The Nike Vaporfly 4% wasn鈥檛 shy about how much of a boost it claimed to give runners: the promise was right there in the name. When the shoe was released back in 2017, researchers at the University of Colorado published data showing that it improved athletes鈥� running economy (i.e., efficiency) by an average of 4 percent over the best marathon shoes at the time. Chaos鈥攁nd a whole bunch of world records鈥攅nsued.

The key ingredients in the Vaporfly were a stiff, curved carbon-fiber plate embedded in a thick layer of soft-but-resilient midsole foam. Neither of these elements was magical on their own, but they somehow combined to make runners substantially more efficient, for reasons that scientists don鈥檛 fully understand and are still arguing about. Since then, virtually every major shoe brand has come up with multiple iterations of the so-called 鈥渟upershoe,鈥� tweaking these basic ingredients in minor and sometimes major ways.

But a key question has remained mostly unanswered: are the newest shoes significantly better than the original Vaporfly? A few researchers have run head-to-head tests of models from different brands, with generally muddled results. Some newer shoes might be a percent or two better, but there鈥檚 so much individual variation that it鈥檚 hard to be sure. Since Nike鈥檚 bold move in 2017, the shoe brands themselves have mostly steered clear of making explicit claims about how good their shoes are.

That鈥檚 about to change. Puma, a veteran shoe brand that relaunched its serious running line in 2018, has a new shoe dropping in time for this month鈥檚 Boston and London marathons. They think it鈥檚 dramatically better than anything else on the market鈥攁bout 3.5 percent better, in fact. They鈥檙e so convinced that they arranged to have the shoe tested by Wouter Hoogkamer, the head of the Integrative Locomotion Laboratory at UMass Amherst and, as it happens, the man who led the external testing of Nike鈥檚 Vaporfly back in 2017. Hoogkamer released his data earlier this week, and it鈥檚 impressive.

What the New Data Shows

Hoogkamer鈥檚 study is posted as a preprint on bioRxiv, a site where scientists share their results while awaiting peer review. He and his colleagues brought in 15 volunteers, all of whom had run under 21 minutes for 5K (for women) or 19 minutes (for men). To test their running economy, he had them run on a treadmill for five minutes at a time while measuring their oxygen consumption. The more oxygen you consume at a given pace, the more energy you鈥檙e burning and therefore the less efficient your movements. A good shoe should maximize your efficiency鈥攁nd therefore minimize your oxygen needs鈥攁t a given pace.

Each runner had their economy tested eight times: twice each in four different shoes. The comparison shoes were the Nike Alphafly 3 (which Kelvin Kiptum used to set the 尘别苍鈥檚 marathon world record and Ruth Chepngetich used to set the wo尘别苍鈥檚 record); the Adidas Adios Pro Evo 1 (which Tigst Assefa used to set the previous wo尘别苍鈥檚 marathon world record in 2023); and Puma鈥檚 top-of-the-line . The newest Puma supershoe is an update of this latter model. It鈥檚 been dubbed the Fast-R Nitro Elite 3 (original, I know).

Without further ado, here鈥檚 the running economy data for the four shoes. Metabolic rate, in watts per kilogram, tells us how much energy the runners were burning at a prescribed pace that was assigned based on their 5K PR, ranging between 6:00 and 7:30 per mile. The thick line shows the average results, the thin lines show the individual ones.

It鈥檚 clear that the Fast-R3 resulted in the lowest metabolic rate across the board鈥攚hich means it鈥檚 the most efficient shoe. The runners burned 3.6 percent less energy wearing the Fast-R3 than they did in the Nike shoe, and 3.5 percent less than in the Adidas. (Some free marketing advice: they should have called the new shoe the Fast-R3.5.) It also burned 3.2 percent less energy than the Fast-R2鈥攎aking the new model pretty significant update from its own previous edition. What鈥檚 even more remarkable, given the wide range of individual results seen in previous supershoe studies, is that every single one of the 15 runners was most efficient in the Fast-R3.

Puma has also run its own internal testing on more than 50 runners, according to Laura Healey, who heads the brand鈥檚 footwear innovation team. In their data, the shoe is 3.3 to 3.5 percent better than its rivals. Running economy doesn鈥檛 translate directly to race time, but a boost of 3.2 percent (the margin between the Fast-R2 and the Fast-R3) is expected to reduce race times by about 2.0 percent for a 2:00 marathoner, 2.6 percent for a 3:00 marathoner, and 3.3 percent for a 4:00 marathoner.

What鈥檚 the Magic Ingredient?

With the Vaporfly, it was easy to understand鈥攁t least superficially鈥攚hy the shoe was different from its peers at the time: it had that thick foam and carbon plate. It鈥檚 harder to get a handle on what makes the Fast-R3 special, because the basic architecture is the same. The differences between the Fast-R2 and Fast-R3 are subtle, but the running economy data shows that they鈥檙e significant.

Puma鈥檚 team started with the Fast-R2 and created a virtual model of the shoe using biomechanical data collected from ten runners wearing pressure-sensing insoles while running on a force-sensing treadmill. The model showed exactly what was happening inside the shoe at each instant during a running stride: where the forces and strains were highest and lowest, how the shoe was bending and compressing, and so on.

Then they went through a process of iterative computational design and optimization. For example, if the virtual model showed that a particular area in the midsole wasn鈥檛 experiencing much strain, they would remove some of the foam in that location. Or if it showed that a region of the carbon plate was excessively strained, they would reinforce it with a rib of extra carbon. All this was done digitally within the virtual model, so they could see if the changes made the situation better or worse without going through the hassle and expense of building a new prototype.

By the time they finished this virtual optimization process, they鈥檇 snipped away enough superfluous foam and carbon to reduce the weight of the shoe by more than 30 percent, from 249 grams to 167 grams. There鈥檚 a rule of thumb that adding 100 grams to a shoe worsens running economy by about 1 percent, so this 82-gram reduction accounts for about 0.8 percent of the Fast-R3鈥檚 advantage. As for the rest, there鈥檚 no single obvious change that explains it. Instead, the iterative process of making sure every bit of foam and carbon fiber is contributing seems to have created a more efficient shoe.

There are some other subtle differences. The Fast-R3 is a little less stiff than its competitors when you try to bend it along its length, and a little less stiff when you compress the midsole鈥攂ut it returns slightly more energy when it springs back. The foam in traditional running shoes returns about 65 to 75 percent of the energy you spend compressing it. Superfoams such as PEBA in the Vaporfly and other supershoes return about 85 percent. Puma鈥檚 Nitro Elite foam, an 鈥渁liphatic thermoplastic polyurethane鈥� (A-TPU), returns over 90 percent. In Hoogkamer鈥檚 testing, compressing the whole shoe (not just the midsole foam) returned 89.9 percent of the energy, compared to 85.0 percent in the Nike shoe and 85.7 percent in the Adidas.

What Happens Next?

There are a lot of reasons to be skeptical of any shoe company鈥檚 claims about its newest model. Hoogkamer doesn鈥檛 work for Puma, but his study was funded by them, just as his Vaporfly study was funded by Nike. Both studies were small. Subsequent events showed that the Vaporfly鈥檚 4-percent boost was real and spectacular. Over the coming weeks, we鈥檒l get a sense of whether the Fast-R3鈥檚 3.5-percent boost also passes the real-world test.

One problem is that Puma鈥檚 roster of elite road runners isn鈥檛 as impressive as Nike鈥檚 or Adidas鈥檚. At first glance, they don鈥檛 have anyone who鈥檚 likely to set an attention-grabbing world record. Still, we鈥檒l start seeing the new shoe in action at the Boston Marathon on April 21 and the London Marathon on April 27.

One of the athletes who will be wearing it in Boston is Rory Linkletter, a 2:08 marathoner from Canada. He鈥檚 been training in the shoe, so I asked whether he could tell that it was different. He said the first thing you notice is how light it is, and the second is the springiness: 鈥淚t鈥檚 softer than previous supershoes, and that softness is met with some pretty remarkable bounce.鈥� He doesn鈥檛 have enough experience with it to know whether it鈥檚 faster, but he鈥檇 just done an 8-mile tempo run along Lake Mary Road in Flagstaff that was a minute faster than he鈥檇 ever previously done.

If Linkletter sets a big PR in Boston, it will be impossible to know how much credit, if any, should go to the shoe. But over the months to come, we might start seeing some patterns鈥攁nd seeing whether other shoe companies adopt similar computational approaches, if they haven鈥檛 already. The 鈥渕any small tweaks鈥� approach of the Fast-R3 means there鈥檚 no single gimmick to copy. It also means that further refinements might be possible. Five years ago, I wondered whether supershoes were like klapskates in speedskating (one big innovation followed by a plateau) or tech suits in swimming (a series of innovations that kept making swimmers faster and faster). It鈥檚 starting to look like option B.

鈥�

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The post Puma’s High-Tech New Supershoe is Here鈥攁nd It’s Already Turning Heads appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Trail running shoes are like adventure partners: find a good one, and you feel safe, confident, and excited to explore all sorts of terrain. We put the season鈥檚 offerings to the test on every kind of topography, from Rocky Mountain singletrack to Santa Barbara bluffs, Nebraska gravel backroads, and the rocky, rooty maze of the Appalachian Trail. Our team scrutinized every model鈥檚 fit, traction, and ride, and selected the winners for their ability to confidently and comfortably take us where we want to go, time and again.

Update April 2025: We鈥檝e tested and selected new models in nine categories, including a new best all-around pick of the Salomon S/Lab Ultra Glide. 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)
• Best for Ultrarunning: Hoka Tecton X 3 ($275)
• Best Daily Workhorse: Scarpa Spin Ultra 2 ($179)
• 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)
• Best Max Cushioned: Brooks Caldera 8 ($150)
• Most 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 (尘别苍鈥檚), 5.5-14, 15 (wo尘别苍鈥檚)

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 (尘别苍鈥檚), 5.5-11 (wo尘别苍鈥檚)

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 (尘别苍鈥檚), 8.1 oz (wo尘别苍鈥檚)
Stack Height: 38鈥�30 mm
Drop: 8 mm
Sizing: 6-13, 14 (尘别苍鈥檚), 5-11 (wo尘别苍鈥檚)

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.

Best for Ultrarunning

Hoka Tecton X 3

Weight: 10 oz (尘别苍鈥檚), 7.9 oz (wo尘别苍鈥檚)
Stack Height: 40鈥�35mm (尘别苍鈥檚); 39鈥�34mm (wo尘别苍鈥檚)
Drop: 5 mm
Sizes: Men鈥檚 7-14, Wo尘别苍鈥檚 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

Scarpa Spin Ultra 2

Weight: 10.2 oz (men), 8.8 oz (women)
Stack Height: 28鈥�24 mm
Drop: 4 mm
Sizing: EU 40-47, 48 (尘别苍鈥檚), EU 36-43 (wo尘别苍鈥檚)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Durable outsole, midsole, and upper construction
鈯� Nimble and cushioned ride
鈯� Runs narrow

When the Scarpa Spin Ultra first came out in 2019, it impressed our crew so much that we named it the Gear of the Year. It embodied everything we looked for in a trail running shoe鈥攁 secure yet comfortable fit, a protective midsole with dependable cushioning, and an outsole with outstanding traction. Six years later, Scarpa has completely updated this award-winning model, retaining those award-winning characteristics while making it tougher than ever.

