We test a lot of gear here at 国产吃瓜黑料, and we have the data to prove it. For the 2025 Summer Gear Guide on 国产吃瓜黑料, , and , our gear editors, category managers, and testers put more than 800 products through many months of rigorous field testing.

After adding hundreds (and in some cases, thousands) of collective miles on each shoe, watch, bike, etc., we collected testers鈥� written feedback, tallied scores, and hand-picked 377 products across 66 categories鈥攆rom to running shoes to mountain bikes and more鈥攖o include in our 鈥渂est of鈥� lists. We鈥檝e spent years tweaking and perfecting our testing process and stand behind the performance of every one of these products.

No amount of advertising dollars can buy brands a spot on our gear lists. (This should go without saying, but we鈥檒l play the record on repeat until it sinks in.) To be included in 国产吃瓜黑料鈥檚 Gear Guide, a product has to perform and impress in the real world, plain and simple. Gear that doesn鈥檛 live up to the challenge doesn鈥檛 make the cut, while gear that blows the socks off our savvy testers earns a special nod: our coveted Editors鈥� Choice award.

This season, just eight of the 800-plus products tested earned this distinction. These pieces either demonstrated best-in-class performance (applause for the Trek Slash+ eMTB), showcased exciting new technology (see the Garmin InReach Messenger), or have reinvented the wheel for classic products (props to the Therm-a-Rest NeoLoft sleeping pad).

While only seven products earned our Editors’ Choice award, there were plenty of others that rose above the competition in their respective categories. You鈥檒l find those items listed here, too. If thoroughly vetted, top-tier gear is what you鈥檙e after, keep reading.

At a Glance

• Editors鈥� Choice Satellite Messenger: Garmin InReach($500)
• Editors鈥� Choice Electric MTB: Trek Slash+ ($13,200)
• Editors鈥� Choice Sleeping Pad: Therm-a-Rest NeoLoft ($240-260)
• Editors鈥� Choice Trail MTB: Canyon Spectral ($5,799)
• Editors鈥� Choice Road Bike: Enve Melee ($4,800)
• Editors鈥� Choice Gravel Bike: Specialized Crux DSW ($2,600)
• Editors鈥� Choice Enduro MTB: Trek Slash ($10,300)
• More Top-Performing Gear听

Editors鈥� Choice Satellite Messenger

Garmin InReach Messenger Plus

Improvements in satellite messaging tech tend to be slow and incremental, but the Messenger Plus takes a huge leap forward in backcountry communication. It鈥檚 the first such device to be able to send photos and voice memos. And long missives, historically broken up into bite-sized messages over a few minutes, are sent in mere seconds thanks to significant hardware and software upgrades from previous iterations. All this, and the Messenger Plus still weighs a scant 4.1 ounces in the form of a tiny, 3.1-by-2.5-by-0.9 inch puck.

Editors鈥� Choice Electric MTB

Trek Slash+

Trek electrified the Slash, and we are obsessed. The decently powerful motor and impressive battery range paired with a comfortable suspension makes this a winning build. While the price is on the high side for the electric mountain bike category, the joy of riding this thing is worth it. It powers up hills, and coasts on descents, all the while keeping you stable and strong. The wide range of adjustments mean you can customize it to your liking. Read more.

Editors鈥� Choice Sleeping Pad

Therm-a-Rest NeoLoft

TAR鈥檚 NeoLoft is the first sleeping pad to bring true car camping comfort into the backcountry. Thanks to the brand鈥檚 clever use of triangular, air-filled chambers and a heat-reflective coating for insulation, it鈥檚 able to keep the weight of this pad down to a respectable 25 ounces (in regular) and a packed size of just 5.7-by-9.5 inches. But with a raised 鈥済uard rail鈥� around the perimeter, stiff, 4.6-inch-thick sidewalls to provide structure, and a soft, stretchy knit polyester face fabric, this pad will keep even the heaviest side-sleepers snoozing through the night.

Editors鈥� Choice Trail MTB

Canyon Spectral

At home on a broad range of trails, the Canyon Spectral surprised us with its snappy energy. We鈥檇 recommend this trail bike to any kind of rider for its versatility, from its supportive suspension on climbs and descents to its convenient in-frame storage that can stash a tube and tire lever. Bonus points for the flip chain on the chainstay that can accommodate dual 29-inch wheels or mixed wheels. Read more.

Editors鈥� Choice Road Bike

Enve Melee

The Melee is Enve鈥檚 first production bike that isn鈥檛 custom, and we dig it. But with a wide range of sizes and drivetrain choices, it鈥檚 still semi customizable. Lightweight and aerodynamically optimised, it鈥檚 designed to go anywhere a modern road cyclist wants to go. By placing the rider in a slightly upright position, it鈥檚 both comfortable and ready to respond. Read more.

Editors鈥� Choice Gravel Bike

Specialized Crux DSW

Don鈥檛 write off this premium gravel bike just because it has an alloy frame. Specialized claims that at 1,399 grams for a 56 centimeter frame, the Crux DSW is the lightest aluminum gravel bike frame ever made. That鈥檚 about one pound more than most traditional carbon gravel bikes. The geometry, cable routing, and seat post are all relatively simple and straightforward, which works in this bike鈥檚 favor, making it an accessible option for both beginners and spec heads. As for its handling, we felt spry and encouraged to go faster on tight singletrack. Read more.

Editors鈥� Choice Enduro MTB

Trek Slash

Typically known for playing it safe, Trek pushed the envelope this year with this year鈥檚 Slash. It features a high pivot layout (the main pivot is placed above the top of the chainring and the rear axle) that can mow through chunky sections of trail but also stay dialed in tight and slow spots. Jumping felt natural, intuitive, fun, and energetic, especially on smaller side hits and natural doubles. Overall, its versatile geometry, persistence on uphills, and speed on downhills won our hearts. Read more.

Best Road Running Shoe

Asics Novablast 5

The Novablast 5 impressed our editors with its fun, versatile performance and superior cushioning-to-weight ratio. Its new midsole material delivered a buttery smooth ride that was simultaneously plush and energetic underfoot. The wide base kept it stable during long runs, and the light weight and responsive foam made it nimble enough to hold its own during uptempo efforts. Almost anyone can feel comfortable during nearly any run in the NovaBlast 5, making it our top pick. Read more.

Best Trail Running Shoe

Salomon S/Lab Ultra Glide

We were initially leery of this funky-looking shoe with a wavy sole and huge stack height (41鈥�35 mm) topped by ankle-deep sidewalls, but the Salomon S/Lab Ultra Glide delivered a surprising blend of cushioning, stability, and responsiveness. The shoe employs a chassis of firmer foam around the perimeter to reduce tipping, while a core of soft and bouncy PEBA/EVA blend made the ride comfortable and springy. Underneath, the wavy indents in the sole actually worked, morphing over uneven surfaces and keeping the ride smooth and supportive on nearly every terrain. The Ultra Glide was so much fun we found ourselves reaching for it more often than any other shoe in the test, making it easy to name as our all-around favorite. Read more.

Best Sports Watch

Garmin Enduro 3

Our editors called the Garmin Enduro 3 one of the best sports watches we鈥檝e ever tested thanks to its wealth of features, big (51 mm) screen, light weight, and phenomenal battery life. The time between charges stood out most: with solar charging it can last up to 90 days of general use, and 320 hours (that鈥檚 13+ days) of GPS tracking鈥攚e often went for more than a month without needing to charge, using the watch 24/7 with about an hour of activity tracking per day. We never found an sport it didn鈥檛 have a tracking mode for (it even has rugby, and wakeboarding), and the analysis of metrics like training readiness were clear and useful. The Enduro 3 also has plenty of space for downloading maps or songs, the interface for tasks like creating custom screens is intuitive, and the strap was the most comfortable and effective we鈥檝e found. Read more.

Best Sport Earbuds

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds

The Bose QuietComfort emerged as our all-around favorite sport earbuds with their understated, competent performance. The earbuds deliver Bose鈥檚 signature smooth, warm, and balanced sound, active noise cancellation, and an above-average battery life (8.5 hours with ANC on). Testers also appreciated their secure fit while working out, and the easy-to-use app that let you modify touch controls or enable voice commands. The Bluetooth Multipoint feature let us connect a phone and a laptop at the same time, without needing to fuss with Bluetooth settings every time, and the reasonable price sealed the all-around best award. Read more.

Headlamp with the Best Features

Coast RL35R Headlamp

If you鈥檝e ever ski-toured at night or tackled a pre-dawn summit, you鈥檒l know the pain of pulling off thick gloves and fumbling with a headlamp while moving at speeds or holding onto a rope. The RL35R headlamp solves that with its clever voice-activated functionality, which allows you to turn the headlamp on and off, swap between beams, brightness settings, and colors. And with a powerful 1100-lumen beam, red, blue, and green light modes, and an extendable battery for stashing in your coat, the RL35R can handle the job in nearly any climate.

Best Men鈥檚 Rain Shell

Helly Hansen Verglas Infinity Shell Jacket 2.0

Finding a hardshell that can stand up to heavy rainstorms and driving snow while still being breathable and not weighing you down is a bit of a pipe dream, but Helly Hansen鈥檚 Verglas Infinity 2.0 is the closest we鈥檝e ever tested. Helly Hansen鈥檚 proprietary three-layer shell proved positively impenetrable over a season of testing, including several spring snowstorms while ski-touring. And thanks to new weight-shaving measures, the jacket clocks in at under a pound鈥攁 respectable burden for a quiver-killer.

Best Women鈥檚 Hiking Boot

La Sportiva Aequilibrium Hike GTX

The Aequilibrium Hike GTX is a rare boot capable of handling up to 40-pound loads in mountainous terrain while still feeling light and flexible enough for casual dayhikes. Sturdy mountain chops come courtesy of a resilient PU foam midsole with a polypropylene stiffener and abrasion-resistant welts and fabric at the toe and heel. It鈥檚 counterbalanced by a PU-injected rubber outsole that felt bouncy on hard-packed trail and a high, stretchy ankle that resembles a neoprene sock, keeps dirt and gravel out, and doesn鈥檛 chafe over long miles.

Best Car Camping Tent

Nemo Aurora Highrise 4

As a temporary shelter, we usually expect some level of discomfort from a tent. But the Aurora Highrise 4 impressed us with its supreme livability. When Nemo says four-person, they really mean it: A family of four slept comfortably inside its 75-inch peak height and 62.5-square-foot floor area, and stored their gear within two generous 19.5-square-foot vestibules. Steep sidewalls create even more headroom, so much that our 6-foot-2 tester could stand upright and move around freely. Doors on either side allow easy in-and-out access, and setting up two base poles and two cross poles was a breeze even for first-timers. Small details make a huge difference, like the canopy pocket for diffusing light at night and the slightly opaque mesh windows that offer shade. We could easily camp in the Aurora Highrise all summer. Read more.

Best Camping Sleeping Pad

Nemo Roamer Double Sleeping Pad

Nemo gets double the accolades when it comes to car camping gear. The Roamer Double Sleeping Pad gave us the best nights of sleep during our testing period, and it was also the most efficient to self inflate and easiest to deflate and pack up when it came time to break down camp. Editors loved the generous 78-by-52-inch sleeping area, which comfortably fit two adults and their six-year-old child. Rather than a plasticky or crinkly texture that you find on many other sleeping pads, the Roamer Double has a four-way-stretch polyester fabric and TPU topper that is soft against the skin, so you can do without a sheet and thrash all you want without waking your sleeping partner. Sufficient beauty rest is worth the $400 investment. Read more.

Best Action Camera

Insta360 Ace Pro 2

This time around, Insta360 podiumed higher than the reigning GoPro and DJI with its Ace Pro 2, co-engineered with Leica. Editors most loved the ultra high-resolution footage, rich 4K slow-mo, and high-quality audio of this action camera for skiing, cycling, overlanding, and more. A dedicated chip helps with low-light shooting, and a back screen flips up for selfie footage that doesn鈥檛 point straight up your nose. More experienced shooters will have an easier time dialing settings, but the camera鈥檚 interface is also pretty intuitive even for newbies. Read more.

Best Cooler

Yeti Roadie 32 Wheeled Cooler

Why carry your fully-loaded cooler when you can wheel it? With a telescoping handle and off-road wheels that easily navigate over rough terrain, the Roadie 32 won top marks as the most portable cooler of our test. And what鈥檚 more, it retained coolness far beyond our expectations. The taller height accommodated wine bottles alongside our snacks and cans, and the single drain plug made it easy to refresh ice and clean once we got back from adventuring. Read more.

Best Bike Rack

Kuat Piston Pro

Despite getting lighter and lighter, bikes are still awkward to load and unload. But the Kuat Piston Pro makes transitions from home to trail and back again simple with the press of a lever. The dual arm opens wide for fiddle-free loading, and the foot-operated tilt mechanism allows easy trunk access even when the tray is already weighed down. We love that this hitch frame secures both tires (accommodates a variety of sizes) and avoids frame contact. No scratches on the new build. Read more.

Best Outdoor Climbing Shoe

Scarpa Arpia V

With a subtle downturn and asymmetry, the Scarpa Arpia V hits a sweet spot for intermediate to advanced climbers pushing into 5.13. Its precise toe, comfy fit, and wide-foot-friendly last excel on everything from limestone to gneiss. Testers praised its edging, smearing, and all-day comfort. While durability dips after about 20 sessions, the shoe softens into a sensitive workhorse. It’s a solid pick for gym mileage, sport projecting, or multipitch days on mixed terrain.

More from the 2025 Summer Gear Guide

The Best Trailers and Campers
The Best Duffels, Backpacks, and Roller Bags
The Best Camp Chairs听

The post We Tested More Than 800 Pieces of Summer Gear. These 7 Are the Best. 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:

The post The Best Trail Running Shoes for Every Terrain (Summer 2025) appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Shopping for a new road bike can be as fun as it is nerve-wracking. There are hundreds of options, from practical picks to WorldTour-level bikes ridden by the pros. The sheer number of builds, features, and specifications can confuse even the most avid riders.

