Break the routine and hit the trails this fall
2018 fall trail running shoe review
The fall is a great time to take a break from the roads and explore some new terrain. It’s the perfect opportunity to forget about hitting a certain pace and simply explore some of the trails in your area. Those trail efforts will be a lot more fun with the right shoe – we’ve got some suggestions for you here that are sure to fit the bill.
Saucony Xodus ISO3 – $180
Using Saucony’s Everun midsole material throughout you get lots of lightweight, comfortable cushioning in the Xodus ISO3. This lightweight (349 g) trail running trainer has a comfortable Isofit mesh upper that provides lots of breathable support. Traction comes from the 6 mm outsole lugs on the dual compound pwrtrac and XT-900 outsole. The end result is a fast feeling shoe with lots of support and traction, perfect for your next trail effort.
Inov-8 Terra Ultra G260 – $200
This summer Inov-8, the company that is based in the heart of fell-running heaven, the Lake District in northern England, launched a new series of training shoes that incorporate graphene, considered the world’s most durable material. The shoe most likely to fit the bill here in Canada is the Terra Ultra G260, which is geared for harder packed trails than you’ll typically see in the green, green fells around the company’s head office. The shoe, weighing 260 g, features a graphene-enhanced rubber outsole, breathable mesh upper enforced with Kevlar and a low-riding neutral platform that makes it easy to keep your legs turning over on the trails.
Under Armour UA Horizon 50 – $180
These heavy-duty trail runners could easily double as hiking shoes, too, but at 337 g, they are considerably lighter than any hiking boot. There’s a quick-drying air mesh upper that fits snug to your foot and breaths well, so you’ll remain comfortable on longer efforts, too. The neutral last and full-length EVA midsole provides lots of flexibility and cushioning, so you get the best of both worlds when it comes to quick turnover and support as you hit the trails. There’s a welded heel, and toe cap for abrasion resistance, lots of traction thanks to the zonal rubber outsole and the Lycra stretch collar ensures you won’t get sand, rocks or twigs in the shoe on gnarly trails.
Hoka One One Stinson ATR 4 – $190
Like all the Hoka One One shoes, there’s lots of support and cushioning built into the trail-oriented Stinson ATR 4, all in a shoe that weighs just 266 g. Hoka shoes are a favourite for those who have knee issues, and the Stinson ATR 4 will continue that trend. This version of the Stinson is wider than years past, providing lots of room in the toe box, making it a nice option for really long efforts. There are a number of lugs in the durable outsole so you’ll have lots of traction no matter what the terrain. This aggressive-looking shoe lives up to its looks on tough trails.
361 Santiago – $160
The all-terrain Santiago is designed to get you through run efforts of pretty much any distance over roads or trails. Weighing in at 320 g, there’s a 9 mm drop so you’ll find it easy to roll onto your toes for quicker efforts. There’s a breathable air mesh upper that, along with the Fitz-Rite midfoot with its TPU overlay, keeps your foot nice and secure as you work your way over rocks, logs and whatever else your trail adventures might put in your way. The rugged, tire-like outsole pattern provides lots of traction, and you get outstanding cushioning from the qu!kfoam in the midsole.
New Balance Fresh Foam Kaymin GTX – $150
Whether you’re on the road or deep in the trails, the Fresh Foam Kaymin GTX will provide lots of protection and cushioning in a 296 g package. The comfortable upper has a protected toe area that helps protect your feet on rougher terrain, while the Gore-Tex material keeps water out while still allowing your feet to breath. The Fresh Foam midsole provides lots of cushioning while the AT Tread used on the durable rubber outsole is specially designed to give you lots of traction both on the roads and trails.
Asics GT-2000 6 Trail – $170
A trail version of Asics’ iconic GT-2000 road shoe, this versatile shoe will get you through virtually any run effort whether you’re on the roads or trails. The FlyteFoam and FluidRide midsole provides lots of lightweight cushioning and “bounce back,” and you get added cushioning from the gel technology in both the fore- and rearfoot. The specially designed DuoMax support system provides a quick-feeling ride in this 315 g shoe, so you’ll be able to keep your feet moving quickly as you scamper through your favourite trails.
