Trail Running Shoes: Reviews

Updated August 2011

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Best trail-running shoe

This new trail shoe is more minimalist than a standard trail-running shoe. At just 10.1 ounces, it's substantially lighter than trail shoes of the past and sits much closer to the ground. Reviewers say the ProGrid… expandPeregrine provides a hard-to-find balance of fit, flexibility, protection and responsiveness. It handles a wide array of both wet and dry terrain, but those who run on particularly rugged trails may want to consider the Montrail Rockridge (*Est. $75). collapse

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Expert & User Review Sources:

Runner's World: Runner's World's shoe reviews are considered the gold standard, and Warren Greene and Martyn Shorten are largely viewed as two of the most well-versed experts in the market.

RunningTimes.com: Running Times is a strong source for running shoe reviews.

Women's Running Magazine: Sixteen wear-tested winners in a variety of categories are picked in this Spring 2011 shoe review from Women's Running Magazine.

Shape: Thirteen shoes are selected in Shape magazine's most recent annual guide to women's athletic shoes.

Outside: In Outside magazine's 2011 Summer Buyer's Guide, editors select 12 shoes as top picks for trail running shoes.

Canadian Running: As in previous incarnations, Canadian Running magazine's annual trail-running shoe guide features numerous pairs of trail shoes, but there's no indication that they were tested.

FeedtheHabit.com: Jason Mitchell, the proprietor of FeedTheHabit.com, both writes and solicits personal reviews of the latest trail-running shoes.

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Minimalist or barefoot-style trail-running shoe

Merrell Trail Glove

*Est. $110 Learn More

In recent years, serious runners and manufacturers have begun to emphasize the lightness of a trail-running shoe and the trail feel (or how much a runner can feel and then respond to the terrain). No other running shoe is… expandlighter or allows for a closer-to-the-ground feel than the men's Merrell Trail Glove and its sister shoe the women's Pace Glove. These are true minimalist running shoes, with a zero heel-to-toe drop and sitting a mere 4 mm off the ground. The shoe has a great fit and stellar flexibility. collapse

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Expert & User Review Sources:

Runner's World: Runner's World's annual shoe guides are considered the gold standard in running shoe reviews, and Warren Greene and Martyn Shorten are largely viewed as two of the most well-versed experts in the market.

RunningTimes.com: Running Times is a strong source for running shoe reviews.

National Geographic Adventure: In this annual guide, Steve Casimiro selects the must-have adventure gear of the year.

Shape: Thirteen models are selected in Shape magazine's most recent annual guide to women's athletic shoes.

Men's Fitness: Editors of Men's Fitness select nine running shoes for their 2011 shoe guide.

Canadian Running: As in previous incarnations, Canadian Running magazine's annual trail-running shoe guide features numerous pairs of trail shoes, but there's no indication that they were tested.

Amazon.com: More than 60 users provide feedback for the Merrell men's Trail Glove and almost as many weigh in on the women's version, the Pace Glove.

Trail-running shoe for rugged terrain

Montrail Rockridge

*Est. $75 Learn More

The Montrail Rockridge costs less than most trail running shoes but earns just as many accolades as pricier models. Reviewers from multiple publications are impressed with the shoe's excellent traction. Grippy rubber lugs… expandon the outsole ensure stable footing over gravel, slippery rocks and mud, they say. The Montrail Rockridge also protects against sharp rocks and trail debris, thanks to a rock plate in the forefoot. While offering a stable and sturdy ride, the Rockridge is also responsive enough so users still feel the trail under their feet. Some testers think the heel is too hard, which is most noticeable on flat trails. We also saw a few reports that narrow-footed testers have trouble getting a comfortable fit due to the roomy upper and wide toebox. collapse

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Expert & User Review Sources:

Trail Runner: Trail Runner magazine gives an Editors' Choice award to the Montrail Rockridge.

Outside: The Montrail Rockridge gets a perfect score for traction from the testers at Outside magazine, but a lower score for speed.

Runner's World: The Montrail Rockridge earns a nod in last year's trail-shoe guide from Runner's World magazine.

RunningTimes.com: Testers for Running Times magazine are impressed with the Montrail Rockridge, especially for use on technical trails that require an agile and responsive shoe.

Explore magazine: Canada's Explore magazine reviews five trail running shoes, including the Montrail Rockridge, for its Best Gear 2010 issue.

National Geographic Adventure: Brian Metzler at National Geographic Adventure says the Montrail Rockridge has lots of stability for rough trails, but is still comfortable enough for runs on the road.

Shape: Shape magazine calls the Montrail Rockridge the best trail running shoe for rugged terrain.

Buzzillions.com: Ten reviewers comment on the women's Montrail Rockridge at Buzzillions.com, where it earns a 4.4-star rating (out of 5). One owner with narrow feet finds the fit too wide.

Backcountry.com: Backcountry.com has 15 user reviews for the Montrail Rockridge, several of which are very detailed.

Altrec.com

for $55.59

Motion-control trail-running shoe

The North Face Double-Track

*Est. $110 Compare Prices

Trail running shoes are more stable than road shoes, so most runners won't need extra stability in their trail shoes. However, if you have moderate to severe overpronation (meaning your foot rolls inward too much when you… expandrun), The North Face Double-Track provides more stability than most. A medial stability post and a heel cradle provide stellar support and cushioning. Reviewers also say the shoe transitions well from trail to road. collapse

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Expert & User Review Sources:

Runner's World: Runner's World's annual shoe guides are considered the gold standard in running shoe reviews, and Warren Greene and Martyn Shorten are seen as two of the most well-versed experts in the market.

Outside: In Outside magazine's 2011 Summer Buyer's Guide, editors choose 12 models as top picks for trail running shoes.

Women's Adventure magazine: Women's Adventure Magazine provides an insightful buying guide and reviews five trail-running shoes.

Believe in the Run: This blog provides a detailed, balanced review of The North Face Double-Track, courtesy of a blogger who says he has severe pronation issues.

Men's Health: This men's magazine provides a relatively detailed review of The North Face Double-Track.

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Altrec.com

for $198.95

Road-to-trail crossover shoe

Salomon XR Crossmax Neutral

*Est. $130 Compare Prices

Most trail shoes provide very little cushioning and have a firm ride. This makes them generally uncomfortable for road running, which requires a bit more cushioning underfoot. The Salomon XR Crossmax Neutral strikes a… expandgood balance between necessary trail-running features (think multidirectional lugs) and a cushy, comfortable insole. This combination makes the XR Crossmax Neutral an ideal shoe to go from trail to road and back again. Runners looking for a crossover trail shoe with more stability features may want to consider The North Face Double-Track (*Est. $110). collapse

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Expert & User Review Sources:

Runner's World: Runner's World's annual shoe guides are deemed the gold standard in running shoe reviews, and Warren Greene and Martyn Shorten are largely considered two of the most well-versed experts in the market.

RunningTimes.com: Running Times is a strong source for running shoe reviews.

Women's Adventure magazine: Women's Adventure Magazine provides an insightful buying guide and reviews five different trail-running shoes.

Fitness Magazine: In this Spring 2011 guide to the best women's running shoes, Fitness editors select eight models (four winners and four runners-up) as testers' top picks.

Outside: In Outside magazine's 2011 Summer Buyer's Guide, editors select 12 shoes as top picks for trail running shoes.

National Geographic Adventure: In this annual guide, Steve Casimiro selects the must-have adventure gear of the year.

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Altrec.com

for $129.95

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