Dusk is crowding the narrow trail that my brother and I are navigating, and by the time we hit a dirt road that will eventually lead us to our beds for the night, it is pitch听black. I’m running down a mild hill just behind him when he’s suddenly splayed awkwardly on the ground in front of me, a slew of curse words issuing from his mouth.

Before my brother’s fall, we were 30 miiles听and six mountain passes into our second day on the Walker鈥檚 Haute Route鈥攁 124-mile trail that stretches from Chamonix to Zermatt, and we鈥檝e gained and lost almost 10,000 feet of elevation since we began running the trail. The route is stunning, packed with glaciers, cerulean lakes, and towering peaks. Despite its beauty, the route is technically demanding, and as I look at my brother picking himself off the gravel, I wonder: Why is this how I chose to spend my vacation?

A few months after this trip, I鈥檓 running along a stretch of creamy singletrack in southern听Utah. As I round a bend on the Fairyland Loop in Bryce Canyon National Park, I鈥檓 so taken aback by the beauty the crimson-colored hoodoos unfurling before me that that I catch my toe on a lone rock embedded in the trail and go down hard, landing squarely on my elbow and thigh.

As scarlet blood streams from the gash in my elbow and bruises begin to bloom spectacularly across my leg, my ego finds a small consolation: the blissful solitude of this trail. Far from the crowded lookouts that dominate the park, there鈥檚 fortunately no one here to witness my fall.

Over the past few years, I鈥檝e taken many trips that revolved entirely around trail running. I鈥檝e capered through the Rockies near my home in Calgary, Alberta (a gateway to Banff National Park’s world-class trails), and breathlessly struggled to tackle volcano routes in Ecuador. Ask me how I feel about these running vacations (injuries, frustrations, and all) and I will tell you that they were some of the most thrilling鈥攁nd humbling鈥攖rips I鈥檝e ever taken.

Running Vacations Are More Than Racking Up Mileage

Running vacations are a rapidly growing travel trend, reflected in the sharp rise of companies now offering guided running tours worldwide.听According to one running group’s 2024 activity report, 鈥渢he run club is the new night club,鈥� with global run club participation rising by 59 percent听last year. also highlights this fitness movement in the travel sphere, noting a 50 percent increase in searches for “workout holidays” over the past year.

Elinor Fish, however, has been ahead of the curve for years. A lifelong runner and former editor at Trail Runner magazine, she founded , which offers women-only running and wellness tours, in 2010, long before the travel trend took off. The first trip Fish (the former CEO of the company) organized began as a small Colorado getaway that grew into a global movement built around something deeper than just mileage.

After joining a guided running trip with Andes 国产吃瓜黑料s in Patagonia in 2007鈥攚ith one of the few companies offering guided running vacations at the time鈥擣ish realized what makes these experiences powerful: shared trails, shared values, and a sense of purpose beyond the workout, especially with a local guide.

鈥淲hen you鈥檙e traveling in a foreign country and you鈥檙e spending every day running on a trail together, it really helps build connections quickly,鈥� she says. 鈥淎ll of a sudden, the running becomes a vehicle for having enriching cultural experiences that are completely outside the norm.”

Fish describes a running vacation as a transformational experience: “It can actually change you. It helps give the whole experience more meaning.鈥� Her perspective reflects a broader movement in travel today, where, as Accor’s report also notes, travelers increasingly are choosing travel for fitness, versus something to fit in before a day of exploring.

Liz Gill, a running coach and owner of saw firsthand how the with more people turning to the trails and roads as a way to stay active and grounded. Like Fish, Gill believes her guided trips are about more than just miles: they鈥檙e about community, discovery, and finding balance between challenge and enjoyment.

James Madden, area manager for at the CMH Bugaboo Lodge and an ACMG and IFMGA-certified mountain guide, agrees that people are increasingly seeking active adventures with like-minded individuals in a supportive setting. While many guests arrive at their feeling nervous, Madden says there鈥檚 a common misconception about what a running vacation actually involves.

鈥淭he misnomer is that we go out and we run as hard as we can for hours. [In reality,] we go out, we run, we jog, we swim, we laugh, we take photos,鈥� he says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 really just about being in the mountains all day.鈥�

With point-to-point helicopter support, on-the-ground coaching, and two guides per group, anyone with a basic level of running fitness can take part in CMH’s trips. But of course, signing up is one thing; prepping your body for long days on the trail is another.

How to Prepare for a Running Vacation听

As running vacations continue to grow in popularity and transform how people experience travel, knowing how to prepare your body and mind for the unique demands of these adventures becomes essential. Here鈥檚 how to set yourself up for success on your next run-cation.

1. Know Your Fitness Limits

If this is your first running vacation, your first time running trails,听or your first time running for multiple days in a row, take that into account when booking a tour or mapping out a self-supported adventure. Despite being an experienced trail runner, I overestimated my limits on Switzerland鈥檚 Walker鈥檚 Haute Route, attempting it in four days instead of the five I actually needed. By day three, exhaustion forced me to skip a scenic section and rely on the gondola, bus, and train to reach my bed.

2. Book a Guided Tour

Even if you are fortunate enough to have a running community or a group of friends who all enjoy running, a guided tour is the best option when planning a run-cation. Not only will the trip feel more like a vacation when you don鈥檛 have to plan any of the logistics, but you will also have guided support and coaching to help you understand your limits on a trip of this nature.

3. Have a Training Plan/Post-Recovery Plan in Place

Madden says that to join a CMH running trip, participants should be able to easily run six miles or more at least three days a week. Runcation Travel provides training plans for each trip, and Gill also recommends getting out on a trail if you mainly run on the road, or incorporating hill training on the road, or incline training on a Stairmaster or treadmill if you do not have access to trails. While strength workouts are optional, training exercises like single-leg glute bridges, deadlifts, or single-leg squats can help someone ease into trail running or adapt to the consecutive demands of a multi-day trip.

Physiotherapist and avid runner Charlie Clarry says that while being physically prepared is key, try to avoid the trap of overtraining. 鈥淚t鈥檚 better to be under-cooked than over-cooked,鈥� he states. 鈥淭apering is a long-practiced element of a training plan to reduce accumulated fatigue during training.鈥�

4. Learn to Fuel Properly听

Gill emphasizes that one of the key preparations for a running vacation is training your body to eat and drink while on the move, since these runs are far more demanding than a casual morning jog you can do on an empty stomach. Ensuring that you are fueling every hour on your training runs is the best way to tackle this.

5. Remember, It Is Not a Race

Enjoy the experience! While you may be moving faster than on a hiking or walking holiday, that doesn鈥檛 mean you need to push yourself to the point of exhaustion. Take in the views, savor the pastry, snap the photos, and relax with a beer. You鈥檙e here to have fun, too.

Top Places for Runcations

Now that you know how to prepare for a running vacation, let鈥檚 dive into some of the top destinations around the world where you can hit the trails and make the most of your run-cation.

Southwest: Utah and Arizona

Utah鈥檚 national parks are iconic, but the lesser-known Kolob Arch trail in Zion offers a quieter, stunning alternative, featuring one of the world鈥檚 largest natural arches. Bryce Canyon鈥檚 Fairyland Loop presents a fairy-tale landscape of biscuity hoodoos. Moab, praised as 鈥減henomenal and uniquely beautiful鈥� by Fish, is a hub for trail lovers, with guided retreats like the from Run Wild Retreats.

Arizona鈥檚 Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim trail tests runners with a punishing 6,000-foot descent into a geological wonder that spans millions of years.

When to Go: Spring and Fall for best weather
Trails to Try: Kolob Arch Trail, Fairyland Loop, Moab鈥檚 extensive desert trails and Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim.

Southeast: Asheville, North Carolina

Known for its scenic charm and vibrant running community, Asheville is a prime destination for trail runners. Cruise scenic routes and enjoy a self-guided trail run-cation with accommodations like that cater to runners seeking a blend of comfort and adventure.

When to Go: Year-round
Trails to Try: The extensive network of forest trails around Asheville offers varied terrain and beautiful vistas for all skill levels.

Mountain West: Montana and Colorado

For those craving wild backcountry, Montana鈥檚 vast wilderness awaits with guided adventures from . Colorado鈥檚 rugged ridgelines and trail systems make it a must-visit. Boulder, often called America鈥檚 best running town, offers an extensive trail network that blends urban access with mountain terrain.

When to Go: June to September
Trails to Try: Boulder鈥檚 extensive trails are perfect for everything from short runs to long mountain outings. Head to Glacier National Park in Montana to experience the iconic Highline Trail, or take on a more challenging and secluded adventure with the Beaten Path Trail in the Beartooth Mountains.听This remote route offers solitude and rugged terrain.

West Coast: California

California鈥檚 Sierra Nevada mountain range offers breathtaking trails for every runner. A with Runcation Travel provides an unforgettable experience amidst granite peaks and alpine lakes.

