2009 Trail Running Shoe Review

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IMPACT Magazine > Running > News and Articles > 2009 Trail Running Shoe Review

2009 Trail Running Shoe Review

There's nothing better than breaking in a new pair of runners on autumn trails.

Every year, new off-road and trail events add to an already amazing race season in western Canada. The new XTERRA Alberta, along with the already popular Roadrunner XC, 5 Peaks, and Vasque running series, are just a sample of a growing off-road community. Trail runners are a friendly crowd of outdoor enthusiasts looking for a more nature-based experience and are generally less competitive than their road-racing counterparts. If the idea of off-road racing has piqued your interest, make sure you invest in a trail-specific shoe for your journey.

Trail shoes used to be very similar in construction to road running shoes. In the past, shoe manufacturers would add a little traction to the outsole and make a few small changes in order to set themselves apart from other companies and appeal to a small off-road market. In more recent years, however, the trail running market has grown enormously, leading to exciting new innovations. Shoes are often built to be waterproof, with performance soles that stick to everything you might want to run over, under, or through. This, together with stability lacing and comfortable sock-like inners, makes for a whole new breed of footwear.

When buying a trail shoe, look for secure lacing, comfortable midsoles, and outer soles that provide traction and protection. As well, consider climate and terrain, and, of course, the biomechanics of your feet. Here is our pick of some of the best footwear on the planet that will get you tearing up the trails.

Adidas Supernova Riot 2 ($140)

Adidas Supernova Riot 2

In recent years, I’ve been a big Adidas fan for my road running shoes and have been particularly enamoured with the Supernova series. So I was excited to try a trail version: the Adidas Supernova Riot 2. My test pair is dark purple with pink and yellow accents, fantastic and unusual colours. I was excited to try them on. When I first put my feet in these shoes, the fit was fine without any issues, and they stayed that way while running. The adiWEAR soles on these shoes are fantastic. They provide excellent traction and have a high level of cushioning. These shoes definitely feel stable and sturdy, yet also light enough. The upper material is breathable and comfortable. In and of itself, this is a nice pair of trail runners. However, while my foot has enough space in the Riot model without any pressure points, it also feels slightly lost, especially around the mid-foot area. The inner material around the heel feels rough to touch, though that wasn’t an issue when wearing socks. While my
heel was fine and held in place, the fit wasn’t superb. Perhaps these shoes simply need more time to break in and mould to the shape of my feet. I will definitely keep putting the Adidas Supernova Riots to use on my trail runs. —Margreet Dietz

Asics GEL-Trail Sensor 3 WR ($169.99)

Asics Gel-Trail Sensor 3 WR

The Asics GEL-Trail Sensor 3 is full-on fly! As in fly-over-the-trails fast, high, and dry. I absolutely loved the lightweight upper combined with the cushioned outsole that makes the Asics a lighter alternative to most trail fare. If heavy-duty stability or pronation control is your gig, find another shoe. The deep heel well and gel cushioning in the rear of the GEL-Trail Sensor 3 provides cushion, stability, and support, while still allowing you to “feel” the trail. A broad forefoot built over a rock-resistant plate covered by gel padding maximizes comfort while maintaining grip and solid push-off power. The inner lace-locking system supported by riveted metal eyelets holds your foot stable in a way that, combined with its weight and waterresistant capacity (wicks well and quickly after stream crossings), makes the Asics GEL-Trail Sensor 3 an amazing technical trail shoe. It does not matter whether the terrain is grass, dirt, rock, or scrabble—this trainer has the flexibility, agility, and control to tame the nastiest trails. —Pete Estabrooks

Brooks Cascadia 4 ($160)

Brooks Cascadia 4

Now here is an eye-catching shoe that will take you anywhere you dare, whether it is suburbia or the mountains. This year’s shoe comes with a fit just like the Cascadia 3—very comfortable for the neutral runner, with a touch of mild stability for slight pronation control. The cushioning is next to none, whether you are a heel or forefoot striker. It will not suck the snap from you going uphill, and it absorbs the shock on the steepest descent. I really like how Brooks kept with the toe protection, but I would like to see it wrap even more onto the toe box to keep out that little extra moisture during a really sloppy run. Incorporating a mesh cover connecting the upper under the laces to keep out the junk would be desirable, as well. In terms of the tread, though, wow! Obviously, Brooks knows when they have something good going on because this pattern and tread depth is the best I have come across next to a set of spikes. Very responsive on cornering, and it bit hard into the turns, while keeping the foot snug. I also took it for a river run where it stuck well to the wet and slimy rock. The only thing that could make it better would be to have a softer inside to alleviate potential barefoot hot spots. Other than that, you cannot go wrong with this trail shoe. Brilliant all-round shoe that lasts! —Nik Southwell