The most notable update is Scarpa鈥檚 debut use of Supercritical TPEE foam. This high-tech midsole material is created by injecting a gas into the foam and exposing it to extreme pressure and heat, creating bubbles that make the foam light and bouncy. While the Scarpa midsole is not as soft and trampoline-like as some of the supercritical foams we鈥檝e tested, its firmer nature provides impressive durability, stability, and quick underfoot responsiveness. One tester described the shoe as a 鈥渧ery stable, rugged trail runner, with minimal flex.鈥� Another said, 鈥淭he midsole cushions just enough to dampen impact without dulling the feel for and engagement with the trail, enhancing nimble footplants and springy toe-offs.鈥�

Like a lot of European-made shoes, testers found the Spin Ultra 2 to fit rather tight, especially in the toe box. Once laced up, the recycled mesh upper with bio-based TPU print overlays doesn鈥檛 have much give, locking your foot securely in place. While it enhances stability on technical terrain, it may feel restrictive for runners who prefer a bit more wiggle room.

If you鈥檙e after an easygoing, plush shoe, this isn鈥檛 it. But if you prefer a firmly-responsive stance and stable ride that can get beat to hell and keep going, these are for you.

Best Value

Saucony Peregrine 15

Weight: 9.7 oz (尘别苍鈥檚), 8.6 oz (wo尘别苍鈥檚)
Stack height: 28鈥�24 mm
Drop: 4 mm
SIZES: 7-13, 14, 15 (尘别苍鈥檚); 5-12 (wo尘别苍鈥檚)

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 (尘别苍鈥檚), 5.5 – 12 (wo尘别苍鈥檚)

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 (尘别苍鈥檚), 6.9 oz (wo尘别苍鈥檚)
Stack Height: 23.5鈥�19.5 mm
Drop: 4 mm
Sizing: 7-15 (尘别苍鈥檚), 5-11 (wo尘别苍鈥檚)

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 (尘别苍鈥檚), 7.9 oz (wo尘别苍鈥檚)
Stack Height: 22鈥�18 mm
Drop: 4 mm
Sizing: European sizing 40-48 (尘别苍鈥檚), 36-43 (wo尘别苍鈥檚)

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 (尘别苍鈥檚), 9 oz (wo尘别苍鈥檚)
Stack height: 32鈥�26 mm
Drop: 6 mm
Sizes: 7-13, 14 (尘别苍鈥檚); 5-11 (wo尘别苍鈥檚)

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 (尘别苍鈥檚), 8.6 oz (wo尘别苍鈥檚)
Stack Height: 37鈥�27.5 mm
Drop: 9.5 mm
Sizes: 6-15 (尘别苍鈥檚) 5-12 (wo尘别苍鈥檚)

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.

Best Max Cushioned

Brooks Caldera 8

Weight: 10.6 oz (尘别苍鈥檚), 9.3 oz (wo尘别苍鈥檚)
Stack height: 38.5鈥�32.5 mm
Drop: 6 mm
Sizes: 尘别苍鈥檚: 7-14, 15 (尘别苍鈥檚); 5-11, 12 (wo尘别苍鈥檚)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Comfort on long and short runs
鈯� Wide, stable base
鈯� Protective upper
鈯� Minimal ground feel

We鈥檝e long loved the high-cush, wide-silhouette Caldera for its ability to let us just zone out on a run. It鈥檚 a forgiving shoe, like a truck with really good shocks that allows you to mindlessly roll over rocks and roots. The Caldera 8 is a good companion for anything from short after-work trail jaunts to ultra-distance epics.

The midsole cushioning鈥擝rooks鈥� nitrogen-infused, EVA-based DNA Loft 3鈥攊s ample, while still lightweight. The Caldera 8 can feel like a lot underfoot, especially for lighter-weight runners, but testers said it successfully softened the ground impact of every step without wallowing in cush. Despite the massive stack height, flex grooves on the outsole help enable a smooth flowing stride. Aiding the Caldera鈥檚 forgiving nature is its wide silhouette that keeps it from being tippy, a large surface area for secure ground contact, and solid traction.

This year鈥檚 model features higher raised sidewalls to provide extra stability, and a smooth upper intended to evade snags from branches, both of which seem to work in our testing.

Best Natural Ride

Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4

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

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 (尘别苍鈥檚); 5-11, 12 (wo尘别苍鈥檚)

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: 84
• 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 appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

When it comes to trail shoes, there are three things on everyone鈥檚 wish list: protection, cushion, and light weight. Most runners will tell you that you can only pick two. But thanks to some significant materials updates and smart new details, the defies conventional wisdom. Now, trail runners really can have it all.

Since its 2001 debut, the Lone Peak has been one of Altra鈥檚 most popular shoes鈥攅specially among thru-hikers and ultra-distance trail runners鈥攚ith a growing following of everyday adventurers. And with each update, it just seems to get better. But while the differences between the Lone Peak 7 and Lone Peak 8 were fairly subtle, the Lone Peak 9 (which comes in and versions) represents a significant upgrade. Paralleling the exciting release is the Lone Peak 9+ with Vibram庐 grip for next-level traction on the trail; updated low, mid, and high styles; and waterproof versions.

The new Lone Peak 9 starts by handily addressing a few community-requested updates. The first: enhanced durability. Altra meticulously designed the new shoe to last even longer than the already hard-wearing previous version. Additions include a more durable ripstop mesh made of 100 percent recycled polyester, as well as an extended rand that boosts protection around the sides of the forefoot. Altra also completely ditched the stitching around the instep and midfoot. Instead, the gridded overlay is now fused directly to the upper. The result is a sleek outer envelope that鈥檚 virtually snag-proof.

The popular MaxTrac outsole also gets a refresh on the Lone Peak 9. A new lug pattern enhances downhill traction鈥攑articularly through the heel鈥攁nd improves the outsole鈥檚 longevity. Inside the shoe, you鈥檒l find a newly refined midsole. It鈥檚 made with the same popular Altra EGO foam, but construction updates make it springier than before, boosting energy return and providing a smooth, responsive ride.

The nice thing about Altra is that it knows when to make changes鈥攁nd when not to fix what ain鈥檛 broke. Blessedly, the Altra Lone Peak 9 sports the same zero-drop construction and overall fit. A roomy toe box鈥攐ne of Altra鈥檚 signature touches鈥攇ives the toes space to splay out and grip the trail, while a tapered midfoot and heel hold the foot securely in place. The new shoe also retains its 25 millimeters of cushion鈥攅nough to absorb impact on rocky segments without compromising trail feel. A flexible yet protective rock plate armors soles against sharp stones, and Altra鈥檚 signature GaiterTrap holds strapless gaiters securely in place.

Between the tried-and-true features and clever updates, the new Lone Peak promises to last longer鈥攁nd take you farther鈥攖han any of its ancestors ever could. So, if you鈥檙e ready for a new shoe to start racking up miles this summer, you鈥檇 be hard-pressed to do better than the Lone Peak 9. Lace up, chase the sunrise, and start finding your next adventure.

shoes feature a wide toe box with more room for your toes and zero to low drop to keep your feet in a natural position. Altra Running shoes are designed to keep you comfortable on any road, any trail, and any adventure. Stay Out There.

The post First Look: Altra鈥檚 Lone Peak 9 appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

You know the shoes Ruth Chepngetich and Eilud Kipchoge wear, partially responsible for some of the fastest marathon times ever recorded? Those are called super shoes. They鈥檙e thick-soled, with ultralight, hyper-responsive foam midsoles embedded with carbon-fiber plates. Think of super trainers as the more easygoing but still light and responsive cousins of super shoes. We sliced one open at our gear lab in Colorado to find out what makes them go zoom.

Midsole Foam

At the heart of every super shoe and super trainer is a thick slab of high-tech foam that鈥檚 lighter, softer, and bouncier than any other midsole material to date. It鈥檚 created by a process called supercritical foaming that combines heat, pressure, and liquid gas to infuse bubbles into elastic polymers like PEBA, TPEE, and ATPU. The resulting midsoles deliver plush cushioning and trampoline-like 颅rebound, but are squishy and unstable, requiring a balanced, 颅powerful stride to optimize performance.

Super shoes have full stacks of these soft, bouncy foams. However, many super trainers, like the shown here, use a combination of foams鈥攕ofter on top of firmer鈥攖o provide an energetic feel while delivering the kind of stride-supporting ride more suitable for a training shoe. The step-in feels soft underfoot, but when put through a heel-compression
test used to at the 国产吃瓜黑料 Lab, the Deviate Nitro 3 super trainer was less squishy than all the racers we tested.

Traditional trainers use foams that are firmer and more supportive or are soft but not as bouncy鈥攗sually EVA or an EVA blend鈥攄elivering a more grounded, rolling ride.

Plate

All super shoes have a rigid, curved carbon-fiber plate embedded in the midsole. While many assume that this acts like a spring, research has shown that its role is to moderate the foam鈥檚 squish and channel its rebound, reducing energy loss and facilitating powerful push-offs.

Super trainers also typically have an embedded plate, but one with more flex. While rigid plates provide the most pop, they also dictate how the shoe rolls forward and can negatively alter the stride. A super trainer鈥檚 plate鈥攍ike the one in the Deviate Nitro 3, made of a carbon-composite weave with a forked forefoot shape鈥斅璦ccommodates a wider range of paces and strides and is less prone to bouncing feet in unproductive directions when form deteriorates from fatigue.

Plates differ in flex, shape, and location within the foam. This 颅affects how the foot rolls and interacts with the ground, and each feels different when combined with a runner鈥檚 unique stride.

Rocker

With the thick foam in many of today鈥檚 running shoes, the sole no longer flexes much at the ball of the foot. Instead, the foam鈥檚 height allows designers to cut away mass under the toe, creating a rocker shape. Rather than enabling the foot to flex as it moves through the stride, that shape allows the runner to roll off the toe while the foot remains in a neutral position. The rocker鈥檚 starting point, slope, and relationship to the plate all affect the shoe鈥檚 ride. In our measurements, the Deviate Nitro 3鈥檚 rocker started 8 percent later (closer to the toe) than the rocker on Puma鈥檚 Fast-R Nitro 2 racing super shoe, providing a stabler forefoot stance before rolling forward.

Outsole

A three-millimeter-thick rubber outsole covers more than 90 percent of the forefoot and all contact areas of the heel on the 颅Deviate Nitro 3. This provides better grip and durability than the sole of a racer, which needs to be as light as possible and so has rubber only in small, optimized zones.