Fortunately, we have a team of experts who spend their days obsessing over what exactly makes the best road bike for racing, recreation, and endurance. We tapped them to test this year鈥檚 crop of 42 bikes all over the world to help you make the right decision.

At a Glance

• Editors鈥� Choice:
• Best High-Performance Bike:
• Best Value:
• Best Under $2,000:
• Best Race Road Bike:
• Best Endurance Bike:
• How to Choose a Road Bike
• How We Test
• Meet the Testers

Editors鈥� Choice

Enve Melee

Test bike: Enve Melee SRAM Red AXS
Weight: 16.9 lbs (size 54 cm)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Room for 35 mm tires
鈯� Integrated front end is uncomplicated and modular
鈯� Broad range of drivetrain, fit, and paint options when new
鈯� Heavier than the lightest road bikes

With the Melee鈥擡nve鈥檚 first production bike that isn鈥檛 custom鈥攖he brand鈥檚 vision of what a modern road racer looks like is coming into its sharpest focus yet. It’s aerodynamically optimised, lightweight, and designed to go anywhere a modern road cyclist is likely to go. It even stood at the top of a gravel race podium shortly before release.

What makes the Enve Melee stand out is its ability to marry the best parts of a sharp-edged race road bike with the approachability of an endurance bike. Handling is responsive but not razor sharp, and its stiffness ensures it turns in with precision. Best of all, it places the rider in a slightly more upright position making for a more comfortable ride that鈥檚 still not sluggish.

At first glance, what stands out about the Enve Melee is its geometry. Enve dropped the top tube and narrowed it dramatically as it approaches the seat tube. Dropping the top tube might enact a small aero penalty, but it also exposes more seatpost for better compliance.

Consider the Melee a semi-custom bike. It starts with a base of seven frame sizes ranging from 47 to 60 centimeters. From there, riders can build the bike to their specifications, so long as they use a wireless SRAM or Campagnolo drivetrain, or a wired Shimano Di2 option.

We鈥檝e spent a lot of time on strictly aero bikes, and the Melee is a sharper tool than those bikes. It feels like a bike that’s ready to respond when you are. It practically begs you to sprint at every opportunity and it takes off at the slightest increase in power. And while its 16.9-pound ready-to-ride weight is a little heavier than you鈥檇 expect, the added weight isn鈥檛 noticeable鈥攖his bike feels fast.

Best High-End Performance Bike

Factor Ostro VAM

Test bike: Factor Ostro VAM Dura-Ace Di2
Weight: 15.2 pounds (size 52 cm)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Top-tier finishing kit
鈯� Razor-sharp handling
鈯� Broad range of drivetrain, fit, and paint options
鈯� Creaky headset

The latest high-end road bikes just look fast. This Factor Ostro VAM is no exception, particularly in the Gloss Chrome colorway we tested. The marbled look of the carbon fiber pops under direct sunlight, while the holographic logos stand out against the otherwise black canvas.

But what makes this bike actually fast is its focus on aerodynamic efficiency in the design, from the narrow profile to the tightly-angled seat stay junction (a design inspired by 1930s Spitfire planes).

Watch: Longterm Review of Factor Ostro VAM

The Factor Ostro VAM feels alive from the first pedal stroke. The low weight of the wheels (1,270 grams, according to Factor) is immediately noticeable, and it allows the bike to get up to speed impressively quick. The bike is also stiff (particularly at the front), making it predictable and easy to manage despite its racy build. That combination of low weight and great lateral stiffness makes the bike feel like a climbing bike.

Another thing we like about the Ostro VAM is the customization options. It comes in a slew of complete builds or as a frame set, but you can also customize seat post setback, stem lengths, and bar widths at every level. Only a select few brands offer that ability at no extra cost. Heck, you can even customize the paint job if you鈥檙e willing to shell out extra.

We had few complaints about this bike, just a minor annoyance: The headset was prone to creaking after getting caught in the rain, even when we were diligent about wiping down the bike after a wet ride. We learned to keep the area between the frame and bearing greased, an example of the type of regular maintenance a bike like the Ostro VAM requires to keep it riding smoothly.

There鈥檚 no getting around the cost of the Factor Ostro VAM, but the experience feels properly premium to match. The Ostro VAM is one of the sharpest-handling race bikes out there, one that feels as fast on the flats as any race bike we鈥檝e ever ridden.

Best Value

Polygon Strattos S ACX

Test bike: Polygon Strattos S8X Ultegra Di2
Weight: 18 lbs (size XS)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Incredible value for money
鈯� Well-mannered handling
鈯� Looks good
鈯� Not an endurance bike as described
鈯� Handlebar is subpar

Good road bikes are expensive鈥攖oo expensive for many just getting into road cycling. The Polygon Strattos S8X is a refreshing anomaly. Not only does this bike come with a carbon frame, fork, and wheels, it also sports a Shimano Ultegra Di2 drivetrain鈥攁ll at a price that鈥檚 two to three times lower than similar bikes.

With a full carbon frame, mostly internal cable routing, hints of aero tubing, and the clean pearlescent paint scheme, the Strattos S8X looks like a more expensive road bike. The Shimano Ultegra Di2 drivetrain and carbon wheels found on this Strattos S8X are wholly convincing, too. Take a look at the frame as well and you鈥檒l find more boxes ticked.

There鈥檚 a Token headset that routes its hoses externally under its stem before routing into the headset upper. The seat post wedge for the 27.2-millimeter round seat post is tucked away into the seat tube cluster. That鈥檚 paired with a press-fit bottom PF86 bottom bracket and standard thru-axles, to boot. Even the handlebars are fairly traditional, making this bike relatively friendly to home mechanics.

Our biggest criticism of the Strattos S8X is that it鈥檚 not an endurance bike as Polygon advertises. The geometry is tilted towards those who prefer riding in a more aggressive position. Handling is responsive like a race road bike, and its comfort both at the handlebars and at the saddle is far from smooth, thanks partially to a frame that seems focused on speed rather than soaking up any bumps.

We also took issue with the handlebar from Polygon鈥檚 house-brand, Entity. There鈥檚 nothing wrong with a simple alloy handlebar, but we could not find a position for the bar that worked well. Mercifully, the partially external cable routing means any 31.8 millimeter drop bar can be swapped in without needing expensive labor from cutting and rerouting hoses.

But for this price, it鈥檚 easy to overlook those issues. When you consider that most other bikes at this price point lack electronic shifting and carbon wheels鈥攎uch less Shimano Ultegra Di2鈥攖he Strattos S8X feels like a steal.

Best Budget Road Bike Under $2,000

Canyon Endurace

Test bike: Canyon Endurace 6 RAW
Weight: 21.3 pounds (size M)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Same fit and handling characteristics of more expensive models
鈯� Reliable components
鈯� Heavy

We鈥檙e big fans of the Canyon Endurace platform because it鈥檚 an affordable, performance-forward option for burgeoning cyclists.

It comes in four tiers: three carbon fiber models, and an aluminum frame that serves as the entry to the lineup. All share the same geometry that mimic the polished handling and comfortable, upright fit of far pricier bikes. While the Endurace doesn鈥檛 come with some features you鈥檒l find on top-tier bikes, it nails the fundamentals.

That includes the Shimano Tiagra 10-speed drivetrain with hydraulic disc brakes, offering both greater stopping power and braking control compared to the cheaper mechanical disc brakes regularly found at this price point. The DT Swiss wheels, Schwalbe 30 millimeter road tires, and the Selle Italia saddle are high-quality and built to last. All this makes the Endurace 6 durable, frill-free, and ready to ride.

Unlike a lot of bikes at this price point, there鈥檚 a sense of verve to how it accelerates as you stand up on the pedals. Linewise, there is some polish in how the bike smooths out much of the ruts, cuts, and cracks in the road. This is far from the smoothest road bike on the road, but for a bike in this price range, the Endurace 6 Raw offers impressive performance.

There鈥檚 no getting around the direct-to-consumer nature of Canyon, which makes it much tougher to go to your local bike shop for support. Canyon has made some progress here, however, partnering with REI as well as select bike shops to facilitate warranties. This bike isn鈥檛 perfect, but it鈥檚 a solid option under $2,000.

Best Race Road Bike

Specialized Tarmac SL8

Test bike: Specialized Tarmac SL8 Dura-Ace Di2
Weight: 14.72 lbs (size 52 cm)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Lightweight
鈯� Stiffness is confidence-inspiring
鈯� 10R carbon frame is good value
鈯� Top-tier models are expensive
鈯� Not as lively as we鈥檇 like

There鈥檚 no denying that there鈥檚 a lot of hype surrounding the Tarmac SL8 race bike 鈥攜ou鈥檙e just as likely to see it at the group ride as on your favorite influencer鈥檚 Instagram account鈥攁nd we鈥檙e here to report that the hype is real.

The eighth generation of Specialized鈥檚 Tarmac comes with the claims of being lighter, smoother, and stiffer. After testing, we found these claims to be true. The Specialized Tarmac SL8 handles like a Tarmac SL7. That鈥檚 no bad thing鈥擲pecialized nailed the Tarmac geometry ages ago. There are perhaps edgier race road bikes out there, but the Tarmac feels familiar at the first pedal stroke. Its low weight makes it feel eager up punchy climbs, and the frame鈥檚 stiffness provides direct, confidence-inspiring steering. It feels reassuringly sturdy out of the saddle, and stout when pulling on the bars in a sprint. Push the bike around, and it鈥檒l take it.

The Tarmac is perhaps not quite as joyful to ride as something like a Specialized Aethos or an OPEN MIND, bikes that stand out for their springy, lively feel; but the Tarmac sure is speedy, and that鈥檚 the goal.

Specialized offers the Tarmac SL8 in an ultra-lux S-Works model (with their lightest-weight 12R carbon frame) and a range of build kits using a less expensive 10R carbon frame. Both are available in myriad drivetrain configurations from SRAM and Shimano and a range of colorways that invoked jealous commentary from cycling friends during testing. While our test bike was a top-spec S-Works model鈥攚hich nets a top-tier drivetrain and wheels alongside their best frameset鈥攖he standard Tarmac frames are still among the lightest road bike frames available.

All of this comes at a price鈥�$14,000, to be exact鈥攚hich is the biggest drawback to the new Tarmac. But you don鈥檛 have to shell out for the top-tier offering鈥攊n fact, we recommend models with the less-costly 10R carbon frame, as it offers the same stiffness, compliance, and ride quality as the ultra-luxe S-Works. Those start at $7,000 and still net you a race-ready bike with electronic shifting.

Best Endurance Bike

BMC Roadmachine 01

Test bike: BMC Roadmachine 01 TWO
Weight: 16.3 lbs (7.4 kg)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Excellent spec
鈯� Balanced ride quality
鈯� Handy downtube storage
鈯� Premium pricing across all models

What makes a great endurance road bike? Look no further than the BMC Roadmachine, a bike with an entire lineup from top to bottom that not only feels approachable for cyclists both new and old, but is also a bike that can grow to meet its riders鈥� needs.

The BMC Roadmachine nails the endurance bike design prompt with its fit geometry. It鈥檚 not quite as back-breaking as the race road bikes in this guide, but it also doesn鈥檛 position the rider as upright as some other endurance bikes. In terms of handling, the bike feels settled in a straight line while going fast, even over the choppy tarmac that tends to accompany our favorite road rides. This makes it a great option for riders who want to ride long distances on the road without sacrificing comfort.

Best of all, the Roadmachine looks every bit as speedy as the rest of BMC鈥檚 speed-focused lineup. The dropped seatstays鈥攁 hallmark of BMC鈥檚 endurance lineup鈥攁dd compliance for a smoother experience without dulling road feedback. And while the top-end bikes feature sleek, fully internal cable routing through the stem, the more entry-level models include external brake hose routing that makes the bike easier to maintain and travel with. Regardless of which model you choose, all Roadmachine bikes share the same geometry, the same basic frame design, and a helpful downtube storage hatch for tools and snacks.

We tested the , which is effectively the cream of BMC鈥檚 crop (with a price of $12,999 to match). But the inherent goodness of the Roadmachine means riders will find a similarly premium experience across the lineup. For riders who want a high-performance endurance bike that doesn鈥檛 compromise on speed, comfort, or aesthetics, this machine stands out as one of the best in its class.

How to Choose a Road Bike

What is the difference between a road bike and a gravel bike?

A road bike is designed first and foremost to be ridden on harder surfaces. That generally means roads and bike paths, but chip-sealed, cracked, and pothole-littered roads can be ridden in a pinch on a road bike, too.

A road bike will typically offer a lightweight frame, wheels, and components to match. Almost every road bike these days features a drop handlebar that curls from the top down, as it offers the rider several hand positions while riding. The tires are almost always narrow, typically ranging from 25 millimeters to 38 millimeters, and have essentially zero tread on them in the name of more efficient riding.

Road bikes don鈥檛 come with suspension, but they don鈥檛 need it for performance on pavement鈥攎odern road bikes are smoother and more comfortable to ride than ever. You鈥檙e likely not going to find suspension or even wider tires on a road bike, as that鈥檚 the territory of a gravel bike.

A gravel bike, which is designed for riding on dirt and gravel roads first, will prioritize grip and comfort for the seat and handlebars. It will do so at the expense of weight and speed on smooth roads and tarmac. Be sure to see our Best Gravel Bikes of 2024 guide for more information.

If you know you want to ride mostly on-road, and you don鈥檛 intend to carry any extra gear, then a road bike is the right choice. Choose the gravel bike if you know you want to ride predominantly gravel and dirt paths, or if you鈥檙e uncertain exactly where your riding will take you.

What type of road bike do I need?

There are two broad categories of road bikes: race road bikes and endurance road bikes. Each of those has subcategories that can quickly become confusing.

