Best Trail Running Shoes of Outdoor Retailer Summer 2012
August 9, 2012 by Bryon Powell · 95 Comments
Twice a year, I attend the Outdoor Retailer show in Salt Lake City, Utah. I then spend three or four months avoiding writing about the best of the ridiculous amount of gear I’ve seen at the show. Not. This. Time. OR ended Sunday and this preview of the best trail running shoes from the show is going up on the subsequent Gearsday, as we like to call Thursday around the office. So here they are – the shoes you want to know about now and might very well want to run in come Spring 2013.
Click on any of the following featured shoes to jump down to our preview of the model. If you don’t find what you’re looking for on this list, try searching this page as we provide abbreviated previews on a number of other models. We’ve also published a more extensive photo set of the shoes of Summer OR ’12 on our Facebook page.
- Altra Superior
- Asics GEL-FujiTrainer 2
- Brooks Cascadia 8
- Brooks Pure Grit 2
- Dynafit Feline Ghost
- Hoka One One Bondi B 2
- La Sportiva Helios
- Montrail FluidFlex
- New Balance Leadville – MT1210
- New Balance Minimus Hi-Rez
- Patagonia EVERmore
- Pearl Izumi E:Motion Line
- Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra
- Saucony Peregrine 3.0
- Scott T2 Kinabalu
- The North Face Hyper-Track Guide
- Vasque Pendulum
Pearl Izumi E:Motion Line ($115-130 – February 2013)
With nine models, including three new trail models, I’m not going to preview any single model in Pearl Izumi’s new E:Motion Line. Instead, I’ll generally talk about a line that had me intrigued the past few months, pleasantly surprised on the OR floor, and smiling during every run in them since. Quite simply, the E:motion line was the best new footwear concept I saw at this year’s OR.
The Pearl Izumi Trail N1.
The E:Motion line, which will debut in February 2013, is all about feel rather than technical features… and both shoes I’ve tried – the Road N1 and Trail M2 – have felt great. The underfoot packages in both models (and, especially, the road model) have exceptional fluidity. I’ve experienced an easy footstrike and a smooth-as-silk transition that I don’t think I’ve ever felt in another shoe in twenty years of running. Not hyperbole, but fact. It’s 2:30 am and thinking about these shoes has me itching for a second run… and the upper is spectacular, as well. The seamless uppers with minimal overlays are incredibly comfortable. Oh, and no model in the entire line weighs more than 10 ounces.
The Pearl Izumi Trail M2.
The are only two possible downsides I’ve seen to the line and they work in tandem. You see, there are four road-, three trail-, and two triathlon-specific models with three types of stability – N (neutral), M (midfoot stability), and H (heel stability) – and three levels of cushioning – 1 (lowest), 2, and 3 (highest). While eminently sensible, I can see folks getting confused between a Road N2, Trail N2, and a Trail M2, both while chatting with friends and at the store. The somewhat unified (and entirely awesome) colorways is likely to add to the confusion.
Here’s a video Pearl Izumi produced with an overview of Project E:Motion.
Timothy Olson wearing the Pearl Izumi Trail N1 after setting the course record at the 2012 Western States 100.
Montrail FluidFlex ($90 – January 2013)
The Montrail FluidFlex is the most radical departure from its norm that Montrail has taken in quite some time. The FluidFlex is a rockplate-free, 7.6-ounce, 4 mm-drop shoe. Yeah, that’s not your mom’s Montrail Hardrock right there. Plus, it’s based on Montrail’s new midsole material, FluidFoam (not to be confused with Montrail’s FluidPost, which is not found in any of Montrail’s “FluidXxxx” shoes) that yields a softer ride than (and is preferred in tests over) traditional midsole EVA.
The Montrail FluidFlex.
Other new models from Montrail: FluidBalance (a sub-10 ounce hybrid with a 10 mm drop on the FluidFoam platform); FluidFeel (8-mm drop, 10.3-ounce everyday trainer riding on FluidFoam; replaces the Fairhaven, keeping the midsole tooling but ditching the upper).
La Sportiva Helios ($120 – March 2013)
The La Sportiva Helios is the first of two major examples of a company turning back the dial on its cutting edge shoe model to reach a balance between concept and performance. At only 1.2 ounces more than the Vertical K (8.1 vs 6.9 ounces), the small changes to the VK platform may make the Helios an ultra-distance option for a much larger number of runners. While the outsole material and pattern are similar between the two models (the Helios uses a more durable FriXion compound), the Helios has a significantly wider footprint that will offer stability to a tired runner. Atop the outsole, La Sportiva uses the same midsole material, but with a 2 mm LaSpEVA plate in the Helios. The upper of the Helios offers more structure than the Vertical K as well as a wider toe box. All in all, the the Helios is a more structured, more protective Vertical K, which should allow for the shoe to be an every-day trainer rather than a racing/fast training shoe.