Upper

Super-shoe racers have minimal uppers with scant padding and strong, secure grip to hold the foot in place at speed. A super trainer鈥檚 upper is more plush and durable but still lightweight, thanks to strategically placed fabrics that stretch, breathe, or 颅support as needed.

Featured Super Trainer

Puma Deviate Nitro 3听

Weight: 10.1 oz (尘别苍鈥檚)
Stack Height: 39 mm (heel); 29 mm (forefoot)
Drop: 10 mm

听

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The Outdoor Media Alliance show hosts gear journalists twice annually in a converted warehouse in Denver, where we hear about upcoming products from dozens of top-shelf brands. After two days at OMA, I curated a list of six new products that got me excited for the upcoming camping, trail running, and skiing seasons.

Helinox String Trees Game

Any time I camp with kids, my first directive on arrival is to tell them to bugger off and go explore. I don鈥檛 worry if they鈥檙e gone for hours and don鈥檛 care what they do as long no one comes back bleeding. However, at some point their games of tag in the forest wear off and they start complaining about boredom. The next time that happens I鈥檓 breaking out this game, which I know will entertain for hours.

String Trees is loosely based on shuffleboard and consists of a rope that you string horizontally between two trees, pillars on a shade structure, or the like, and a series of rings that can be slid across the rope. Both players stand at one side of the rope and take turns trying to shove one ring at a time down the rope so that it lands in one of several color-coded sections that represent various points. The farthest section of color equals the highest number of points. But because players alternate shoving rings from the same side, they can push each other鈥檚 rings past the color-coded sections into the black, which erases previous points. The person with the highest number of points wins.

La Sportiva Prodigio Pro Running Shoes

I鈥檝e skied in La Sportiva boots and spent many miles on the trail in their hikers but had never once run in their shoes because they were so darn stiff. The company designed听 shoes for mountain runners who wanted burly soles and tons of stability, but I grew up in the Hoka generation and wanted a little more squish. Then I got my hands on the Prodigio Pro at the OMA show and became a La Sportiva running shoe convert.

Thanks to a much more forgiving midsole, these shoes ate up chunk on trails, padded my feet when I came screaming down steep sections, and delivered lots of bounce-back when I was striding out on the flats. Like all Sportiva shoes, the last is fairly narrow, and the clever, reinforced mesh upper completely swallowed my foot for a conforming and protective fit with zero movement. I loved the knit collar around my ankle that kept all debris out, and chunky lugs gripped at all times, even in loose kitty litter that sometimes leaves me on my ass.

For more details on the Prodigo Pro read from our RUN editors.

Pelican AVP-D ModPak AV Double Pouch

Sometimes I want to bring a mirrorless camera on my trip but don鈥檛 want to carry around a camera bag. I don鈥檛, however, want my camera and lenses just floating around in a regular pack with no protection. Now I can get that protection without the bulk thanks to this Pelican pouch, which is just big enough to hold a mirrorless camera and two lenses.

The protection comes from a smart internal design that keeps everything snuggly in place, combined with a rigid EVA and Cordura outer that prevents pricey gear from getting smashed. A giant zipper opens the entire front of the pouch for easy access, and molly straps on the back let you attach the pouch to your backpack, as long as it鈥檚 equipped with a molly system.

Nite Ize CamJam SlideLock Rope Tightener

At this point in history, you鈥檇 think we would have thought of every possible clever way to tie something down. But no, the nerdy and very smart engineers over at Nite Ize are still putting in long hours and finding new ways to help us secure whatever it is we need to stay in place. One of their newest inventions is the SlideLock.

Up top, the SlideLock is a carabiner, but at the bottom there鈥檚 a device that you can feed a medium-size rope through. You then keep pulling the rope until you鈥檝e adjusted it to whatever length you want, at which point听 teeth in the device bite onto the rope to keep it from slipping back out. The uses are endless, but I plan on using mine to help me string up camping tarps (the carabiner will go through the tarp holes and the rope around a tree) or help me tie down junk in the back of my truck.

Deuter Freerider Pro 32 +10 Backcountry Pack

[Available Fall 2025]

Backcountry ski packs have always presented a goldilocks gear problem. You need several types because you don鈥檛 want a huge pack on single-day adventures, but smaller packs aren鈥檛 big enough for weekend hut trips. Deuter aims to solve that conundrum with the Freerider Pro, which holds 32 liters when packed down but grows to 42 liters if you expand the roll-top closure. Some people will say that 32 liters might be too big for one-day trips but I think it鈥檚 actually perfect because there鈥檚 enough room for extra gloves, a puffy jacket, or extra food. And while 42 liters isn鈥檛 enough for a week-long hut trip, it will store enough gear to get you through a couple days out in the woods.

As you would expect, the bag carries both snowboards and skis in multiple configurations. It comes with a dedicated avalanche gear pocket, and a hefty waist belt helps deal with the heft when it鈥檚 loaded down. You can access your gear through the top, but there鈥檚 also a zipper around the backpad that flays open the entire bag for easy access to everything inside.

Fjallraven Bergtagen Mountain Cap

[Available Fall 2025]

Every brimmed hat with ear flaps I鈥檝e ever come across was made exclusively for winter wear, with both the hat and the flaps insulated, making them way too hot for spring or summer. Thanks to some out-of-the-box thinking, however, Fjallraven has now created an all-season hat with ear flaps that I can鈥檛 wait to test. I鈥檓 calling it 鈥渁ll season鈥� because the hat itself is made from a polyester/wool/cotton blend that breathes well enough for use during high-output activities throughout the year, and the ear flap is made from a light wool/polyester blend that will cut the chill when backcountry skiing but not make me overheat if I want to use the flap for sun protection in the summer. The ear flap is also thin enough that it nearly disappears when tucked into the hat, adding to the cap鈥檚 all-season prowess.

The post Six Pieces of New Outdoor Gear I鈥檓 Most Excited About Trying appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

At a Glance

• The New World of Stability
• What to Look For in a Stability Shoe
• Beyond the Shoe
• What Shoes We Included
• How We Tested
• Best All-Around: Asics Kayano 31 ($165)
• Runner-up Best All-Around: Brooks Glycerin GTS 22 ($164)
• Best Plush Stability: Puma ForeverRUN Nitro 2 ($150)
• Runner-up Best Plush: Diadora Nucleo 2 ($160)
• Best Firm, Responsive Support: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 ($140)
• Runner-up Best Firm Support: Topo UltraFly 5 ($140)
• Most Invisible Support: Altra Experience Form ($145)
• Best Full-Foot Support: New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v14 ($140)
• Best for Racing: Brooks Hyperion GTS 2 ($140)
• Best for Up-Tempo Days: Saucony Tempus 2 ($160)
• Best for Going Long: Mount to Coast P1 ($160)
• Best for Recovery Days: Hoka Gaviota 5 ($175)

The New World of Stability Shoes

Defining what makes a running shoe a stability shoe is getting increasingly difficult. That鈥檚 a good thing. Not long ago, you could easily identify a stability shoe by its firmer, darker-colored foam underneath the arch side of the foot called a medial post and designed to keep the foot from over pronation, the excessive inward rotation of the rearfoot. On the run, you could tell it was a stability shoe by its stiff, heavy, and controlling ride. Not anymore.

Today鈥檚 stability shoes are well-cushioned, smooth riding, and free from clunky controlling devices鈥攕o much so that they are, for the most part, equally comfortable for neutral runners as for those needing extra support. In place of the stiff medial post, designers are using a variety of less intrusive, more integrated strategies to help runners whose feet stray inward or outward.

It鈥檚 about time, given that the science showing that excessive pronation is rarely problematic and that traditional motion-control methods do little to control excessive motion has been around since the 1990s. But change has come slowly to an industry and a population steeped in the pronation paradigm. While the market for stability shoes鈥攁nd the number of stable shoe models鈥攈as decreased substantially in the past decade, only recently have we started to see major shifts in how a stability shoe looks and rides.

鈥淪tability is a function of so many features, such as sole geometry, stack height, midsole hardness, outsole, upper materials and how they are structured鈥攏ot just medial posting,鈥� says Kurt Stockbridge, product development vice president at Skechers. 鈥淓ach of these levers can be pushed and pulled to make a great stability shoe without it having to look like what we typically picture.鈥�

New stability shoe designs embrace the reality that every aspect of the shoe affects the ride, and the new strategies recognize and work to reduce the instability caused by the shoe itself as it distances the foot from the ground. Even many neutral shoes, not designed for or marketed as stability models, are being built with more stable platforms to compensate for the wobbliness of taller, more cushioned midsoles.

What to Look for in a Stability Shoe

The first, and most important feature to look for in a stability shoe is the width and shape.鈥� When I’m sending patients to the store, I’ll just tell them to look for a straighter lasted shoe,鈥� says Paul Langer, sports podiatrist with Twin Cities Orthopedics and past president of the American Association of Podiatric Sports Medicine. Straight lasted means the arch is filled in so there is a straight line following the edge of the sole from heel to ball, with full support under the arch. 鈥淎 really straight-lasted shoe, you can’t tell if it’s left or right,鈥� says Langer. 鈥淢ost shoes there’s a little bit of a curve鈥攖he less of a curve the more stable the shoe.鈥�

Langer considers this wide platform more important than the denser medial post, which long defined the stability category. 鈥淚f I’m talking about stability, I’m probably talking more about the shape of the shoe than the posting issue,鈥� he says.

The same is true for other stability features like guide rails, frames, plates, or heel counters. 鈥淚 split hairs less about those features,鈥� Langer says, referencing research that shows devices don鈥檛 control or correct overpronation. That said, he doesn鈥檛 dismiss stability strategies, which, he says, can mitigate some of the instability caused by squishing into soft foams. 鈥淪tability shoes don’t correct anything,鈥� Langer emphasizes. 鈥淭hey just might be less unstable than a neutral shoe.鈥�

Related to that squishy foam, Langer also says, 鈥淚 try to help my patients understand that a cushioned shoe is inherently less stable than your bare foot.鈥� Landing with two to three times your body weight on a thick layer of soft foam is, by nature, going to cause that foam to compress unevenly and exaggerate any imbalances. So, even though many shoes are being made with straighter, more filled-in lasts, the height and density of the foam need to be considered.

Finding the combination of cushioning, shape, and stability features that works for you involves running in multiple models and determining what feels best for your foot and stride. This 鈥�,鈥� which includes assessing what shoe provides the most natural-feeling alignment, is the best starting point we have, Langer says.

