millimeter-deep, chevron-shaped lugs made of Saucony鈥檚 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.

鈥淭hese kept me stable while running on both singletrack and wider fireroad trails, and I felt fast because they鈥檙e so lightweight,鈥� said a tester. Another raved, 鈥淲ith 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.鈥�

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鈥�25 mm
Drop: 0 mm
Sizing: 7 – 13, 14, 15, 16 (men鈥檚), 5.5 – 12 (women鈥檚)

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

鈥淚f it ain鈥檛 broke, don鈥檛 fix it鈥� 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 鈥渢op-notch.鈥� 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鈥檙e a Lone Peak fan there鈥檚 nothing new here that will jeopardize that. Slight improvements sharpen the ride without altering the shoe鈥檚 core identity. 鈥淭he Lone Peak鈥檚 strengths haven’t changed for me,鈥� said one longtime Lone Peak fan.

Best For Speedy Scrambles

Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 Matryx

Weight: 8.3 oz (men鈥檚), 6.9 oz (women鈥檚)
Stack Height: 23.5鈥�19.5 mm
Drop: 4 mm
Sizing: 7-15 (men鈥檚), 5-11 (women鈥檚)

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

If you鈥檙e 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鈥攁 thin, breathable, quick-drying synthetic fabric reinforced with super-durable Kevlar threads鈥攕ecures 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. 鈥淚t 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,鈥� 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: 鈥淭his shoe makes you feel nimble and peppy on technical terrain, like you can run up those hills and bomb those descents faster than normal.鈥�

Best for Soft Terrain

Scarpa Spin ST

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

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

The 鈥淪T鈥� in the name stands for 鈥淪oft Terrain,鈥� which is what this shoe is best suited for. Here鈥檚 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鈥檚 narrow and unstretchy toe box caused some irritation but raved about the shoe鈥檚 ability to grab hold in soft dirt.

We reached for this shoe often on snowy terrain鈥攅ither 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鈥檛 Gore-Tex, however, and doesn鈥檛 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鈥檛 a shoe you鈥檇 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鈥檚), 9 oz (women鈥檚)
Stack height: 32鈥�26 mm
Drop: 6 mm
Sizes: 7-13, 14 (men鈥檚); 5-11 (women鈥檚)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Great balance of stable and cushy
鈯� Propulsive feel
鈯� 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鈥攖he sole flares out behind the heel with a notch in the middle鈥攕eemed 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鈥檛 feel too clunky on smooth terrain, although one tester noted, 鈥淢ud seemed to stick to the outsole and stay there.鈥� All testers found the seamless engineered mesh upper breathed great and kept feet in place.

Overall, we鈥檙e big fans of the updated Enduris 4 with more cush. 鈥淭he shoe actually felt lighter than expected and easy to run in for both road-to-trail routes and straight trail running,鈥� said one tester.

Best Road-To-Trail

Nike Pegasus Trail 5

Weight: 10.6 oz (men鈥檚), 8.6 oz (women鈥檚)
Stack Height: 37鈥�27.5 mm
Drop: 9.5 mm
Sizes: 6-15 (men鈥檚) 5-12 (women鈥檚)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Transitions well from asphalt to dirt
鈯� Secure fit for off-road confidence
鈯� Good-looking enough for casual wear
鈯� 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. 鈥淚 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,鈥� said a Boulder, Colorado, tester.

The cushioning is updated in this version to Nike鈥檚 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鈥攁 simple feature we appreciated every time we used it.

This shoe also looks fashionable enough to crossover to casual wear, adding to its versatility. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a great shoe for travel that might include hiking, running, walking, and general adventuring,鈥� 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鈥檚); 8.9 oz (women鈥檚)
Stack height: 40鈥�34 mm
Drop: 6 mm
Sizes: 8-13 (men鈥檚); 6-10 (women鈥檚)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Ample, responsive cushioning
鈯� Solid traction
鈯� 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鈥檚 update did improve the fit, however. 鈥淚t鈥檚 snug and secure in the heel, and the tongue is form-fitting and comfortable,鈥� said a Virginia-based tester. 鈥淲hen I was on flat terrain and wearing zero-cushion socks, I felt very comfortable in the shoe.鈥� 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鈥檚 traction proved capable on a range of surfaces, although the rubber is a tad noisy on pavement. 鈥淭he outsole is extremely grippy,鈥� said a tester, 鈥渨hich makes them fun on gravel and when accelerating. They also worked well on a dew-soaked wood boardwalk.鈥� 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鈥檚); 8.6 oz (women鈥檚)
Stack height: 38鈥�28.5 mm (men鈥檚); 40.3鈥�30.8 mm (women鈥檚)
Drop: 9.5 mm
Sizes: 6-13, 14, 15 (men鈥檚); 5-12 (women鈥檚)

Pros and Cons
鈯� ReactX foam is lightweight and lively
鈯� Secure foothold
鈯� 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.

鈥淟ove this shoe!鈥� exclaimed a tester based in Louisville, Colorado. 鈥淚t has fantastic cushioning, great tread, and it’s just all-around comfortable.鈥� She also noted that the cushioning placement of the Wildhorse 10 is unusually prominent on the perimeter. 鈥滻 noticed it more on the outer parts of my midfoot, which was new, but I really liked it.鈥�

We鈥檝e 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鈥檚 full-ground-contact traction to make it a reliable go-anywhere partner. Traction comes from Nike Trail All Terrain Compound (ATC)鈥攁 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鈥檚 a solid choice. (It may, however, be overkill for flat, smooth trails.)