When to Go: Late spring to early fall
Trails to Try: Yosemite鈥檚 backcountry trails, Mammoth Lakes circuit, and nearby high-altitude routes.

Alberta, Canada

Oh, Alberta! The trail running season is short but spectacular. Alberta鈥檚 national and provincial parks offer rugged alpine terrain, glacier-fed lakes, and jaw-dropping views perfect for adventurous runners. Just be ready for roots, rocks, and minimal amenities.

When to Go: June to October

Trails to Try: The Skyline Trail in Jasper National Park delivers big mountain views above the treeline, while Northover Ridge in Kananaskis Country offers a wild, high-elevation route with stunning scenery and solitude. For a guided Kananaskis adventure, offers a three-summit tour that showcases the best of the region.

Iceland

For those seeking spectacular landscapes, there鈥檚 no better place to run than Iceland. The trail running season kicks off in early May with a , and really, does it get any better than combining a 12.5-mile run with sightings of these charming birds? The course curves around the islands of Vestmannaeyjar, located a 35-40-minute ferry ride from Landeyjah枚fn.

When to Go: May to October

Trails to Try: The crown jewel of trail running in Iceland is the Laugavegurinn, and with good reason. The marathon held along this 33-mile route is wildly popular, thanks to its dramatic transition from otherworldly volcanic terrain to verdant valleys and moss-covered mountains. You can tackle it in a single, challenging day or extend the adventure by linking on the 16-mile Fimmv枚r冒uh谩ls Trail for a multi-day guided run with . This addition takes runners past dozens of cascading waterfalls and finishes at the iconic Sk贸gafoss. Other scenic running routes worth exploring include the trails near V铆k 铆 M媒rdal and .

The Alps听

While each of these countries is a remarkable trail running destination, two multi-day fast-packing routes stand out: the and the . Both begin in Chamonix, France, but diverge from there as the Haute Route leads runners across Switzerland to Zermatt, while the TMB loops through Italy before returning to France. The alpine views along both routes are truly unparalleled. Expect rugged, chossy trails over high mountain passes, wide winding paths alongside aquamarine lakes, and plenty of homemade pastries at the many rifugios you鈥檒l pass (often under the curious gaze of the intrepid Alpine ibex).

When to Go: Late June to September

Trails to Try: Short on time to tackle the longer routes? Head to the Pyrenees, an up-and-coming trail running destination still flying under the radar, on a guided journey with . Run comfortably from hut to hut in Italy along the , surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Dolomites. In Switzerland, the moderately challenging Kl枚ntalersee Trail rewards runners with sweeping lake views framed by alpine passes, with the bonus of a refreshing mid-run swim.

The Balkans

While the Accursed Mountains may not have the most inviting name, the Balkans offer a true sanctuary where solitude is not only sought but found on these under-trodden trails. Cross mountain passes framed by pearly peaks, wind through wildflower-filled meadows, and traverse international borders, all with nothing more than your own two feet.

When to Go: June to September

Trails to Try: The eponymous Peaks of the Balkans is a must for trail runners and can be tackled via guided tour with . Winding through Albania, Montenegro, and Kosovo, this nearly 120-mile route can be fast-packed with overnights in cozy mountain lodges tucked away in picturesque villages or broken into day or overnight trips from various access points across the three countries.

Southern Patagonia

One of most popular trips in 2025 ventured into the heart of Southern Patagonia, where some of the world鈥檚 most awe-inspiring (and unpredictable) terrain and weather await. Base yourself in El Chalt茅n, Argentina, or Puerto Natales, Chile, to experience the raw beauty of the Andes, with iconic peaks like Mount Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre, and Torres del Paine appearing dramatically along the way.

When to Go: October to April

Trails to Try: For a multi-day fastpacking adventure, consider tackling the O Circuit, which loops around the Paine Massif in Chile鈥檚 Torres del Paine National Park. This nearly 74-mile route includes the iconic (and justifiably popular) , but also ventures into the park鈥檚 quieter backcountry, offering a more solitary taste of Patagonia鈥檚 rugged beauty. Or, for a more unique experience, check out Patagonia鈥檚 Lake District on a guided tour with .

If you’re heading to the Argentinian side, base yourself in El Chalt茅n (guided options are available with ) for what feels like an all-access running pass to the most stunning parts of Los Glaciares National Park. As the name suggests, glaciers abound. Run a loop around Lagunas Capri, Madre, and Hija, and soak in sweeping views of Monte Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre from the network of trails that weave through the region.

Ecuador

Another up-and-coming trail running destination, Quito鈥攁 UNESCO World Heritage Site鈥攈osted its first UTMB qualifying event in the summer of 2025. With trails that traverse both the jungle and the Andes Mountains, runners are never short on variety.

When to Go: April to November

Trails to Try: Just a short drive from Quito鈥檚 historic center, Rucu Pichincha (rucu meaning 鈥渙ld man鈥� in Kichwa) is the perfect day trip for trail runners and an accessible opportunity to summit one of Ecuador鈥檚 iconic volcanoes without technical mountaineering skills. Alternatively, get your volcano fix by running into the inhabited caldera of Pululahua, one of only two inhabited calderas in the world.

A popular multi-day trek, just shy of 22 miles, the Quilotoa Loop is another excellent option for trail runners exploring the region. The highlight of the route is the stunning aquamarine waters of Quilotoa Crater Lake. For a curated trip, and arrange trail running tours in Ecuador.

Jennifer Malloy is a freelance writer and passionate trail runner. Her recent work highlights the best trails and adventure towns near her home in Calgary, Alberta. This summer, she鈥檚 aiming to rack up as many miles as possible exploring the Canadian Rockies.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And they鈥檙e right; they do.

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

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In March 2023, on a trail run in the mountains near Tucson, Arizona, I caught my toe on a rock. I was descending a steep and technical section of trail a little more quickly than I鈥檇 normally go. I had a plane to catch. I鈥檓 not sure how long I was airborne鈥攎aybe a second or so鈥攂ut it felt like a long time. The aftermath was bad鈥攍ost front teeth, deep facial wounds that eventually required plastic surgery鈥攂ut could have been much, much worse.

Running injuries are distressingly common, afflicting somewhere between 20 and 80 percent of runners, according to one oft-cited pseudo-stat. But it鈥檚 mostly sore knees and inflamed tendons and the like: nuisances, but not existential threats. Trail running is different, though. The nature of trails, and the sometimes remote environments they traverse, mean that things can go seriously wrong. At the 国产吃瓜黑料 Festival last month, I conducted an on-stage interview with Hillary Allen, whose book Out and Back tells the story of her 150-foot fall off a ridge during a mountain race in Norway. Her injuries were a lot worse than mine, but she too has made a successful comeback. Not everyone does.

A new takes a comprehensive look at the worst-case scenarios in trail running, with the goal of figuring out what the biggest risks are and how runners and race organizers can mitigate them. Researchers at the University of Pretoria in South Africa, along with colleagues in Portugal and France, combed through online news records for fatal or catastrophic events that occurred while trail running. They identified 127 cases, almost all within the last 15 years, of which 104 were fatal.

The key data from the study is shown in the figure below, which divides fatal incidents into the most common categories:

Cold and Hypothermia

By far the most common cause of death among trail runners is cold weather and hypothermia. This isn鈥檛 surprising, especially given that trail runners often run in the mountains, where weather can shift rapidly.

It鈥檚 tempting to pack as lightly as possible when you鈥檙e running, skimping on warm-weather gear, especially if the weather looks nice. After all, running itself will keep you warm. But what happens if, say, you twist an ankle? Or get lost? Or the weather takes a dramatic turn for the worse? Then you鈥檙e sweaty, tired, and inadequately dressed. Under such conditions, it鈥檚 possible to become hypothermic even in relatively moderate above-freezing conditions, a phenomenon sometimes referred to as 鈥�.鈥� Back in the 1990s, four U.S. Army Rangers died from hypothermia during training exercises in Florida, of all places.

The solution here is obvious but easy to ignore or rationalize away: bring enough warm clothing. Many trail races have rules that specify minimum clothing requirements; it makes sense to take similar precautions on training runs. In the new dataset, 64 percent of the deaths took place during organized trail-running races, with the rest taking place during recreational or training runs. Both scenarios are potentially risky. (In contrast, when runners go missing, it鈥檚 almost always during recreational or training runs rather than races.)

Falls

The second-most-common cause of trail-running deaths is blunt trauma after falls. This is once again a trail-specific hazard, and some trails are more rugged and/or more exposed than others. I鈥檓 not really sure what to say about this, because 鈥渂e careful鈥� seems like empty advice. People run trails in part to get away from smoothly manicured roads and sidewalks; the gnarliness of the terrain is intrinsic to what they鈥檙e seeking. In doing so, they鈥檙e accepting some risk. What鈥檚 the 鈥渞ight鈥� level of risk? I don鈥檛 know, but in the wake of my Tucson fall, I鈥檝e become a lot more cautious in situations where the consequences of an error are likely catastrophic.