Emily Stefanski, sports podiatrist at Coastline Foot and Ankle in Connecticut and Rhode Island, and a D1 collegiate distance runner turned marathoner, concurs. 鈥淚 tell patients that it’s what feels best on the foot,鈥� she says. 鈥淚 have my guidelines, what I think is going to work. But that’s not always the case: there are so many factors.鈥�

Beyond the Shoe: Variety and Strength

Keep in mind that even when you find a shoe that complements your stride it . A handful of show that runners have a lower risk of injury when cycling through different pairs of shoes. 鈥淢ore important than finding the perfect shoe is appreciating that your feet need to stay strong and adaptable through having variety in your footwear and allowing your feet to have different stresses and loads,鈥� Langer says. So find a stability shoe that feels right for you as your daily trainer, but also have a minimalist shoe (even if just for walking or yard work), and sometimes run in a low, flexible trainer as well as a cushy, rockered one.

Stefanski also notes, 鈥淚 always try to push to a lot of strengthening.鈥� Coaches, physical therapists, biomechanists, and podiatrists agree that over-pronation and other stability issues usually , and can often be corrected by improving your mechanics throughout the chain from foot to hip. Stafanski says, 鈥淚 believe that we can improve over time and that most people don’t need to be in stability forever鈥攖hey can get out of the stability shoe. It’s how willing are people to do the exercises.鈥�

What Shoes We Included

Given the fluid definition of what makes a shoe stable, the selection criteria for a list of 鈥渟tability shoes鈥� is by nature somewhat arbitrary. We chose to include only models with some sort of structural device or design to influence the foot鈥檚 rotation.

We did not include plated shoes in this guide, although some runners find that the curved plates in super shoes and super trainers provide sufficient stability for their strides. Stefanski says, 鈥淚 have noticed with my hyper-flexible people, putting them into a carbon plated shoe, they’re perfect. They don’t need anything else.鈥� Others, however, find plated shoes exacerbate their instability (and ).

So, consider this a collection of shoes designed specifically for those who need, or want, help with keeping their feet from over-rotating, but recognize that it is not an exhaustive or exclusive list. Other models with wide bases of support and midsole geometries that reduce lateral torque and help guide the foot forward from landing to toe-off may be as stable as one of these models for you.

How We Tested Stability Shoes

After running in dozens of new shoe models this year, I sorted out those with stability features and completed multiple runs in each of them at a variety of distances and paces. Most models were also run in by more than 20 wear-testers who help select and inform the reviews in our best running shoe round-ups.

About me: I鈥檝e been a runner since the late 鈥�70s and a running magazine editor and shoe reviewer since 2000. I鈥檓 the author of , and . Once a 2:46 marathoner regularly doing 50+ mile weeks, injuries and age have reduced my volume by half and slowed my easy training pace. Those injuries have also given me rather complicated stability requirements. My left foot is high-arched and neutral, while my right foot has been weakened by strains and appreciates support. Too much medial support, however, makes my right knee hurt, as it has to pronate inward to off-load stress from a chronic condition. All of the above makes me well suited to test these new, less-prescriptive stability strategies which promise to adapt to the level of support you might need.

Best Stability Shoes 2025

Best All-Around

Asics GEL-Kayano 31

Weight: 10.8 oz (尘别苍鈥檚), 9.5 oz (wo尘别苍鈥檚)
Stack Height: 40鈥�30 mm (尘别苍鈥檚); 39鈥�29 mm (wo尘别苍鈥檚)
Drop: 10 mm

Stability Strategy: Soft, high-rebound medial post. Wide, flared base. Sculpted midsole.

Last year鈥檚 30th anniversary Kayano displayed the most radical transformation in stability strategy in the industry. For three decades the Kayano kept runners鈥� feet in line using a substantial medial post and a plastic midfoot support bridge. The Kayano 30鈥檚 new stability strategy, retained in the Kayano 31, replaced these firm, controlling devices with clever geometry and new, unobtrusive foot-guidance strategies.

The platform is wide from heel to toe, and flares even wider under the forefoot. The lateral side of the heel is sculpted out to let it compress more, smoothing and slowing the transition from heel contact to mid-stance. A corresponding bulge on the medial side reduces compression, plus the midsole wraps up along the side of the heel to cradle and subtly support.

Most unique, however, is a pod of softer, lower-density but highly responsive foam under the arch where previous versions had a firm medial post. Asics says this pod鈥檚 softness allows it to compress when loaded, increasing the effective midfoot width, and, because it鈥檚 higher rebounding than the main carrier, it encourages you to resupinate to an effective position as you鈥檙e coming out of midstance.

The thinking behind this new insert stems from research that shows it鈥檚 not the degree of pronation that predisposes a runner to injury but the . So instead of trying to block the foot鈥檚 rotation, the shoe simply returns it quickly to a neutral position.

On the run, I didn鈥檛 notice the rebound under the arch, but I did seem to sense its effect as my foot rolled onto the forefoot feeling upright, centered, and ready for a stable push-off. Overall, the shoe鈥檚 width made the greatest impression, both in terms of luxurious space鈥攚ithout feeling sloppy鈥攁nd the security of landing on and rolling over the generous platform. Despite the 40mm stack height, I didn鈥檛 even feel high off the ground, thanks to the lack of any tippiness, the well-balanced combination of cushion and responsiveness, and the surprisingly flexible forefoot. The ride, though not particularly fast, is smooth with no hint of stiff control, yet both of my asymmetrical feet felt cared for and supported鈥攅specially on longer runs when I started to tire.

The 31鈥檚 new, engineered mesh upper complemented the smooth ride and secured my foot comfortably with plush, but not excessive, padding. Asics also reduced the lateral heel flare, which created some unwanted rotational torque on landing in the Kayano 30, leaving a beveled curve that eased my foot down to the ground even with a heavy heel strike.

Altogether, the Kayano 31 is a shoe that can be worn by nearly any runner and delivers comfort and support that not only stays out of the way but also seems to reduce fatigue.

Runner-up Best All-Around

Brooks Glycerin GTS 22

Weight: 10.7 oz (尘别苍鈥檚), 9.5 oz (wo尘别苍鈥檚)
Stack Height: 38鈥�28 mm
Drop: 10 mm
Stability Strategy: Guide rails. Tuned midsole foam. Wide, straight shape.

Last year we named the Glycerin GTS 21 鈥淏est All-Around Stability Shoe鈥� in our larger road shoe round-up for its blend of plush comfort and stable support. The 22nd version combines Brook鈥檚 familiar GuideRails鈥攔aised sidewalls along the top of the midsole on both sides of the rearfoot, firmer on the arch side鈥攚ith something entirely new: tuned midsole foam.

What鈥檚 unique about Brooks鈥� nitrogen-infused tuned midsole, which we , is that it is softer on the outside and firmer on the inside鈥攁 little bit firmer in the heel, a lot in the forefoot鈥攚ithin the same slab of foam. New technology allows Brooks to tune the properties of different sections of a foam midsole during its manufacture.

Carson Caprara, senior vice president of footwear at Brooks, says that they inject two different chemistries into the midsole mold before the supercritical gas-infusion process. 鈥淭hen when it hits the high-pressure nitrogen infusion, the two cell structures act differently,鈥� he explains, 鈥淭he inner cell structures stay pretty small and tight and the outer structures blow up a little bit more and create more softness and forgiveness. It鈥檚 done without seams and ridges. And so, therefore, it just feels more consistent throughout.鈥�

Brooks tunes the foam so that the midsole has a higher percentage of large cells in the heel to cushion landings, then the mix transitions to mostly smaller cells in the responsive forefoot. The result is a ride that feels both softer, as the outer foam cushions and compresses on impact, and firmer, as my weight transfers smoothly onto the forefoot and pushes off. I found my feet felt more protected while simultaneously more connected in the new model than in the Glycerin 21, as I powered nimbly off the ground, and miles went by faster than expected.

The combination of guide rails in the rear, the firmer, tuned foam up front, and a slightly more filled-in shape under the arch, delivered mostly non-intrusive stability from touch down to toe-off. I could, however, feel the pressure of the guide rail under my arch more than in previous versions, especially toward the front where the foam under it firmed up. This was comfortingly supportive for my foot that needs bolstering but felt a bit controlling for my neutral foot. That lack of versatility kept us from naming the Glycerin 22 best all-around, but the stronger support makes it a better choice for those who want the guidance.

Best Plush Stability

Puma ForeverRUN Nitro 2

Weight: 10.7 oz (尘别苍鈥檚); oz (wo尘别苍鈥檚)
Stack Height: 38鈥�28 mm
Drop: 10 mm
Stability Strategy: Firmer-foam frame. Wide, straight shape.

Puma鈥檚 nitrogen-infused TPE foam delivers one of the smoothest rides in the business for my stride, deftly decelerating landings and transitioning to a lively toe-off. The ForeverRUN Nitro 2 uses two densities of that foam鈥攁 softer core inside a firmer perimeter frame鈥攖o add stability to the ride without trying to control the foot. Conor Cashin, senior product line manager at Puma, says, 鈥淲e looked at the and we really tried to focus on slowing that speed down but still allowing runners to pronate to a certain extent because it鈥檚 the body鈥檚 natural way of cushioning itself.鈥�

In this updated version, the two foams are co-molded rather than stacked and glued together, making the interaction between them smoother. 鈥淲e were able to bring the soft nitro foam all the way to the ground and all the way through the foot,鈥� Cashin says. 鈥淪o it gives you more cushioning, more responsiveness鈥攁nd then the firm nitro around the foot is where you get that stability control.鈥�

The sole is also significantly wider鈥攑articularly in the midfoot under the arch鈥攆or enhanced stability, and two millimeters thicker, adding to the plushness underfoot. But the engineered, circular-knit upper is where this shoe truly coddles, hugging the heel with a well-padded collar, wrapping smoothly around the foot with a gentle stretch, and locking down the midfoot with light, printed, reinforcing overlays.

On the run, the ride impressed me first for its smooth cushioning (as expected), without anything trying to rearrange my stride. Yet, thanks to the wide stance and firmer rim, it didn鈥檛 feel at all tippy, despite the high stack underfoot. I noticed the frame primarily under my big toe where it felt less squishy when my weight rolled inward, providing a welcome stable base for me to roll forward on and push off from. While the plushness of the shoe makes it well-suited for easy days, the midsole鈥檚 bounce and roll are spry enough to handle tempo runs or pick-ups without holding you back.

Runner-up, Plush Stability

Diadora Nucleo 2

Weight: 9.7 oz (尘别苍鈥檚); 7.4 oz (wo尘别苍鈥檚)
Stack Height: 35鈥�30 mm
Drop: 5 mm
Stability Strategy: Asymmetrical geometry. Wide, straight shape. Sidewalls. Responsive foam.

The first thing I wrote on my test summary after a run in the Nucleo 2 was 鈥渟mooth rolling ride鈥攃ushioned and supportive.鈥� The cushioned roll can be credited to the thickness of the foam under the ball and toes (thanks to a low, 5-millimeter drop) that sinks in and lowers the foot gently into the quick, late-stage rocker. The support stems from the push-back of that foam, catching the squish and providing a lively base underfoot.