Best Natural Ride

Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4

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

Pros and Cons
鈯� Instantly comfortable on a variety of feet
鈯� Highly cushioned while still allowing ground feel
鈯� Doesn鈥檛 grab loose dirt well

The Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4 fits like a classic Topo shoe鈥攁 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鈥攁 recycled mesh with a polyurethane wrap around the front of the shoe for protection from toe stubs鈥攊s slightly stretchy and conforms around the foot. 鈥淭his felt like a slipper with traction,鈥� 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. 鈥淭he 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,鈥� 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鈥�38 mm
Drop: 4 mm
Sizing: 7-13, 14, 15, 16, 17 (men鈥檚); 5-11, 12 (women鈥檚)

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

If you鈥檙e just getting into trail running, you need a shoe that provides stability, grip, and comfort鈥攊n 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鈥攁 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 鈥渁bsorbs shock well and returns energy efficiently.鈥� She also praised the shoe鈥檚 forefoot rocker profile, which 鈥渕akes for a smooth push-off and helps with your forward motion and efficiency.鈥�

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鈥�38 millimeters, we found the Hierro v9 shockingly stable as long as we steered clear of technical terrain鈥攚hich most beginners tend to do anyway. Grippy 4.5-millimeter lugs鈥攚hich one tester described as 鈥渧ery aggressive鈥濃�攊nstill 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鈥檙e 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鈥檒l likely prefer a light, more minimal shoe, but if you鈥檇 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鈥檝e 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鈥檚 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鈥檙e running. To determine fit and feel, there鈥檚 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鈥檚 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鈥檛 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鈥檚 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 鈥渃omfort filter,鈥� 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 鈥減referred movement path.鈥� 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鈥檒l know that you鈥檝e found your pair.

It鈥檚 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 鈥淎鈥� or 鈥淏,鈥� 鈥�1鈥� or 鈥�2.鈥� 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鈥攍ike cushioning or pronation control鈥攚ith 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鈥檛 consistently reduce injuries.

Don鈥檛 assume that you need more cushioning or more stability if you have sore joints, or if you鈥檙e a heavier runner, or if you鈥檙e a beginner鈥攅vidence doesn鈥檛 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鈥檚 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鈥檚 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 国产吃瓜黑料. 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鈥檚 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鈥檚 World.

A high school jumper and occasional sprinter/hurdler, she started running鈥攔eally running鈥攁fter walking off the collegiate volleyball team, and moved on to road and trail races of any distance, triathlons, adventure races, and mountain running. She鈥檚 happiest testing rugged trail shoes on gnarly terrain, and also loves a good neighborhood jaunt鈥ut is almost always looking for ribbons of dirt. Lisa is the author of Running That Doesn鈥檛 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鈥檚 determined not to let age slow him down and competes on the national master鈥檚 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鈥檚 tested and reviewed hundreds of running shoes, clothing, and gear for 国产吃瓜黑料, Runner鈥檚 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鈥� to over 100 Boston Marathon Qualifying times.

One of Cory Smith鈥檚 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鈥檚 World, then editor of PodiumRunner, and currently fitness gear editor at 国产吃瓜黑料. Having now worn nearly every running shoe created in this century鈥攁nd a fair amount of those dating back to the early models of the 鈥�70s鈥攈e鈥檚 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鈥攂ut he still enjoys an uptempo workout or two each week. Beverly is the author of the book which explores how each individual鈥檚 gait鈥攁nd thus shoe preference鈥攊s unique. He enjoys getting scientists鈥� take on new shoe trends and trying to describe the nuances of each shoe鈥檚 ride.

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

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The running world鈥檚 brief, passionate affair with the minimalist movement may have burnt out more than a decade ago, but minimalist running shoes are alive and well鈥攁nd experts agree there are good reasons you should own a pair.

At a Glance

• Why Wear Minimalist Shoes?
• What Is a Minimalist Shoe?
• Maximizing Your Minimalist Experience
• Meet Our Lead Tester

Minimalist shoe reviews, sorted from thinnest sole to thickest:

• Vivobarefoot Primus Lite Knit ($175)
• Merrell Vapor Glove 6 and Glove 6 BOA ($100-120)
• Vivobarefoot Primus Trail III All Weather FG ($175)
• Vibram Five Fingers V-Run ($160)
• Xero Shoes HFS II ($120)
• Merrell Trail Glove 7 ($120)
• Topo ST-5 ($120)
• Xero Shoes Scrambler Low EV ($150)
• Altra Superior 7 ($120)
• Altra Escalante 4 ($130)

Why Wear Minimalist Running Shoes?