Cardiac Arrest

Third on the chart is cardiac arrest, which is a general risk of exercise (or in fact of living) rather than a specific trail risk. In most cases, such deaths during exercise reflect either underlying heart disease or a genetic heart abnormality. The researchers suggest cardiac screening as a way of uncovering these problems in advance. Whether such screening is worthwhile, much less cost-effective, has been a topic of among cardiologists. Suffice to say that if you have any doubts about your heart health, you should consult your doctor before venturing into the mountains.

Less Common Causes

The rest of the causes of death are relatively uncommon. Murder and vehicle accidents are sad but could occur anywhere. Animal attacks, lightning strikes, and drownings are probably a bit more common on backcountry trails or in the mountains than in city streets, but the numbers suggest these are very unusual. If you鈥檙e in grizzly country, pack bear spray and run in a group; if you鈥檙e in a thunderstorm, don鈥檛 cross exposed ridges; think twice before wading through rivers with strong current. This is all good advice under any circumstances.

The danger in writing about trail-running deaths is that it makes trail-running sound dangerous, in the same way that TV news reports on abducted kids in the 1980s convinced a generation of parents that suburban streets were infested with kidnappers. Given the numbers鈥攖he researchers cite data suggesting that 1.7 million people entered trail races between 2013 and 2019, with participation growing by about 12 percent annually鈥攖rail running is eminently safe. Still, the data suggests a couple of easy takeaways: pack a jacket, and watch your toes.

For more Sweat Science, join me on and , sign up for the , and check out my new book .

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

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

At a Glance

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

Best All-Around

Salomon S/Lab Ultra Glide

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Runner-Up All-Around

La Sportiva Prodigio Pro

Weight: 8.9 oz, 7.9 oz
Stack height: 34鈥�28 mm
Drop: 6 mm
Sizes: 7.5-15.5 (men鈥檚), 5.5-11 (women鈥檚)

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

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

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

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

Best Trail Super Shoe

Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Runner-Up Trail Super Shoe

Puma Deviate Nitro Elite Trail

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best for Ultrarunning

Hoka Tecton X 3

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

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

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

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

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

The entire package鈥攖wo layers of foam, four-millimeter Vibram Magagrip lugs, carbon-fiber plating, and a gaiter鈥攃omes in at minimal weight for such a rugged and feature-rich ride. 鈥淭his thing is light, especially for a trail shoe,鈥� marveled a female tester, adding, 鈥淚t鈥檚 absolutely speed-inspiring.鈥� The Tecton X 3 is our pick for ultra-runners and regular folks looking for a great shoe that can tackle the most mountainous terrain in comfort.

Best Daily Workhorse

Mount to Coast T1

Weight: 9 oz (men 9, women鈥檚 10.5)
Stack Height: 36鈥�32 mm
Drop: 4 mm
Sizing: 7-13 (men鈥檚), 5.5-11 (women鈥檚)

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

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

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

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

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

Best Value

Saucony Peregrine 15

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

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

In an era that鈥檚 serving up increasingly fat midsoles, we鈥檙e happy to see that Saucony鈥檚 longtime performer remains relatively low to the ground, making it flexible and connected to the trail. It doesn鈥檛, however, run too firm. The reformulated EVA-based midsole with a premium, bouncy TPU-based insole feels soft underfoot and is plentiful enough to cushion the impact even on hard rocks and packed dirt.

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

鈥淭hese kept me stable while running on both singletrack and wider fireroad trails, and I felt fast because they鈥檙e so lightweight,鈥� said a tester. Another raved, 鈥淲ith the light and flexible feel of a toothy racing flat, the Peregrine always inspires me to pick up the pace and fly, but I never feel beat up in them no matter how far I go.鈥�

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

Best Zero Drop

Altra Lone Peak 9

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

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

鈥淚f it ain鈥檛 broke, don鈥檛 fix it鈥� has been Altra’s motto regarding their flagship trail shoe for years. The Lone Peak 9 stays true to its roots, maintaining the zero-drop platform, wide toe box, and reliable grip, with a few minor updates, including a re-engineered upper, improved outsole, and lighter midsole.

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

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

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

Bottom line: If you鈥檙e a Lone Peak fan there鈥檚 nothing new here that will jeopardize that. Slight improvements sharpen the ride without altering the shoe鈥檚 core identity. 鈥淭he Lone Peak鈥檚 strengths haven’t changed for me,鈥� said one longtime Lone Peak fan.

Best For Speedy Scrambles

Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 Matryx

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

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

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

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

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

Best for Soft Terrain

Scarpa Spin ST

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

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

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

We reached for this shoe often on snowy terrain鈥攅ither on trails or when snow turned neighborhood roads into trails. The high heel collar made out of a neoprene-like stretch woven textile, which keeps trail debris out of the shoe in summer, also does a good job keeping kicked-up snow from infiltrating socks. The upper isn鈥檛 Gore-Tex, however, and doesn鈥檛 try to keep water out. Instead, moisture flows both in and out, and we appreciated the breathability on all-season runs where high effort caused hot feet, and for wet conditions when we wanted drainage. A plus: a lace-locking device and hidden lace pocket both eliminates unwanted loosening and snagging on low branches and roots.

With slight EVA cushioning in the midsole (22 mm under the heel and 18 mm under the forefoot), this isn鈥檛 a shoe you鈥檇 want to wear running hard-packed trails or road sections. But for the soft terrain it was intended for, the underfoot feel was just right, making the Scarpa Spin ST excel at tearing up the trail.

Best For Groomed Trails/Gravel

The North Face Vectiv Enduris 4

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

Pros and Cons
鈯� Great balance of stable and cushy
鈯� Propulsive feel
鈯� Can feel tippy on technical terrain

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

The swallow-tail design鈥攖he sole flares out behind the heel with a notch in the middle鈥攕eemed to aid a heel-striking gait, cushioning landings and helping to roll feet forward rather than torquing them inward. Traction comes from four-millimeter multidirectional lugs which worked well on a variety of surfaces and didn鈥檛 feel too clunky on smooth terrain, although one tester noted, 鈥淢ud seemed to stick to the outsole and stay there.鈥� All testers found the seamless engineered mesh upper breathed great and kept feet in place.

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

Best Road-To-Trail

Nike Pegasus Trail 5

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

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

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

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

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

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

Runner Up Road-to-Trail

Craft Nordlite Ultra 2.0

Weight: 10.9 oz (men鈥檚); 8.9 oz (women鈥檚)
Stack height: 40鈥�34 mm
Drop: 6 mm
Sizes: 8-13 (men鈥檚); 6-10 (women鈥檚)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Ample, responsive cushioning
鈯� Solid traction
鈯� Foothold could be better

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

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

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

Best Max-Cushioned Trail Shoe

Nike Wildhorse 10

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

Pros and Cons
鈯� ReactX foam is lightweight and lively
鈯� Secure foothold
鈯� A tad heavy

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

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

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

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

Best Natural Ride

Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4

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

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

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

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

The upper鈥攁 recycled mesh with a polyurethane wrap around the front of the shoe for protection from toe stubs鈥攊s slightly stretchy and conforms around the foot. 鈥淭his felt like a slipper with traction,鈥� said one tester.

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

Best For Beginner Trail Runners

New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9

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

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

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

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

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

How to Choose a Trail Running Shoe

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

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

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

Fit: Match Your Foot Shape

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

Ensure that the shape of the sole and the upper matches your foot shape. The sole should be as wide or wider than your foot for the whole length, and match the curve of your arch comfortably. The shoe should hold your foot securely over the instep, while allowing the ball of the foot and the toes to splay and flex when you roll forward onto them. Your heel shouldn鈥檛 slip when you lift it, and the arch should be able to dome and lengthen naturally. Nothing should bind or rub as you roll through the stride.

Feel: Match Your Movement Path

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

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

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

What About Injury Prevention?

Running shoes have long been marketed and sold as prescriptive devices to help runners stay healthy, but there is correlating shoes, or any specific shoe properties鈥攍ike cushioning or pronation control鈥攚ith running injuries. Medical professionals say that it is highly difficult to determine whether a runner needs a certain type of shoe, and studies have shown that prescribing shoes using traditional methods like treadmill gait analyses or wet-foot arch height tests don鈥檛 consistently reduce injuries.

Don鈥檛 assume that you need more cushioning or more stability if you have sore joints, or if you鈥檙e a heavier runner, or if you鈥檙e a beginner鈥攅vidence doesn鈥檛 support many common beliefs. The best way prevent injury is find two or three different pairs that feel right on the run, ease into using them, and vary your shoes, your running surface and your pace regularly (plus avoid rapid increases in your training load and work on ).