A mixed pair of the La Sportiva Helios.
Other new shoes from La Sportiva: Anakonda ($125 – replaces the X-Country and C-Lite; has 4 mm drop and hard heel stabilizer for off-trail use), Quantum 2.0 ($130 – changes to Vibram outsole with opposing lugs; broader fit), Ultra Raptor ($130 – rides softer than the original Raptor, lower drop at 8 vs 12 mm, lost a little weight), Women’s Vertical K.
Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra ($180 – January 15, 2013)
The Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra, the followup to the original S-Lab Sense, could win an award for the biggest improvement through the smallest changes. The first change is a firming of the durometer (softness) of the midsole that should greatly increase durability. Second, Salomon is dropping the price $20 from $200 to $180. Third, Salomon has added lugging to the formerly bare midfoot area. Fourth, the ProFeel Film has been extend backward to provide a bit more midfoot protection. Finally, for the aesthetically modest, the formerly red and white shoe will now be a slightly less flashy combination of red and black. The changes to the shoe result in a slight increase in weight to 7.4 ounces and represent a trend of scaling back bleeding-edge minimalism/ultralightness to allow for greater durability and practical comfort levels.
The Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra.
Other new models from Salomon: Sense Mantra (consumer/trainer version of the S-Lab Sense; only $120; 6 mm drop; 1 ounce heavier than S-Lab Sense); Crossmax 2.
The North Face Hyper-Track Guide ($120 – Spring 2013)
Next season, The North Face is introducing a new line of trail shoes based around its new Cradle Guide technology in which two irregularly-shaped midsole pieces are molded together without glue or hard edges. The layers are contoured differently depending on the model to cradle your foot as warranted by the specific shoe model and its intended uses.
The racier of the three new Cradle Guide shoes is The North Face Hyper-Track Guide, which weighs in at 9.5 ounces. Going forward, The North Face intends to distinguish its trail shoe models as being designed for rocky or smooth terrain and the outsole of these shoes speaks that the Hyper-Track are intended for smooth terrain. TNF did include a plastic “heel clip” primarily to lock the heel in place, but left torsional flexibility to allow for different types of footstrikes on different aspects (climbing/descending/cambered). A welded upper removed many seems.
A mixed pair of The North Face Hyper-Track Guide.
Other new shoes from The North Face: Ultra Guide (intended for rougher terrain with heavy lugs; channels around each lug smooth out the ride on pavement and hardpack; SnakePlate); Double-Track Guide (traditional stability shoe designed for wider range of people; more medial arch and medial wrap).
Vasque Pendulum ($110 – January 2013)
The Vasque Pendulum appears to be a happy compromise between the now extinct Vasque Transistor and Vasque’s more conventional trail offerings (Mindbender or Velocity 2.0). The Pendulum revives the Transistor’s Fluxfoam and curved strobel, which gave the Transistor a great under-foot feel, but moves the Fluxfoam into a removable footbed. The overall structure of the shoe harkens to Vasque’s traditional strength in the “real trail shoe” category. However, this is in no way a throwback. The shoe also incorporates growing trends in the trail running market, such as a 6 mm drop, a nearly one-piece upper, and a low weight for a full-function trail shoe at 10 ounces.
The Vasque Pendulum.
Altra Superior ($95 – Spring 2013)
Following on the success of the Altra Lone Peak, a burly, well-cushioned trail shoe, the Altra Superior will debut next spring. Aside from being a zero-drop, cushioned trail shoe, the most notable feature of The Superior is its removable rockplate. That’s right, the shoe comes ready to tackle the toughest trails in the Wasatch (or any other mountain range), but transitions to an even lighter, lower, more flexible shoe should you be headed out on some buffed out singletrack or simply desire those qualities. The Superior (8.9 ounces) is a full ounce lighter than the Lone Peak. That weight savings comes from a more stripped down upper as well as less underfoot material that goes along with a lower stack height (19 vs 23 mm).
The Altra Superior.