The type of road bike that is best for the majority of riders is an endurance road bike, occasionally called an all-road bike. An endurance road bike emphasizes comfort and approachable handling. They鈥檙e typically easier to manage as the speeds increase and offer up to 38 millimeters of tire clearance to smooth your ride. Further, they鈥檙e more likely to have mounts for fenders, racks, or even additional water bottle cages. All-road bikes offer as much as 40 millimeters of tire clearance but retain handling characteristics optimized for riding on roads.

The flashiest road bikes are typically race bikes. They鈥檙e more likely to place the rider in a lower, more aerodynamic body position that emphasizes speed over comfort. The frames are lighter and offer stiffer riding to help you go faster. Further, the handling is typically more responsive, sometimes bordering on twitchy. Race road bikes typically feature 25 to 28-millimeter-wide tires, and ditch any feature that doesn鈥檛 make the bike easier to ride quickly.

Not all race bikes are the same, however. Some are aero road bikes, which have deeper tubes and rims that prioritize aerodynamics and out-and-out speed. Others are called climbing bikes, which prioritize low weight and stiffness at the expense of aero efficiency.

How much do I need to spend on a road bike?

Most of the bikes we鈥檝e tested qualify as high-end bikes, which can cost as much as a used car. However, there are some fantastic road bikes at a more affordable price point. Budgeting to buy a road bike isn鈥檛 just buying the frame. Getting the most out of your road bike requires having the right accessories. At a minimum, you鈥檒l need a quality set of bike lights and a well-fitting helmet in the name of safety. Further, you鈥檒l need to budget for a decent set of pedals, and matching shoes if you want to use clip-in style pedals rather than a more accessible flat pedal.

At the entry-level, one can expect to pay anything between $1,000 to $2,000, depending on what features the bike offers. Clothing, including a jersey, shorts, a helmet, and clip-in shoes can cost anything from $150 to $300. Those accessories we mentioned? Expect to pay $100 to 150 at a minimum, and more depending on your specific needs.

How do I choose the right size road bike?

Road bikes come in a range of sizes to fit riders of all heights. This size range is usually expressed in centimeters, though sometimes you鈥檒l find an XS to XL range.

To figure out the correct size for you, go for a test ride. That means standing over the top tube of the bike (sometimes referred to as a crossbar) to see whether you can comfortably stand with both feet flat on the ground. The top tube can touch you, but the bike is a better fit if it doesn鈥檛.

The right-size road bike will place your arms at roughly a 90-degree angle from your torso without feeling uncomfortable. Your knees will have a slight bend in them at the bottom of your pedal stroke. Most importantly, the bike will feel comfortable to maneuver around.

Of course, the best course of action is to go to a trusted bike shop to have a bike properly sized and fit. Having another set of eyes to help you find the correct size bike will ensure your money is well-spent. They鈥檒l help you determine the right bike for you based on your riding experience, mobility, and needs, and they鈥檒l help you determine proper sizing for features like handlebars, saddles, and even your frame.

How We Test

• Number of Testers: 5
• Number of Bikes Tested: 42
• Longest Test Ride: 142 miles

Five dedicated riders from around the world put 42 bikes through their paces on varied terrain and across hundreds of collective miles鈥攆rom west Texas to Steamboat Springs, Colorado to Glasgow, Scotland. The road bikes we tested鈥攔anging from entry-level to ProTour worthy鈥攚ere chosen to encapsulate the best range of bikes on the market today. Yes, we tested road bikes from all the major road bike brands, but we also tested the small brands to cover all bases.

Our test rides included local loops, big days out, group rides, and everything in between. After each ride, we asked each reviewer to judge a bike on the following criteria: Who is it best suited for, and what type of riding was it designed for? What were its strengths, what were its weaknesses, and was there anything that made it stand out above the competition? Every reviewer not only took the time to ride each bike to assess its performance but also built them out of the box and maintained them through weeks of testing to learn more about their ins and outs.

Meet the Testers

Alvin Holbrook

Alvin Holbrook is a tech editor for Velo. He鈥檚 been in the bike industry for almost a decade and covers road, gravel, and e-bikes. When he鈥檚 not geeking out over bike gear, he uses his background in urban planning to cover stories about active transportation, policy, tech, and infrastructure through the series. He lives in San Antonio, Texas with his wife and an ever-growing stable of bikes and kitchen utensils.

Josh Ross

Josh Ross is a senior tech editor for Velo. He hails from the Pacific Northwest, but when it鈥檚 time to ride, hot and dry is better than cold and wet. He will happily talk for hours about the minutiae of cycling tech but understands most people just want things to work. He is a road cyclist at heart and doesn鈥檛 care much if those roads are paved, dirt, or digital. Although he rarely races, if you ask him to ride from sunrise to sunset, and beyond, the answer is always 鈥測es.鈥�

More Gear Reviews

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The Best Bike Helmets

The post The 6 Best Road Bikes of 2025 appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

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:

The post The Best Minimalist Running Shoes appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Gravel bikes have changed considerably over the past couple decades. While some modern gravel bikes are essentially road bikes with more tire clearance, others are optimized for bikepacking with lots of gear. Because there are so many options, finding the right gravel bike can be a challenge. So we put in hundreds of miles of testing to bring you the top tier of gravel bikes available right now. The list below is the result of testing bikes from the most popular bike brands down to the small builders.

Our top pick, the Specialized Crux DSW, impressed us with its uniqueness and personality. For an aluminum bike, it offers impressive versatility鈥攊t moves effortlessly from gravel to singletrack to dirt to road and everywhere in between. Our other picks include a budget-friendly option for those just getting into gravel riding, a high-performance bike, and a versatile all-rounder.

At a Glance

• Editors鈥� Choice:
• Best Under $2,000:
• Best Performance:
• Best Quiver Killer:
• How to Choose a Gravel Bike
• How We Test
• Meet the Testers

Editors鈥� Choice

Specialized Crux DSW

Test Bike: Specialized Crux DSW Comp
Weight: 20.2 lbs/9.2 kg

Pros and Cons
鈯� Same geometry as pricier carbon Crux
鈯� Simple to work on as a home mechanic
鈯� Available in both frameset and complete bike options
鈯� Expensive for an aluminum bike

Aluminum gravel bikes have a rap for being entry-level models, but that鈥檚 not the case with the Specialized Crux DSW, a premium gravel bike that happens to have an alloy frame.

Specialized purports its new Crux DSW gravel bike is the lightest aluminum gravel bike frame ever made. That鈥檚 a heady claim, but at 1,399 grams for a 56 centimeter frame, the Crux weighs just about one pound (or approx. 400 g) more than most traditional carbon gravel bikes Better still, the Crux DSW shares its geometry, tire clearances, and overall look with the more premium carbon fiber Crux.

As with the carbon fiber Crux, the Crux DSW is a relatively simple bike compared to the competition. There is no internal cable routing that makes swapping handlebars and stems more expensive. Further, the standard-fitment seat post is easy to replace and upgrade down the line, making this bike a comparative breeze to maintain for the home mechanic. And for the hands-on among us, the Crux DSW is available as a frameset you can build up to your specs, just like the carbon Crux.

Like the carbon Crux, there鈥檚 hardly anything proprietary going on in the DSW. There鈥檚 no internal cable routing at the handlebars; rather, brake hoses and shift cables are routed through the down tube and seat stays to accommodate both mechanical and electronic shifting. There鈥檚 a round, 27.2-millimeter diameter seat post with a standard seat post clamp. A BSA-threaded bottom bracket complements the rest of the system.

It鈥檚 a quick-handling bike that feels similar to the carbon version, taking just a touch more work to keep going in a straight line than a more traditional gravel bike. It doesn鈥檛 feel quite as settled on gravel roads when compared to something like an aluminum Canyon Grizl, which we attribute largely to geometry that is equally suited to riding comfortably on the road as it is on smooth to moderate gravel roads. At the same time, however, that geometry means the bike feels spry in tight singletrack, with a front wheel that doesn鈥檛 wander too much through ruts and roots.

Yes, the Specialized Crux DSW costs more than other aluminum gravel bikes, but there鈥檚 a sense of personality and polish across the bike that comes with the higher price point. You feel every bit of the bike buzzing along on dirt roads, eager to get you moving faster. We also found ourselves pushing the bike more than we do some other bikes, not only because we felt comfortable in its handling, but because at $2,699, we didn鈥檛 feel like we had to baby it like the top-of-the-line models in the Crux lineup.

Best Under $2,000

Canyon Grizl

Test Bike: Canyon Grizl 6 RAW
Weight: 24 lbs/10.89 kg

Pros and Cons
鈯� Same confidence-inspiring handling of more expensive Grizl models
鈯� Loads of tire clearance
鈯� Excellent build specs for the price point
鈯� Feels heavy on the uphills

Folks may have their reservations about Canyon Bicycles, but there鈥檚 no denying the value for money the German bike brand offers on its bikes, particularly at the entry level. If you鈥檙e just getting into gravel cycling, or you鈥檙e looking for a reliable yet reasonably-priced gravel bike with big tire clearance, the Canyon Grizl 6 RAW is a smart pick.

The Canyon Grizl 6 RAW is built around an aluminum frame with carbon fork, offering a modern, adventure-ready gravel geometry that鈥檚 meant to feel stable and planted on everything from fast dirt roads to technical singletrack. It rolls on 45-millimeter Schwalbe G-One Bite tires mounted to DT Swiss C 1850 wheels, and the frame has clearance for tires up to 50 millimeters wide, making it a strong option for riders heading off the beaten path.

The Shimano GRX 400 2×10 drivetrain brings reliable performance and a wide gear range, ideal for long days and mixed-surface adventures. Canyon includes plenty of practical touches too, including mounts for racks, fenders, and top tube bags, as well as triple mounts on the fork legs.

At 24 pounds, it鈥檚 a fair bit heavier than the other bikes on this list. You feel every bit of that extra weight on climbs, and the bike doesn鈥檛 have the snappiest feel under acceleration. On the flipside, it鈥檚 surprisingly confident on descents and performs well on rugged routes, especially for a bike at this price.

Whether you鈥檙e bikepacking, gravel commuting, or just getting into dirt for the first time, the Canyon Grizl 6 RAW is a solidly spec鈥檇 option that鈥檚 tough to beat without spending quite a bit more.

Best Performance Gravel Bike

Cervelo Aspero

Test Bike: Cervelo Aspero Rival XPLR AXS 1
Weight: 18.5 lbs/8.39 kg

Pros and Cons
鈯� Quick handling without feeling nervous
鈯� Snappy feel when sprinting
鈯� Solid components package
鈯� More comfortable ride than before
鈯� No fender mounts

While the new, second-generation Aspero looks a whole lot like the first-generation, trust us: the updates make the Aspero a far better gravel bike than before.

The most obvious change is that the cables and hoses are tucked away and routed through the headset. While internally routed hoses and cables can be hard to access and maintain, this system is fairly user-friendly since the cables run externally from the handlebar and under the stem before entering the bike. The new Aspero also uses a threaded bottom bracket and the new SRAM Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH) that standardizes derailleur hanger replacements, two additional updates that make home maintenance a little easier.

Watch: 5 Things You Need to Know About the Cervelo Aspero

The previous-generation Aspero reminded you at every moment that it wanted to go fast with its stiff, unforgiving ride. This new Aspero soaks up the bumps from gravel far better than the previous bike, allowing riders to stay seated without being jostled off their saddles. Add in the well-rounded build package of the Aspero Rival XPLR AXS bike we tested, and this latest iteration is a wholly improved bike that is much more approachable for the average rider.

If there鈥檚 any glaring weakness to the Aspero, it鈥檚 the 700c x 44 millimeter tire clearance. That鈥檚 less than most other gravel bikes on the market these days. In our testing, however, we found that a 47鈥搈illimeter tire fit without an issue. Given that this is a speedy performance gravel bike that鈥檚 not designed for mountain bike trails, it was easy to forgive this shortcoming.

If you鈥檙e looking for a performance-oriented gravel bike and your gravel roads are more smooth dirt, not singletrack, then the Cervelo Aspero is a good pick.

Best Quiver Killer

Pivot Vault

Test Bike: Pivot Vault Team Force XPLR AXS w/ Carbon Wheels
Weight: 18.3 lbs/8.3 kg

Pros and Cons
鈯� Stable, comfortable ride
鈯� More configurable than almost any other gravel bike on the market
鈯� Odd frame and component sizing

The recently updated Pivot Vault gravel bike is boring on paper, but we loved it nonetheless. The new Vault moves away from being as race-focused as its predecessor and towards being a gravel bike for everyone.

Its new-found versatility is what makes the updated Vault stand out. For those who want adventure, you鈥檒l find room for up to 700 x 50 millimeter tires and a suspension-corrected fork. Riders can choose to build their Vault with cables fully hidden for a clean look, or run cables externally to make the bike easier to repair and maintain.

Even on the size small, there鈥檚 room for four bottles, with three in the main triangle plus one on the downtube; there鈥檚 a bento box, as well as a downtube storage hatch to store snacks and tools. Add in the new SRAM Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH) that standardizes derailleur hanger replacements as well as fender mounts, and the new Pivot Vault is ready for anything

The geometry is upright with a long wheelbase and a stable feel. The combination of having plenty of exposed seatpost, and whatever magic is in the layup really sucks the bumps up. The Vault only comes with 40-millimeter tires, but it feels like there must be more rubber down below, and, at a bit over 18 pounds, it climbs just fine.

Our only beef with the bike is the odd frame and component sizing. This means you鈥檒l likely need to spend a bit more time and money to swap out the stem and handlebars to ensure the bike fits you before your first ride. Do a bit of work to make sure the bike fits you comfortably, however, and you鈥檒l find a bike that can do just about anything you鈥檇 ever want to with a gravel bike.

How to Choose a Gravel Bike

What Is a Gravel Bike?