How We Test

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

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

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

Meet Our Lead Testers

Lisa Jhung

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

A high school jumper and occasional sprinter/hurdler, she started running鈥攔eally running鈥攁fter walking off the collegiate volleyball team, and moved on to road and trail races of any distance, triathlons, adventure races, and mountain running. She鈥檚 happiest testing rugged trail shoes on gnarly terrain, and also loves a good neighborhood jaunt鈥ut is almost always looking for ribbons of dirt. Lisa is the author of Running That Doesn鈥檛 Suck: How to Love Running (Even if You Think You Hate It) and Trailhead: The Dirt on All Things Trail Running.

Cory Smith

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

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

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

Jonathan Beverly

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

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

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

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

Hydration vests have become the preferred method of carrying fluids for most runners, and you can find over 25 different options on the market this season. We tested them all. Vests carry liquids and supplies comfortably by distributing the weight evenly across your chest and upper back; the best ones become part of your body, fitting close to your torso and sloshing minimally. After months of testing, these picks stood out for their comfort and performance.

Update, April 2025: We replaced five vests with new highly-rated models from The North Face, Nathan Sports, Osprey, Patagonia, and REI Co-op.

At a Glance

• Best for Ultramarathons:
• Best for Hot Weather:
• Best of Hut Trips and Multi-day 国产吃瓜黑料s:
• Best for Short Runs:
• Best Pack with a Bladder: /
• Best for Mountain Runs:
• Best Value:
• How to Choose a Hydration Vest
• How We Test
• Meet Our Lead Tester

Best for Ultramarathons

Salomon ADV Skin 12

Weight: 11.3 oz (with two included 500 ml flasks)
Sizing: XS-XL
Capacity: 12L

Pros and Cons
鈯� Well-thought-out gear organizing pockets
鈯� Customizable fit
鈯� Lacks a dedicated outlet for a hydration hose to thread smoothly to the front side

This vest is a perennial favorite due to its adaptable fit, carrying capacity, organization, and comfort over the long run. This season, it received some welcome updates that optimize fit and minimize bounce, including new shoulder straps and a new Y-shaped construction made with a mix of stretchy and supportive materials. Plus, it comes with new conical-shaped hydration flasks that slide easily in and out of the sleeves on the front shoulder straps.

One tester wore the ADV Skin 12 for 42 hours during a 100-mile race in the Swiss Alps on what she says was 鈥渧ery technical鈥� terrain (we鈥檙e betting that鈥檚 an understatement), and reported that, 鈥淭he pack held up fantastically.鈥� She raved about the back storage that holds plenty of layers for the long haul and how well the front pockets carry water bottle flasks. 鈥淭his pack is so lightweight and doesn鈥檛 jostle at all,鈥� she said.

The other front pockets are plentiful enough to keep a phone, food, and miscellaneous items separate and organized. Paired with Salomon鈥檚 Custom Quiver Pole Sleeve ($30), which carries collapsible poles like Robin Hood鈥檚 arrows, this pack is ready for battle.

The ADV Skin 12 can fit everything you need for a triple-digit run, yet one tester also noted that the vest 鈥渨asn鈥檛 cumbersome for a six-mile run where I wasn鈥檛 carrying much.鈥�

Best for Hot Weather

The North Face Summit Series Run Vest 5

Weight: 8.6 oz (with two included 500 ml flasks)
Sizing: XS-XL
Capacity: 5L

Pros and Cons
鈯�Extremely lightweight
鈯�Very breathable
鈯� Flasks can be tricky to access while moving

When it鈥檚 so hot that the last thing you want to do is put on a pack, that鈥檚 when you know you really need one. But you can ease the discomfort by wearing one that is ultra-light, airy, and doesn鈥檛 hold sweat. The North Face Summit Series Run Vest 5 weighs just 8.6 ounces with the two included 500 ml (17-ounce) soft flasks it carries in the chest pockets. The pack is made out of nylon/elastane mesh that doesn鈥檛 retain moisture and vents air like a screen door. One tester called the back panel 鈥渆xceptionally breathable,鈥� despite shedding copious amounts of sweat.

We liked that this pack鈥檚 tension cords are simple and easy to adjust for a fit that is so dialed-in, one tester exclaimed, 鈥淚t’s easy to forget you’ve got this on at times.鈥� Until, of course, she needed to access her fluids or phone, and then remembered the vest and was grateful to have it.

The hydration flasks, which come with the pack, are easy to fill and clean thanks to their wide openings. We could drink from the flasks easily without taking them out of their pockets. We found, however, that getting them in and out of the pocket on the fly requires a little extra effort, especially while carrying a phone in the zippered pocket, as the flasks tend to sink low in the compartments despite the tension cords.

Overall, we liked the pocketing and feel of this lightweight pack that, one tester said, carries 鈥減retty much all you could need for most shorter trail adventures.鈥�

Best for Multi-day 国产吃瓜黑料s

Black Diamond Distance 15L Pack

Weight: 12.5 oz
Sizing: S-L (men鈥檚); S-L (women鈥檚)
Capacity: 15L

Pros and Cons
鈯� Carries a ton of gear comfortably
鈯� Comes in men鈥檚- and women鈥檚-specific fits
鈯� Doesn鈥檛 come with soft flasks or bladder

Thanks to its roomy capacity in the main compartment plus ample pocketing, the Black Diamond 15L carries a decent amount of gear comfortably and with minimal sloshing, making it a great pack for adventures of all sorts. Thoughtfully-designed storage鈥攁 cinch-pull main compartment, seven exterior pockets and one of them zippered, an interior zippered pocket, and dedicated loops for trekking poles and ice axes鈥攎akes this an extremely livable pack.

We love the cinch cords that trim the sides and reduce or expand the pack volume to secure whatever amount we鈥檙e carrying in the most compact bag possible. We also love the materials: soft, breathable mesh back paneling and shoulder straps, stretchy mesh pocketing, and durable ripstop nylon on the body of the bag.

Female testers also raved at how the pack fit their bodies, calling out the stretchy lower sternum strap, adjustable placement of both sternum straps, and shape and placement of the shoulder straps. 鈥淚t’s really easy to fit the pack to the contours of your body using its harness system,鈥� said one.

While it doesn鈥檛 come with a bladder or flasks, the bag can hold either鈥攐r both鈥攃omfortably, making it a great choice when your adventure calls for ample fluids.

Best for Short Runs

Nathan Sports Pinnacle Featherlite 1.5 Liter Hydration Vest

Weight: 5.5 oz (with included soft flask)
Sizing: XXS/XS-XXL
Capacity: 1.5L

Pros and Cons
鈯� Simple and comfortable for short runs
鈯� Extremely lightweight
鈯� Short zipper to back pocket makes using pocket difficult
鈯� Adjustment sliders on the front of the pack can cause some discomfort

Due to its simple, lightweight structure and ability to comfortably carry a flask or two, a phone, and other necessities without weighing you down, this is a good pack to leave in the car or by the front door, ready to grab whenever you just need a way to carry small items while running. We grabbed it often for short jaunts and liked its small, unobtrusive size.

The one 14-ounce flask that comes with the vest sits comfortably in one of four pockets on the shoulder straps (they can accommodate bottles and flasks up to 20 ounces). We used the other pockets for a phone, car key, dog poop bag, and dog leash. The back pocket, which offers 1.5L of storage, is large enough for a lightweight shell, or gloves and a hat, but the short (4 inches) zippered opening makes using the pocket a slight hassle.

Still, this is an efficient, breathable pack made of comfortable, stretchy mesh that secures to the body with two easy-to-use chest straps. 鈥淚 love the way it hugs your body and does not move,鈥� said a tester.

Best Pack With a Bladder

Osprey Dyna 1.5/Duro 1.5

Weight: 12.4鈥�14.8 oz depending on size and gender
Sizing: S-L (women鈥檚 Dyna); S-L (men鈥檚 Duro)
Capacity: 1.5L

Pros and Cons
鈯� Insulated hose
鈯� Made with 100 percent recycled materials
鈯� Materials feel somewhat scratchy

This pack comes with a quality 1.5L hydration bladder and an insulated hose that keeps water cool in hot weather and prevents water from freezing in the cold. It is smartly routed from the bladder pocket to the front, which testers appreciated enough to call it out as the best bladder system in the test group.

We were also impressed with the fit of these gender-specific packs. 鈥淚t’s easy to adjust and get fitted to the shape/contours of your body,鈥� said a female tester. 鈥淚t was lightweight and felt like part of my shirt,鈥� said another.

The breathability of the back paneling also stood out even when we were sweating heavily. We found, however, that the all-recycled materials felt a bit stiff and scratchy, but we will take the trade off in favor of Mother Earth.

One knock: The upper shoulder strap pockets are unusually high, making it somewhat tricky to access them on the run.