Stability is created simply with geometry: the wide midsole foam has cut-out grooves along the outside to allow more compression and is filled in under the arch to limit the squish and provide more support. Raised sidewalls on both sides gently cradle and center the rearfoot.

On the run, all I felt was a fullness of foam under the arch side that wasn鈥檛 firm or obtrusive but provided a comforting sense of solidity. The plushly padded upper and gusseted tongue coddled my foot while holding it securely. My only negative note was that the heel flared a bit much on the outside of the heel and created some torque on touchdown when going slow with a strong heel strike.

The Nucleo 2鈥檚 stability guidance is subtle enough a neutral runner wouldn鈥檛 notice it, making this daily trainer versatile enough for all but those needing strong, rotational support. I found myself reaching for this shoe both on days when I wanted comfort and days when I was ready to cruise.

Best for Firm, Responsive Support

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24

Weight: 8.0 oz (wo尘别苍鈥檚); 10.0 oz (尘别苍鈥檚)
Stack Height: 35.5鈥�23.5 mm
Drop: 12 mm
Stability Strategy: Guide rails. Wide, straight base. Firmly responsive midsole.

Way back in 2019, Brooks dropped the dense, full-height medial post on the Adrenaline, its signature stability model, and replaced it with what they call GuideRails, now found on the stability version of all their shoes. These support structures are strips of raised foam on top of the midsole, stretching from the heel up to the middle of the arch on both sides鈥攆irmer on the medial (arch) side to reduce inward roll, and the same density as the midsole on the outer rim to keep the heel from sliding outward. The rails deliver lighter, more cushioned, and smoother support than a full post. Plus, they are less prescriptive, engaging the foot only when needed, thus working for a wider range of runners.

鈥淸The GuideRail] doesn鈥檛 go all the way down to the ground, so it gives the shoe a little bit of play,鈥� says Jon Teipen, principal footwear product line manager at Brooks. 鈥淚t鈥檚 not going to be a firm block on the medial side of the shoe. The more you evert [roll inward], the more the GuideRail will push back on you.鈥�

The updated nitrogen-infused EVA-blend midsole foam on this year鈥檚 Adrenaline is lighter and noticeably softer, but still tuned to support more than squish, giving the shoe a surprisingly peppy feel. An engineered mesh upper provides a secure and comfortable fit, hugging the midfoot with a double-layer reinforced arch panel while staying airy and flexible up front. The 12-millimeter drop, moderate stack height, flexible forefoot, and palpable support under the arch鈥攚hich is more filled-in with a straighter last this year鈥攇ive the Adrenaline 24 the most traditional stable-shoe feel of this group.

Still, unlike the stiff, clunky Adrenalines of old, I found the ride smooth and nonintrusive, with just a bit of supportive rearfoot cradling. Both the cushioning and support seem to shine most when landing on my heel and rolling through the stride, but the connected ride also responded nicely when I picked up the pace and stayed on my toes. With this versatility and dependable support, I could easily wear the Adrenaline as my daily go-to trainer.

Runner-up Best Firm, Responsive Support

Topo UltraFly 5

Weight: 9.9 oz (尘别苍鈥檚), 8.0 oz (wo尘别苍鈥檚)
Stack Height: 30鈥�25 mm
Drop: 5 mm
Stability Strategy: Medial post. Wide forefoot with big toe flare. Low drop. Straight shape.

Topo鈥檚 long-run shoe combines traditional features like a medial post with a minimalist-inspired design. The palpable stability in the UltraFly 5鈥檚 ride stems mostly from its wide forefoot (flared under the big toe), low, 5mm drop, and moderate stack of relatively firm, responsive foam. And, yes, a wedge of firmer foam lies under the arch to reduce compression and rotation. But it is only half the midsole height at its thickest under the arch, and tapers off as it reaches forward to the ball of the foot and back to the heel. Combined, the midsole provided a gentle, full-foot feeling of solidity as my foot rotated inward, without blocking any natural movement.

On the run, what stood out most was the generous forefoot width: the upper allows enough splay to wear full CorrectToes comfortably and the base is wide enough underfoot for a confident stance and powerful toe-off without any tippiness. That athletic stance is enhanced by the ride of Topo鈥檚 lightweight, responsive ZipFoam that gives way just enough to ease landings while keeping ground contact quick and responsively connected. The midfoot-foot-hugging upper complimented the openness of the forefoot and let me relax in the luxury without fear of sliding.

It鈥檚 not the sveltest shoe, but it rides lightly even while protecting and supporting. Every time I wore it I felt my stride quicken and my awareness of my stride sharpen, making me more efficient as the run went on. My toes and feet engaged and my posture got taller. No matter how tired I was when I started (and I loved these on recovery days when feeling beat-up), I was always sad to end my runs in the UltraFly 5.

Most Invisible Support

Altra Experience Form

Weight: 9.6 oz (尘别苍鈥檚), 7.8 oz (wo尘别苍鈥檚)
Stack Height: 32鈥�28 mm (尘别苍鈥檚); 30鈥�26 mm (wo尘别苍鈥檚)
Drop: 4 mm
Stability Strategy: Guide rails. Wide forefoot. Low drop. Straight shape.

All Altra shoes achieve stability through a balanced, low-drop platform combined with a wide toe box that lets your foot spread out and supports your stance naturally. This allows the brand to use soft, bouncy foams, rather than stiff platforms and rigid control devices鈥攍ong before other companies began playing with geometry.

The stability model of their new 4mm drop line, the Experience Form, also has guide rails on both sides of the heel. This elevated rim, higher on the arch side, is the same density as the rest of the midsole, creating a cradling effect that gently resists rotation without any controlling pressure. A straight-shaped base, with the arch filled in more than other Experience models, provides a full-foot supportive platform. The engineered mesh upper is clean and simple, but secure and comfortable, gripping the heel and midfoot and staying out of the way of the toes.

I found the Experience Form鈥檚 ride soft but responsive, less squishy and bouncy than many of today鈥檚 shoes thanks to a moderate stack height of CMEVA. The shoe feels light and nimble, encouraging quick ground contact and a fast roll off the toe that has both a gentle rocker and a smooth, natural flex. The stability features were completely unobtrusive and invisible on the run, but footplants felt connected and supported whether striding easily or pushing the pace. Whatever the pace planned for the day, I often found myself doing pick-ups before I was done, and enjoying the combination of light, quick responsiveness, connected comfort, and subtle support.

Best Full-Foot Support

New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v14

Weight: 10.7 oz (尘别苍鈥檚), 8.6 oz (wo尘别苍鈥檚)
Stack Height: 35.5鈥�27.5 mm
Drop: 8 mm
Stability Strategy: Angled plate with dual-density midsole. Wide, straight base.

All of the embedded plates popular in today鈥檚 running shoes function mostly to stabilize the squish and rebound of thick stacks of soft and responsive foam. While most plates, such as those found in marathon-racing super shoes, focus on directing and enhancing forward roll and push-off, some serve primarily to moderate lateral roll, like Skechers鈥� winglet and H plates, or the midfoot wings on the plastic plate in the Saucony Endorphin Speed.

The plate in New Balance鈥檚 completely remade 860, which replaces a traditional firm medial post, takes rotational guidance a step further. The semi-flexible EVA film, first seen in the Vongo, is sandwiched between two foam layers (soft over firm), and angled so it is higher on the medial, or arch side, and lower on the lateral side. This results in a bottom wedge with more firm foam under the arch side, and a top wedge that puts more soft foam on the outer, landing side. The plate also has hexagonal cutouts that reduce its rigidity on the lateral side but is solid on the medial side. Both the wedges and the cutouts help create a soft, smooth landing and slow the inward foot rotation without creating a clunky transition or compromising cushioning.

The 860 v14鈥檚 plate isn鈥檛 just about defining that angled wedge, however, says Paul Zielinski, senior global product manager at New Balance. Research in their lab revealed that midsole foams stretch under force when the foot is pronating far or at high velocity. The plate, Zielinski says, 鈥淎llows for the foam to be a little more structured, and not stretch or shear as much. Working in combination with the two different midsole hardness foams, this system is helping stabilize the structure of the platform so the foot feels guided all the way from heel to toe.鈥�

Additional midsole foam under the forefoot due to a lower heel-toe drop, a beveled heel, and an increased rocker profile provide a smooth rolling transition from midfoot to toe-off.

On my foot, the plate and dual-density foam provided the strongest full-foot rotational support of any shoe in this group. While the midsole was soft underfoot, and delivered a light, cushioned and smooth ride, my feet pronated very little. The control didn鈥檛 irritate my neutral left foot, but, fairly quickly, I could feel the bones in my right knee-that-must-pronate start to rub as it wasn鈥檛 tracking inward at all, and the tendons around my right ankle hurt after runs from fighting against the firmer wedge of the midsole.

With its strong medial support, the 860 v14 is not quite as versatile for neutral runners as some other options in this guide, but it鈥檚 a solid choice for those who want to slow pronation velocity in a shoe that delivers a smooth, comfortable transition from landing to toe-off.

Best for Racing

Brooks Hyperion GTS 2

Weight: 7.6 oz (尘别苍鈥檚), 6.9 oz (wo尘别苍鈥檚)
Stack Height: 31.5鈥�23.5 mm
Drop: 8 mm
Stability Strategy: Rearfoot guide rails. Low-profile midsole with quick-rebounding foam.

The second version of the speedy Hyperion GTS is updated with a slightly thicker stack of a new nitrogen-infused EVA-blend midsole compound, which Brooks says is lighter weight and more responsive than its predecessor. That felt true on the run: the foam seemed to push back even while compressing, and rebounded impressively, making the ride lively and inspiring me to pick up the pace.

Like other GTS models in the Brooks line, the Hyperion GTS 2 features stabilizing guide rails along the sides of the heel and midfoot鈥攁 raised extension of the midsole foam on the outside, a firmer foam piece on the arch side鈥攖o help reduce heel shift and rotation for runners whose stride strays excessively inward or outward, especially towards the end of their run as a result of fatigue. I didn鈥檛 notice them at all on the run, except for a lack of any rearfoot tippiness. More significant was a feeling of stable connectedness from the lower-profile midsole, relatively wide base, and lack of squish, enabling quick strides and stable push-offs.

That ground feel isn鈥檛 at all minimal, however. The foam cushions smoothly and delivers a comfortable ride at any pace, making them suitable as a daily trainer for someone who doesn鈥檛 prefer a tall, squishy feel underfoot, now nearly ubiquitous in the industry. But most runners will appreciate Hyperion GTS 2 as a light, springy, non-plated, up-tempo trainer and racer that doesn鈥檛 beat your feet up and gently supports as necessary in the later miles. Bonus is the new, airy mesh upper.