A gravel bike is designed first and foremost to be at its best when riding on a variety of surfaces. That doesn鈥檛 just mean gravel, but dirt roads and pavement as well. A large percentage of gravel bike riders will take their bikes on singletrack which might be better suited to a mountain bike as well. In short, a gravel bike needs to be a lot of things to a lot of people.

Sure, a gravel bike might look a whole lot like a road bike, as they both have drop bars and relatively compact frames. But a gravel bike will have a gravel tire, typically ranging from 38 millimeters all the way up to 50, with some gravel bikes going even wider than that. Gravel tires vary in tread, though most gravel bikes will have some sort of tread on them in an effort to balance rolling resistance and grip in loose conditions. An increasing number of gravel bikes come with damping or suspension. Most of the time, that comes from an extra flexy seat post or handlebar, but some gravel bikes feature a suspension fork to add traction, grip, and comfort too.

Finding the right gravel bike for you can be a challenge with so many varieties. Here are our tips to ensure you find the right bike.

What Should I Look For on a Gravel Bike?

A gravel bike isn鈥檛 just a road bike with wider tires. The geometry is quite a bit different, favoring straight-line stability through the bumpy surfaces of dirt and gravel roads. Rider positioning is going to be more upright as well. The result is a bike that can roll through just about anything you may encounter on a road.

Gravel bikes typically have a number of mounts. Two water bottle cage mounts are certain, with a third at the bottom of the bike nearly guaranteed. Most gravel bikes will have a pair of mounts for a top tube bag to carry snacks on rides. Many will have fender mounts, while other will have rack mounts to carry gear.

Most gravel bikes will feature a shorter stem and wider drop handlebars that flare out. Further, most gravel bikes will come with a 1x drivetrain. A 1x drivetrain has a single chainring up front and a wide-range cassette out back. This ensures riders are quickly able to find the right gear simply by hitting the upshift or downshift levers.

The latest gravel bikes have started to split into two categories: performance gravel bikes and adventure gravel bikes. Performance gravel bikes ditch most of the rack and pack mounts, shed weight, and tend to have quick er handling. 国产吃瓜黑料 gravel bikes double down on bike packing, with more mounts, wider tires, a more stable ride, and a focus on durability.

What Exactly Do I Need to Budget For?

Most of the bikes we鈥檝e tested qualify as high-end bikes, costing as much as a decent used car. However, the trickle-down effect is very real, and so there are some fantastic gravel bike values at a more affordable price point. Knowing what you can spend will give you a great idea of what鈥檚 available to you on the market today.

Buying a gravel bike isn鈥檛 just buying a bike鈥攜ou also need the right accessories. At a minimum, you鈥檒l need a quality set of bike lights and a well-fitting helmet in the name of safety. Further, you鈥檒l need to budget for a decent set of pedals, and matching shoes if you want to use clip-in style pedals rather than a more accessible flat pedal.

The clothes themselves also make a difference. and a jersey can make your ride that much more comfortable if you decide to wear them. And that鈥檚 just the tip of the iceberg: repair kits, maintenance items, and more are worth budgeting for.

How Do I Choose The Right Size of Gravel Bike?

Your typical gravel bike will come in a range of sizes to fit riders of all heights. Most new gravel bikes will come with a size range to help you figure out what size of bike you need. This size range is usually expressed in centimeters, though some brands use a XS to XL.

Once you figure out what size of gravel bike you need (we recommend going to your local bike shop鈥攎ore on that below), you鈥檒l want to give the bike a test ride. That means standing over the top tube of the bike (sometimes referred to as a crossbar) comfortably with both feet flat on the ground. The top tube can touch you, but it鈥檚 better if it doesn鈥檛.

The right size of gravel bike will place your torso and arms at roughly a 90-degree angle from your torso without feeling uncomfortable. Your knees will have a slight bend to them at the bottom of your pedal stroke. Most importantly, the bike will feel comfortable to maneuver around.

Of course, all of this advice is only amplified by going to a trusted bike shop. Having another set of eyes to help you find the correct size bike will ensure your money is well-spent. They鈥檒l help you determine the right bike for you based on your riding experience, flexibility, and needs, and they鈥檒l help you determine proper sizing for things like handlebars, saddles, and even your frame.

How We Test

• Number of Testers: 5
• Number of Products Tested: 33
• Longest Testing Bike Ride: 280 miles (450 km)

These gravel bikes鈥攔anging from entry-level to top-spec bikes with weights matching high-end road bikes鈥攚ere chosen to be a well-rounded preview of the best bikes on the market today. Sure, we tested gravel bikes from all of the major bike brands, but we also made sure to test the small brands as well.

Our reviews were performed all over the world by five dedicated testers, with a vast majority of those miles on roads and trails we know best, from Dallas to Patagonia to Arizona. Riding across such varied terrain by riders of different skill levels and needs means we鈥檙e well-suited to understanding what parts of a gravel bike can frustrate, what makes a bike good, and what makes a bike truly stand above the competition.

Testing includes riding local loops, big days out, group rides, and everything in between. It means living with them day-to-day, maintaining them, and building them to learn more about their ins and outs.

Meet the Testers

Alvin Holbrook

Alvin Holbrook is a tech editor for Velo. He covers road, gravel, and e-bikes after nearly a decade in the bike industry. In addition, he uses his background in urban planning to cover stories about active transportation, policy, tech, and infrastructure through the series. He currently lives in San Antonio, Texas with his wife and an ever-growing stable of bikes and kitchen utensils.

Josh Ross

Josh Ross is a senior tech editor for Velo. He hails from the Pacific Northwest, but when it鈥檚 time to ride, hot and dry is better than cold and wet. He will happily talk for hours about the minutiae of cycling tech but understands most people just want things to work. He is a road cyclist at heart and doesn鈥檛 care much if those roads are paved, dirt, or digital. Although he rarely races, if you ask him to ride from sunrise to sunset, and beyond, the answer is always 鈥測es.鈥�

More Gear Reviews

The Best Mountain Bikes of 2025
The Best Bike Helmets听
The Best Bike Packs

The post The 4 Best Gravel Bikes of 2025 appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Mountain bike body armor isn鈥檛 just for downhill racers and bike park regulars anymore. Modern protection has evolved: The best mountain bike protective gear is lighter, breathable, and better-fitting than ever. Whether you’re pushing into more technical terrain or just trying to avoid a season-ending spill, today鈥檚 kneepads, elbow pads, and chest protectors use advanced materials and designs that balance mobility with certified impact protection. They鈥檙e built to stay put, breathe well, and blend into your riding kit without drawing attention鈥攗ntil they need to.

We tested more than two dozen pieces of protective gear across trail, enduro, and gravity disciplines to find the options that actually work in the real world. From full upper-body coverage to barely there kneepads that disappear while pedaling, these are the pieces our testers kept reaching for.

At a Glance

• Best Kneepads Overall:
• Best Lightweight Kneepads:
• Best Elbow Pads:
• Best Knee/Elbow Pads for Kids: and
• Best Back and Chest Protector:
• Premium Pick:
• Understanding CE Certifications
• Buying Considerations
• How We Tested
• Meet Our Testers

Best Overall Kneepads

Fox Enduro Pro Knee Guards

Certifications:听EN1621-1 Level 1
Fit:听Slip-on sleeve with large elastic grippers

Pros and Cons:
鈯� Comfortable, pedal-friendly fit
鈯� Breathable Koroyd insert
鈯� Reinforced Cordura front panel
鈯� Limited side coverage

The Fox Enduro Pro pads earned top marks for comfort and ventilation, making them ideal for long days on technical trails. At the heart of the design is a lightweight Koroyd insert housed in a floating mesh pocket. Unlike foams that stiffen on impact, Koroyd uses an open crumple zone structure to manage energy, allowing for excellent airflow and low-profile protection.

A Cordura panel covers the front of the pad for abrasion resistance, while the sleeve鈥檚 breathable mesh wicks moisture and resists odor buildup. Testers noted that the extended sleeve design, paired with wide silicone grippers, kept the pads in place during hours of climbing and descending.

Several riders described them as the most comfortable knee guards they鈥檇 worn鈥攍ight enough to forget about until needed. 鈥淭hey didn鈥檛 shift, bunch, or slide, even after a low-side crash,鈥� one tester said. The slim profile also fits cleanly under pants or close-fitting trail shorts.

These are best suited for trail and enduro riders who want effective protection without sacrificing comfort. For downhill or bike park laps, you鈥檒l want something with additional coverage. But for high-mileage riding wherever the trail takes you, the Enduro Pro hits a sweet spot.

Best Lightweight Kneepads

RaceFace Covert

Certifications: EN1621-1 Level 1
Fit: Slip-on sleeve with silicone grippers

Pros and Cons:
鈯� Ultralight and breathable
鈯� Low-profile fit
鈯� Limited coverage

RaceFace鈥檚 Covert pads deliver certified impact protection in a breathable, low-bulk package that鈥檚 ideal for high-mileage trail rides. At the core is D3O Ghost foam, a thin and flexible material that conforms to the knee while pedaling and absorbs energy during a crash. The result is a lightweight sleeve that offers peace of mind without getting in the way.

The sleeve鈥檚 mesh back panel enhances airflow, while the front panel resists abrasion from minor spills and trail brush. Silicone grippers at the thigh, calf, and shin keep the pads locked in place, even on long, sweaty climbs.

Testers noted the Covert鈥檚 exceptional comfort, likening them to a 鈥渉eavy-duty knee warmer鈥� that stays in place throughout the ride. They鈥檙e particularly well suited for trail and cross-country riders who typically leave their pads in the pack鈥攗ntil now. 鈥淭hese are the first pads I鈥檝e worn that I don鈥檛 want to take off halfway through the ride,鈥� said one rider.

While they鈥檙e not designed for downhill or bike park terrain, the Covert鈥檚 combination of fit, flexibility, and certified protection makes them a standout choice for riders who value all-day wearability.

Best Elbow Pads

G-Form Pro-X3 Elbow Guards

Certifications: CE-certified
Fit:听Compression sleeve with silicone grippers at bicep and forearm

Pros and Cons:
鈯� Lightweight and low profile
鈯� Breathable and flexible
鈯� The design aesthetics aren鈥檛 for everyone

It鈥檚 not the utility of elbow pads that holds them back鈥攊t鈥檚 the vibe. Riders know they offer real protection, but most would rather skip them than show up looking over-armored. That鈥檚 where the G-Form Pro X3 Elbow pads come in. Slim, flexible, and easy to wear, they deliver certified impact protection in a sleeve that feels more like a lightweight kit than body armor.

The compression sleeve is made from moisture-wicking fabric that also provides UPF 50-plus sun protection, with mesh ventilation zones that keep air flowing on warm days. Silicone grips at the top and bottom cuffs help the sleeves stay securely in place, even when riding aggressively or sweating heavily.

Testers appreciated how the pads offered just enough coverage for trail rides and felt virtually invisible while on the bike. One rider described them as 鈥渆xactly what I want in an elbow pad: comfortable enough to forget I鈥檓 wearing them, but there when I need them.鈥�

While the X3s aren鈥檛 designed for repeated heavy crashes, they鈥檙e ideal for trail and XC riders who want reliable protection without compromising freedom of movement.

Best Knee and Elbow Pads for Kids

Sweet Protection Guards Lite Junior

Knee Guards:

Elbow Guards:听

Certifications: EN1621-1 Level 1
Fit: Slip-on sleeve

Pros and Cons:
鈯� Lightweight and breathable
鈯� Youth-specific sizing
鈯� Limited to two sizes (XS and S)

Getting kids to wear protective gear isn鈥檛 always easy, but Sweet Protection鈥檚 Guards Lite Junior makes the case with a comfortable, low-bulk fit that鈥檚 easy to forget and tough enough when it matters. Designed specifically for young riders, these pads are scaled-down versions of adult trail armor, offering proper protection without excess weight or restriction.

Impact zones are padded with a viscoelastic foam that remains soft while riding and firms up under impact. A breathable, perforated sleeve wraps the arm or leg, and internal silicone grippers help keep the pads in place without needing straps or adjustments. The slim profile fits easily under kids鈥� shorts or jerseys and is light enough for all-day wear.

Testers noted how easy these were to slip on and forget鈥攋ust the kind of unobtrusive gear that encourages young riders to keep pads on from trailhead to finish. 鈥淚f she鈥檚 not asking to take them off mid-ride, that鈥檚 a win,鈥� said one parent tester.

These pads are ideal for trail rides, pump tracks, and progression sessions at the local jump line. They’re also machine washable (because kids).

Best Back and Chest Protector

Leatt 3.5 Chest Protector

Certifications: EN1621-3 Level 1 (chest), EN1621-2 Level 1 (back)
Fit: Unisex with adjustable straps; compatible with Leatt neck braces

Pros and Cons:
鈯� Lightweight and slim enough to fit under a jersey
鈯� Compatible with Leatt neck braces
鈯� Basic strap system lacks fine-tuned adjustability

The Leatt 3.5 Chest Protector isn鈥檛 the flashiest or most feature-packed model in the brand鈥檚 lineup, but it鈥檚 the one our testers keep going back to. Designed for gravity and eMTB riders who want serious upper-body coverage without the sweatbox feel of full armor, the 3.5 strikes a solid balance between protection, comfort and price.

The CE-certified hard-shell construction (read more about CE certification below) uses ventilated plates over Leatt鈥檚 flexible 3DF impact foam. That combination allows it to absorb impacts while remaining light and mobile on the bike. Generous cutouts in the chest and back help promote airflow, and the slim profile fits easily under a jersey.

Fit is handled with adjustable shoulder and side straps, and the protector is fully compatible with Leatt鈥檚 neck brace system. The side straps aren鈥檛 as refined as what you鈥檒l find on pricier models, but they get the job done.