Best for Mountain Running

Patagonia Slope Runner Vest

Weight: 6.9 oz
Sizing: XS-L
Capacity: 4听L

Pros and Cons
鈯� Two flasks included
鈯� Great pass-through pocket
鈯� Lack of large main compartment can limit carrying capacity

The Slope Runner Vest was our go-to choice for mountain running, mostly because it is constructed out of breathable, lightweight materials with a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish that repels precipitation that comes with higher altitudes. We also love that it breathes Patagonia ethos: it鈥檚 Fair Trade-Certified and made without PFAS/man-made chemicals).

The pack also carries flasks and/or a hydration bladder鈥攕ecurely and conveniently. The two included 500 milliliter flasks sit comfortably in deep mesh chest pockets, and a simple clip effectively holds a hydration bladder, when added. Six stretchy mesh pockets on the chest and waist straps are easy to access mid-run. The pass-through pocket on the backside proved a great place for a layer to be shoved through and accessed via either side. And the small zippered pocket at the top of the backside fits essentials like First Aid items (but nothing that big or bulky, like larger winter traction devices).

With a tester-approved, lightweight, simple corded system that secures the pack to the body, this is an overall comfortable pack, ready for adventure.

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Ultimate Direction Xodus Hydration Vesta

For all-day mountain runs and race efforts where every detail matters, the Ultimate Direction Xodus Vesta delivers streamlined support, bounce-free storage, and dialed-in comfort. Its 6.5-liter capacity fits hydration, nutrition, and backup layers, while seven front pockets provide fast access to fuel and essentials. Customize your fit with a full-length zip closure and adjustable chest cinch system, plus stash away poles with the trekking pole loops and stay visible with reflective details.

Best Value

REI Co-op Swiftland 5 Hydration Vest

Weight: 9 oz
Sizing: XS-2X-3X
Capacity: 5L

Pros and Cons
鈯� 1.5L bladder included at bargain price
鈯� Good routing system for hydration hose
鈯� Fit isn鈥檛 as streamlined as some packs

A hundred-dollar hydration pack that comes with a reservoir is a great value. The REI Swiftland 5鈥檚 1.5-liter HydraPak Elite reservoir fits easily and seamlessly into the main compartment of the pack and stays put with a simple clip. The hose then routes, on either the right or left side, through a loop and two-clip system that keeps it secure, and your liquids easily accessible.

Chest pockets hold soft flasks (not included), should that be your hydration preference or if you need additional liquids. A zippered pocket securely holds a phone while a second mesh pocket on the front and a large one on the back add storage options.

The bulk of this pack sits in the center of the back, making the fit not as streamlined and close-to-body as some other packs. And the materials, while breathable, aren鈥檛 as soft as some (though we applaud the use of bluesign-approved recycled nylon). But as the least expensive option with easy adjustment straps and crossover capability to other activities like mountain biking and hiking, the REI Swiftland 5 Hydration Vest is a great choice.

How to Choose a Hydration Vest

Fit

The best way to shop for a pack is to read our reviews and then try on some options, making sure your final choice is comfortable and fits your specific body. If you can shop in person, assess how the chest straps sit on your body, and if there are any points of irritation. See if you can adjust all the straps to get the pack nice and snug to your body, and jog around to make sure the pack doesn鈥檛 move too much.

Size

Since sizes vary between brands, start by checking the brand鈥檚 measurement guide on their website, and then measure yourself. The vest should feel snug, but not restrictive. If it鈥檚 hard to take a full breath without battling the straps, it鈥檚 too small. If there are gaps in the fabric around the shoulders and the pack moves too much on your back when you run, it鈥檚 likely too big. If you are maxing out the straps in either direction鈥攃inched all the way in, or fully expanded鈥攃onsider shifting sizes.

After all of these steps, if you鈥檙e still having trouble finding packs that fit properly, try a different style. If men鈥檚 packs aren鈥檛 fitting right, try a unisex or women鈥檚-specific model and see if that helps. Women鈥檚 packs typically have more room around the bust, are narrower in the shoulders, and are shorter overall. For the final test, load up the pack (at the very least with a full flask) and see how it feels with a little bit of weight.

Preferences and Intended Use

The final consideration comes down to personal preferences and how you plan to use the vest. Some people, for example, demand a zippered front pocket, or pole storage, or large pockets capable of holding many easy-to-access snacks. Make sure the pack meets your specific needs: You鈥檒l likely need a different pack for short runs around the neighborhood than for full-day (or multi-day) adventures.

How We Test

• Number of testers: 6
• Number of products tested: 26
• Gnarliest test conditions: A 100-mile ultramarathon through the Swiss Alps
• Most common testing grounds: Trails along the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains

Most of our testing took place in Boulder, Colorado, and on trails deeper into the Rocky Mountains. Our test team included six women, each of whom tested mostly apples-to-apples packs: small volume, medium volume, or large volume, while one tester put every pack through the paces.

Meet Our Lead Tester

Lisa Jhung has been running in hydration packs for roughly 25 years, since she traipsed through the wilds of places like Morocco and Switzerland as part of multi-day adventure racing teams. In more tame periods of her life, like now, she regularly throws on a pack to hit the trails of Boulder, Colorado, and the high-alpine routes in the Indian Peaks of the Rocky Mountains with girlfriends or sometimes, her dog Lulu. Lisa is also the lead tester and writer of our women鈥檚 running apparel and sports bra categories, and co-leads our running shoe tests.

The post The Best Running Hydration Vests for Every Type of Run appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Forget roses. I don鈥檛 need chocolate. And the last thing I want to do for Valentine鈥檚 Day is go out to an overpriced prix fixe dinner. What I want for Valentine鈥檚 Day, and what I think is the most valuable gift from one partner to another, is to spend quality time together in the great outdoors. Time outside together is my love language.

My husband, Mark, and I have been married for 21 years. We started dating when he worked at Rock & Ice Magazine and I worked at Trail Runner Magazine. (It鈥檚 a very Boulder, Colorado love story.) We spent those early days trail running and climbing together. One of our first dates was a three-pitch climb on a very exposed face on Independence Pass鈥攊n the rain. He had overestimated both my climbing ability and my comfort level with exposure. I cried. He calmed me. He鈥檇 been a climbing guide and knew how to talk me off a ledge, literally and figuratively.

While we were dating, I occasionally dragged him into adventure races when my team and I needed another teammate. We still joke about the 24-hour race in California where his knee was bothering him about 22 hours in and we were reduced to a walk. I said something caring and comforting like, 鈥淵our knee is already hurt. We might as well run.鈥� We did. He recovered.

We鈥檝e since had two kids, and juggled jobs, finances, friends, and household chores. We often tag-team who goes to our sons鈥� soccer games on weekends while the other does their outdoor sport with friends, alone, or with the dog. Our relationship tends to collect dust, as does a lot of the outdoor gear that we鈥檝e amassed over the years.

We鈥檝e all heard about the numerous studies that prove spending time in nature,, and can even. And there鈥檚 a good reason why more therapists are adopting, either working with clients through dance or, especially here in Boulder, going for hikes. The mind-body connection can鈥檛 be ignored, and there is something to be said for opening up to someone and connecting while you鈥檙e not face to face鈥攃onsider why running partners become so close; why kids often share more openly with their parents while in the car; and why two stubborn people who have been married 21 years actually talk more when outside doing an activity together.

A few recent studies have taken a look at how. But I don鈥檛 need a study to tell me that spending quality time outdoors together is good for my relationship with my husband. (That said, if I need to use science as an argument to get him out the door with me, so be it.)

One of my favorite ways to celebrate any event in the 23 years we鈥檝e been together is to spend time on the trail. Right around our fifteenth anniversary, I was invited to a 鈥渃ouple鈥檚-oriented鈥� travel-writers鈥� trip on the island of Kauai. (The perks of the job are sometimes very good.) My husband and I听 were treated to fancy dinners and stayed in nice places. But we connected the most鈥攁nd I knew this would happen鈥攚hen just the two of us hiked the on the Na Pali Coast. It didn鈥檛 hurt that the views were spectacular and swimming underneath a waterfall was otherworldly. But it was the walking and talking I liked the most鈥攕omething we can attain anywhere, anytime if we just make the effort.

So, instead of spending money on clich茅d Valentine鈥檚 gifts like flowers, chocolate, or jewelry鈥攐r even buying each other adventure-enabling gear that we鈥檇 likely use separately鈥攁ll I want to do is dust off the gear we already have and head outside, together. It鈥檚 the time, and the space, that is most valuable.

We may go on a hike with the dog. We may get creative, put on headlamps, and go for a night hike. Or we may grab our skinny skis and the dog and glide through a snow-covered open space to a lake. That may sound romantic, but it鈥檚 more than romance I鈥檓 after. It鈥檚 the connection. And connection is everything.