Many sports med professionals continue to tout the benefits of minimalist footwear today, long after the fad faded. 鈥淓ven in a world dominated by maximalist footwear, I often recommend minimalist shoes鈥攅specially for casual wear, walking, and as part of a running shoe rotation,鈥� says sports podiatrist Rob Conenello. Conenello points out how the shoes encourage foot muscle engagement and better proprioception鈥攖he foot鈥檚 ability to sense and interact with the ground鈥攁nd, he says, 鈥淎 stronger foot leads to a more efficient and injury-resistant athlete.鈥�

Fellow sports podiatrist Paul Langer agrees, 鈥淭he health benefits are supported by more and more every year. I recommend minimalist shoes for almost all my patients because they have potential benefits that include improving foot strength and mobility, decreasing the risk of falling, and reducing foot pain.鈥�

Jay Dicharry, physical therapist and biomechanics researcher, says every runner should have a minimalist model as . 鈥淧utting less between you and the ground means the shoe鈥檚 cushion and geometry can鈥檛 do the work for you,鈥� Dicharry explains. 鈥淪pending time walking, and yes, some running, in minimal shoes will load your foot and lower leg a lot more. This increased load cues your body to build stronger bones, muscles, tendons, and durability in your feet. And a direct connection between your feet and the ground does wonders for your nervous system, your sense of stability, and can help filter out some imbalances in your stride.鈥�

What Is a Minimalist Running Shoe?

If you鈥檙e ready to follow this advice, you first need to know what makes a shoe minimalist. Minimalist running shoes are born from the assumption that the best, most natural running is done barefoot. Your feet should be free to be feet: complex constructions of arches, cables, and levers that react and adapt instantly to cushion, stabilize and propel. Given that most people today didn鈥檛 grow up going bare in all conditions, and thus didn鈥檛 develop the calloused soles necessary to tread safely and comfortably on all but the softest terrains, most minimalists concede that some sort of shoes are a necessary evil. But, to maintain natural proprioception and muscle activation, and encourage efficient posture and gait patterns, they believe shoes should stay as close to bare as possible.

What makes a shoe minimalist is a matter of debate, but in 2015, agreed on a formal definition: 鈥淔ootwear providing minimal interference with the natural movement of the foot due to its high flexibility, low heel to toe drop, weight and stack height, and the absence of motion control and stability devices.鈥� That definition provided parameters to determine how minimal any particular pair is, but left open to interpretation the exact line where a shoe becomes too high, too stiff, or too controlling to be considered minimalist. If you choose to go more minimal, it is up to you to decide which characteristics are most important and how low you want to go.

Maximizing Your Minimalist Experience

Put on a pair of minimalist shoes and you instantly feel light, nimble, and alive. Head out the door and you dance along, feeling a new, intimate, interactive connection with the earth beneath your feet鈥攗ntil you tire and start clomping along with no cushioning underfoot and return home to find your calves and achilles screaming. Most runners need to transition to minimal footwear very gradually, building up miles in them as slowly as they first added running miles when a beginner, or using them only occasionally as training devices.

鈥淏y removing the artificial cushioning and support, the feet are forced to do more work,鈥� Langer explains. 鈥淭his increased workload, if done gradually, will increase the foot鈥檚 capacity to support the body by strengthening muscles and ligaments and other connective tissue and allowing the joints to move in a broader range of motion. If not done gradually, people often get injured with metatarsal stress fractures, plantar fasciitis calf strains or Achilles tendinitis.鈥�

Whether or not you adopt minimal footwear all the time, using them sparingly is worthwhile to improve your posture and stride, as well as foot strength鈥攑articularly if combined with exercises to . And nearly everybody can use minimal shoes for walking and daily wear, which experts agree can be as valuable for improving your biomechanics as running in them.

Meet Our Lead Tester

Jonathan Beverly, Senior Running Editor, Gear

I fell in love with running my freshman year in high school in 1977, and quickly became fascinated with finding the perfect pair of running shoes. That quest got a boost when I became editor of Running Times in 2000 and started receiving every new model as they were released. I embraced the minimalist movement in the early 2010鈥檚, running thousands of miles鈥攊ncluding road and trail races鈥攊n barely-there shoes which reconnected me with my body and the earth, rejuvenating my running. But after suffering a metatarsal stress fracture and seeing others get injured in minimalist footwear, I dug into the contradictory studies on shoes and running form and talked to dozens of experts鈥攆rom scientists to medical professionals to coaches鈥攖rying to determine common ground. That research turned into a book, , which explores how to counteract the forces of a modern sedentary lifestyle and restore natural posture and movement so you can run more effectively (in any footwear).

Today, I wear every type of running shoe as a tester, but retain a preference for more minimal models, which I wear exclusively when not running. During this testing, however, I found that my adaptation to running in ultra-thin shoes had waned and my experience in them seemed typical for runners who have some experience with light, low models but are mostly accustomed to today鈥檚 high, soft shoes.

For this review, I ran in each model several times over three months, on different terrains and at a variety of paces, from jogs to sprint intervals. I also rotated them as my exclusive walking and casual shoes throughout the test period, including hikes up to 10 miles. Here are my picks for the best minimalist shoes for running today, ranging from nearly-bare to lightly-cushioned models.

Vivobarefoot Primus Lite Knit

Weight: 8.7 oz (men’s)/ 6.5 oz (women’s)
Sole Thickness: 6 mm (includes removable 2 mm insole)

From the first step in the Vivobarefoot Primus Lite Knit I felt a sense of freedom and connection, like being barefoot but with a tough, protective skin removing fear of sharp things underfoot. The sole is the thinnest of the shoes I tested if you remove the insole (tied with the Merrell Vapor Glove 6 with the insole), and flexes without resistance in all directions. The thin, knit upper, made with recycled plastics, is equally flexible, and, although the shoe鈥檚 width is voluminous, holds the rearfoot securely thanks to a stretchy, booty-like upper with overlay straps hugging the instep, plus a softly molded heel cup that snugs with light padding.

