Montrail Hardrock 09 $110
www.montrail.com

The Montrail Hardrock legend lives. After many years without much of an update, Montrail has given the classic a facelift. Still with all of the support the Hardrock has had in the past, but now lighter and more flexible in the forefoot. For those who need a very supportive trail shoe, the Montrail Hardrock is one of the best out on the market.

Mizuno Ascend 4 $90
www.mizunousa.com

The Ascend 4 continues to improve each year. The newest version gives you that combination of support and cushion with great traction. The Ascend has the feel of a road shoe but can handle the trails in the muddiest of conditions. As a mild support shoe, the Ascend offers medial support but is still lightweight and lower profile of a shoe.

Adidas adiZero XT $85
www.adidas.com

The adiZero XT has been a great update in the trail line for adidas. The adiZero XT has the feel of a lightweight road shoe but will tackle the roughest trails. Weighing in at 11 ounces, you will hardly notice the adiZero XT is on your feet. With the smooth ride the adiZero XT provides, it is a great shoe if there is pavement to pound before you get to the trails.

END Stumptown 8.5 oz. $65
www.ENDoutdoor.com

END is making a big splash in the footwear market. The Portland-based company focuses heavily on sustainability to put out a quality, environmentally friendly product at a great price. The Stumptown 8.5 oz. offers lots of shoe for $65, and in this economy everyone can use a break like that. The Stumptown 8.5 oz. is the lightest of the trail shoes offered but it won’t force you to sacrifice comfort or traction once you get on the trails.

La Sportiva Crosslite $90
www.lasportiva.com

The Crosslite is a lower profile trail shoe that can attack wet and muddy conditions while giving your feet a smooth ride. The Crosslite does fit a little narrower, but with the soft upper it can accommodate many different foot types. La Sportiva shoes are built on European half sizes, which have smaller increments than U.S. sizing, so you can get a more precise fit.

Brooks Cascadia 4 $100
www.brooksrunning.com

The Cascadia 4 continues to improve every year. Fans of the previous models won’t be disappointed when they try this shoe on. The improved upper still has the soft road shoe feel but will hold your foot in place over the roughest terrain. The rugged outer sole will let you cruise down Wildwood Trail with ease.

Inov-8 f-lite 230PK $95
www.inov-8.com

Here is the ultimate lightweight, low-profile urban trail shoe. The f-lite 230PK weighs only 8.2 ounces and has a sticky rubber outersole that will work out great on both trails and roads. This is also an excellent traveling shoe, since it packs flat and is very lightweight.

Vibram FiveFingers KSO $85
www.vibramfivefingers.com

The FiveFingers KSO is not for everyone. If you are a walker looking for the feeling of heading down the trail in your bare feet, here you go. The KSO “Keep Stuff Out” has a thin, stretch nylon and mesh upper and a rubber sole that is razor-siped for a sure grip. This is the true minimalist shoe.