The post Forget Roses. The Best Valentine鈥檚 Day Gift Is Quality Time Outdoors Together. appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

You may have heard about the diabolical running format called , in which competitors must for days on end. One by one, runners drop out until only one remains, and he or she is crowned champion. On October 19, the world’s best backyard ultrarunners听met in Bell Buckle, Tennessee for the annual Big Dog’s Backyard Ultra, which this year hosted the team world championships for the format (on even years the race serves as the individual world championships).

Scott Snell recorded the top distance this year, completing 366 miles in 88 hours. But the star of the event was Megan Eckert, who finished in second place. Her distance鈥�362 miles during 87 hours鈥攂roke the previous women’s record by a whopping 51 miles (and 13 hours).

Eckert, 38, is one of the world’s top ultrarunners. She also teaches special education and coaches high school cross-country in Santa Fe, New Mexico. 国产吃瓜黑料 caught up with Eckert to learn what it’s like to run for nearly four days without stopping for more than a few minutes between laps.

OUTSIDE: What attracted you to the backyard ultra format?
My first backyard ultra was actually in January, 2024, at the Saguaro Showdown in Mesa, Arizona. I had just completed a race in Houston where I ran 218 miles, and a friend suggested I try the Backyard Ultra format. I loved the open-ended nature of the event. You line up in the starting corral once every hour and go out and run this 4.167-mile loop, but how many times you’re doing to do that loop, nobody knows.

I love having a chance to see how far my body can go. I know that I’m going to face challenges out there. I know I’ll maybe get 5 minutes of rest every hour, if I’m lucky. I know I’m going to have to troubleshoot so many things during the race鈥攈ow much to eat, and drink, and rest. But otherwise everything else is unknown. I love the appeal of a race in which you have no idea when it’s going to end.

How do you keep your mind engaged while running for nearly four days?
I try to focus on the lap I’m in and not the ones that are coming up. During the night at Big’s I’d listen to music, and during the daytime I’d try and chat with other runners. I love to talk to people out there. In fact, at one point a few other runners told me that they wanted to run in silence. I was like “Oh, OK, sorry.” I find conversations with other runners to be really helpful to staying engaged.

Another thing I’d do out there鈥擨’d sing a song while I was running. But I’d often just sing every other word. I kept passing one guy when I was singing.听I was like “Oh, I’m so sorry! I have such a terrible singing voice and you’re just hearing every other word.” He was amused. But sometimes it gets really quiet out there and it helps to talk or sing to yourself. Another thing I did was dance when I hit the road sections. Dancing helped keep me awake.

Do you think backyard ultra races have the potential to attract casual competitive runners?
Absolutely, because you can pick your distance you’re aiming for before going in. Maybe you want to do your first 100-mile run and finish in under 24 hours. Maybe you just want to see if you can run through the night. Maybe your goal is 50 miles. You can map that out really easily at a Backyard Ultra because of the 4.167-mile lap distance.

A Backyard Ultra teaches you good pacing, because you don’t need to run as fast as you can. If you finish the lap in 40 minutes or 55 minutes, you still head back out after an hour. Also, you always come back to the same place after each lap, so you can fuel and hydrate properly . I see it as a welcoming format for a large swath of runners who are looking to push themselves to that ultramarathon distance.

I’m curious if the backyard ultra format has taught you lessons that you can apply to your everyday life?
I’ve noticed that when I come off of one I seem to have a lot more patience for things in my life. This lasts for weeks afterward. You realize you don’t have to always move so quickly during one of these races. After all, you’re just doing one thing, and you’re doing it for a long time. So yes, it teaches you about perseverance and patience. You become more kind. You become a better listener. Life slows down after one of these races, and you often feel like you’re living in a slow-motion situation.

What wisdom from your life as a professional runner do you try and pass on to the high school runners you coach?
I want the athletes to have fun and I want running to become a passion for them. Results are fine, of course, but you need to enjoy what you’re doing first. Yes, I teach them that they will sometimes have to push through pain, but I want them to enjoy the process of training, preparation for a race, and the lifestyle. And the other big thing is teaching them confidence. I ask my athletes to set goals before meets, and to talk about them with me. We create a plan for them to reach those goals by breaking things into smaller steps. Confidence can come from goal setting.

The post Megan Eckert Ran 362 Miles to Set a New Record for Backyard Ultras appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

First, a confession: I don鈥檛 usually like wearing sunglasses while running. And I run a lot. I test and review sunglasses for 国产吃瓜黑料, but most sunglasses kind of suck for running. They fog when you get sweaty, or they jostle around, or they鈥檙e too heavy and overbuilt. Many lenses鈥攅ven the ones billed as transition lenses鈥攁re too dark for trail running through dimly-lit forests or on early-morning missions with fickle light (which is when I tend to get my miles in).

So, for years now, I鈥檝e run without eye protection. But on longer runs or mid-day outings in bright sun, I鈥檝e started to notice serious eye fatigue. My legs are holding up fine at mile 20, but my eyes are cooked, which makes seeing trippable hazards in the trail even harder. All of which led me on an exhaustive hunt to find the perfect running sunglasses. I tested a whopping 51 pairs of sunglasses over the last nine months (perk of the job!) and I ended up finding the unicorn I was looking for: the Julbo Density.

If you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside. Learn more.

Julbo Density Sunglasses

Bottom line: These sporty, barely-there shield sunglasses excel in changing light, thanks to a lens that adjusts on the fly. You can wear them for a wide range of activities and light conditions.

Pros and Cons
鈯� One of the most lightweight, minimal sunglasses we tested
鈯� Expansive field of view and absolutely no fogging
鈯� Comfortable fit, stays put
鈯� Not as durable as other glasses; frame could snap if tossed around

Lens: Comes with either Julbo鈥檚 adaptable photochromic lens, called Reactiv, or a non-photochromic, less expensive option called Spectron.
Frame shape: Shield
Fit: Large
Weight: 20g

To help me test sunglasses, I gathered a team of Lake Tahoe, California-based multi-sport athletes, who were tasked with wearing a variety of shades while doing every outdoor pursuit they could think of. Afterward, they filled out extensive feedback forms with their input. You can see the sunglasses that rose above the rest in our complete review.

I wasn鈥檛 alone in my love of the Julbo Density. Some testers even argued over who got to wear the shades on their next testing outing. 鈥淭hese were a contentious pair of glasses in our house,鈥� said Jessica Hamilton, who tested alongside her husband, Goran. 鈥淭hey were used every day of the two weeks we had them.鈥�

Between 13 testers and across three seasons, we took the Density out Nordic skiing, backcountry skiing, hiking, mountain biking and road cycling, climbing 14ers, playing soccer, and biking to pick up our kids from school鈥攂ut it was trail running where they really shined. In part, that鈥檚 because of the lightweight, understated design. 鈥淵ou hardly know you鈥檙e wearing them,鈥� one tester said. Another added, 鈥淭he frame and lens shape were great for keeping out the wind. Mostly, I was impressed with how light they are.鈥�

Thin rubber temples glide over your ears with ease and stay put, while a streamlined frame just along the top of the lens cuts down on bulk. The lack of frame along the bottom of the glasses also made them great for looking down while navigating technical terrain: There鈥檚 nothing to obstruct your view.

Breezy ventilation and a big field of view come naturally with this lens shape and size. There wasn鈥檛 even a hint of fog inside the lens, even wearing a hat and hood during high aerobic output activities. It鈥檚 definitely an oversized lens鈥攊t worked best on our testers with larger faces. If you have a smaller head, you might be better off choosing the , which has similar lens tech and style but in a more petite shape.

The Density comes with lens options. You can spend less and get Julbo鈥檚 perfectly-good Spectron, a versatile polycarbonate lens that鈥檚 durable but doesn鈥檛 adapt to changing light conditions. Or you can spend about $80 more for Julbo鈥檚 photochromic Reactiv lens, a worthy splurge if you plan to use these in variable light conditions (which is pretty much everywhere, no?).

Forgive me while I gush a little over this lens. It is what sealed the Julbo Density as my top, and only, choice for trail running. Julbo鈥檚 Reactiv transition lens technology has a solid reputation amongst cyclists, but until this test, my running friends and I hadn鈥檛 discovered this beauty yet. The lens tints darker as you move into brighter light and clearer if you鈥檙e in a dimmer place. With road or trail running, the light is always changing, and the lens usually keeps up. Since running is slower than biking or skiing, it allows even more time for the lens to transition. 鈥淭he shift in tint doesn鈥檛 quite adjust fast enough on speedy downhills to make as much of a difference, but it made a big difference on slower uphills,鈥� one tester said.

On low-light days on forested singletrack, the lens was never too dark鈥攏o need to lift the shades onto your head; the lens just transitioned to a clearer tint. 鈥淚ncredible transition precision with clarity in harsh sun and flat light,鈥� said one tester. 鈥淚鈥檓 super impressed.鈥�

The Density is definitely a sporty look. You might as well have a sign on your forehead that says, 鈥淚 crush miles.鈥� One tester wrote, 鈥淭hey鈥檙e a bit too much of a vibe for the casual outing.鈥� But for endurance athletes鈥攅specially runners鈥攍ooking for a trusty new pair of shades with impeccable optics, this is it.