Best for Up-Tempo Days

Saucony Tempus 2

Weight: 8.2 oz (wo尘别苍鈥檚); 9.4 oz (尘别苍鈥檚)
Stack Height: 33鈥�25 mm
Drop: 8 mm
Stability Strategy: Over-under frame with strategic placement of complementary foams

The Tempus lies at the sharp end of the stability spectrum, delivering a lively ride that made me feel nimble, bouncy, and fast鈥攜et still providing foot guidance and support. The shoe鈥檚 secret lies in its midsole, which features ultralight, high-cushioning, and maximum-rebounding鈥攂ut usually unstable鈥擯ebax foam at its core, here surrounded by a denser, more supportive EVA frame.

Using a firmer frame to control a softer foam鈥檚 squish is not new or unique. Most models with frames, however, surround the bottom of the full shoe with firmer material. While this provides a stable stance, it makes landings harsher and can accelerate the foot鈥檚 movement as it impacts the edge of the sole and rotates inward. The Tempus, however, employs a unique over-under frame that sits atop the soft Pebax in the heel, bridges the full midsole height under the arch, then dives under the Pebax in the forefoot and runs along the bottom edges up to the toe.

The magic of this frame is that by putting the Pebax on the bottom at the heel, its softness works to reduce the instability caused by the shoe. On impact, it compresses and deforms, rounding the edge of the sole and creating a smooth, gentle transition as the foot rolls inward and forward. Meanwhile, the firmer frame that surrounds the top of the heel wraps the foot and keeps it centered on the platform. The full-height frame under the arch slows the foot鈥檚 rotation and supports as needed. Up front, you feel the Pebax鈥檚 cushioning and rebound directly underfoot, while the firmer foam on the bottom adds a bit of rigidity to the rocker for quick-rolling toe-offs.

The updated engineered mesh upper on version 2 holds the midfoot more securely, enhancing the connection between foot and shoe and the shoe鈥檚 ability to perform at speed.

On the run, not only did the Tempus provide one of the snappiest, most-fun rides of the group, it also seemed best at managing my varied stability needs. The soft Pebax on the bottom of the heel let both feet stay in a natural, supinated position on landing without torquing me inward like several of the shoes with stiffer flared heels did. As my foot rolled inward, the shoe provided my more-mobile right foot effective, but almost undetectable, support while I transitioned over the arch to the stable toe-off, yet didn鈥檛 block the pronation I needed for my knee. Meanwhile, my neutral left foot didn鈥檛 feel any control or clunkiness, just the smooth, comfy, responsive Pebax underfoot.

The Tempus is narrower than other stability shoes in the heel and midfoot鈥攔elying on the firmer frame rather than more foam for arch support鈥攂ut spreads out as wide as any in the forefoot. It鈥檚 also low enough up front to provide the ground feel necessary for a solid, propulsive push-off, and flexible enough to allow a natural roll at any pace or stride angle. The shoe felt responsive and fast at any pace, but the subtle support was always present, and the farther I ran, the more I appreciated the shoe鈥檚 guided roll and side-to-side stability.

The Tempus can be a peppy daily trainer or a solid marathon shoe for someone who wants the bounciness of Pebax with some foot bolstering during the long miles, and it is an excellent long-run training shoe for someone who plans to race in a carbon-plated super shoe.

Best for Going Long

Mount to Coast P1

Weight: 9.9 oz (尘别苍鈥檚 size 9, wo尘别苍鈥檚 size 10.5)
Stack Height: 37鈥�27 mm
Drop: 10 mm
Stability Strategy: Guiding geometry and midsole insert. Arch wrap. Centering insole.

Mount to Coast is a new brand specializing in building shoes for ultra-runners. But my experience in the shoes leads me to believe that you can enjoy and benefit from them without running all day.

The P1, Mount to Coast鈥檚 stability model, has the same nitrogen-infused, PEBA-based midsole found in their , delivering a soft, bouncy, and flexible ride that feels more connected than the 37-millimeter heel might suggest. The responsive foam, tuned firmer than the PEBA found in super shoe racers, provides soft contouring underfoot, then firms up quickly to deliver a tactile ground feel. The resulting smooth ride feels almost minimalist in allowing natural foot motion and ground sensitivity鈥攚hile still dampening harsh landings.

The shape also feels inspired by minimalist design, echoing the foot with a snug heel and secure wrap of the instep, opening up to a flared forefoot鈥攑articularly under the big toe鈥攑roviding roomy space and a stable platform for a fully-splayed foot. That stability is enhanced by an s-shaped insert of flexible plastic that extends from the outside midfoot to under the big toe, providing added support under the natural path of forefoot rotation. Mount to Coast鈥檚 research indicates that reducing excess forefoot rotation is more important than correcting the heel rotation that most stability shoe design focuses on, and that their device not only improves foot alignment but helps activate the arch muscles.

Running in the P1, the shoe delivered a smooth, natural heel-toe transition, and I could feel a subtle extra firmness under the ball, which helped my foot achieve a stable stance and push-off. More noticeable, however, was the dual-zone insole that centered and cradled my heel, and the arch wrap built into the upper and tied into the lacing that made my foot feel like it was expertly wrapped with athletic tape鈥攈ugging, supporting, and moving with the changing shape of my foot through the stride.

The flexible P1 stayed out of the way when I picked up the pace, but it didn鈥檛 feel like it was reducing the effort like some rockered models do. At all-day paces, however, it helped me quickly fall into a comfortable, efficient rhythm that churned out miles so comfortably and easily that I inevitably extended my runs in the shoe as long as time allowed.

Best for Recovery Days

Hoka Gaviota 5

Weight: 9.1 oz (wo尘别苍鈥檚); 10.9 oz (尘别苍鈥檚)
Stack Height: 34鈥�28 mm (wo尘别苍鈥檚); 36鈥�30 mm (尘别苍鈥檚)
Drop: 6 mm
Stability Strategy: Softer-foam H-Frame. Wide, straight shape. Sidewalls.

Despite their high stack heights, Hoka鈥檚 shoes have always had inherent stability from their wide platform, low drop, and cockpit-like cradle surrounding the heel as it sits down into the top of the midsole. For years their stability models have also used a 鈥淛-frame鈥� to provide more rotational control. This firmer-density foam reinforced the midsole at the full height of the arch side of the shoe and wrapped around to the lateral side on the bottom edge.

The redesigned Gaviota 5 retains the wide geometry and raised sidewalls, but swaps the J-frame for a new H-frame. This layer of less-dense foam lies on top of the midsole and surrounds the perimeter of the shoe with a connective piece across the middle鈥攆orming a figure eight shape. As the foot sinks into this layer, it nests deeper in the foot frame created by the sidewalls of the more stable, but still cushioned, bottom layer. Hoka says the H-frame allows them to use softer foams than before to deliver inherent stability while enhancing cushioning, especially close to the foot.

On the run, the frame was all but invisible, its presence only noted by a feeling of centeredness as I sunk into the forgiving footbed. It is enough, however, combined with the ample width and secure hold of the flexible-but-not-stretchy creel jacquard upper, to keep the well-cushioned shoe from feeling at all tippy. While it doesn鈥檛 make any pretense of reducing inward rotation, the full-foot stability kept both of my feet and knees feeling safely coddled no matter how long I ran.

The post The Best Stability Shoes for Every Type of Run (2025) appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

In the past two years,听 a handful of brands have leaned into鈥攐r doubled down on鈥攖he category of shoe that can both run smoothly on pavement and keep you from falling on your face on a trail. Several brands, like Craft Sportswear and Salomon, have introduced what they鈥檙e calling their 鈥淕ravel鈥� category of shoes, aiming to piggyback on the explosion in popularity of gravel cycling.

I鈥檓 a fan of the increased attention to the category, as I have always run a mix of road and trail within one run and love a good shoe that can handle multiple types of surfaces. But I鈥檓 finding there鈥檚 a difference between true road-to-trail shoes and gravel shoes.

What Road-to-Trail Shoes Excel At

A true road-to-trail shoe is perfect for my favorite neighborhood loop, which looks something like this: Walk down a sidewalk past a few houses to a path that cuts through the middle of a community garden. There, I run across wood chips, weeds, and hard dirt. Hit the sidewalk and run concrete for about a mile, crossing two busy streets and chugging up a steep, quarter-mile-long hill. At mile 1.3, I hit the ribbon of dirt next to a sidewalk that takes me to rocky singletrack through tall grasses up, and then down, a very steep, loose, rocky hill with a killer view of the Boulder Flatirons. Negotiate a very narrow, windy strip of dirt next to a sidewalk. Cross a paved street. Run tight singletrack through grassland over rocks and ruts and that climbs gradually, then steeply to the highpoint of my run. Descend a dirt fire road riddled with rocks and ruts and with steep wooden steps at the bottom. Run pavement roughly a half-mile downhill, hop up onto the sidewalk, cross a busy street. Run on concrete sidewalks home.

For the kind of runs where the surface changes from road to trail and back a few times, I want a shoe that can handle all sorts of terrain. A straight-up road running shoe and its cushioning and flexibility would offer a smooth ride on the paved sections, but lack traction, protection, and security on the trail segments. A trail-specific shoe, on the other hand, would keep me sure-footed and secure on the rugged dirt sections, but would feel clunky on the road.

I basically want a well-cushioned shoe with traction that doesn鈥檛 clunk on roads but that makes me surefooted on dirt, and that keeps my foot secure and comfortable. And I want that shoe to be 鈥渞unnable鈥濃€攆lexible like a road shoe, not stiff like a hiking shoe.

The kind of dirt I run on this loop (and many other road-to-trail routes I run) is not mild crushed gravel; it鈥檚 more rugged than that. For that reason, I need a shoe that has lugs that grip and an upper that secures my foot in place. I don鈥檛 want my foot sloshing around on a technical trail, especially going up- or downhill.

What Gravel Shoes Excel At

Gravel shoes, in contrast, excel on just that: gravel. They have lightweight, comfortable uppers like road shoes, with some midfoot hold, just not as much as many trail shoes. Their outsoles mimic gravel bike tires, with small lugs in the center and larger ones on the perimeter of the shoes鈥攖o roll smoothly while gripping loose gravel. In shoes with this lug pattern, you don鈥檛 have to worry about spinning out on loose dirt or gravel like you would in road running shoes.

Today鈥檚 gravel shoes kick the snot out of pure road running shoes for running on groomed trails like the gravel path around the Boulder reservoir or the dirt backroads of the high plains. They also run much more smoothly on road than most trail running shoes. But road-to-gnarly trail runs require midfoot hold and better traction than many gravel shoes offer.

My point: There鈥檚 a difference between road-to-trail and gravel shoes, there鈥檚 a time and place for each, and I appreciate both. Here are my current favorites from the latest releases in both categories.