Premium Pick

Rapha Trail Kneepads

Certifications: EN1621-1 Level 2
Fit: Slip-on sleeve with silicone grippers

Pros and Cons:
鈯� CE Level 2 protection
鈯� Clean, understated look
鈯� Durable
鈯� More expensive than most kneepads
鈯� Can run warm in the on hot days

Rapha made waves a few seasons ago when it shifted from the tarmac to the dirt, but it brought with it the same attention to detail, refined aesthetics, and commitment to fit that defined its road heritage. The Trail Kneepads are a perfect example: Clean, streamlined, and built with high-performance materials, they blur the line between protection and apparel.

At the core is a removable insert made of RHEON鈥攁n advanced reactive polymer that stays flexible while riding and firms up under impact. The pad is certified to CE Level 2, Type B standards, offering some of the highest impact protection available in a trail-oriented kneepad.

The sleeve is made from a soft, four-way stretch fabric that feels more like a piece of kit than armor. There are no straps or buckles鈥攋ust silicone grippers at the thigh and calf to hold everything in place. Testers praised the tailored fit and minimal bulk, noting the pads stayed put through hours of pedaling without needing adjustment.

While they run a little warm on the hottest days, the breathability is adequate for most trail conditions. For riders who prioritize understated style, premium materials, and high-level protection, the Rapha Trail Kneepads deliver all three without compromise.

Understanding CE Certifications

All of the protective gear in this guide meets CE (Conformit茅 Europ茅enne) safety standards, an independent certification used to evaluate how well a product absorbs impact. While not the only measure of performance, CE ratings provide a useful baseline for comparing pads and body armor.

For kneepads and elbow pads, EN1621-1 is the relevant standard. Gear that meets Level 1 offers a lower threshold of impact protection, while Level 2 pads absorb more energy and are typically used in more aggressive riding disciplines.

Chest and back protectors follow different guidelines. EN1621-2 applies to back protection, and prEN1621-3 covers the chest. Again, Level 1 indicates basic protection; Level 2 is more robust and typically found in products built for higher-speed impacts or moto use.

It鈥檚 worth noting that certifications only tell part of the story. A pad with CE certification won鈥檛 help much if it doesn鈥檛 fit properly or stay in place during a crash. That鈥檚 why all of the gear featured here was selected based not only on its lab rating, but how it actually performed on the trail.

Buying Considerations

Aside from your helmet鈥攚hich should be worn any time you throw a leg over your bike and hit the road or trail鈥攃hoosing the right protective gear comes down to the type of riding you do and how much coverage you鈥檙e willing to wear. For trail and everyday use, lightweight kneepads and elbow pads that disappear while pedaling are more likely to get worn鈥攁nd more likely to protect you when it counts. For enduro, bike park, and eMTB riding, you鈥檒l want pads with more coverage, even if that means a bit more bulk.

Fit is everything. A pad that shifts out of place won鈥檛 protect you in a crash. Look for options that offer compression-style sleeves with silicone grippers, and if possible, try gear on with your riding kit to make sure it doesn鈥檛 interfere with shorts or layering.

Certifications matter鈥攂ut only to a point. CE Level 2 is better on paper, but if a Level 1 pad is more comfortable and stays put, it may offer better real-world protection. Comfort equals consistency, and consistent use is the goal.

Consider your climate. Heavily armored gear can feel claustrophobic on hot days, while breathable, low-profile pads make it easier to stay protected on every ride鈥攏ot just the sketchy ones.

How We Tested

• Number of products tested: 28
• Number of testers: 6
• Longest ride in body armor: 64 miles
• Number of spills: We lost count at 22

We tested more than two dozen pieces of protective equipment on some of North America鈥檚 most demanding and diverse terrain, including the technical singletrack of Squamish, British Columbia, the slickrock and desert lines of Moab, Utah, high-alpine trails in Colorado, and lift-served laps at Whistler Bike Park.

Each piece of body armor was evaluated for comfort, breathability, protection, mobility, and how well it stayed in place over long days on the bike. We wore these products in conditions that matched their intended use: trail rides, enduro stages, bike park sessions, and technical descents. If a pad didn鈥檛 breathe well, caused discomfort, or slipped out of place when things got rowdy, it didn鈥檛 make the cut.

CE certifications helped us benchmark impact protection, but real-world ride experience was the deciding factor. Some products in this list were used regularly for an entire season鈥攔idden hard, washed repeatedly, and pushed in all kinds of conditions.

To earn a spot in this guide, a pad had to disappear while pedaling, stay put when it mattered, and offer reliable coverage when the ride went sideways.

Meet Our Testers

Josh Patterson has been riding and wrenching on bikes for 20 years and, with a master鈥檚 degree in journalism, has been writing about the sport for more than half of that time. He鈥檚 a cycling generalist who finds joy in riding road, gravel, and mountain bikes.

The post The Best Mountain Bike Protective Gear You’ll Actually Want to Wear appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

A quality bike lock is the best investment you can make to protect your bike from theft, but like so many pieces of outdoor gear, there鈥檚 seldom one 鈥渂est鈥� item, making it tough to know what to purchase. Choosing the right lock depends on several factors, including where you park, how long you plan to leave your bike unattended, and how much weight you鈥檙e willing to carry. While no lock is 100 percent theftproof, choosing the best bike lock for your particular use case can significantly reduce the risk.

At a Glance

• Best Overall:
• Best U-Lock Cable Combo:
• Best Wearable/Chain Lock:
• Best for Low-Theft Situations:
• Best Folding:
• Best Home Bike Storage Lock:
• Things to Consider When Buying a Bike Lock
• How We Test
• Meet Our Tester

Best Overall

Litelok X1

Weight: 3.7 pounds
Size: 10.35″ x 5.62″

Pros and Cons
鈯� Able to withstand repeated angle grinder attacks
鈯� Bike mount sold separately

The Litelok X1 is part of the new crop of U-locks specifically designed to resist angle grinder attacks鈥攐ne of the biggest threats to bike locks. Unlike traditional U-locks made of hardened steel, the X1 uses a composite material called Barronium, which flexes instead of snapping under cutting pressure. This design makes it significantly more difficult, though not impossible, for thieves to break it with power tools.

In our testing, the X1 stood up well to hacksaws, and it took considerably longer to breach with an angle grinder compared to standard steel U-locks. While no lock is completely invulnerable, the X1 forces a thief to spend more time and make more noise, both major deterrents in real-world scenarios. Unless they鈥檙e really determined, would-be thieves are likely to run out of angle grinder blades before defeating this lock.

The price is steep, but the extra protection is worth the investment for those who must frequently lock up in high-theft areas.

Best U-Lock Cable Combo

Kryptonite KryptoLok

Weight: 2.8 pounds
Size: 9″ x 4″

Pros and Cons
鈯� Cable and U-lock combo makes it easier to lock up both wheels
鈯� Cable can be cut easily

Though not the most secure lock in our test, Kryptonite鈥檚 KryptoLok strikes a respectable balance between security and versatility. The lock is compact and relatively easy to carry in a backpack or pannier, though it鈥檚 not the best option for on-bike mounting. It includes a 13mm hardened steel U-lock, which provides good protection against most common theft attempts, and an additional cable to secure wheels or accessories. The included braided steel cable makes it easier to lock your bike to racks and other structures than a U-lock alone.

During testing, the U-lock resisted bolt cutters and leverage attacks effectively, but as expected, the cable was the weakest link. A determined thief with the right tools can cut through it in under a minute.

While this lock isn鈥檛 designed for high-risk areas, it鈥檚 a good option for daily use in low-to-moderate theft environments.

Best Wearable Lock/Best Chain Lock

Hiplok Gold

Weight: 5.4 pounds
Size: 33.5″ long

Pros and Cons
鈯� Wearable design makes transport easier than traditional chains
鈯� High security with 10mm hardened steel chain
鈯� Quick-release buckle for easy use
鈯� Heavy

Carrying a heavy chain lock can be a hassle, but Hiplok solves that problem by making it wearable. Designed to be worn around the waist like a belt, this lock offers the security of a traditional chain while improving portability. We appreciate that the sleeve on the Superbright colorway features reflective materials to improve low-light visibility when commuting in the early morning and evening.

The Hiplok Gold features a 10-millimeter hardened steel chain and a 12-millimeter shackle, providing solid resistance against bolt cutters. In our testing, it took significantly more effort to breach than standard U-locks, making it a strong choice for high-theft areas. The adjustable waistband makes it easy to carry, and the quick-release buckle allows for fast locking and unlocking.

However, at five pounds four ounces, this lock is very heavy, so you鈥檒l feel the weight on longer commutes. For those who need a high-security lock and want a practical way to transport it, the Hiplok Gold is an excellent alternative to traditional chain locks.

Best Lightweight Lock for Low-Theft Situations

Ottolock Hexband Cinch Lock

Weight: 145g
Size: 18″ long

Pros and Cons
鈯� Ultra-lightweight and easy to carry
鈯� Not resistant to bolt cutters or power tools

The Ottolock Hexband is a lightweight, flexible lock best used for quick stops and low-risk areas. (It鈥檚 also a great way to secure your skis or snowboard when you stop for a lunch break.)

The cinch-style mechanism is quick and easy to use. However, it鈥檚 not strong enough to be your primary security solution in high-theft areas. The Hexband was the least secure lock in our test, being extremely vulnerable to tin snips as well as power tools, and able to be disabled in a matter of seconds.

In our opinion, this is the lock you take with you when you weren鈥檛 planning to bring a lock at all. Weighing just a few ounces, the Hexband is incredibly easy to carry. It coils up neatly and fits in a jersey pocket or saddlebag. It鈥檚 best suited for scenarios where convenience and portability are priorities, such as locking up your bike during a quick coffee stop or securing accessories at a race pit.

Best Folding Lock

ABUS Bordo Granit XPlus 6500

Weight: 3.7鈥�5.5濒产蝉
Size: 35″

Pros and Cons
鈯� More compact than a standard U-lock
鈯� More portable than U-Locks
鈯� Expensive
鈯� Heavy

Folding locks offer a compact alternative to traditional U-locks, and the ABUS Bordo Granit XPlus 6500 is one of the most secure options available. It features hardened steel links with reinforced rivets, making it resistant to cutting and leverage attacks.

In testing, the Bordo Granit XPlus 6500 held up well against bolt cutters and hacksaws. It took considerable effort to breach, making it one of the toughest folding locks available. The XPlus key system is also designed to provide excellent protection against lock picking.

Portability is another major advantage. When folded, this lock is much more compact than traditional U-locks or chains, making it easier to carry in a backpack or mount on a bike frame. However, at four pounds, it鈥檚 heavier than many expect. The price is also high, but this is one of the best choices for riders who want U-lock-level security in a more compact package.

Best Home Bike Storage Lock

Hiplok Ankr

Weight: 2.6lbs
Size: 3.9″ x 3.3″

Pros and Cons
鈯� Creates a secure locking point at home or in a garage
鈯� Rotating design allows for easy locking from multiple angles
鈯� Requires drilling for installation
鈯� Only as theft-resistant as the lock you use

A lock is only as strong as the object it鈥檚 attached to, which is where the Hiplok Ankr comes in. This anchor system is designed for home or garage use, creating a fixed locking point that can鈥檛 be easily removed.

The Ankr can be installed on floors or walls using heavy-duty bolts. Once secured, it provides a solid base for attaching a chain or U-lock. In testing, it resisted tampering and provided a much more secure option than simply locking a bike to a rack.

The rotating design makes it easier to lock and unlock bikes, and the compact size means it doesn鈥檛 take up much space. While it鈥檚 not portable, it鈥檚 an excellent investment for those who store bikes at home or in a shared storage area and want to add an extra layer of protection against theft. Pair it with a high-quality chain for maximum security.

Things to Consider When Buying a Bike Lock

Security vs. Portability

In general, the most secure locks also tend to be heavier and less convenient to carry. U-locks and chain locks provide the highest level of protection, but they can be bulky. Folding locks offer a compromise, while lightweight cinch locks are best for very low-risk situations.

Locking Mechanism: Keys vs. Combination Locks

Keyed locks offer the most security, but quality varies. Some locks have pick-resistant keyways, while others are more vulnerable to simple lock-picking tools. Combination locks can be convenient, but they are generally easier to bypass.

Attack Resistance

Thieves typically use bolt cutters for quick, low-effort thefts, while more determined criminals may use car jacks to break locks or battery-powered angle grinders to cut through even the toughest materials. Look for locks with hardened steel shackles, anti-rotation locking mechanisms, and materials designed to slow down attacks. Angle-grinder resistance locks are generally the most expensive options, but they鈥檙e your best bet in high-theft situations.

Where You Park Matters Most

If you leave your bike locked in a high-theft area, invest in a heavy-duty U-lock or chain. If you only need temporary security for a quick stop in a low-risk location, a lighter lock may be sufficient.

How We Test

We conducted controlled break-in tests on 18 locks using common theft tools, including bolt cutters, tin snips, a hacksaw, and, most importantly, an angle grinder. In recent years, battery-powered angle grinders have become the biggest threat to bike security. The goal wasn鈥檛 just to see if a lock could be breached鈥攇iven enough time, any lock can be disabled鈥攂ut rather, to assess how much resistance each lock provided and how effectively it could deter theft.

Meet Our Tester

Josh Patterson has been riding and wrenching on bikes for 20 years and, with a master鈥檚 degree in journalism, has been writing about the sport for more than half of that time. He鈥檚 a cycling generalist who finds joy in riding road, gravel, and mountain bikes.

The post The Best Bike Locks of 2025 appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Trying to pick a new bike helmet when there are hundreds of options can be a daunting task. And while all bike helmets鈥攊ncluding road, gravel, and mountain biking鈥攈ave to meet the same safety standards, that doesn鈥檛 mean all helmets are created equal. Beyond type, there are multiple factors to consider to determine what your next purchase might look like: fit, ventilation, weight, and comfort are just a few.