The post These Are the Only Sunglasses I鈥檒l Wear Running appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

On September 24, Conor Holt, the husband and coach of American ultrarunner , admitted to altering the biographies of Herron, Courtney Dauwalter, Kilian Jornet, and other prominent runners on the website Wikipedia. Holt’s edits boosted his wife鈥檚 accolades but also downgraded those of the other prominent ultrarunners.

“Camille had nothing to do with this,” Holt wrote in an email sent to 国产吃瓜黑料 and several running media websites. “I’m 100 percent responsible and apologize [to] any athletes affected by this and the wrong I did.”

The confession brought some clarity to an Internet mystery that embroiled the running community for several days and sparked a flurry of chatter on social media and running forums. Herron, 42, is one of the most visible ultrarunners in the sport, and over the years she has won South Africa’s Comrades Marathon and also held world records in several different events, including the 48-hour and six-day durations. But the Wikipedia controversy led to swift consequences for Herron鈥攈er major sponsor, Lululemon, .

The entire ordeal sprung from an who spent more than a week following digital breadcrumbs on dark corners of the Internet. For those who haven’t spent the last week breathlessly refreshing niche running websites, here’s how distance running’s most bizarre controversy in recent memory unfolded.

A Digital Sleuth Digs In

Marley Dickinson, a reporter for the website Canadian Running, began looking into the Wikipedia controversy in mid-September after receiving a tip from someone in the running community. The tipster told Dickinson, 29, that someone was attempting to delete important data from the Wikipedia entry for “.鈥�

The person had erased the accomplishments of a Danish runner named Stine Rex, who in 2024 broke two long-distance running records鈥攖he six-day and 48-hour marks鈥攚hich were previously held by Herron. At the time, the sport鈥檚 governing body, the International Association of Ultrarunners, was deciding whether or not to honor Rex’s six-day record of 567 miles.

“The person making the edits said the IAU had made a decision on the record, even though they hadn鈥檛 yet,” Dickinson told me. 鈥淲hoever was doing it really wanted to get Rex鈥檚 run off of Wikipedia.鈥�

Wikipedia allows anonymous users to edit entries, but it logs these changes in a public forum and shows which user accounts made them. After an edit is made, a team of volunteer moderators, known as Wikipedians, examines the changes and then decides whether or not to publish them. The site requires content to be verifiable through published and reliable sources, and it asks that information be presented in a neutral manner, without opinion or bias. The site can warn or even suspend a user for making edits that do not adhere to these standards.

Dickinson, who worked in database marketing at Thomson Reuters before joining Canadian Running, was intrigued by the bizarre edits. 鈥淚鈥檝e always been into looking at the backend of websites,鈥� he told me. 鈥淭here鈥檚 usually a way you can tie an account back to a person.鈥�

The editor in question used the name “Rundbowie,” and Dickinson saw that the account had also made numerous changes to Herron’s biography. Most of these edits were to insert glowing comments into the text. “I thought whoever this person is, they are a big fan of Camille Herron,” Dickinson said.

Rundbowie was prolific on Wikipedia, and made frequent tweaks and updates to other biographies. The account had removed language from the pages of Jornet and Dauwalter鈥攕pecifically deleting the text “widely regarded as one of the greatest ultramarathon runners of all time.” Rundbowie had then attempted to add this exact language to Herron鈥檚 page. Both attempts were eventually denied by Wikipedians.

After examining the edits, Dickinson began to suspect that Rundbowie was operated by either Herron or Holt. Further digital sleuthing bolstered this opinion. He saw that the Rundbowie account, which made almost daily edits between February and April, abruptly went silent between March 6-12. Those dates corresponded with Herron鈥檚 world-record run in a six-day race put on by Lululemon in California.

But Dickinson wasn鈥檛 done with his detective work. He saw that in March, Wikipedia had warned Rundbowie on its public Incident Report page. The reason? Rundbowie’s activity was nearly identical to that of a previous commenter that had been suspended for making repeated edits to Herron鈥檚 Wikipedia biography. That account was named . Moderators had shut down Temporun73 on February 8, which was the same day that the Rundbowie account was created.

Moderators had warned Temporun73 in January about its updates to Herron’s page. A moderator emailed the account saying: 鈥淯sing language like 鈥榣egendary,鈥� 鈥榩restigious,鈥� and 鈥榮teely toughness鈥� is not the kind of neutral tone that is allowed in writing here. Wikipedia is a factual source of content, not a promotional platform for athletes.鈥�

A final Internet deep dive convinced Dickinson that he was on the right track. The IP address鈥攁 string of characters associated with a given computer鈥攑laced Temporun73 in Oklahoma, which is where Herron and Holt live. Then, on a , which is where Herron attended graduate school, Dickinson found an old Yahoo email address used by Herron. The email name: Temporun73.

鈥淭o me, this was a clear sign that it was either Conor or Camille鈥� Dickinson said.

The Running Community Reacts

Dickinson published his story to听Canadian Running on Monday, September 23. The piece included screenshots of Wikipedia edits as well as Dickinson’s trail to Herron and Holt. It started off a flurry of online reactions.

A thread on the generated 360 comments, and several hundred more appeared on the Reddit communities for and . Film My Run, a British YouTube site, uploaded the following day. Within 12 hours, more than a hundred people shared their thoughts in the comments section.

It鈥檚 understandable why. Lauded for her , Herron is also one of the most visible ultrarunners on the planet. She gives frequent interviews, and has been an outspoken advocate for the , for , and for the advancement of women runners.

鈥淚 think we鈥檙e going to continue to see barriers being broken and bars raised. I want to see how close I can get to the men鈥檚 world records, or even exceed a men鈥檚 world record,” she told听国产吃瓜黑料 Run in 2023.

Herron has also spoken and written about her own mental health. Earlier this year, she began writing and giving interviews about her recent diagnosis with Autism and ADHD.

“Although I knew little about autism before seeking out a diagnosis, my husband, who observed my daily quirks and often reminded me to eat, drink, and go to bed, would jokingly speculate that I might be autistic,” on the website FloSpace in July.

Dickinson told me he had a very positive image of Herron from his short time at听Canadian Running. He joined the website in 2021.

“She’s always been super nice and welcoming,” Dickinson said.

Dickinson says he reached out to Herron and Holt via email and social media, but did not receive a reply. On Monday afternoon, a user on the social media platform X asked Herron about the story. “It’s made up,” Herron’s account replied. “Someone has an ax to grind and is bullying and harassing me.”

Herron’s social media accounts were deactivated shortly afterward鈥擧olt later said he took them down.

Some online commenters questioned if the story was legitimate鈥攕omething I did too, initially. Following Dickinson’s arcane trail through Wikipedia’s backend required a careful read, and a strong knowledge of the encyclopedia鈥檚 rules and regulations.

After speaking to Dickinson, I sent my notes to a Wikipedia expert named Rhiannon Ruff, who operates a digital consulting firm called Lumino that helps clients navigate the online encyclopedia. Ruff examined the story as well as the Wikipedia histories of Rundbowie and Temporun 73, and said that the evidence strongly suggested that both accounts were operated by the same person. But, since Wikipedia allows for anonymity, you cannot make the connection with 100 percent certainty.

Ruff pointed out that Wikipedia’s internal editors strongly believed the two accounts had a biased with Herron, because the accounts had attempted to write in the same sentence. “Both tried to add details about her crediting the influence of her father and grandfather, and how she runs with a smile,” Ruff said.

Ruff also pointed me to the prolific . Started in 2016, the account had made approximately 250 edits to various Wikipedia biographies. Most were to Herron’s own page, but the account also attempted to alter the pages for a wide variety of topics: South Africa’s Comrades Marathon, Kenyan runners Tegla Loroupe and Ruth Chepng’etich, American Jim Walmsley, Greek runner Yiannis Kouros, the city of Alamosa, Colorado (where Holt and Herron own a residence), British runner Lizzy Hawker, Lithuanian runner Aleksandr Sorokin, Barkley Marathons founder Lazarus Lake, and the 1999 Oklahoma tornado outbreak, among others.

The account also made at least five edits to Dauwalter’s page.

Conor Holt Responds

国产吃瓜黑料 reached out to Herron via email, text, and phone calls shortly after the听Canadian Running听story published. On Tuesday, Holt emailed his mea culpa to听国产吃瓜黑料 and nine other outlets.听Canadian Running was not included on the list.

In his message, Holt said that he and Herron had been delayed in responding because they were in Greece to participate in the running race Spartathlon, which begins on Saturday, September 28. He said that Dickinson’s initial outreach had ended up in his email spam folder, which is why he did not respond to the Canadian Running听story.

“I never got a chance to say anything to the Canadian Running website before they published it,” Holt wrote.