My Favorite Road-to-Trail Running Shoes

Nike Pegasus Trail 5

9.5 oz (尘别苍鈥檚); 8.5oz (wo尘别苍鈥檚); 9.5mm offset

This shoe has become my favorite road-to-trail pick, mostly because the midfoot hold feels secure enough to give me confidence on rugged trails, not just flat, gravel roads. I credit the Flywire technology鈥攖hin, lightweight but strong thread鈥攃onnecting the laces to the strobel board (underneath the insole) for that secure feel. Nike鈥檚 ReactX midsole foam feels lively on roads without being too thick or bouncy on trails. The outsole rubber鈥擭ike鈥檚 All Terrain Compound (ATC)鈥攊sn鈥檛 as grippy as the Vibram Megagrip on Nike鈥檚 Ultrafly trail shoe, but the low-profile (3.5mm lugs) do a decent job on technical trails and run fairly smooth on roads. I also like how the rubber wraps around the front of the shoe to protect my toes if (when) kicking rocks and roots.

Best for: Those who want a comfortable, good-looking, truly versatile shoe that can handle rugged trails and run relatively smoothly on roads. This is a good travel shoe.

Craft Nordlite Ultra

9.3 ounces (尘别苍鈥檚), 8.1 ounces (wo尘别苍鈥檚); 6mm offset

This shoe, my top pick last year, still ranks among my favorites for road-to-trail runs. An ample amount of responsive cushioning (40mm under the heel and 34mm under the forefoot) helps this shoe to feel great on hard surfaces, both road and super-firm Colorado dirt. The heel and forefoot portions of the mid- and outsole are decoupled, allowing each segment to move slightly independently, which I find works great on rocky terrain and pavement alike. It鈥檚 flexible for smooth running on roads and gives me agility on the trails as it morphs around rocks, delivering a unique ride that I really enjoy. The outsole鈥檚 3.5mm lugs鈥攕ome smaller, some larger鈥攄o a great job grabbing both loose surfaces and rock while not being so deep that they feel cumbersome on roads. The one-piece mesh upper is comfortable, but I sometimes crave a bit more support/foothold on technical trail sections.

Best for: Those who like a flexible sole with substantial cushioning, a comfortable upper, and enough grip to tackle mildly technical trails.

On Cloudvista 2

10.5 ounces (尘别苍鈥檚), 8.6 ounces (women’s); 6mm offset

This shoe surprised me, perhaps because of its inconspicuous looks鈥攖he monomesh upper is sleek and somewhat hides some key performance features within the shoe. The mesh on its own keeps out debris and worked great in fresh snow, shedding moisture, even though it鈥檚 not necessarily geared toward water-resistance. And underneath that mesh is a webbing system connecting the laces at the midfoot to underneath the insole (somewhat similar to the Nike Flywire system). The effect is a secure foothold that allowed me to tackle technical terrain without feeling like my feet were slipping within the shoe. On roads, the proprietary Helion foam (gas infused for lightness and rebound) and On鈥檚 Cloudtec pods feel responsive underfoot, while the 3mm traction lugs weren鈥檛 clunky. A two-pronged, semi-flexible speedboard inserted in the midsole adds to the underfoot stability and responsiveness鈥攁nd delivers the classic On ride. One knock: A thin tongue and thin laces made for some pressure on the top of the foot.

Best for: On devotees, those who want exceptional foothold, a stable ride, and responsiveness for road-to-rugged trails or gravel.

My Favorite Gravel Running Shoes

Craft Xplor

10.5 ounces (尘别苍鈥檚), 8.8 ounces (wo尘别苍鈥檚); 6mm offset

Craft goes all-in to the gravel shoe category with the Xplor. The outsole pattern鈥攕maller lugs down the center and larger around the perimeter鈥攁re meant to mimic a gravel bike tire. It鈥檚 a design the brand developed with cycling brand Vittoria, and it grips loose dirt and gravel as intended, while staying out of the way when the surface is smooth and firm. Craft鈥檚 proprietary Px foam (40mm under the heel and 34mm under the forefoot) provides a lively, fun, joint-saving platform for both road and hard dirt/gravel surfaces. The midsole noticeably flares out from the upper, which, combined with the ample foam, creates a stable ride. When the terrain turned to anything off-camber, steep, or technical, I craved a more nimble feel from a more secure midfoot hold.

听Best for: Those who run road-to-gravel, road-to-smooth, flat dirt, gravel only.

On Cloudsurfer Trail

9.7 ounces (尘别苍鈥檚), 8.3 ounces (wo尘别苍鈥檚); 7mm offset

This is a very comfortable, smooth-running shoe. The brand鈥檚 CloudTec Phase tech鈥攐pen pods in the midsole made out of Helion foam, a proprietary gas-infused Pebax blend鈥攁re soft and cushy. The shoe has a slight toe spring, which seems to help it roll smoothly on roads and mild off-road terrain. The outsole features low-profile lugs made out of the brand鈥檚 MissionGrip, which does a good job even on rock. But what keeps this shoe off my 鈥渇avorites鈥� list for my go-to local loop is the somewhat loose-feeling upper. It鈥檚 a comfortable upper, but it doesn鈥檛 hold my narrow foot securely enough to let me hop around rocks and ruts with confidence. Still, this is a smooth-rolling, versatile shoe if you keep it on the gravel.

Best for: Those looking for a super-smooth ride on roads, paths, and light trails.

Salomon DRX Defy Grvl

8.7 ounces (尘别苍鈥檚), 8.0 ounces (wo尘别苍鈥檚); 8mm offset

The DRX Defy Grvl is Salomon鈥檚 foray into the cross-over shoe category, and they鈥檙e going all-in with the name and design of this shoe. Like the Craft XPLOR, the outsole is modeled after a gravel bike tire, with small lugs in the center (although, only under the forefoot), and larger, chevron-shaped lugs around the perimeter. The pattern works well on gravel and loose dirt. With its Active Chassis鈥攖he brand鈥檚 siderails made of dense foam to offer guidance鈥攖his shoe feels more like a stable road shoe than others on this list. Negative space in the middle of the outsole/midsole also adds a dampening effect, adding to the road shoe-like feel. The upper has enough structure to keep feet from sloshing around on trails, but the shoe feels more at home on moderate rather than rugged terrain.

Best for: Those seeking mild stability in a road-to-gentle trail/gravel crossover shoe. Those who prioritize a lightweight shoe.

Hoka Challenger 7

8.9 ounces (尘别苍鈥檚), 7.7 ounces (wo尘别苍鈥檚); 5mm offset

I鈥檓 putting the Challenger 7 to the 鈥淕ravel鈥� section of this season鈥檚 roundup mostly because it doesn鈥檛 handle technical terrain as well as some of the others. I chalk that up to the thick midsole (31mm/26mm for men, 29mm/24mm for women), which makes the shoe more of a monster truck than a ninja. It rolls over terrain, but lacks midfoot stability and ground feel, which makes me a little trepidatious on the technical stuff despite 4mm lugs made of a fairly basic durabrasion rubber. The company says the outsole pattern鈥攕mall lugs in the center, larger around the perimeter of the shoe鈥攊s inspired by gravel bike tires, and the Challenger ATR 7 is super comfortable, and capable, on smooth gravel terrain.

Best for: Hoka devotees, those seeking max cush, heavier runners, those who run gravel roads and road-to-smooth-trail routes.

The post My Favorite Road-to-Trail and Gravel Running Shoes appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

In triathlon training, consistency is king. But what if that consistency was a culprit in your latest injury? As all too many of us know, like IT band syndrome, shin splints, and stress fractures often present themselves at the worst times and have been the bane of many great race preparations.

Consistent, repetitive motion with improper running form often causes these injuries. But according to new research out of the University of Florida, you probably don鈥檛 even know your form could use a tune-up 鈥� and your shoes might be the reason why.

The study, published in the journal ,听consisted of 710 runners from various backgrounds. After asking each runner if they were a heel striker, non-heel striker (mid-foot or forefoot strike) or they 鈥渄idn鈥檛 know,鈥� the researchers examined each runner鈥檚 gait with a high-tech slow-mo motion capture system and analyzed their past running injuries.

The results were abundantly clear. Those runners who 鈥渄idn鈥檛 know鈥� their gait pattern had, by far, the greatest likelihood of sustaining a running-related injury.

The main contributing factor to runners not knowing their foot strike, or how their feet were hitting the ground, was the heel-to-toe drop of their training shoes. A higher drop, as well as higher shoe weight, led to less accurate body awareness and a higher likelihood of injury.

Additionally, those runners who changed their shoe type in the past six months were more likely to sustain a running-related injury.

So if shoes are part of the problem, is the solution simply changing them out? Yes and no. Let鈥檚 look at the takeaways and how can you apply them to reduce your risk of injury.

Shoe Choice Matters

As the study highlights, a shoes with high heel-to-toe drop and greater weight contribute to less awareness of foot strike. Opting for a shoe that has a lower drop and weight is an effective way to become more engaged (literally) with the ground and how your foot is interacting at the impact, loading, and takeoff stages of your run gait. A healthy foot will feel the ground, fully load, then utilize its 鈥渇ree鈥� stored energy to push you forward.

A more minimalistic shoe will let the foot function as it should. Further, a large heel-to-toe drop alters how the force of impact is distributed throughout the body. As shown in 听on the effect of shoe drop on joint stress, a higher-drop results in much larger stress at the patellofemoral (knee) joint. Opting for a lower-drop shoe allows the body to distribute stress as it was designed to do, reducing excessive loading to individual joints.

Opting for trainers with a mild drop (4-6mm) and not too much 鈥渃lunk鈥� could be an easy way to become more aware of how you鈥檙e running and stay injury-free.

If you鈥檝e been running in a high heel-toe drop shoe and dealing with injury, it might be worth trying a different shoe. Just remember, as with any change, to progress gradually into your new shoes to allow the body time to adapt. Start with one to two runs per week, and slowly progress over four to five weeks until you can wear your new shoes full time.

Self-Awareness Matters More听听

Yes, the type of shoes you wear can be a culprit in running-related injury, especially if they blunt the signals your body needs for good running form. This study clearly shows that enhanced body awareness while running, particularly when it comes to foot strike, leads to lowered injury risk.

Becoming more cognizant of how your body is moving and how your foot interacts with the ground is a free way to decrease your risk of injury. Yes, it鈥檚 nice to listen to music or zone out with a podcast during a long run. However, it鈥檚 likely worth it to zone in to the task at hand now and then to ensure you鈥檙e moving well.

One helpful tip is to run in front of a mirror on a treadmill so you can watch yourself run in real time. It鈥檚 easy to adopt poor running mechanics without realizing it, especially when fatigue sets in. Unlike the friendly spectator yelling, 鈥淟ooking good!鈥� at mile 23 of the marathon, the mirror doesn鈥檛 lie.

The best part about working on your running form is that it will help you develop movement patterns that make you stronger instead of more likely to get injured. More importantly, it might even help you actually look good at mile 23!