I wore these mostly casually, the ground feel always surprising me for the first few steps and quickly cueing my feet to engage and posture to straighten up. Runs in them were short, quick bursts, relishing the feeling of power transferring through my feet but being careful not to tire and start clunking. After, my feet always felt like I had done a “foot day” strength workout, that pleasant soreness that says they are alive.

One note: the size was so big the fabric bunched up between the eyelets. While I didn鈥檛 slide around in the shoe, a half size smaller than my usual running shoe would have fit better without interfering with toe space.

Merrell Vapor Glove 6 and Glove 6 BOA

Weight: 5.6 oz (men’s) / 4.6 oz (women’s) 鈥� BOA 6.7 oz (men’s) / 5.5 oz (women’s)
Sole Thickness: 6 mm

As the lightest, airiest, and tied-for-thinnest-soled shoe in the test, I could almost forget I had the Merrell Vapor Glove 6 on, except when I didn鈥檛 have to tread gingerly over iffy surfaces and gripped the trail better than when barefoot. I loved the breathable, slipper-like upper that has surprisingly plush padding in the ankle collar and the gusseted tongue, and the thin Vibram outsole, with 2.5-millimeter-deep, squiggly-line lugs. And I loved how the two worked together to move invisibly with my foot while providing robust protection, without trying to control or dulling my proprioception.

The Vapor Glove 6 is too minimal for me to do much running in these days (except for short hill sprints during walks), but when I wore them casually I could feel my feet activating and strengthening, and my balance improving. The laced version was stylish enough to wear extensively at work and around town, and I reached often for the BOA version鈥攚hich makes cinching and adjusting tension as easy as turning a dial鈥攚hile gardening and on long, dirt-road walks with my dogs.

Vivobarefoot Primus Trail III All Weather FG

Weight: 11.1 oz (men’s) / 7.8 oz (women’s)
Sole Thickness: 7.5 mm (includes removable 2 mm insole)

Every time I pulled on these all-weather, trail-ready Vivobarefoots and snugged the fit with the simple and effective pull-cord lace, my feet felt alive and ready to dance. The 7.5-millimeter-thick sole鈥攊ncluding 2.5鈥搈illimeter-deep, 鈥渇irm-ground鈥� lugs鈥攁dded just enough underfoot to make me feel confident running in them鈥攂ut in a specific, limited context. Having noted that my cadence has been slowing while wearing cushioned shoes, I decided these shoes, with barefoot-like ground feel but solid underfoot protection and grip, were the perfect tool in which to restore my springs. My weekly routine has become this: I sprint up a dirt road with quick, powerful strides, until I start to tire and my turn-over slows, then I鈥檒l walk until I鈥檓 ready to do another high-cadence 200 to 300 meters, repeating until I鈥檝e gone 1.5 to 2 miles. My foot and lower leg muscles are inevitably sore the next day, but I can already feel a renewed quickness and bounciness to my stride.

The firm sole, which wraps up around the edges in wavy sidewalls, flexes with ease, enabling full range of motion and terrain-adaptable landings and push-offs. Up top, the rugged, water-resistant fabric (95% RPET, 5% Spandex) flexes in the right places and secures the midfoot with a sturdy TPU saddle overlay, while the wide forefoot doesn鈥檛 interfere with splay, even wearing . The weight of the sole and protective upper make this shoe as or more suitable for hiking as for running鈥擨 comfortably did several 1鈥�2 hour hikes in them and they felt durable enough to hold up to whatever terrain I took them on.

Note: the fit runs large, I had to get a pair a half size smaller than my usual running shoe size.

Vibram Five Fingers V-Run

Weight: 4.8 oz (men’s) / 3.9 oz (women’s)
Sole Thickness: 8.5 mm (includes non-removable insole)

Running in Five Fingers is a familiar sensation for those who lived through and embraced the minimalist movement: a feeling of running barefoot as a child, free, alive and in touch with the earth. The design delivers unsurpassed toe splay, enforced by the separate toe pockets, and a close-to-the-ground, near-barefoot ride. I put in many miles in Five Fingers in the early 2010s on terrain ranging from asphalt streets to gravel backroads to jungle mud, and always felt like my body was waking up and paying attention. I also got injured going too long, too hard, too soon. This time I used them for shorter runs a couple of times per week, and loved the reconnection with the earth, always ending up doing some fast, nimble pickups or hill sprints.

The V Run is lighter than the original, while more supportive. The weight reduction comes mostly from the thin, perforated upper, that is more breathable but less soft than the original knit, and the removal of much of the outsole rubber. The pads that remain are attached to a four-millimeter-thick sculpted EVA midsole that adds some support as well as padding. I found the V-Run felt protective and fast, stiffening my foot lever a bit, but it also felt slightly more removed from the ground, somewhat stiffer, and less comfortable than the original.

