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Trail Shoe Review

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Trail Shoe Trends
The number of trail running shoes has nearly reached a saturation point, but the competition has caused an improvement in quality and features of the off-road shoes. The search for innovative materials and solutions is raising the standard of shoes throughout the category.

Hi-Tec Catalyst Low

Hi-Tec Catalyst Low
The cushioning, stability, and traction combine for trail performance, but it can handle the roads as well as most trail shoes can.

Merrell Terrator

Merrell Terrator
 The Terrator is a brawny, supportive, traction-packed trail shoe. The lacing, with extended Ghilley loops, offers outstanding fit and support, and the traction eats up the trail. The cushioning is a little firm for pavement, but more than makes up for it off-road.

Nike Air Dri-Goat

nike Air Dri-Goat
 The Dry Goat has the right mixture of stability, traction, cushioning, flexibility, and protection from trail elements.

North Face Baja Runner

North Face Baja Runner
 The North Face line now includes four performance trail running shoes allowing specialization. The Baja Runner, inspired by the desert environment, is designed for warm conditions with moisture-wicking fibers lining the shoe and airy mesh to vent it. The sole offers traction with a gum rubber look, but more durability. Flexibility, stability, and cushioning allow for comfort in the secure, low-slung upper with matching profile.

Salomon Raid Race

Salomon Raid Race
 The need for bootlike protection with running shoe lightness. This element may be partly responsible for the schizophrenic nature of trail running shoes; am I a boot or am I a shoe? The Raid Race is an adventure racing shoe. Good cushioning, traction, and flexibility with stability and support. Several unique features improve the picture. A rapid lock/unlock lacing system with a well-cushioned tongue gets you in and out quickly, cut-away lugs grip without any extra weight and assymetrical lacing enhances the fit. A look at the internal support may convince you of the protection, as the bottom of the foot is encased in a lightweight framework without adding unnecessary bulk.

Salomon Raid Sport

Salomon Raid Sport
 The Raid Sport is a performer in its own right, handling the demands of the trail as well as its flashier running mates. It has a number of subtle features which seem insignificant but add to the total. For instance, the extended top eyelet has a slotted end to lock the lace in place. Small touch? Yes, but it combines with support, cushioning, traction, stability and protection to likely be what you are looking for in a trail shoe.

Timberland Charging

Timberland Charging
 Traction, stability and cushioning in the three are similar, but the Charging offers a boxier fit with protective overlays to shield the foot from trail debris. The traction is almost equal from trail to road, providing versatility.

Timberland McQuick

Timberland McQuick
 With a low-profile, cushiony ride, tapered fit, cool anti-debris velcroed flap, got your attention? The McQuick offers much for the neutral-footed, besides the flap one wear-tester described as "perfect for keeping the crap out of your laces." Consistent traction, nearly equal performance on trail or road, and good flexibility.

ASICS Gel Nandi DS III

ASICS Gel Nandi DS III
 All the technology we have come to expect from ASICS is still present, and the performance is as expected with a bit more control from the straighter-fitting tailoring of the upper.

New Balance 904

New Balance 904
 The 904 is actually an improvement on its predecessors. Aimed at the trail, it does an adequate job on the roads, especially if you like your ride on the firm side. The profile has been lowered, the lugs beefed up, and the blend of cushioning, stability, and traction retooled to deliver trail performance.