The post Are Shoes with High Heel-to-Toe Drop More Likely to Cause Injury? appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

It鈥檚 only 10 A.M., and Aaron Olbur is already breaking a sweat. Partly to blame is the San Diego sun, which even in December shines hot and hard on the asphalt parking lot. The other reason is Olbur鈥檚 hustle. With the help of his team of four, the 39-year-old hauls out big metal rolling racks containing 700 boxes of running shoes from a large sprinter van. He sets up the trademark 鈥攁 metal platform you stand on to get a 3D digital model of your foot. He has boxes of orthotics and something like an oven to heat them up so they can be shaped to your foot鈥攔ight there on the spot.

RELATED:听

Olbur assembles the mobile running store in a parking lot outside a medical office building, aiming to help the doctors, nurses, and patients there get fitted for comfortable and supportive shoes. He鈥檚 not a one-man mission but rather represents the second-largest running retailer in the U.S., with 40 stores in 12 states across the country鈥攊ncluding a warehouse-sized store adjacent to its headquarters in San Diego.

鈥淪o what we鈥檙e really doing is we鈥檙e taking a Road Runner Sports and bringing it into your company,鈥� he says.

People are always happy to see Olbur and his team, who call themselves Shoe Force. He estimates they bring the mobile running store to about 200 businesses a year.

鈥淚t鈥檚 not just runners,鈥� he says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 anyone who needs comfortable shoes or an insert鈥攚hich is almost all of us do because that鈥檚 just the nature of the world.鈥�

Olbur understands this personally. He鈥檚 up and moving constantly thanks to his job and his dedication to running. But more than spreading the , Olbur is devoted to helping people find relief for their feet.

鈥淚f I don鈥檛 go for a run, you can tell鈥�

Olbur started running 20 years ago, discovering it helped his ADHD and mental health in college.

鈥淩unning has always been that thing to bring my brain back,鈥� he says. 鈥淔or physical fitness, I don鈥檛 know if it鈥檚 doing anything for me anymore because it鈥檚 just so repetitive. But for my brain, it鈥檚 like, if I don鈥檛 go for a run, you can tell.鈥�

He began as so many runners do鈥攕howing up to a 5-kilometer race in gym shorts carrying two Red Bulls.

鈥淚 didn鈥檛 know what it was. I just didn鈥檛 even know how far it was. Back in the day, I didn鈥檛 have a watch or anything. I had no idea,鈥� he says. 鈥淚 ran this race, and everybody was dressed up as Elvis. It was actually awesome.鈥�

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He was hooked and quickly ramped up to half marathons and fulls. At the same time, he decided to move from Chicago to San Diego based on random advice from a friend.

鈥淚 just drove across the country with a bag and a box of Cheerios,鈥� he says.

He got a job as a seasonal part-time call center employee at Road Runner, taking shoe orders over the phone.

鈥淚 did that for literally three weeks. And I鈥檓 like, 鈥極h my God, I can鈥檛 do this,鈥欌€� he says.

So he made a change but stayed in running. He鈥檚 naturally a performer, and he would put on adventure runs at Road Runner stores.

鈥淭here was a big stage that I would stand on,鈥� he says. 鈥淲e had a mobile van that we used, but we didn鈥檛 sell anything out of it. We would only go to places and set up this whole big trailer and just give coupons out.鈥�

Then, a job opened up that allowed Olbur to travel all over Southern California and Arizona doing shoe fittings, and he found his calling. Fast-forward to now, and they鈥檝e built it into a mobile running store and shoe-finding experience. Olbur arranges with management at different businesses in the San Diego area to offer the fit-finding service to employees. Some companies cover the cost of a new pair of shoes or insoles, others provide employees with a discount, and some simply offer the service for convenience.

Fit Finding In Action

Back in the parking lot outside the medical office building, Olbur and his team are finding more clients happy to have their feet fitted. No pair of feet are exactly alike, and almost everyone has some kind of issue鈥攈igh arches, flat feet, pronation, plantar fasciitis, hammer toe, corns, calluses. Team member Kim Carter walks shoe seekers through the process.

First, the client steps on a machine called the Fit Finder. It鈥檚 a foot scanner that creates a three-dimensional scan of their feet. Road Runner says it captures six foot measurements: foot size, length, width, arch height, instep, and heel width. It also maps the person鈥檚 balance and pressure points.

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Next, Carter looks at the results on her computer. They show the customer鈥檚 size, along with detailed information about their feet, and suggest shoes that would work best.

鈥淚t鈥檚 like a mobile book fair, but with the technology to see exactly what kind of book you need to read,鈥� Olbur says.

Carter uses the results to create custom orthotic insoles. Using a readout from the scan, she puts insoles into a small oven right there in the parking lot, which molds the insoles to their feet.

She grabs running shoes from the mobile racks that would work, slips the insoles in, and helps customers lace up and try out the shoes.

Olbur oversees and jumps in whenever a team member needs assistance. He says the reception is always positive from people who spend a lot of time on their feet. 鈥淚 mean, they鈥檙e literally like, 鈥極h, my God, thank you. I鈥檓 on my feet 12 hours a day,鈥欌€� he says. 鈥淭he response that we get is, 鈥榃hen are you coming back? When can you come back next week?鈥欌€�

Shoes That Come to You鈥攁 Mobile Running Store

Fitting shoes to feet is nothing new鈥攏or are traveling running shoe clinics. , a five-store running retail operation in Chicago鈥檚 western suburbs, has a Shoemobile that hit the road in 1969 and still travels the greater Chicago area bringing shoe fittings to high school runners and road race participants. Companies like Fleet Feet and New Balance have also dabbled in mobile clinics. And then of course Phil Knight sold the original Nike trainers out of the trunk of his car.

Stu Slomberg, the chief retail officer for Road Runner, says the company is investing in these traveling fit clinics to address challenges in the modern sales environment. People tend to settle into a shoe brand and model and then buy the same type over and over again online. But meet them where they are鈥搇iterally, at work鈥揳nd you may convince them to shake things up and try something new, he says.

鈥淭he two most important things in life are a good mattress and a good fitting pair of shoes,鈥� he says. 鈥淵ou are on your feet a lot and you spend, hopefully, seven to eight hours sleeping. Those are the most important things.鈥�

But the real key to the success of the mobile running store? Slomberg says that鈥檚 Olbur. 鈥淎aron has exactly the right energy and style for this鈥攈is enthusiasm is infectious and he knows the process so well. His history with the company really shows.鈥�

Good Shoes, Good Life

Olbur says that getting non-runners into good shoes could motivate them to start their fitness journey, and while getting people into quality shoes is his main focus, he would love for others to find the peace he has through movement.

鈥淧roviding them with their first step of getting something comfortable underneath their feet might get them out the door to go through with that 5K walk or a 2-mile walk or walk their dog or walk with their kids or become a healthier human being,鈥� he says. 鈥淪o we鈥檙e just navigating that and providing that for people.鈥�

On that warm sunny morning in San Diego, it is clear Olbur has found his calling. He鈥檚 on his feet a lot, too, and was wearing running shoes with his khakis and Road Runner polo. He鈥檚 expanded his passion for running into a career of meeting people where they are and getting them into comfortable shoes.

鈥淚 found my niche in running shoes where I want to spread that love, I want to spread that to everybody else,鈥� he says. 鈥淚 feel like it makes me feel better, so why not go out and help others feel better? It goes a long way for me.鈥�

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鈥橳is the season of excess. Of shopping. Of buying shiny new water bottles and cozy new fleeces for friends and family, and maybe sometimes for ourselves. It鈥檚 the season of consumerism in overload.

There鈥檚 an antidote to all the commercialism though, at least when it comes to outdoor gear. Take those shoes that have lost their midsole pop and that backpack that you never really liked anyway and find them a new home with someone who may love them. It鈥檚 a win-win. You鈥檙e clearing out clutter and doing good鈥攑utting quality shoes on someone else鈥檚 feet and maybe helping them discover a love for an outdoor sport or walking in the woods.

Sharing the Wealth

There are a lot of ways to donate gear鈥攁 good one being 国产吃瓜黑料鈥檚鈥攁nd you can find a lot of articles describing them with a quick search. Instead of repeating these lists, I鈥檇 like to tell you an inspiring, real-life story.

My friend, Kristen Mecca, has long made a habit of leaving behind her gear when visiting developing countries. After hiking Machu Picchu, she and her mom gave their boots and headlamps to their porters, which inspired others in their group to gift their sleeping bags. 鈥淭he porters really valued our gear for themselves,鈥� says Mecca, 鈥渁nd told us there was also a way to sell their gear and make money. So, they were either going to use the good quality gear or feed their families from selling it.鈥�

Mecca always travels with an extra bag of gear, which she鈥檚 left behind on trips to the Dominican Republic and Jamaica, but she鈥檚 also packed out anything she couldn鈥檛 give away directly. 鈥淚 never want to contribute to a trash problem,鈥� she says. 鈥淪o anything that doesn鈥檛 biodegrade, recycle, or add value gets packed back up and taken home with me.鈥�

This fall, Mecca started volunteering as a coach for , a national nonprofit that encourages elementary school-aged girls to be active among a supportive community. Because she鈥檚 seen how appreciated lightly used, quality gear can be to people in developing countries, she felt compelled to share the practice with her Girls on the Run group.

Connecting Good Things

Based in Northern Virginia, Mecca says that she was aware of how much money goes into youth sports and activity in general in her area, and figured a lot of lightly used shoes were just lying around in peoples鈥� homes. She also had a lot of gear herself that she was looking to repurpose. After doing some research, Mecca landed on, an organization that collects shoes and reallocates them to people in developing countries. Sneakers4Good sends people like Mecca large bags to fill with shoes, and a prepaid shipping label. In addition to giving shoes new life with those in need, the company allows the organizer to choose a charity of their choice to receive a check for roughly $1 per pound of shoes donated.

With the help of two high school-aged volunteer coaches, Mecca collected 93 pairs of shoes and soccer cleats from her Girls on the Run training group this fall.

鈥淚t was really easy,鈥� says Mecca. She gave the girls a week to gather shoes from within their networks. 鈥淭he high school girls who volunteer as coaches also reached out to their own communities and helped out. Now I know the potential is there.鈥�

Mecca worked with the local director of Girls on the Run to donate the money from Sneakers4Good to buying shoes for girls in the program who need them to participate in the program鈥檚 culmination, a community 5K. She also organized another shoe collection and donated the money to a charity that matters to her鈥擜nimal Rescues of the Rockies.

What may be most impactful in the long term is that Mecca is helping one of the high school-aged volunteer coaches conduct her own collections throughout the sports seasons and choose a nonprofit that鈥檚 meaningful to her鈥攐nce she鈥檚 done taking the SATs (she鈥檚 tied up until then).

鈥淚t鈥檚 been fun having a creative way to give multiple beneficiaries鈥攖hose in need of gear, the animal rescue organization dear to my heart, and I鈥檓 benefitting too鈥揻rom all the feel-good hormones and the energy boost from doing something I鈥檓 excited about that helps others,鈥� Mecca says. That鈥檚 as fitting an antidote to holiday commercialism as I can imagine.

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