Adidas Wanaka TR GTX
"Very sticky" is the best way to describe this lightweight, waterproof stability trail show. A full-length medial insert helps reduce excessive pronation and a protective forefoot Torsion plate keeps your vulnerable toes happy. Gore-TEX® uppers can withstand long hours in the rain.
What we like: No-frills design keeps this shoe at a mere 13 ounces.
What we don’t like: Narrow forefoot might not be wide enough for some.
Sugg. Retail: $100
Columbia Sportswear Black Rock XCR
If you are headed out for a long day of rain and hail, this shoe is meant to keep you light
on your feet. Using Gore-Tex® technology to keep you dry and a molded EVA midsole to keep you comfortable, Columbia’s version of the lightweight trail shoe (16 ounces) is
great for everything from rocky terrain to muddy meadows.
What we like: Multi-directional Omni-Grip tread won’t let you slip.
What we don’t like: Thick heal makes this shoe less than ideal for running: Instead, lace them up for day hikes.
Sugg. Retail: $75
Merrell Stormrider XCR
The Stormrider is an ideal day hiker, but runners may want to opt for something a little less heavy. At 32 ounces, this shoe is your coat of armor against heavy rain, mud, puddles and unexpected obstacles. Feet stay fairly cool thanks to the sleek, mesh upper, and grippy outsole will have you climbing muddy hills with ease.
What we like: Vegan-friendly.
What we don’t like: The shoe’s frame is high in the back, and may apply pressure to the Achilles tendon.
Sugg. Retail: $130
Montrail Hurricane Ridge XCR
Montrail has led the industry for years, and the Hurricane Ridge is one of the toughest models to ever bear the company’s name. Weighing in at 29 ounces, the Gore-Tex® membrane and shock-absorbing midsoles will keep your feet dry and happy on short runs as well as longer treks. Thanks to what Montrail calls their Integrafit® design, the shoe stretches to fit each individual foot.
What we like: Protective “striker” plates mounted between the midsoles and outsoles that protect feet from the impact of small rocks and sharp debris.
What we don’t like: The shoe was not as waterproof as others in heavy rain or
deep puddles.
Sugg. Retail: $115
Nike ACG: Air Teocalli XCR
While Nike has long been a star on the track, its All Conditions Gear (ACG) is quickly becoming a winner off-road as well. As one of the lightest trail runners we tested (14 ounces), the Teocalli’s Gore-Tex® XCR protective barrier holds up in a downpour while its extra-large Air-Sole provides a pine-needle cushion effect whether you are in the woods or on the pavement. The burly sole provides basic stability for neutral to mild over-pronators.
What we like: Gator loop along base of laces is a functional bonus.
What we don’t like: Narrow forefoot might infuriate wide-footed folks.
Sugg. Retail: $100
The North Face Ultra Gore-Tex XCR Trail Runner
Weighing 27 ounces, this shoe offers some extra features, including gaiter attachments, reinforced toe and wide lacing system. Roll Control™ corrects overpronation and Outlast® insoles control foot’s temperature. Recipient of Outside Magazine’s 2004 Gear of the Year Award, this shoe is as functional as it is comfortable.
What we like: Glow in the dark trim keeps you safe on the road, on your way to the trail.
What we don’t like: This shoe runs a little small.
Sugg. Retail: $110
Salomon XA Comp
At a mere 14 ounces, the Salomon XA Comp is similar to a luxury car – roomy, comfortable and stylish – yet has the durability of an SUV. Its EVA midsole, combined with a Contagrip® outsole, offers stability and dependable traction. The shoe’s easy, one-pull lacing system alleviates stubborn knots from coming untied by eliminated them altogether. In addition, this shoe passed the puddle test with ease.
What we like: Mesh tongue pocket keeps one-pull lacing system tucked away.
What we don't like: In contrast to the Teocalli, the XA Comp might be too wide for those with narrow feet.
Sugg. Retail: $80
Vasque Velocity GTX XCR
If you like to cover some serious ground when you go out for a day hike, this is the shoe to slip on. Durable enough to make it up slippery rock or muddy hills, but light enough for occasional jogs, this versatile, Gore-Tex® shoe weighs only 21 ounces.
What we like: This shoe’s eVENT® fabric won’t make you overheat.
What we don't like: Sole is thicker than many runners prefer.
Sugg. Retail: $115 |
