2011 Spring Trail Shoe Review
SEE ALL SHOES REVIEWED BELOW
By Robb Finegan
This year’s spring lineup of trail shoes has something for everyone who loves to get down and dirty on the trails. Whatever the terrain you are on, there is a shoe that will serve your needs.
The trend is still for a lower-profile shoe that keeps you in contact with the natural surface. As the footwear market changes, however, trail shoes are providing a wider variety of options for trail enthusiasts. Everyone has a different foot type, and the range of trail shoes available ensures that every foot type has some options.
Many of us have to walk on hard surfaces before we get to the trail. Luckily, lots of these shoes are great hybrids between road and trail. You do not have to settle for a heavy hiking boot for your daily trek through the park. WA
Robb Finegan is a Fit Right Northwest co-owner. He oversees daily store operations and serves as footwear buyer for the Portland and Vancouver locations. To check out our full selection of the trail, walking, and running shoes Fit Right Northwest offers visit www.fitrightnw.com. |
Montrail Rogue Racer
www.montrail.com
The Montrail Rogue Racer is lighter and lower to the ground than many of the trail shoes out today. This results in a great feel for the surface and overall response. The Rogue Racer has plenty of rock protection with the feel of a road shoe. It may have “race” in its name, but this shoe will meet the daily demands of those looking to do more with less. $110 |
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Montrail Fairhaven
www.montrail.com
The Montrail Fairhaven is an all-around great hybrid trail shoe — great fit, great cushioning, and a versatile traction system for a smooth ride on all surfaces. It features the revolutionary new “FluidPost” stability technology that provides customized support for any runner’s foot strike on any terrain. When the foot tends to roll inward from either natural pronation or uneven surfaces, the FluidPost smoothes the ride. $110 |
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New Balance Minimus 10 Trail
www.newbalance.com
An entirely different approach to trail running, the New Balance 10 Minimus Trail takes the proven, versatile durability of a Vibram® outsole and combines it with a fitted, minimalist upper that’s comfortable with or without socks. A true natural-movement trail shoe that lets you be one with the ground. $100 |
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Inov-8 f-Lite 195
www.inov-8.com
The Inov-8 f-Lite 195 is a very lightweight, minimalist trail shoe that offers a high level of proprioception, or sense of the body’s position, with its super-thin midsole. With only a 3mm drop height from heel to toe, the f-lite 195 promotes natural foot motion and keeps runners stable and nimble. The outsole on the f-Lite 195 works on loose terrain but performs best over hardpack surfaces and is suitable for pavement. The f-Lite 195 has also been a big hit with the cross-fit crowd. $115 |
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Saucony Peregrine
www.saucony.com
Saucony’s Peregrine will let you be nimble and light on your feet while you head up and down the trails. With a heel height lower than the standard trail shoe and a less-inclined midsole, the Peregrine helps ensure stable footing in a light, responsive package. The multi-directional tread provides excellent traction, and a gusset tongue helps keep out debris. $90 |
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Brooks Cascadia 6
www.brooksrunning.com
The Brooks Cascadia has been the top-selling trail shoe for many years, and the Cascadia 6 is sure to continue that tradition. A lower heel in the Cascadia 6 and an additional pivot point are sure to keep you well balanced over any terrain. A Ballistic Rock Shield protects against stone bruising, while the multi-directional tread delivers outstanding traction. $110 |
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Vibram TrekSport
www.vibramfivefingers.com
FiveFingers introduces the TrekSport for outdoor enthusiasts. Vibram? uses an abrasion-resistant Coconut Active Carbon in the upper for natural breathability, 4mm EVA in the midsole for plating protection, and a lightly cleated 4mm Vibram® performance rubber outsole for extra traction on a variety of terrain types. $100 |
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