Holt admitted that he was the operator of the Temporun73 and Rundbowie accounts. But he said his Wikipedia editing was aimed at combating online bullies who had removed biographical details from Herron’s Wikipedia page in the past.

“I kept adding back in the details, and then they blocked my account in early February of this year,” Holt wrote. “Nothing was out of line with what other athletes have on their pages. Wikipedia allows the creation of another account, so I created a new account Rundbowie. I was going off what other athletes had on their pages using the username Rundbowie and copying/pasting this info.”

“I was only trying to protect Camille from the constant bullying, harassment and accusations she has endured in her running career, which has severely impacted her mental health,” he added. “So much to the point that she has sought professional mental health help.”

国产吃瓜黑料 asked Holt via email to provide further details, but we did not receive a response. In an email to Canadian Running,听Holt said he was focused on Herron’s upcoming race, and would not be conducting interviews.

But the fallout from the admission came quickly. On Thursday morning Dickinson broke more news: apparel brand Lululemon, which has backed Herron since 2023, had ended its partnership. In a statement provided to several outlets, the brand said it was dedicated “to equitable competition in sport for all,” and that it sought to “intentionally partner with ambassadors who embody these same values.”

“After careful consideration and conversation, we have decided to end our ambassador partnership with Camille,” the statement said.

The announcement marked a bizarre bookend to the saga, and penned a weird new chapter into the history books of American endurance sports. In previous years, endurance athletes have faced criticism for comments made in interviews, for cheating, and for . But an endurance athlete ending up in the crosshairs due to edits on Wikipedia鈥攖hat truly is a first.

The post The Strange Saga of Ultrarunner Camille Herron and Wikipedia appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

There鈥檚 something about late summer. The last of the snow melts, the summer rains stop, and the air finally begins to cool. In short: it鈥檚 the perfect weather for a long hike. Or鈥攊f you happen to be a top-tier endurance athlete鈥攆or smashing your heroes鈥� records to smithereens.

Over the last few weeks, trails across the United States have seen some stunning new (FKTs). What鈥檚 more, they鈥檝e been rolling out at a pace that鈥檚 left our news team scrambling to cover them all. From an astonishing controversial three-hours sprint up the Grand Teton, to a grueling 40-day, 18-hour Appalachian Trail sufferfest, it鈥檚 been a fast, fast summer.

The season鈥檚 perfect weather鈥攃ool, dry, mercilessly free of wildfire smoke in many regions鈥攈as helped bolster the rate of new records. But a big part of the uptick may actually be post-pandemic timing.

鈥淭here was a during Covid,鈥� said Will Peterson, who set a new FKT on Vermont鈥檚 272-mile Long Trail FKT on September 1. 鈥淪ome people went back to doing races, but many athletes have stuck around because they got into FKTs during the pandemic and really liked it.鈥�

According to Peterson, FKTs have become more respected over the past few years鈥攚hich has made them a target for big-name celebrity runners as well as speedy underdogs who would normally eschew traditional competitions.

鈥淚n some ways, it’s more accessible and more relatable than running races,鈥� Peterson said. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 why I got into it鈥攊t鈥檚 something anyone can do. You don鈥檛 have to have a ton of money or sponsorships to go out and set an FKT.鈥�

Today, more people seem to be chasing long-trail records than ever before, Peterson said. Between the increased awareness and expanded pool of contenders鈥攎any of whom have now been training for exactly this sort of objective for several years鈥攊t鈥檚 perhaps no wonder that record-setting is entering a golden age. Here鈥檚 a look at five perfect case studies from this summer.

Brent Herring Fought Hallucinations to Score a Colorado Trail FKT

On August 22, Durango, Colorado-based endurance athlete and skimo racer kicked off FKT season when he stumbled across the finish line of the 500-mile Colorado Trail with a new self-supported record. His time鈥�10 days, 17 hours, and 38 minutes鈥攚as about four days faster than the women鈥檚 record, which set in 2020.

While popular, the Colorado Trail is no walk in the park. Many hikers need four to six weeks. After all, the distance is only part of the challenge. Much of the route lies above 10,000 feet, and numerous grueling climbs and mountain passes rack up around 90,000 feet in total vertical gain. On his very first day on the trail, Herring suffered from heat exhaustion and nearly quit. A week later, he started , another symptom of extreme fatigue. But he pushed through to the finish, cruising into his hometown just after midnight where his wife鈥攁nd a large pizza鈥攚ere waiting.

Anton Krupicka Ran the LA Freeway in Just Over 13 Hours

On August 31, ultrarunner Anton Krupicka practically sprinted the , a 34-mile traverse of the Continental Divide, which he took down in just over 13 hours. The route is as technical as it is long: It includes considerable stretches of fourth- and fifth-class terrain and connects the highest points of Colorado鈥檚 Indian Peaks Wilderness and Rocky Mountain National Park. The entirety of the traverse lies above 12,000 feet in elevation.

To prep, Krupicka spent as much time at altitude as possible. 鈥淚 climbed Longs Peak 30 times over the course of the summer,鈥� he said. 鈥淏ut to be honest, I didn鈥檛 think I was going to set the record this year.鈥� He鈥檇 initially planned for a July attempt, but by then, the ephemeral streams lacing Colorado鈥檚 highcountry he would rely on for hydration had all but dried up. Krupicka knew the unsupported record would be impossible without on-route water.

鈥淚鈥檇 pretty much given up,鈥� he said. But a last-ditch reconnaissance mission in August revealed reemerging springs after a few weeks of heavy rain. Krupicka immediately started prepping for a record attempt. On August 31, he went for it鈥攁nd finished the route in a cool 13 hours, 20 minutes, and 48 seconds, shaving more than three hours off runner Kyle Richardson鈥檚 2018 time.

Will Peterson Broke the Long Trail鈥檚 Four-Day Barrier

Over Labor Day weekend, thru-hiker Will Peterson scored the overall FKT on America鈥檚 oldest thru-hike: the 272-mile Long Trail in Vermont. He completed the route in just three days, 21 hours, and ten minutes. In doing so, he became the first person to finish the trail in under four days, and beat the previous record by more than six hours. The feat comes about a year after Peterson set the trail鈥檚 unsupported record in August of 2023.

For Peterson, the early-September timing was purely related to the Labor-day school break he had: as a third-year medical school student, weekends and holidays are pretty much the only time he has to bust out big multi-day adventures. During the week, he works or studies for eight to ten hours per day, and spends the rest of the time training.

To notch the record, Peterson averaged around 70 miles and up to 22,700 feet of elevation gain per day (which is a lot, even by ultrarunning standards) and relied on a team of 30 pacers and crew members鈥攐nly about half of whom he knew.

鈥淚 put out an appeal to the local running community, saying that I needed help with a supported attempt,鈥� he explained. 鈥淎bout half the people who responded were friends and family members. The rest were total strangers.鈥� But together, they helped him battle debilitating quad pain, long stretches of night running, and total exhaustion to crush his previous record by about 15 hours.

鈥淚t was truly a team effort,鈥� he said.

Michelino Senseri Attempted a Controversial FKT on the Grand Teton听

On September 2, Idaho-based endurance athlete Michelino Senseri announced that he鈥檇 bagged a sub-three-hour speed record on Wyoming鈥檚 Grand Teton. In the following days, Fastest Known Time reviewed his claim鈥攁nd then rejected it.

In their review of his claim, Fastest Known Time noted that Sunseri cut at least one switchback. That means that, while he did climb the Grand in a very fast time, he did not follow the sanctioned route. Because he was essentially competing on a different field of play, his claim was ruled invalid.

His feat is still impressive. It takes most experienced climbers a full day to summit and descend the 13,770-foot peak. The fact that Sunseri was able to do it in just 2 hours, 50 minutes, and 50 seconds speaks to his athleticism and dedicated preparation: he completed more than 40 climbs of the Grand over the course of several years before making his effort. But a few decision-making errors cost him the ultimate triumph.

Tara Dower became the Appalachian Trail鈥檚 New Speed Queen听

On September 21, just a few minutes to midnight, Virginia-based thru-hiker and endurance athlete Tara 鈥淐andy Mama鈥� Dower jogged the final hill to the top of Springer Mountain, the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. When the clock stopped at 40 days, 18 hours, and 5 minutes, she became the fastest human鈥攚oman or man鈥攖o complete the Appalachian Trail supported.

Dower ran an average of 54 miles per day to snatch the record from previous FKT-holder Karl Sabbe. She also ate upwards of 10,000 calories each day and woke up at 3:00 AM every morning to stay on pace. It paid off. In a , Dower called the feat 鈥渁 dream come true.鈥�

鈥淚f I鈥檓 to be honest I didn鈥檛 think it was possible,鈥� she wrote. 鈥淗owever, I had people on my crew who believed in my abilities and pushed me to my limits. That鈥檚 all it was.鈥�

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