2018 new fall wedge shoes4/9/2024 If Saucony’s Xodus ISO 3 stands at the “heavy duty” end of the trail spectrum, this shoe is its opposite, choosing to go with a “less is more” tread and cushioning strategy. The upper is made of a material blend that includes Kevlar (nope, we’re not kidding), signaling that these shoes are likely to last a long time. Though it weighs almost double that of the lightest shoe in this review, it’s very minimalistic, devoid of extra padding with full attention instead pointed to the significant outsole lugs for grip, which help offset the feel of its zero-drop profile (our testers said they didn’t even notice the drop while running) and pave the way for fast mile splits. If speeding along on trails is your primary goal this fall, this new G-Series shoe is worth trying on. Though some of our testers reported that the bulky tread made running on trails littered with rocks and other small obstructions problematic, others found that the shoes worked fine on trails of moderate technical difficulty. Within the shoe is a midsole made using Saucony’s Everun technology, which adds cushioning and still leaves runners able to feel connected to the ground while on the move. With a thick, rubbery outsole and a hefty engineered mesh upper, the Xodus ISO 3s are, at 11.5 oz., lighter than trail shoes used to be, but still provide the top-of-foot protection that trail runners need and the gnarly tread they expect. Saucony’s latest is a shoe that really talks the trail talk. Though our testers enjoyed the shoe’s breathability (which is aided by drainage technology built directly into the midsole), some cited the lean upper as problematic for foot protection on trails, while others noted that the roomy fit of the toebox led to slippage for those with narrow feet. ![]() The lugs on the outsole provide adequate traction for technical trails and are supported by an outsole plate, which adds foot stability. Of all the trail shoes we assessed this season, this is the only one that features a knitted heel collar, making it a comfortable fit for those who prefer running sockless. ![]() These shoes run small, so be sure to try them on to confirm that you’re getting the right size. Featuring Reebok’s signature Floatride Foam technology in the midsole and an engineered mesh upper for breathability, these shoes became a fast favorite among testers in the speed shoe category, with all agreeing that the low cushioning makes them better for speed workouts and shorter races than long-distance workouts. This shoe is a perfect example: Weighing in at a staggering 5.6 oz., the Floatride Run Fast had testers marveling at how wearing them felt “like wearing paper shoes,” albeit with more support. There’s something wonderful about a shoe that makes you feel fast before you even finish tying the laces. Sole Mate Award: Reebok Floatride Run Fast Though the shoes don’t have much weather protection, the upper is made of Double Jacquard Mesh (also new) for breathability and provides fair traction on wet or slippery road surfaces (one tester said that the traction was better than Brooks’ popular Levitate shoe, our Sole Mate Award winner from Spring 2018). There’s a reason for this: The Glycerin 16s feature DNA Loft cushioning, a new midsole technology for Brooks that delivers a padded-but still responsive-ride. The plush cushioning and snug fit of Brooks’ latest Glycerin model had many of our testers agreeing that, for long run days, this was the shoe they’d pick to go the distance. ![]() “I felt like I could just keep running,” reported one tester. Sole Mate Award: Brooks Running Glycerin 16 With moderate breathability and cushioning, this sturdy shoe was our testers’ top pick of the season for trail running, with the only recurring criticism being that some experienced heel slippage when attempting to pick up the pace. With small lugs designed to give runners purchase and shallow holes surrounding them on the outsole to subtract unnecessary weight, the shoe provides good traction without adding too much bulk, features that our testers noticed and appreciated. The “BPF” in the name of Under Armour’s Horizon BPF stands for “bulletproof feather,” and that’s exactly what Under Armour is going for in its first serious trail shoe. Sole Mate Award: Under Armour Horizon BPF Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members!Īll shoe weights (except when noted) are for a women’s size 7.
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