Merrell ST Stature 2 SRP ($170)

Merrell ST Stature 2 SRP

The Merrell ST Stature 2 SRP is a fantastic trail running shoe. It is a shoe that has easily enough heel and forefoot cushioning for running road but contains all the accessories to feel confident and comfortable on the trail. The greatest plus comes from the overall comfort. The Stature 2 fits snuggly. The biggest problem with trail shoes is loose fit allowing for foot movement on sloping or rough terrain. Such movement takes all confidence away from the athlete and therefore inevitably impedes performance. Part of the shoe construction contains a ground shield to protect the metatarsal region that can get fatigued and sensitive over rocky trail. This, along with a slip-resistant heel lining (called the T-cup), may have helped with the secure footing. Merrell has instituted a waterproof sock-like tongue with a gaiter collar that, along with a waterproof vamp, would certainly help keep your foot dry and free from debris. In the miles I ran in this shoe, not once did I have to stop and dislodge any ill-placed stone or bark bits. Overall, the look and feel of Merrell’s ST Stature 2 SRP gets full ratings from me. As a trail and road trainer, it seemed rugged and comfortable enough to cover many miles without issue. —Graham Cocksedge

Mizuno Wave Ascend 4 ($140)

Mizuno Wave Ascend 4

This lightweight trail shoe has a tread that is similar to a mountain bike tire. The tread is a soft rubber with strategically placed knobs, each having a purpose for maximum traction. This shoe feels great as soon as you put it on. For your typical trail, this shoe is perfect and could also be used in cross-country racing. Its dynamotion fit makes the shoe super-comfortable, with no slippage when in motion. The Wave Ascend 4 is low to the ground, allowing for good feel for the terrain. —Cal Zaryski

New Balance MT910GT Hero ($159.95)

New Balance MT910GT Hero

These shoes are built to run in the mountains among the rocks and roots. The shoe is super-stable, with an aggressive tread. It even has a moulded, hard rubber toe bumper to protect against those occasional missed steps and potential toe jam! To protect your feet from getting too wet on those damp mornings, a breathable GO RE-Tex XCR lining is used for the upper and tongue. New balance has also made it easier to slip on with added heel loops. Although stiff at first, these shoes tend to loosen up after a few uses but then start to conform to your feet without losing any stability. This shoe would also be a great winter shoe. —Cal Zaryski

Nike Trail Pegasus 26 ($129.95)

Nike Trail Pegasus 26

Perhaps the softest trail runner I’ve ever worn, the Nike Pegasus 26 trail shoe provided a cushy ride, no matter how asperous the terrain. The forefoot Stoneshield was very effective without making the shoe stiff. The outsole was flexible and the multidirectional lugs made for super traction on a variety of surfaces. The water-resistant upper kept my feet dry and still felt highly breathable. This shoe would be a godsend for someone running an ultra. The padded collar, gusseted tongue, and Airsole heel and forefoot made this shoe incredibly plush. While it offers a luxurious feel, the shoe sits a little high off the ground and has a minimal toe bumper; hence, it was not ideal for aggressive fast-paced running. Regardless, what the shoe lacked in toughness, it certainly made up for in comfort. —Syl Corbett

Pearl Izumi syncroSeek III WRX ($179.99)

Pearl Izumi syncroSeek III WRX

You do not slip into the Pearl Izumi syncroSeek III WRX. Getting this shoe on is like popping your foot into Fort Knox. This shoe is strong; it is secure and locks you in for the long run. The shoe has a bit of a boxy feel at the outset and does not run roads well, but that security translates to great foot feel and spectacular all-around stability on the trails. A combination of a heavyduty upper that is impervious to penetration and killer traction provided by the solid yet flexible outsole make this shoe a genuine scrambler. Running over roots, rocks, and branches is never an issue in the syncroSeek III WRX (sticks and stones may break your bones, but “runs” will never hurt you). With a water-resistant breathable seamless upper, the shoe runs through wet woods and slippery rocks well and enters the “mudder” category in good standing. The only drawback (and it is a small one) is that the water-resistant component can work against you, keeping your feet, uh, “moist” for a while if your trail has several “full-immersion” water crossings. It is not like they don’t dry out; it just takes a bit. In those instances, lube your feet beforehand, take the high ground, or Superman-leap your creeks. —Pete Estabrooks