Xero Shoes HFS II

Weight: 8.3 oz (men’s), 6.7 oz (women’s)
Sole Thickness: 12.5 mm (includes removable 3.5 mm insole)

The Xero HFS II鈥檚 sole is thin, unscultped (no hint of arch support), zero-drop, and entirely flexible, but has just enough underfoot padding (12.5 millimeters between foot and ground) to make it far more accessible to the majority of runners than a non-cushioned barefoot shoe. The first time I took them out I intended to mix walking with short run bursts, but found myself padding comfortably along and ended up running continuously for three miles on sidewalks, with a couple of grassy hill sprints thrown in. The next day I could feel the foot and calf muscles that got extra work, but they weren鈥檛 sore enough to warrant scaling down my planned run. I wore the HFS II as my only casual shoe for a week, which included walking two miles on city streets daily, and felt more comfortable and energetic than when wearing highly cushioned shoes.

Credit the thin layer of firmly responsive EVA for easing the transition. It contours and protects the bony protrusions underfoot but doesn鈥檛 sink and dull my proprioception of the ground, cueing my muscles to react and engage and my stride to get lighter and more balanced. For those wanting more underfoot feel, the 3.5 millimeter insole can be removed, leaving a smoothly finished interior with just fabric covering the midsole. The shape is wide and roomy from heel to toe, but holds the rear- and mid-foot securely with a well-padded collar and strategic straps that loop into the laces and wrap the instep. The chevron outsole lugs are flat-topped and thickly spaced enough to roll smoothly over roads but deep enough to grip on dirt: I ended up running mostly on gravel, which the shoe felt best suited for. My only beef was that the barrel laces felt clumsy when tightening the shoe and came untied easily.

Merrell Trail Glove 7

Weight: 8.5 oz (men’s) / 6.0 oz (women’s)
Thickness: 14 mm (includes non-removable insole)

The Trail Glove 7 crosses over the line from what I would consider barefoot shoes to minimalist running shoes. While still zero-drop, flexible, and not overly cushioned (11.5 millimeters of Merrell鈥檚 proprietary, firm-and-responsive FloatPro foam), they didn鈥檛 make my feet work as much as more minimal models, making it easy to put in more trail miles in them right off the bat鈥攂ut producing less of a training effect. I appreciated the grip from the 2.5-millimeter-deep, 30-percent recycled, Vibram-rubber lugs, and the support where the outsole wraps up in high sidewalls on both sides of the arch and over the heel and toe. The fit lives up to its glove-like name with a flexible mesh upper that wraps securely over the gusseted tongue, and a slightly narrower shape than other minimalist models.

Although agile on the run, I didn鈥檛 run in these very often after an initial week of testing over a variety of distances and paces, given that they offer neither the strong foot-strengthening stimulus of barefoot models nor the underfoot cushion of slightly thicker shoes. Their easy-going comfort, however, made them a frequent choice for casual wear and long walks that bordered on hikes, where their middle-of-the-road cushioning and solid stability proved just right.

Topo ST-5

Weight: 6.6 oz (men’s) / 5.3 oz (women’s)
Sole Thickness: 14 mm (includes removable insole)

The Topo ST-5 is the shoe I take on a trip to wear all day, every day, and know I will be comfortable and light-footed whether I鈥檓 walking for miles on concrete sidewalks, standing for hours at an expo, doing strength and plyometric work, or running short distances. The soft, flexible upper hugs my foot from heel to ball like a second skin, while the toe box is roomy and airy, with plenty of space for splay, even wearing . Underfoot, 14 millimeters (two millimeters less than the ST-4) of firmly bouncy Zipfoam allows me to feel and interact with the ground without getting bruised by it, and flexes easily in all directions, letting my arch and toes move freely.

Clean styling and subdued colors (I have both a black and a grey pair) let me wear the ST-5 anywhere from a run to a restaurant without feeling out of place. I reached for this shoe more often than any other shoe in the test because it disappears (from sight and feel) and lets me move nimbly and naturally without thinking about my feet or ending the day beat up.

Xero Shoes Scrambler Low EV

Weight: 9.2 oz (men’s) / 7.4 oz (women’s)
Sole Thickness: 15 mm (includes removable 3.5 mm insole)

The first thing that stands out about the Scrambler Low EV is how rugged it is: from the full-coverage, wide-lugged, Michelin tire rubber sole to the robust, abrasion resistant upper, this shoe it is built to last鈥擷ero is so confident it guarantees the sole for 5,000 miles. Fifteen millimeters of rubber and responsive foam lie between foot and ground, offering ample protection for your foot during those miles. Compared to other Xeros, the Scrambler Low EV sacrifices some softness and flexibility for that protection and durability. It maintains Xero鈥檚 effective midfoot straps that loop into the laces and snug the instep, but in terms of fit and flexibility, it feels more like a light hiking shoe than a speedy trail slipper (like the still-available Mesa Trail II that I love for its soft, foot-wrapping fit).

Given its ruggedness, hiking is where I ended up appreciating the Scrambler most, where it gave me confidence that it could stand up to whatever I stepped on or brushed against, and allowed stable and secure footplants on any terrain. For running, I found it felt more agile with the 3.5 millimeter insole removed, which improved the flexibility and ground proprioception while maintaining the shoe鈥檚 protection and sure-footed grip.