Our testers put the latest helmets through the wringer to determine the best options. Whether you’re a roadie, you relish grinding gears in the gravel scene, you eschew those for the lure of single track, or you prefer the thrill of machine-sculpted berms and big air, these are the best bike helmets to protect the delicate gray matter between your ears.

At a Glance

Mountain Bike Helmets

• Best for Protection:听
• Best Three-Quarter Coverage:
• Best Convertible:
• Best Lightweight Full Face:
• Best Carbon Full Face:

Road/Gravel/XC Helmets

• Best Fit:
• Most Stylish:
• Best on a Budget:
• Best High-End Option:
• Buying Advice
• How We Test
• Meet Our Lead Testers

Best Mountain Bike Helmet for Protection

Specialized Tactic

Weight: 380 g
Size Range: 厂鈥揕

Pros and Cons
鈯� 5-Star Virginia Tech safety rating
鈯� Price
鈯� Struggled to get a tight fit

This is a super affordable lightweight helmet that meets the strictest safety certifications for this category: It has the highest Virginia Tech safety rating (five stars) for half-shell mountain bike helmets. In addition to a fixed visor and eyewear storage, the Specialized Tactic features Mips Evolve, an integrated fit system for precise adjustments.

We did find the fit system (which is designed to accommodate variations in head shape/occipital base) functional, but our tester felt like it was a 鈥渓ooser fit鈥� than they prefer, which they couldn鈥檛 remedy. Overall the helmet was comfortable with good airflow, and if safety is your priority, this is a super solid option to keep you safe while shredding singletrack.

Best听Three-Quarter Coverage Mountain Bike Helmet

Bluegrass Jetro 3/4

Weight: 595 g
Size Range: 厂鈥揕

Pros and Cons
鈯� Extended back head and jaw coverage
鈯� Competitive price tag
鈯� Runs a little small and tight
鈯� Ventilation slightly lacking

The Bluegrass Jetro 戮 mountain bike helmet is a great solution for when you want extra protection without adding a chin guard. This distinctive looking, extended coverage half-shell received a 5-star rating from Virginia Tech and is certified for e-bike use (NTA 8776, the Dutch standard that requires helmets to pass specific impact tests).

The helmet features MIPS-C2 (a more advanced variation of Mips that provides rotational impact protection with a redesigned slip plane to redirect rotational energy away from the head in event of an impact), a Fidlock magnetic buckle, a breakaway visor, an internal adjustable cage for a dialed fit, and 21 vents for increased airflow.

Testers appreciated the range of features and safety components of this helmet, but did note it was a little tight and runs a bit hot when pedaling. All in all, it’s the right choice for those seeking extended coverage without the claustrophobia of a chin bar.

Best Convertible Mountain Bike Helmet

Bell Super DH Spherical

Weight: 878 g
Size Range: 厂鈥揕

Pros and Cons
鈯� Doesn鈥檛 bounce around
鈯� Removable chin bar
鈯� Robust safety features
鈯� Runs a little hot with chinbar affixed
鈯� A tad heavy

Tis convertible helmet is a mighty competitor in a stacked field of high-protection, full face helmets. It utilizes a polycarbonate shell with multiple layers of EPS foam featuring Spherical Technology (a ball-and-socket design that helps redirect impact forces away from the brain), an adjustable visor, a dial adjustment system, and a removable chin bar. The helmet retains the ATSM F-1952 downhill certification (the highest American rating safety certification standard available), and was our testers’ top-pick convertible helmet based on safety and comfort.

While it runs a little hot (it is DH-rated, meaning it offers more robust protection at higher speeds), the ability to remove the chin bar for climbs is an often underrated feature that comes in handy for those of us who like to earn our descents. 鈥淭his is a convertible helmet that inspires confidence on the descents while allowing for comfort on the climbs,鈥� said Oregon-based tester Annick Chalier.

Best Lightweight Full Face

Fox Proframe RS

Weight: 836 g
Size Range: 厂鈥揕

Pros and Cons
鈯� Excellent ventilation and air flow
鈯� Super adjustable fit and stability when riding
鈯� Compatibility with variety of eyewear
鈯� Expensive

This lightweight, breathable, full-coverage helmet checks all the boxes when it comes to protection and versatility. Featuring Mips Integra Split (a variation of Mips that offers the same rotational protection technology, placed between an EPS and EPP foam) for low- and high-speed impact protection, an adjustable visor, a BOA fit system for tightening, and generous venting, the Proframe RS is our testers鈥� top-pick enduro racing helmet on the market.

While it is slightly heavier than similar options, it offers outstanding ventilation with a more protective and secure feel when going warp ten, thanks to the BOA fit system that includes an internal adjustable cradle. That cradle allows the rider to adjust the helmet to fit higher or lower on the head, as well as a BOA dial to fine-tune adjust once on. The Proframe RS is not inexpensive, but it鈥檚 worth the hefty price tag to keep your noggin safe on those rowdy single-track trails.

Best Carbon Full Face

Sweet Protection Fixer 2Vi Carbon

Weight: 1104 g
Size Range: 齿厂鈥揦尝

Pros and Cons
鈯� Snug but spacious fit
鈯� Wide field of vision
鈯� Expensive
鈯� Runs a little small

The recently released Sweet Protection Fixer 2Vi is our choice for your most extreme mountain bike riding where more robust materials and a more secure fit are key. It鈥檚 鈥渇ixed鈥� with a two-layer safety system developed in conjunction with Mips for increased performance and comfort, multi-density EPS impact shields, break away visor, ample venting, double D-ring buckle, and the appropriate safety certifications.

This helmet comes in five sizes to offer a tailored fit, along with a very roomy goggle port for a less claustrophobic feel. While I normally wear a size small in most helmet brands, I tested the size medium Fixer 2Vi and it was still a snug fit. I would recommend sizing up if you are unable to try the helmet on.

The Fixer 2Vi is slightly lighter than competitors thanks to use of a carbon shell, but that comes with a higher price point. If you are looking for solid protection and comfort, and money is no object, this helmet is worth a go.

Best Fit Road/Gravel Helmet

Smith Triad Mips

Weight: 290 g
Size Range: 厂鈥揦尝

Pros and Cons
鈯� Comfortable, deep profile fit
鈯� Competitively priced
鈯� Available with Aleck Crash Sensor
鈯� Integrates best with Smith brand eyewear
鈯� Best for round heads

The Smith Triad is my go-to helmet for solo gravel adventures. Some of its standout features are a combination of Mips technology and for energy-absorbing impact and rotational forces protection, 19 fixed vents, dial fit adjustment, and the option of purchasing with or without a crash sensor. The fit of this helmet was superb thanks to the VaporFit system, which allows for micro adjustments (the tester with a more round, less oval-shaped head preferred the Triad).

Testers liked that its high level of comfort and the added safety of the Aleck Crash Detection Sensor, which is a worthwhile add-on () that sends alerts to emergency contacts in the event of a crash. It sets up and connects via Bluetooth to the Aleck phone app. The helmet is lightweight and airy with ample ventilation for hot days, and the deep profile fit gave it an edge up in rider confidence in more challenging terrain.

Most Stylish Road/Gravel Helmet

POC Ventral Air Mips

Weight: 260 g
Size Range: 厂鈥揕

Pros and Cons
鈯� Excellent ventilation
鈯� Super lightweight
鈯� Unique and stylish
鈯� Expensive
鈯� Shallow fit

The POC Ventral Air Mips is a boldly designed lightweight riding helmet that provides a highly adjustable 360-degree fit system. Testers found the fit was suitable for a variety of head shapes. The helmet features Mips Integra, a fully wrapped unibody polycarbonate shell with EPS liner, an 鈥渆ye garage鈥� to securely store sunglasses, and precisely placed ventilation ports with internal channels to control air intake and release. Fancy, huh?

While this helmet is expensive, it does come in a wide range of colors and options such as wide fit (for rounder shaped heads) and comes with Near Field Communication (NFC), a medical ID device designed to communicate with other devices or systems. This helmet excels on hot days, offers the protection you need, and will have your friends hankering.

Best Road/Gravel Helmet on a Budget

Lazer Strada Kineticore

Weight: 290 g
Size Range: 厂鈥揦尝

Pros and Cons
鈯� Affordable
鈯� Optional LED easily affixes to helmet
鈯� 5-Star Virginia Tech safety rating
鈯� Adjustment system can be finicky

This budget pick cycling helmet hits all the marks in comfort and performance, including that coveted 5-star Virginia Tech safety rating, without a heft price tag. The helmet offers a variation of Mips style rotational impact protection called Kineticore, along with Lazer鈥檚 ScrollSys fit adjustment system, ample venting, and an optional ULED light that affixes to the back.

The ScrollSys provides a solid and secure fit, although it is unique and a little finicky, as it utilizes a dial on the top of the helmet, unlike the clickwheels located on the nape of the neck of most helmets. Testers agreed this is a very reasonably priced helmet with decent performance and top-notch safety features鈥攁 lightweight, stylish, safety-oriented helmet that will not break the bank.

Best High-End Road/Gravel Helmet

Kask Protone Icon

Weight: 230 g
Size Range: 厂鈥揕

Pros and Cons
鈯� Aerodynamic look and feel
鈯� Excellent air flow in all conditions
鈯� Internal adjustment system loosened up on rides
鈯� Helmet padding felt a little scratchy

The “Made in Italy” label is synonymous with quality craftsmanship and luxurious design, which is no better exemplified in the helmet world than by Kask. And if Tom Pidcock can win an Olympic gold in a Kask helmet, then maybe you can, too?

The Protone Icon is a longstanding favorite among roadies. This is a high-end aero helmet equipped with a rubber dial adjuster to tighten the fit, Rotational Impact WG11 Tested (an effective alternative to Mips), CoolMax quick-drying internal liner (made of polyester fibers and designed to be moisture-wicking), and ample venting.

While it’s a pretty hefty investment, the helmet lives up to the hype and excels in lightness, breathability, and safety. The only issues testers ran into were with the fit system, which loosened up on bumpy descents, and the interior fabric, which was a bit scratchy for some, but overall we’re content with the comfort鈥攁nd its truly excellent its air flow.

Bike Helmet Buying Advice

Buy New

Rule number one when buying a new bike helmet? Don鈥檛 buy used, no matter how 鈥渓ightly-used鈥� the previous owner is claiming it to be. You just never know if one minor crash or hit to the pavement compromised the helmet to the point where it鈥檚 not safe to wear anymore.

Consider Use Case and Features

Consider the type of terrain you鈥檒l be biking on to help you prioritize which features you need. Will you be doing a lot of uphill? Make sure your helmet of choice has enough ventilation; one trend we’re fans of is the use of internal channeling to promote airflow. Other premium features to look for: a compatible spot to hold your eyewear when not in use, and a magnetic buckle. If you鈥檙e planning to bomb laps at the bike park, you might want to opt for a full-face helmet. If you鈥檙e still not sure which type and fit is the best for you, head to your local bike shop and they鈥檒l point you in the right direction.

Full-face helmets are ideal for bike parks or more technical riding and racing with higher riding speeds鈥攚hich mean more severe consequences if you crash and land on your face. A full-face includes a built-in chin bar that offers protection to your nose and mouth (teeth) that 戮 and half-shell helmets do not. A 戮 helmet is like a full-face helmet but without the chin guard. It covers 戮 of the head and offers added protection around the head and jaw as compared to a half-shell design. The 戮 design is beneficial for anyone who wants a little added protection with a wide field of view thanks to the open-face. Half-shell helmets are the most popular style for mountain biking, and the only helmet type you will see in road and gravel cycling.

Budget vs. Safety Considerations

How much is your head worth? At first glance, a two-hundred-dollar price tag might seem excessive, but once you’re riding regularly, you鈥檒l realize a quality helmet is worth every penny.

Across all categories (road, gravel, and mountain biking), we primarily considered fully-featured helmets that come with industry-leading protection technology, such as Mips. Many modern helmets use a rotational impact reduction system like Mips to dissipate the forces applied to the rider鈥檚 head during a crash. We believe that helmets featuring Mips or comparable impact protection, while pricier, are a worthy investment because they tend to offer better protection in the event of a crash.

If you see a Virginia Tech rating, that’s a reference to Virginia Tech鈥檚 state-of-the-art, independent testing lab. They have been testing helmets since 2011 using a consistent testing protocol to produce a single score (i.e. safety rating) that is proportional to overall risk of concussion during cycling.

What Are Aerodynamic (Aka 鈥淎ero鈥�) Helmets?

Modern cycling helmets come in two general categories: traditional multi-vent designs and more optimized aerodynamic options. Traditional shells provide many vents to promote heat dissipation and a low weight. Aero helmets emphasize aerodynamic properties, often with minimal ventilation. While the aero designs are becoming more mainstream, they still remain a subcategory to lightweight, breathable, high-performance lids.

Sizing and Fit

Consider your head shape when looking for a helmet and try before you buy. Most helmets are designed with either an oval or a round shell. Your local bike shop will have a selection available and a knowledgeable staff to help point you in the right direction.

How We Test

• Number of products tested: 9
• Number of Testers: 3

Helmets were selected with input from Pinkbike staff, three testers, and industry colleagues. Testing was mostly done in the vicinity of Hood River, Oregon, from late summer through the fall months of 2024, with some long-term testing input pulled from Pinkbike staff feedback. All the testers are accomplished mountain bikers who spend a lot of time in the saddle riding, coaching, or racing.

The main trails where we tested helmets in Hood River were located in the iconic Post Canyon network, just on the outskirts of town. Post Canyon offers a vast network of forested trails that drop 3,000 vertical feet from top to bottom, with a mix of jumps, drops, berms, and rocks. We also tested on the 44 Trails system, located on the flanks of Mount Hood some 45 minutes south of town as well as in the infamous Gifford Pinchot National Forest (which hosted multiple editions of the Transcascadia Enduro race) just across the Columbia River and an hour north.