Puma Trailfox III ($129.99)

Puma Trailfox III

This fall you can find a mountain running partner that will attempt any trail along with you, courtesy of Puma. The Trailfox III is a very comfortable shoe for trail runners with narrow to mid-sized feet. The lacing ribs that extend from the sole of the shoe upwards do a very good job at supporting your foot from both sides, providing you with a stable shoe on a rather narrow sole. I would suggest this shoe for any weekend warrior looking to run single track in mountain-like conditions since it absorbs shock well on hard surfaces, but digs in and provides excellent traction on soft trails. I really enjoyed the neoprene sock construction that proved to be waterproof, but also gave a glove-like fit not seen in many trail shoes. My only caution would be that this shoe fits narrow and may not clear mud well in “sticky situations” due to its deep grooves. The Trailfox III performs better than some shoes twice its price and provides an excellent-fitting shoe that I would recommend to my friends, but not my competitors. —Jordan Bryden

Salomon S-LAB XT Wings ($170)

Salomon S-Lab XT Wings

These shoes feel as amazing as they look. To start with, they are bright red, which brings associations of love, energy, power, fire, and excitement, which go a long way to summing up how most of us runners feel about our sport. Provided the physical training is done, ours is largely a mental sport: looking down on a pair of red shoes certainly gives me that extra bit of attitude that can make all the difference in striving for another personal best. The S-LAB XT Wings feel like they are tailored to my feet and were an absolutely perfect fit from the moment I put them on. Yes, I am raving about these shoes. I’ve owned many pairs of shoes in my fourteen years of running, including many that I loved and have been a repeat buyer of, but never has a shoe felt as well-designed as this one. From my heel to my arches to my toes, everything fits and feels absolutely the way it should. These shoes are light, yet sturdy; stable, yet cushioned. The tongue is comfortable and held firmly in place. The lacing system works well (despite my initial doubts about the thinness of the laces). The soles provide excellent traction. I also love the angle of the sole, which allows the shoe to feel like it rolls forward very naturally with every step. Toes are protected from rocks or tree stumps by a more solid material on the outside that still feels soft and comfortable on the inside. With or without socks, these shoes are a treat to wear. Ten toes up! —Margreet Dietz

Saucony ProGrid Razor ($180)

Saucony ProGrid Razor

When I first opened the box and peered in to see Saucony’s new ProGrid Razor trail running shoe I thought I was up for an extreme game of b-ball. The Razor is certainly unique in its aesthetics by trying to maintain a weatherproof shoe. Saucony has partnered up with two companies to achieve a shoe that will withstand the challenges of off-road running. It had Vibram help produce the sole of the shoe, and, sure enough, while running, the platform seemed supportive and gripped in varying conditions.

The most radical constituent of the Razor was achieved by working with the company eVent that manufactures waterproof materials. The entire inside of the shoe is lined with its membrane, as well as a three-inch gaiter that zips up the front. The look is “love or hate”; of course, if structure is a successful component of function, then looks are trumped. Both gaiter and shoe liner claim to be waterproof and breathable. I found them to be waterproof, but in the heat of the current summer, they proved to be very hot. On a slightly humble side, if you run past a chicken coop and hear snickers, you know your legs were constructed for running; if this is the case, the gaiter will not universally snug up to all ankles. So I found on numerous occasions I had to stop to clear bark mulch or stones from inside the gaiter.