Altra Superior 7

Weight: 9.3 oz (men’s) / 7.7 oz (women’s)
Sole Thickness: 21 mm (includes removable insole)

Full disclosure, I鈥檝e been an unapologetic fan-boy of the Superior since it came out鈥攖he flexible, balanced ride makes me feel like a wild animal gliding over the earth, and the thin sole provides enough padding that I can run in them daily as long as I stay tall and land lightly. I took the Superior 7 out in western Nebraska鈥檚 sandhills and Utah鈥檚 rocky Wasatch Mountains, and found it as nimble as ever, equally capable on both terrains.

Underfoot, the 21 millimeter sole without a rock plate softens landings but still lets me feel the ground enough to dance agilely over uneven and unpredictable terrain, adapting to each varied footplant. It doesn鈥檛, however, morph and swallow rocks like a thicker shoe, thus requires foot and ankle strength to adapt and support on rough trails鈥擨 could feel the strain after longer outings, and noted my strength and reactive skills improving over time. On softer terrain, the low, widely spaced lugs dig in and grip but don鈥檛 get bogged down.

The redesigned upper is easy to cinch down for a secure fit, while, as expected from Altra, allowing plenty of room for splay. The mesh forefoot is flexible and breathable, while TPU overlays around the toe and saddle enhanced the durability and hold, although seeming a bit plasticky (until dirt build-up took the shine off).

Altra Escalante 4

Weight: 9.5 oz (men’s)/ 7.5 oz (women’s)
Sole Thickness: 24 mm (includes removable insole)

The Escalante is foot-shaped and zero-drop, but doesn鈥檛 count as a true minimalist running shoe to purists as it has 24 millimeters of cushy, bouncy foam reducing the flexibility, ground feel, and foot activation and strengthening. Compared to most of today鈥檚 shoes, however, I found the thin sole provided plenty of proprioception, enhanced by Altra鈥檚 proprietary AltraEGO foam that firms up quickly on compression with a lively bounce-back. The lightly structured, engineered knit upper coddled my feet without cramping them or controlling their movement.

I found myself running tall and striding quickly in these, and was able to go as long as I wanted without feeling post-run foot and calf soreness. For many runners, the Escalante makes an effective to run in a few times a week to vary the stress, strengthen the feet, and cue different movement patterns鈥攚ithout getting so beat up they have to reduce mileage.

For other minimalist options, also look into:

And for an even more minimalist feel, consider sandals from:

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Runners who travel know a packing trick: Instead of cramming our bulky running shoes in our luggage, we wear them. We wear them on planes, trains, and car rides. We wear them to tour cities, countrysides, museums, galleries, and trails. While others suffer from blisters and fatigue in their sandals, loafers, or even stylish hiking boots, we think to ourselves, 鈥淗a! My feet are comfortable and supported, and I can walk all day!鈥�

In the past, however, we鈥檝e paid the price: We鈥檝e looked like dorks.

But not anymore. Thankfully, most running shoe brands have figured out the value of making performance footwear in good-looking packages that render them almost incognito. Instead of sporting obnoxious color paneling and neon racing tones, some models now come in muted monochromatic styling that goes just as well with a dress or Bermudas as they do with split shorts.

Some running shoes are so stylish, in fact, that they even pass for 鈥渃ool.鈥� As a lead running shoe tester for 国产吃瓜黑料, I鈥檝e tried nearly every running shoe on the market. I can attest that the eight running shoes below not only offer comfort and performance on the road and trails, they鈥檙e also easy on the eyes, and, according to my discerning 17-year-old son, steezy.

While you鈥檙e at it, be sure to check out our picks for the听best running shirts and tanks for women, best women’s running shorts, and the best running shoes.

Craft Pacer

Color: Ghost

All-gray shoes are underrated. Like a white shoe, they look great and go with everything, but don鈥檛 get as dirty. The Pacer is a lightweight, supremely comfortable shoe that is smooth on road runs, and can crossover to light trails thanks to its wider-than-most base with a hexagonally-lugged rubber outsole. Bonus: The Pacer comes in nine colorways if you prefer something brighter than the 鈥淕host鈥� grey.

Nike Pegasus 41

Colors: White, black

Whether you鈥檙e looking for an all-white or all-black shoe, the Pegasus 41 nails the styling in both options. This shoe is a solid, no-frills performer for walking or running, with a smooth roll and comfortable upper. It鈥檚 on the sportier end of the style spectrum, but not obnoxiously so. The shoe comes in 16(!) color options per gender, plus the ability to customize your own shoe styling.

Hoka Clifton 10

Colors: White or Cosmic gray/stardust

It鈥檚 hard to find a Hoka that doesn鈥檛 scream 鈥淗oka鈥� in three-inch letters on its sidewall. And while the Clifton 10 still reads 鈥淗oka,鈥� the type is smaller and matched to the rest of the shoe. The Clifton 10 is still a Hoka with its fat midsole, but that performance feature is becoming stylistically mainstream, and all that cushioning makes day-long walking easy. (Disney park, or European city, anyone?) Note that these take up a lot of room in a suitcase.

On Cloudrunner 2

Colors: White/green, all black

The white with green and gold accented shoe has serious tennis vibes, and with summer in full swing and tennis having a moment as a popular spectator sport (someone please invite me to the U.S. Open!), the Cloudrunner 2 is on-trend. This is a comfortable shoe that transitions well from pavement to gravel path and mild dirt and back (though going off-road quickly soils its crisp looks, so if trails are on the regular schedule, you might want to choose the all-black color).