Fall is the perfect time for testing in the Pacific Northwest, as the dry summer heat fades away and the fall rain makes for some epic trail conditions. We encountered a variety of temperatures, from below freezing to uncomfortably sunny and hot.

Meet Our Lead Testers

Nikki Rohan has been mountain biking for close to 20 years, and testing mountain biking gear for Pinkbike for almost a decade. She resides in Hood River, Oregon, with her husband, three kids, two dogs, and a grumpy cat. She spent a chunk of time competing in the pro women category in enduro races in the PNW, as well as events like Trans BC, Trans Provence, Downieville Classic, Grinduro and the occasional CX or gravel race. When she is not working, cooking, or parenting, you will find her on the local trails or exploring the endless forest roads.

is a longtime Pacific Northwesterner. She has a passion for all things cycling and has been a mountain bike coach, raced road bikes professionally, raced cyclocross and dabbled in some endurance mountain bike racing. Through the years of training for racing, mountain biking always remained the counterbalance to the structured intervals, a way to be creative and connect with nature, dance down the trail hootin鈥� and hollerin鈥� with friends and find distance from the outside world by being focused on the moment with the bike.

Justin Fernandes has been riding mountain bikes since the mid 1990s, racing Enduro and downhill since the early 2000s.听 He loves riding alpine backcountry in the fall, building free ride lines in the woods of the Pacific Northwest, and doing ride trips with family and friends. He calls Hood River home where he works as a senior software engineer and resides with his wife, two kids, and rescue dog.

The post The Absolute Best Bike Helmets for Every Type of Ride appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Women鈥檚 running shorts range from skin-hugging styles to baggies, multi-pocketed distance partners to simple splitties. The wrong shorts will chafe, cling, bounce, sag, ride up, and generally make your run miserable. The right shorts disappear on the run, noticed only when you need a gel or your phone and realize, 鈥淗ey, I鈥檝e got that in this nifty shorts pocket!鈥� We searched for, tested, and found the best options that can handle the challenges of summer while making you look good, feel cool, and run free.

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

Update: May 2025: We selected new shorts in every category but one, carrying over only the classic Tracksmith Session Short.

At a Glance

• Best Multi-Pocketed Shorts:
• Best Trail Running Shorts:
• Most Versatile Shorts:
• Best Distance Training Shorts:
• Best 2N1:
• Best Short Shorts:
• Most Comfortable:
• Best for Hot Temps:
• What to Look For
• How We Test
• Meet Our Lead Testers

Best Multi-Pocketed Shorts

Janji W’s 5鈥� Pace Short

Sizes: XS-XXXL

Pros and Cons
鈯� Lightweight, comfortable fabric
鈯� Well-placed storage pockets
鈯� No zippered pocket

The Janji 5鈥� Pace Shorts are so comfortable that they converted more than one tester who prefers the modesty of looser-fitting styles from 鈥渘ever-ever would I wear skin-tight shorts like this鈥� to 鈥渙kay, now I occasionally wear shorts like this.鈥� The nylon/spandex fabric lightly compresses upper leg and glute muscles while remaining extremely lightweight, and the multiple pockets give runners storage options. We liked the side pockets for carrying a phone or gels, the back pass-through pocket for holding things like gloves or even a long-sleeve layer, and the internal waistband pocket for stashing a key. The silicone grip dots on the leg hems keep the shorts in place and don鈥檛 leave a mark, and the 5-inch length strikes a good balance between coverage and freedom. 鈥淚 like that they are tights without being bun-huggers,鈥� said a tester.

Best Trail Shorts

Patagonia Endless Run Shorts 6鈥�

Sizes: XXS-XL

Pros and Cons
鈯� Material dries quickly
鈯� Three no-bounce pockets
鈯� Drawstring seems unnecessary

Many running brands are designing short tights right now, but the capabilities of the Patagonia Endless Run Shorts caught our attention. These shorts dried quickly from sweat, keeping us from getting hot when it was warm and from feeling cold and clammy even when the weather turned. The 6-inch length on a trail run provided coverage and protection from both the sun and overgrown trees on tight singletrack. The next-to-skin fit kept us covered while scrambling on rocks (no flashing trail partners), and the wide, flat waistband stayed put during fast efforts and long, rambling runs alike. The lack of a center seam kept these comfortable, even when doing high-knee warm-ups or during rock scrambles. One tester raved: 鈥淎 perfect length (not too short, but also not so long that they felt frumpy), perfect level of compression of the smooth, soft material that made me forget I had the shorts on.鈥�

Most Versatile

Tracksmith Session Shorts

Sizes: XS-XL

Pros and Cons
鈯� Casual styling
鈯� Performance functioning
鈯� Thin waistband isn鈥檛 flattering on all

The inseam length of these shorts may be a mere three inches, but the relaxed fit, subtle branding , and easy flow of the lightweight polyester/spandex shell fabric make these shorts versatile enough to run errands or grab a coffee (or beer) afterwards. The fabric raised suspicions at first, as it appears to be a soft knit that would hold sweat. But, as one tester put it, 鈥淭he fabric is a miracle鈥搃t dries quickly and just has a really nice drape to it.鈥�

The liner, made of Italian-sourced nylon/elastane, adds to the luxurious feel and functionality of the Session Shorts鈥攕oft against the skin, extremely lightweight, and quick drying. Three interior pockets in the liner add storage options to the one exterior zippered pocket, which holds items like AirPods rather awkwardly. Some testers found the thin waistband to be unflattering as it can create a 鈥渕uffin top鈥� around the midsection. Otherwise, we love how well these shorts perform on and off the trail.

Best Distance Training Shorts

Rabbit Fuel n鈥� Fly 4鈥�

Sizes: XS-XL

Pros and Cons
鈯� Plenty of pockets for storage
鈯� Comfortable, quick-drying brief
鈯� Can bunch up in the middle

The Fuel n鈥� Fly 4鈥� shorts have a whopping five storage options鈥攖wo back stash pockets, two internal stash pockets, and a zippered back pocket. What鈥檚 more, we noticed minimal movement even when stuffed with a small smartphone for a long run. One tester calls these her 鈥減ack mule鈥� shorts, adding, 鈥淣one of the pockets caused irritation or chafing when loaded,鈥� she said, adding that they didn鈥檛 budge or slide.

The back zipper pull tab is especially easy to grab while running. A lightweight polyester/spandex shell with perforations for added breathability feels 鈥渟oft and moves well,鈥� said a tester. The liner is notably quick-drying, which we loved鈥攊t鈥檚 not fun to run in a sweaty liner. The inner brief is also treated with an anti-odor peppermint oil that kept it smelling fresh.

Best 2 N 1

New Balance RC Short 2-in-1 3″

Sizes: XS-XL

Pros and Cons
鈯� Slightly compressive liner supports muscles
鈯� 2N1 design provides modesty
鈯� Liner material stays wet longer than some

We tested a host of shorts with an exterior shell covering an interior short tight, and these rose to the top. We liked the feel of the thicker-than-most seamless liner; its weight made it nicely compressive. One tester reached for these for light support of her high-hamstring strain. Testers praised the quality materials of both the liner and exterior shell, and the tailoring of the shorts overall. 鈥淚 really appreciate that they stay on my hips, where I put them,鈥� said a tester.

The exterior shell paired with the interior lining provided modesty for a range of activities without restricting movement. 鈥淵ou’re not flashing your neighbor when you鈥檙e doing burpees or planks, on treadmill runs, lifting workouts, or playing pickle ball,鈥� said a tester. Another enjoyed doing yard work after runs in these for the same non-neighbor-flashing reasons.

Two interior pockets and a back zippered pocket carried small items like AirPods or a key. Storing a phone in the back pocket, however, was too bouncy and awkward.

Best Short Shorts

Janji W’s 3″ AFO Middle Short

Sizes: XXS-XXXL

Pros and Cons
鈯� Light and airy
鈯� Comfortable waistband
鈯� 2-inch inseam on the frontside can feel bare

These lightweight, airy shorts with a 3-inch inseam are actually shorter than that鈥攖he backside extends to 3 inches while the front of the ultralight recycled polyester/elastane blend shell material is a mere 2 inches. One tester described the shorts as 鈥渂arely there fabric in a barely there fit.鈥� For some, these might feel too barely there, but for others, they are blissfully light and mobile.

The polyester/spandex brief liner is soft against the skin (but stays wet a tad longer than the shell). Our Virginia-based tester noted how well these shorts performed in hot, humid, dripping sweat conditions. 鈥淏ecause the outer is so fast drying, I would wear these shorts for SUPing as well. I just wish the liner dried faster,鈥� she said. Bonded seams and a knit waistband add to the overall comfort.

Most Comfortable

Oiselle Roga Shorts

Sizes: 2-24/26

Pros and Cons
鈯� Universally-flattering length
鈯� Comfortable, stretchy fabric
鈯� Tighter fit around the booty/thighs than other shorts

We love Oiselle鈥檚 original Roga Shorts for their wide, flat waistband that makes them sit as comfortably as yoga pants. The 4-inch inseam length and tapered sides are flattering, and the stretch woven polyester/spandex fabric is both substantial and lightweight. A semi-fitted cut provides coverage while the stretchy material moves with your body. 鈥淭hey sort of fit in between a short tight and a more traditional running short,鈥� said a tester, who described the material as having more structure than other shorts. 鈥淚 liked it鈥攊t wasn鈥檛 wimpy, but also not heavy or thick,鈥� she said.

Minimal seams in the crotch add to comfort, even during high-friction moves like high knees, and the shorts proved comfortable in hot and humid running conditions. 鈥淚 wore these for a treadmill run when I was super sweaty after sitting in a sauna, and they were great鈥攏o chafing,鈥� said a tester. Bonus: A tiny loop on the interior backside allows for easy hanging (to dry from all that sweat, for instance).

Best Shorts for Hot Temps

Bandit Vento 4″ W’s Training Short

Sizes: XS-XL

Pros and Cons
鈯� Flattering hem and overall style
鈯� Back yoke allows stashing a shirt/tank mid-run
鈯� Waistband elastic can feel a tad snug

The gathered waistband, perforations at the scalloped hem, and slightly shiny shell fabric of these shorts are as chic as Bandit鈥檚 home city (Brooklyn, New York). Testers commented that these look 鈥渦rban鈥� and 鈥渟tylish,鈥� but they also liked how they felt on the run. 鈥淰ery lightweight and breathable,鈥� said one. 鈥淎iry!鈥� said another. The material, a nylon/spandex blend with a slick finish, is treated for Durable Water Repellency, which keeps these from getting bogged down from sweat or a summer rainstorm.

Pass-through loops on the backside of the waistband allow easy stashing of a shirt or tank mid-run. And while three interior pockets on the liner are intended for gels, we found them mighty small and preferred nothing in them. 鈥淭hese feel more like a performance race short than a casual-jog short,鈥� said a tester.

What to Look For

When it comes to summer running clothes, look for breathability, moisture-wicking, and a chafe-free fit.

Materials

Sweat-wicking and quick-drying materials are essential. These are usually made of polyester or wool blends and have a wide variety of proprietary names and textures. Polyester weaves tend to be the most breathable and highly durable, while wool resists odors and has a natural feel next-to-skin. Try on as many options as you can to find the ones that are both soft against your skin and feel cool and airy.

Fit

The fabric should not restrict your movement or be so tight as to interfere with your breathing at all. When trying on garments, do some dynamic stretching such as leg swings, lunges, and running in place to experience your body鈥檚 whole range of motion in the apparel.

Shorts Style

Besides material and fit, there are a few key features to consider in running shorts: pockets, inseam, and waist height.

If you like to carry items like your phone, keys, sunscreen, water flask, gels, or snacks, you鈥檒l need more pockets (if you don鈥檛 run with a vest). Make sure the pockets are large and robust enough to fit and secure what you鈥檙e carrying, and located in spots where they won鈥檛 bounce or irritate. When you鈥檙e trying on shorts with pockets, test how they feel when the pockets are full鈥攅specially if you intend to carry something heavy like a cell phone, which can drastically change the way a pair of shorts fits and rides.

Consider whether you prefer shorts with a longer inseam鈥攍ike four to six inches鈥攆or more coverage and to avoid chafing, or ones with a shorter inseam that show a little more leg and feel less restricted.

The rise is crucial to consider, too. While some runners prefer a higher waist to feel more secure, others prefer a waistband that hits right at their hip bones and doesn鈥檛 constrict.

How We Test

• Number of testers: 8
• Number of products tested: 35
• Most extreme temperature experienced during a run: Sitting in a sauna then running on a treadmill; 95-degree Florida beach runs
• Most elevation gained during a run: 2,300 feet

With five testers based in Colorado, one in California, and two in Virginia, the season鈥檚 summer apparel received a full gamut of testing conditions. All testers have been running for two to four decades, and consistently put their apparel through the paces鈥ith scrutiny.

Meet Our Lead Tester

Lisa Jhung writes, runs, and generally adventures from her homebase in Boulder, Colorado. Raised as a California beach kid, she also makes it back to the coast鈥攁ny coast, but primarily the Pacific鈥攁s often as possible. She鈥檚 been testing gear for 国产吃瓜黑料 for a couple of decades and co-manages the road and trail running shoe tests, and manages the women鈥檚 running apparel, sports bras, and running hydration vest tests.

More Gear Reviews

The Best Sports Bras for Summer 2025
The Best Running Shirts and Tank Tops for Women
The Best Running Shoes for Training and Racing

The post The Best Women鈥檚 Running Shorts appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Coolers are the gastroenterological core of every camping trip. If your cooler fails, your drinks are only lukewarm and your perishables go bad. While ice retention, exterior durability, and interior capacity are all important features to consider, we also think the devil is in the details when it comes to buying the right cooler. A massive amount of insulation won鈥檛 do you any good if the clasps don鈥檛 seal it closed, and spaciousness doesn鈥檛 matter if you can鈥檛 find things or carry it. After months of testing, here are our six favorite coolers for car campers, vanlifers, and beach bums.