Overall, the shoe has great cushion, fits fairly snuggly below the ankle, and the gusseted tongue and cinch-up lace system allow for the gaiter to work smoothly. So, if you come across a game of pick-up in the midst of a rainforest, you’re outfitted.
—Graham Cocksedge

Teva X-1 Evoluti on ($130)

Teva X-1 Evolution

After having a great year of running in the Hydron, I was able to take on a little brother of the Teva family, the X-1 Evolution. At first glance, this shoe looks much simpler than the trail shoe rivals on the market. You can tell that the trash brought home with this trail shoe will be minimal because of the sleek simplicity of its seams, eyelets, and shallow tread. The X-1 Evolution is very clean cut, and felt like a lightweight in the nine-ounce class. Upon closer inspection, it looks like an aerodynamic track shoe that was made for the trails, and, sure enough, after putting it on, it felt exactly like it was race day again. It was soft on the insole with no barefoot hot spots and responded like a flat on the West Coast fire trails. The spider XC tread bit well into the corners and stuck well to dry rock. The X-1 Evolution proved itself, keeping out sticks, thorns, and anything else thrown its way while navigating through the dense cut lines of northern Alberta. Pros of the X-1 Evolution are its lightweight ability to keep out debris, great for most any trail race, although it was not very responsive in the muck. It caters to the neutral runner, as there is little midsole support. I really like this shoe, and would recommend it to anyone serious about running fast on the trails. —Nik Southwell

The North Face Ult ra 104 GTX XCR ($130)

The North Face Ultra 104 GTX XCR

From The North Face comes a waterproof GO RE-Tex trail runner in the Ultra 104 GTX XCR. The shoe is one of the most rugged, yet supportive, trail shoes I have tried, due to its wide-based lacing eyelets. This helps to create a strong support structure that wraps your foot well and helps to prevent an ankle from rolling while tearing through mud, ice, rocks, and whatever else you choose to run through in your spare time. You also have the option of re-lacing the shoe with the more standard eyelets. I tested the shoe on Calgary’s own Douglas Fir Trail and on the road and pathways to see how it preformed. I found the shoe to be a little restrictive on the road and was a little too aggressive for basic running on the pathways and road. It felt a bit stiff on the flats, but when I took it off-road, the Ultra 104 started to shine. The traction was a little weak on the icy conditions, but felt amazing on climbs and descents. Puddles weren’t an issue due to the waterproof upper, and I felt quite confident on aggressive trails. I would recommend that if you are looking for a shoe you can use to run/hike/walk in the mountains, this is a great value. It may also suit you well if you need more support due to weaker ankles. However, it really is a trail-only shoe. —Jordan Bryden

The Reviewers

Jordan Bryden is a former Xterra Junior World Champion. He finished fourth overall at last year’s Off-road National Triathlon Championships. He lives close to Nose Hill in Calgary, Alberta, and enjoys trail running frequently.

Graham Cocksedge, of Powell River, British Columbia, has represented Canada five times at the World Cross Country Championships and was the National University Champion while attending the University of Victoria.

Syl Corbett, an avid trail runner, has developed ONE (Optimum Neuromuscular Efficiency), a comprehensive treatment protocol for higher functionality and performance. Corbett’s practice is located at TCR Sport Lab in Calgary, Alberta.

Margreet Dietz has competed in numerous marathons and triathlons including a total of five Ironman competitions. Dietz is a professional writer living in Squamish, British Columbia, and a regular contributor to endurance sports magazines.

The Fitness Guy Pete Estabrooks is a self-proclaimed foot soldier experienced in the worst and the best of road and off-road marathons; for him, nothing makes a run better than the still of the forest, the babble of a brook, the wind in his hair, and a good pair of shoes. Estabrooks lives and trains in Calgary, Alberta.

Based in Victoria, British Columbia, Nik Southwell enjoys life to the fullest through hiking, rock climbing, finishing up a Paramedicine degree, and challenging his running on the trails. His fitness still rivals the days when he twice won the 125-kilometre Death Race and competed at the elite running level. At thirty-four, Southwell admits to “living vicariously on the competitive running stage through the athletes that I coach. Running will always be coursing through my veins.”

Calgary’s Calvin Zaryski, widely known as Coach Cal of Critical Speed, is a Top Amateur Off-Road Triathlete and three-time Triathlon Canada Coach of the Year. He recently won the overall 2009 amateur title in the Xterra West and NorthWest Championships. He has been in the top-five overall amateurs at the World Championships for the last five years!

2 Comments

Mark makes this comment

Thu 12 Nov 2009 03:37:06 PST

I went through all of these runners on-line and not one is offered in my size. Am I the only one with 11.5 EE size feet?
kim makes this comment

Sat 05 Dec 2009 06:30:15 PST

new balance will offer something in your size for sure!