Veja Condor 3

Color: White

The Veja Condor 3 comes in some bold colorways, but it鈥檚 also available in a stark, all-white option. I love how this shoe feels underfoot: it rolls smoothly and has lively, comfortable cushioning that puts a spring in my step when walking or running on pavement. Thanks to a secure hold of the foot, the Condor 3 also works on moderate trails. I also appreciate that this shoe is made from sustainable and organic materials.

Arc鈥檛eryx Norvan LD 4

Color: Rune/Dark Arctic Silk

If your travels include serious trail hikes and runs, or you don鈥檛 mind a little extra shoe on your road runs, the Norvan LD 4鈥檚 muted vibe in Rune/Dk arctic silk has you covered. And if you like a little color, check out the Pink Glow/Lt Pink Glow option, which resembles cotton candy at a summer fair. With a secure, protective upper, the shoe handles nearly any terrain comfortably and capably. The outsole features 4 millimeter lugs made of Vibram Megagrip, making you adventure-ready at all times.

Norda 005

Color: Neve

The Norda 005 is a high-performance trail racer鈥攃omplete with a carbon-fiber plate, super-critical foam, and an ultra-durable, sustainable BioDyneema upper鈥攊n a stealth package. The 鈥淣eve鈥� colorway is a stylish light grey that pairs with anything. A luggy, Vibram outsole makes the shoe a trail charger, but it also runs smoothly on gentle terrain, and isn鈥檛 too clunky on paved sections or awkward while walking. This shoe strikes a great balance of urban/rugged cool.

Tracksmith Eliot Runner

Color: White/navy

I鈥檝e praised this shoe since it hit the market in 2022 for its preppy good looks combined with a peppy midsole that provides ample cushioning with minimal bulk. The lack of obnoxious branding adds to the Eliot Runner鈥檚 ability to blend in with any outfit, and the relatively low stack makes this shoe stable while walking and a solid partner in any hotel gym鈥擨鈥檝e found it鈥檚 not overbuilt and allows natural movement during lifts and bodyweight exercises. The white/navy model has been my travel go-to, but dirties quickly. My next pair might be navy/ivory or warm gray/pewter.

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When Hurricane Helene hit western North Carolina in the fall of 2024, the damage was devastating. But while most people sought safety, members of the headed straight into the disaster zone. Technical training and long hours of practice enabled the all-volunteer team to provide critical response and support during the area鈥檚 catastrophic flooding.

The event was unprecedented, but Linville-Central鈥檚 search-and-rescue efforts should not have been a surprise. For more than 50 years, the group has been providing SAR services in Avery County and the surrounding region, with a team that includes first responders, certified rescue technicians, EMTs, paramedics, and K9s. They respond wherever needed鈥攅vacuating a hiker with a broken ankle, rescuing a climber stranded on a cliff, extricating a victim trapped by a car accident, searching for lost people, and more.

It鈥檚 all hero鈥檚 work, especially when you consider Linville-Central is a nonprofit, volunteer-led organization. Plus, it鈥檚 operating in an area where the demand for search-and-rescue services keeps increasing, thanks to the growing number of people exploring the beautiful but rugged and technical terrain, with numerous mountain trails, waterfalls, and rock climbing destinations. Their service area includes parts of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Grandfather Mountain State Park, the Appalachian Trail, Lost Cove Wilderness, and the Wilson Creek Wild and Scenic River Area.

Fortunately, their job just got a little easier, thanks to the Presented by Chase. Now in its fifth year, the program honors the unsung heroes of our communities, the hardworking nonprofits across the United States and Canada that provide critical community support, like search-and-rescue services, veteran support, outdoor access, and animal welfare. Winners in six categories take home a Defender 130 SUV and $30,000 in prize money. That can be a game changer for a local nonprofit, and it鈥檚 just the latest incarnation of Defender鈥檚 legacy of supporting charitable organizations. For decades, Defender has created legendary vehicles to take service workers on missions to help others, and that continues with the Defender Service Awards. Since 2021, the program has awarded 24 customized Defender SUVs and more than $1 million to elevate mission-driven organizations that are strengthening their communities. In total, 90-plus nonprofits have benefited, enabling them to improve and expand their services.

The Linville-Central Rescue Squad is one of them, earning the Search, Rescue and Emergency Support Services Award in 2024. 鈥淲hen we had to send a search team to a neighboring state to search high-angle terrain, the Defender 130 was the perfect vehicle,鈥� says Derick Calloway, director of the squad鈥檚 mountain rescue team. 鈥淚t transported the team and their technical gear and towed a UTV. One thing we learned from responding to Hurricane Helene is that we need more capable vehicles, and now we have one with the Defender 130. When the next flood comes, we know we鈥檒l be better prepared.鈥�

Christopher Brown, another Linville-Central volunteer EMT and member of the mountain rescue team, says the benefits of the Defender 130 are clear鈥攍ike having cameras all around the vehicle at the wheels to negotiate tight, technical terrain and crowded trailheads. But he also says they鈥檝e learned that the award is much greater than just winning the vehicle and the grant. 鈥淲e鈥檝e made valuable connections and received more exposure than ever before,鈥� he says. 鈥淓ven our own community hasn鈥檛 always known what we do. The Defender Service Awards has allowed us to tell our story to a huge audience. That helps Linville-Central Rescue Squad on so many levels.鈥�

Enter the 2025 Defender Service Awards

Know a nonprofit that could use a supercapable 4WD vehicle and $30,000 cash? The time is now to enter this mission-driven awards program.

