Best Reviewed
Trail Running Shoes
- Best trail-running shoe Saucony ProGrid Peregrine *Est. $90
- Minimalist or barefoot-style trail-running shoe Merrell Trail Glove *Est. $110
- Trail-running shoe for rugged terrain Montrail Rockridge *Est. $75
- Motion-control trail-running shoe The North Face Double-Track *Est. $110
- Road-to-trail crossover shoe Salomon XR Crossmax Neutral *Est. $130
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- Lightweight
- Comfortable cushioning
- Seamless upper helps prevent blisters
- Traction is only decent
- Tongue bunches easily
$110.00 at Zappos.comThe Pearl Izumi SyncroFuel XC is a lightweight trail-running shoe that reviewers recommend for racing or fast running over smooth trails. The shoe weighs just 10.9 ounces in the men's size (9.6 ounces for women), but it still provides a good amount of stability, according to reviews. A number of testers praise the plush cushioning, and the snug fit around the midfoot helps keep the foot and ankle secure while running. Another high point is the seamless mesh upper, which keeps feet cool and helps prevent blisters. The Pearl Izumi SyncroFuel XC has good traction on smooth trails, but it lacks the super-grippy lugs found on trail shoes designed for rugged and rocky terrain. We also saw a report that the tongue bunches up while running, which can irritate the top of the foot. If you regularly run rugged trails, reviews point to the La Sportiva Raptor (*Est. $110), a slightly heavier trail shoe with excellent traction.
Trail Runner, Outside and Women's Adventure magazines all have excellent test-based reviews of the Pearl Izumi SyncroFuel XC. Trail Runner and Women's Adventure both hand out awards to the best shoes tested, while Outside rates each shoe on traction and stability. Running Times magazine is also a useful source. Shorter reviews can be found at Fitness and National Geographic Adventure magazines, and there are a few user reviews at Buzzillions.com.
Our Sources
1. Trail Runner Magazine
Trail Runner magazine gives the Pearl Izumi SyncroFuel XC an Editor's Choice award as the Best Racer. Testers love the lightweight fit, but the shoe also offers good protection and comfortable cushioning. However, the outsole doesn't have enough traction for the most rugged trails.
Review: Trail Tested, Michael Benge and Elinor Fish, May 2010
2. Outside Magazine
The Pearl Izumi SyncroFuel XC earns high marks for speed from Outside magazine, but scores lower on traction and stability. Testers say the SyncroFuel XC feels like a road shoe, with a cushy ride and lightweight frame. However, it's best suited to smooth, flat trails.
Review: Trail Runners, Lisa Jhung, Summer 2010
3. Women's Adventure magazineDetails/Subscribe
Women's Adventure magazine gives an Editor's Choice award to the Pearl Izumi SyncroFuel XC. "Every tester who stepped into this shoe called it her hands-down favorite," Kristy Holland writes. High points include a seamless upper that helps prevent blisters.
Review: Pearl Izumi SyncroFuel XC, Kristy Holland, March 14, 2010
4. Running TimesDetails/Subscribe
Testers for Running Times say the Pearl Izumi SyncroFuel XC is a good all-around trail shoe that feels quite racy, thanks to a low-profile, responsive fit and a good amount of firmness. Most testers report good protection and grip from the subdued outsole.
Review: Trail Shoe: Pearl Izumi SyncroFuel XC, Brian Metzler, June 2010
5. National Geographic AdventureDetails/Subscribe
The Pearl Izumi SyncroFuel XC scores a Best of Adventure award from National Geographic Adventure magazine. Testers say the trail shoe is stable while still being very lightweight for a trail shoe. The seamless upper is also praised.
Review: Best of Adventure: Must-Have Gear, Steve Casimiro
6. Fitness MagazineDetails/Subscribe
The Pearl Izumi SyncroFuel XC is named a runner-up to the Merrell CTR Cruise for the title of best trail-running shoe. Testers appreciate the cushioning and arch support.
Review: The Best Trail Running Shoe: Runner-Up, Rachel Sturtz
Only one owner comments on the Pearl Izumi SyncroFuel XC on Buzzillions.com, and the review isn't particularly detailed. Since this is a new shoe, it may take a while to accumulate a large amount of user reviews.
Review: Pearl Izumi Womens Syncro Fuel XC Running Shoe, Contributors to Buzzillions.com
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