Walk About’s
2007 Trail Shoe Review

By Robb Finegan

Once again the weather is about to turn back to the rainy season that we all know too well. We still want to get out and enjoy our treks, but we don’t want to go slipping and sliding down the trails. Some of the new trail shoes on the market will keep your feet nice and dry without having to take out a second mortgage on your home. Many trail shoes are designed with flexible midsoles to tackle the roads, but are still sturdy enough to handle the roughest trails.

So get outside and embrace the rain and the mud.

Adidas adiZero XT $80 www.adidas.com The adiZero XT is new on the market for 2007. This lightweight, lower profile trail shoe is the best value of the bunch. The adiZero XT has a breathable upper with adiPRENE cushioning in the heel and forefoot. It has the feel of a racing flat, but still protects you from the elements.	Adidas Trediac GTX $85 www.adidas.com The adidas Trediac GTX is a GORE-TEX trail shoe. How adidas was able to keep the price so low in a waterproof shoe is an old German secret. The outersole on the Trediac GTX is similar to the other trail shoes adidas has put out, so it is proven on the trail. The tongue is gusseted to keep your feet dry and dirt-free.	Asics 2120 Trail $95 www.asicsamerica.com One of the industry’s most popular road shoes is now ready for the trail. The upper on the 2120 Trail is water-resistant, and the tongue is gusseted to keep out debris. The outersole has small lugs to provide traction on the trail, but it is smooth enough to be comfortable on the road. This shoe does not come in widths this season, but for 2008 Asics will introduce wide widths.	Nike Structure Triax GTX $110 www.nike.com The new Structure Triax GTX is a hybrid shoe that will protect you from the elements while allowing you to tackle the roads. The upper is a GORE-TEX membrane that is waterproof and breathable. The midsole and outersole are the same as the road version, but the waffle sole will provide some traction on the trails. This makes for a great shoe if you have some pavement to cover to get to the trails. It is also Nike+ enabled, meaning you can communicate with your iPod nano via an integrated sensor in the shoe. Now you can “rock out” while working out.
Puma Trailfox II XCR $125 www.pumarunning.com The Trailfox II XCR has a waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX XCR membrane, and a ripstop, softshell upper that envelops your foot like a glove. A thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) rockshield protects the forefoot while still allowing for proper flexing. In addition to being lightweight and lower profile, the Trailfox II XCR is durable enough to hold up through many long walks on the Wildwood trail, plus your feet will be dry when you get home.	Brooks Adrenaline ASR 4 $95 www.brooksrunning.com The Adrenaline ASR 4 has been updated with the MoGo midsole and a new water resistant upper that is very breathable. Small lugs on the outersole provide great traction up on the trails but a smooth ride on the harder roads. The new HPR Green™ midsole material is environmentally friendly, using fewer steps in production of the product.	New Balance 790 $75 www.newbalance.com If you are walking in racing flats but need a more substantial shoe with which to tackle the trails, you are in luck. The 790 is both very low profile and flexible. It allows the foot to move naturally while still offering some protection from the elements. The roomy toe box and secure fit in the heel will accommodate a variety of different foot types. Having been out on the market for about a year, the 790 has proven itself as a trail shoe.	Montrail Streak $90 www.montrail.com The Streak is a new shoe in the Montrail line, available this coming spring. A lightweight, responsive trail shoe, this will be a nice addition to the Montrail line. The upper has minimal overlays, and the outersole allows you to get down the paved roads and attack the trails with a smooth transition.