Learn more at .

听embraces the impossible. Each member of the Defender family is purposefully designed, highly desirable and seriously durable. A modern鈥慸ay hero that respects the past but at the same time anticipates the future. Available in 90, 110 and 130 body styles, with up to eight seats, each has a charisma of its own. The tough luxury Defender OCTA is the master of performance 鈥� taking performance and capability to another level on and off鈥憆oad. A beacon of liberty that can trace its heritage back to the first Land Rover in 1948, Defender is a brand that supports humanitarian and conservation work with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the Tusk Trust. The Defender brand is underpinned by Land Rover 鈥� a mark of trust built on more than 75 years of expertise in technology and world鈥憀eading off鈥憆oad capability. Defender vehicles are designed and engineered in the UK and sold in 121 countries. It belongs to the JLR house of brands alongside Range Rover, Discovery and Jaguar.

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As the co-manager of road and trail running shoe testing for 国产吃瓜黑料, I receive almost every new shoe released. Despite the hundred or so running shoes in my office, however, I recently found myself buying running shoes in a store. My teenage son, currently a men鈥檚 size 12 and still growing, started high school track season and needed a new pair of trainers.

You would think that after testing so many pairs, I could shop for him online. After all, I write running shoe guides that include convenient links for readers to purchase the shoes we recommend. And I wholeheartedly believe that there is great value in reading those guides to help you narrow down what shoe might work well for you鈥攂ased on the type of running you do, the kind of shoe you鈥檙e looking for, how a shoe scored for our team. Reading up on the season鈥檚 best options will make you a well-informed shopper, which is valuable under any circumstance and especially if you get a shoddy salesperson鈥攕o keep reading our guides.

But nothing better informs your buying decision than the tried-and-true method of popping into your local running store and putting your real-life feet in some real-life shoes. (Lacking a convenient, competent shoe store, ordering several models from a site with a generous return policy and sending back some after gently trying them is a second-best alternative鈥攁nd another reason to keep using our guides).

So, as tempting as it was to pull from my informed brain, which is filled with hours upon hours of testing and researching and writing reviews, to find my son a pair online and click 鈥淏uy Now,鈥� I refrained. I know better.

Buying shoes in person can be more expensive than buying them online. But so is physical therapy, often the cost of wearing the wrong pair of running shoes.

Guessing on the right pair and sustaining an injury from running in the wrong shoes for your stability and cushioning needs, foot shape, running gait, and ride preferences is not worth the lower cost. Missing a track meet due to injury is enough to put a sports freak mom (like me) into a FOMO frenzy, even if it doesn鈥檛 bother my son so much. And so, we shopped in a store.

Sam, my giant teenager (6鈥�2鈥� and growing, with an inch or two more of hair), and I popped into in Boulder, Colorado. In Motion is both a running shoe store and physical therapy office. I鈥檝e long known and respected owner (and former world marathon champion) Mark Plaatjes for having the strongest thumbs in Boulder for manual physical therapy, being a fantastic diagnostician with any sports-related ailment, and for fitting people in the right running shoes for them.

When Sam and I arrived, we learned that Mark was out of the country visiting his native South Africa. But Lori, a longtime footwear salesperson, was there to help. I felt at ease. Another beautiful thing about shopping in your local store is that you are helped by people in your local running community. I鈥檇 raced against Lori鈥攚e鈥檙e in the same age group鈥攊n earlier versions of both of our lives. She鈥檚 worked in run specialty retail for years, and I know she knows her stuff.

She quickly went to work. 鈥淲hat distances do you run?鈥� she asked, after finding out his foot size. 鈥淎ny injuries?鈥�

Armed with his answers, she disappeared into the stock room and returned with three options, all with very different feels on the foot.

Sam went through the Goldilocks assessment, trying on each shoe and running up and down the hallway. Lori and I chatted while Sam gave each shoe a spin. 鈥淗ow does that feel?鈥� she鈥檇 ask him, while checking the length of each pair on his feet.

鈥淲hich makes you excited about running?鈥� I asked him. When he took another spin in one of the three pairs and jumped up and down with a smile on his face, I knew we鈥檇 found the winner.

Before we headed to the cash register, Lori did her due diligence and filmed him running on the treadmill in his chosen pair of shoes. His stride looked natural and smooth.

The shoes he ended up with might be on sale somewhere online. I don鈥檛 know; I didn鈥檛 check. And I decided that I don鈥檛 care, even though life (and especially, life with kids) is expensive. What Sam and I gained during that in-person shoe-fitting experience, and the community vibe that came with it, was well worth the fair retail price that we paid.

Once he wears out this pair, I鈥檒l look back on how healthy he stayed during this track season.听 I鈥檒l research updates to the model he鈥檚 in and see what other shoes are similar. If all goes well in his current pair and the updated shoe has a similar ride, we鈥檒l likely hit that 鈥淏uy Now鈥� button online.

But as he grows and changes in athleticism, and as shoes evolve, we鈥檒l return to our local running shoe store to find the right model for the runner he will have become.

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