Watch: How to Choose a Cooler

At a Glance

• Best Overall:
• Best for True Connoisseur:
• Best Value:
• Best for Boaters:
• Best Braun for the Buck:
• Best For Vanlifers:
• Cooler Comparison
• Other Products We Tested
• Products to Avoid
• How to Choose a Cooler
• How We Test
• Meet Our Testers

Best Overall

Yeti Roadie 32 Wheeled Cooler

External Dimensions: 16鈥� x 18鈥� x 21鈥�
Capacity: 32 L
Weight: 24.5 lbs
Score: 9.5/10

Pros and Cons
鈯� The most portable cooler of our test
鈯� Retained coolness beyond testers鈥� expectations
鈯� Took months of beating with aplomb
鈯� Tall height means it has to be packed thoughtfully

For as much as we didn鈥檛 want to deliver yet another win to Yeti, it felt like betting with the house. We could not ignore how well the Roadie 32 Wheeled Cooler performed in every aspect of our test, and it became my family鈥檚 favorite cooler for five months of adventures. This model is a smaller, upgraded version of the Roadie 48 Wheeled Cooler, which we also tested and loved. While testers initially questioned why a 32-liter cooler needs wheels, they quickly realized the benefits. Five-inch-diameter, off-road-capable wheels made navigating rough terrain manageable. We also appreciated the 26.5-inch-long telescoping handle鈥攆ive inches above the height of the cooler鈥攚hich made it easy to maneuver even when the cooler was fully loaded.

As for the cooler body, it鈥檚 made out of Yeti鈥檚 famous rotomolded polyethylene that came away without damage after months of consistent hard use transporting perishables around campsites and being errantly left outside for months. The footprint of the base is slightly smaller than the lid, which, coupled with the taller height (to accommodate wine bottles), packed neatly into a variety of vehicles. On the thermoregulating front, the pressure-injected polyurethane insulation kept an entire cooler鈥檚 worth of food satisfactorily cold with only a Yeti Blue Ice pack tucked inside for two full days with highs over 102 degrees鈥攆ar outperforming our expectations of a cooler only chilled with an ice pack. Plus, the single drain plug never leaked.

Best for True Connoisseur

Snow Peak Hard Rock 40-Qt Cooler

External Dimensions: 25″ x 16″ x 15″
Capacity: 38 L
Weight: 25 lbs
Score: 9/10

Pros and Cons
鈯� Beautiful design
鈯� Thoughtfully built to last forever
鈯� Expensive

The Hard Rock 40 is a collaboration between two brands with sterling reputations: Grizzly Coolers鈥� products are bomb proof, and Snow Peak鈥檚 Japanese aesthetic is sleek. The result is a cooler so sexy that four testers did not even bat an eye at the eye-watering price. The bear-proof rotomolded cooler easily kept our perishables cold on a four-day camping trip in California鈥檚 North Coast, retaining about 80 percent of the ice block in temps with highs in the 70s.

Testers noted that the Bear Claw Latch System rubberized closures, which wrap over and around rectangular knobs to lock down the cooler, made the cooler impossible to unintentionally crack open and let air out when closed down. Those closures also look cool as hell with contoured edges and a low-profile design that integrates seamlessly with the cooler body. Its matte finish and subtle, claw-like silhouette give it a tactical-meets-minimalist look that鈥檚 both tough and sleek. Not only does this closure design make the cooler virtually impervious to animals without prehensile fingers, it makes it easy to latch and unlatch with one hand. The drain plug is just as easy to crank open and closed. Like the other premium coolers in this category, it is rotomolded with a hefty serving of polyethylene, which makes it impervious to the beating we delivered during months of car camping and gives it lifelong durability.

Best Value

Igloo ECOCOOL Latitude 52-Qt Cooler

External Dimensions: 25″ x 15″ x 15″
Capacity: 49 L
Weight: 9.8 lbs
Score: 7/10

Pros and Cons
鈯� Good bang for your buck
鈯� Sustainable materials
鈯� Not as insulating as the other coolers on this list
鈯� No drain plug

The ECOCOOL Latitude 52-Qt cooler proves that there is still space for a low-tech cooler in a market dominated by $400 beasts that hold onto ice for weeks. For $60, the ECOCOOL did a respectable job of keeping snacks and drinks cold during a 60-degree weekend of camping in Oregon鈥檚 Siskiyou Mountains. Would we want to depend on it for a multi-day river trip? No. But that isn鈥檛 what this cooler is designed for. Rather, this cooler is made for more casual car camping. Testers reported that the handles didn鈥檛 bend under a 50-pound load, and the lid鈥檚 solid hinge and sturdy clasps added to its potential longevity. As a bonus, the ECOCOOL is made from post-consumer recycled resin. One feature we would鈥檝e liked to see: A drain plug.

Best for Boaters

Bote Kula 10

External Dimensions: 24鈥� 脳 15鈥� 脳 19鈥�
Capacity: 38 L
Weight: 24 lbs
Score: 7.5/10

Pros and Cons
鈯� Rounded sides packed well into crowded boats
鈯� Top holds two cans steady on rocking boats
鈯� Does not play well with ice blocks
鈯� Handle is too big for packing tightly

Boaters notoriously pack a lot of drinks (usually beer), and the Bote Kula 10 has the capacity for quenching their thirst. 鈥淭his cooler was built to party,鈥� reported one tester, who found the included bottle opener easy to use and appreciated the magnetic aluminum can holders while rowing down a Class II stretch of river. Teetotalers, on the other hand, found the bottle opener to be a little much. Cylindrical beverages, such as cans of beer or bubbly water, packed efficiently against the interior鈥檚 rounded corners. Those same rounded corners on the exterior helped it squeeze into the rarely square, open spaces of the 13.5-foot Sotar Raft we tested it in. The only downside of the rounded body was it did not play well with blocks of ice that typically tuck beautifully into the corners of classic square coolers. This posed a problem on our hottest camping trip on the Klamath River, in which bags of crushed ice didn鈥檛 stand a chance against triple digit temps.

Best Braun for the Buck

RTIC 65 QT Ultra-Tough Cooler

External Dimensions: 31.62鈥� 脳 17.5鈥� 脳 17鈥�
Can Capacity: 84 Cans (No Ice)
Weight: 38 lbs
Score: 8.5/10

Pros and Cons
鈯� Incredible durability throughout
鈯� Smart accessories
鈯� So heavy

With an admirable 3 inches of foam built into the body, the Ultra Tough held its own in terms of ice retention against similarly-sized and rotomolded Yeti coolers but at a more affordable price point. We were also impressed with this cooler鈥檚 padded rope handles, which allowed for comfortable carry even when filled with a family of three鈥檚 food and drinks for a weekend camping trip. Every tester agreed that having two drain plugs was a significant bonus for both removing excess water and cleaning. It drained two blocks鈥� worth of melted ice in under five minutes and removed enough of the water that we only had to wipe it with a washrag upon our return. Non-skid feet added a little extra traction when loaded into the back of a truck.

At more than $200, this RTIC cooler is still not cheap, but it鈥檚 $150 less than its Yeti counterparts and has a solid chance of lasting just as long thanks to durable design details, from the hardy clasps to the thick rope handles. One downside of all of that burl? At nearly 38 pounds empty, it was the heaviest cooler we tested鈥攅ven heavier than one with a built-in refrigeration system.

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Canyon Coolers Pro 65qt Cooler

Looking for a cooler built to withstand a long and happy life filled with campsites, beaches, and backyard BBQs? Meet the Pro 65 from Canyon Coolers, a 66-quart ice chest featuring pressure-injected foam insulation with a durable rotomolded construction. This hard-sided cooler also features a divider that can be used as a convenient side table, oversized latches for secure closure, and oversized drain plugs for easy cleaning.

Best For Vanlifers

Dometic CFX-2 45

External Dimensions: 16鈥� x 19鈥� x 27鈥�
Capacity: 45 L
Weight: 40 lbs
Score: 8/10

Pros and Cons
鈯� Really efficient
鈯� Can keep ice indefinitely with power source
鈯� Need access to power
鈯� Lid can make accessing food at bottom difficult

Built with integrated cooling systems, Dometic coolers are marvels of modern cooler science. Dometic鈥檚 game-changing, hyper-efficient electric coolers essentially invited mini-fridges into our vans, truck conversions, and even campsites鈥攁s long as you have a converter or generator to plug them in to. But what we love about the CFX-2 45 doesn鈥檛 have to do with electronics; it鈥檚 that it鈥檚 tough as hell. Our test model spent a vast majority of its time in the back of a 2020 Ford Transit, pulling double duty as a cooler and a step-stool for kids ranging from 35 to 65 pounds. We never had to worry about denting or cracking it. Credit goes to the reinforced corners, stainless steel hinges, heavily fortified plastic folding handles, and thick lid.

With the ability to connect to 12/24 volt car DC as well as 100-240 volt home AC, testers plugged it in at home before packing up the night before to maximize charge and coolness. Once on the road, it stayed plugged in at all times to retain cold air. Since the lid swings up from the top, rather than off the side, testers noted that food at the bottom can be tricky to reach. But that slight annoyance didn鈥檛 bother us too much during a two-week cross country trip. Our only real complaint is the $800 price tag, but it鈥檚 hard to even fault Dometic for that since the CFX-2 45 is essentially a portable mini fridge.

Cooler Comparison

Other Products We Tested

• : This iceless cooler blew testers鈥� minds with how quickly it dropped in temps when we threw cold packs in it. But the stainless steel exterior proved susceptible to scratches and dings.
• : We loved this cooler鈥檚 hardy design details, like the metal rope handles; but in the end we decided the RTIC 65 was a better overall choice in this size and price class.
• : RTIC did a great job of lightening up this cooler while maintaining fantastic thermoregulation with its super deep, heavily insulated lid, but it did not perform as well in either ice retention or durability as its heavy duty RTIC counterpart that made this list.

Products to Avoid

Single Use Coolers: To be honest, coolers have traditionally been a pretty non-eco friendly outdoor gear category. Their plastic exterior and foamy plastic insulation does not have the best track record for the earth or the health of those who manufacture it. A case can be made that most coolers have some environmental blood on their latches. With that said, nothing is more wasteful than a single-use cooler. On top of going immediately into a landfill, they don鈥檛 really do anything in terms of insulating their contents either. They are both wasteful and pointless.

How to Choose a Cooler

What Size Cooler Is Best?

Pick a cooler that鈥檚 big enough for your average trip length. If you get a cooler that is too small, you will go hungry, but a cooler that is too big will create coolness-wasting dead space. Each trip is different and group size can change things, but as a very general rule of thumb, I like to bring a 20- to 45-liter cooler on day- to weekend trips for my family of three, and a 55- to 70-liter cooler on trips lasting three days to a week.

Do You Really Need an Expensive Cooler?

This is a really tough question to answer as an individual who is obsessed with fancy coolers but spent most of his life using the cheapest coolers available. The short answer? If you are a reasonable drive from a place with ice and are camping for a weekend, you don鈥檛 need a cooler that can hold a single block of ice for a fortnight. Is it a good investment to buy a durable cooler (usually an accompanying factor in a pricey cooler) even if you don鈥檛 need it to retain ice forever? Yes, I think spending some extra dough is worth it.

What鈥檚 the Best Way to Pack a Cooler?

A cooler is only as good at retaining ice as the person using it. If you have a $400 cooler built to keep ice solid through the entirety of a Grand Canyon trip, but you leave it wide open in the sun for an hour on a super hot day, you just robbed that cooler of its ability to keep its contents cold.

I could write another 2,000 words on cooler maintenance, but there are three main rules you should follow: One: Try to reduce the cooler鈥檚 temperature before your trip, and keep it in the shade. The heat of the cooler itself drastically changes performance. Two: Keep the lid shut as much as possible. That means grabbing food with purpose rather than rummaging around. It also means grabbing multiple things at a time, such as all your sandwich fixings, and then immediately closing the lid rather than opening it once for ham, once for mayo, and once for cheese. Three: If your cooler has latches, keep them tight after every opening.

How We Test

• Number of coolers tested: 12
• Number of testers: 12
• Days camped: 30+
• Meals eaten: 80+
• Days rafted: 6
• Trips to the beach: 10
• Number of coolers accidentally left in a side yard for 5 months: 1

We had an absolutely epic end of summer, fall, and early winter adventuring with these coolers, aiming to give them the most real world scenarios to see how they held up in the mountains, on beaches, and on rivers. Our group of 12 testers used them on five main testing trips in three states ranging in weather from blazing hot to frigid rain. While general durability, capacity, and ice retention are all extremely important factors, we also spent hours poring over the finer details like the handles, closures, and drain plugs to tease out the nuance of what made them worthy of this guide.

Meet Our Testers

Joe Jackson made a name for himself testing coolers during his first year working at 国产吃瓜黑料 over a decade ago. Ever since he has been obsessed with the intricacies of closed cell foam, durable rotomolding, and keeping every goddamn lid closed to not let out all of the insulated air. His love of cooler testing and maintenance started during the ten years he worked as a raft guide and was solidified the year he managed a rafting company that cooked all of its meals out of food stored in coolers.

Sarah Jackson absolutely and utterly doesn鈥檛 fuck around when it comes to cooler packing and maintenance. She is the person everyone asks where the cheese is packed (even if it isn鈥檛 in her cooler) and has been known to move a cooler half a dozen times to keep it in the deepest shade on a hot campsite. She has tested, loved, and even destroyed coolers with her husband, Joe, for over a decade.

Zach 鈥淩ed鈥� Williams uses his 2020 Ford Transit and teacher鈥檚 schedule to maximize adventure for his family of four. He tested coolers for us on multi-week road trips, weekend camping trips, tailgating in ski resort parking lots, and rafting trips.

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