New Balance Leadville – MT1210 (~$125 – early January 2013)
After a few years of concentrating on the minimal end of the trail shoe spectrum, New Balance has put time and effort into a more traditional trail shoe, the New Balance Leadville, which is named after the Leadville Trail 100 race that the company now sponsors. Before getting techy, its important to note that these shoes were developed with ultrarunning specifically in mind. New Balance sent its product team to a multi-lap trail ultra (for the record, the Mount Agamenticus 50k) to take foot scans every lap to map foot expansion, which they mapped at 7% overall. As a result, the shoe was designed to allow expansion on the top of the foot as well as in the toes. They also found that runners’ arches dropped during the race, so they’ve included a small medial post in the shoe. On the tech side, the Leadville incorporates New Balance’s ultralightweight FantomFit upper construction, which I believe is only found in two other models, the RC5000 racing flat and the next shoe we’ll discuss. The Leadville has a well-lugged Vibram outsole, a forefoot rockplate, and fully-gusseted, welded tongue with no stitching. As for numbers, the shoe weighs in at 10.3 ounces and has an 8 mm drop.
The New Balance Leadville/MT1210.
Updates to existing New Balance models: MT10v2/Minimus Trail (increased outsole flex along with reduced lug size in low-wear areas; about an ounce lighter; redesigned forefoot band with more give; redesigned liner for better Achilles comfort); MT110 (dropped lateral side of shoe 1 mm).
New Balance Minimus Hi-Rez ($120 – April 2013)
Okay, this is not a trail shoe… and it’s barely a running shoe, but I’ll be asked a million questions about it, so here it is, the New Balance Minimus Hi-Rez, a 4.3 ounce, zero-drop, 8-mm-stack-height shoe with FantomFit construction. Oh, and it’s got 40-some fully articulated midsole pods laminated onto the fabric that’s directly below your feet. Those pods are primarily a midsole compound with only a small portion of lugs in high-wear areas cover with any outsole compound.
The New Balance Minimus Hi-Rez’s outsole.
Again, this is not a trail running shoe. The pods will stay coupled to the shoe during its couple-hundred-mile life, but all bets are off when descending a rocky slope at high speed! Personally, I’d use the Hi-Rez as a non-running trainer to help strengthen my feet and lower legs as I go about my day… knowing that I could break into a sprint at any time.
The New Balance Minimus Hi-Rez’s upper.
Brooks Pure Grit 2 ($110 – January 1, 2013)
The Brooks Pure Grit 2 consists of the same midsole and last as the original Pure Grit, but there are major updates to the outsole and upper. On the outsole, there are smaller, multi-directional lugs that should greatly increase traction. On the upper, the nav band is now exposed and extended over the entire lateral side and there’s a full tongue wrap. Reinforcement has also been added to the toe. The changes will mean that the Pure Grit officially goes from 8.9 to 10.0 ounces.
The Brooks Pure Grit 2.
Brooks Cascadia 8 ($120 – February 1, 2013)
Until we’re proven wrong, revisions – even minor – to the Cascadia line warrant inclusion in our OR wrap ups. The biggest updates with the Brooks Cascadia 8 come in the midsole where the the drop was lowered from 12 to 10 mm (the heel was dropped from 22 to 20 mm, while the 10 mm forefoot height remains unchanged) and BioMoGo was blended with Brooks DNA in the midsole. This blend removes glue and hard edges between various midsole components. Underfoot, the lugs have also been redesigned, while in the upper there have been slight changes to the shape and material found around the toebox. The latest version of the Cascadia will weigh 11.9 ounces, which gives the Cascadia the following official progression in going from the Cascadia 5 to the Cascadia 8: 12.0, 11.2, 12.2, and 11.9 ounces.
The Brooks Cascadia 8.
Scott T2 Kinabalu ($120 – January 2013)
Scott’s trail shoes have come a looooong way in the past couple years. The first pair I tried a few years back wasn’t worth more than a run. Then, last winter, I gladly logged some runs in a newer model. Now, Scott is transferring its road know-how into its trail shoe line with the Scott T2 Kinabalu. I’ve yet to run in these fully-featured 9.8 ounces shoes with a conventional drop (11 mm), but would gladly give them a few spins around the mountain. These shoes were designed with water in mind with a perforated sockliner and channeled midsole that leads to drainage ports.
The Scott T2 Kinabalu.
Asics GEL-FujiTrainer 2 ($100 – January 2013)
The US has only had the Asics GEL-FujiRacer for a few months, while the Japanese have already had another Fuji model – the FujiTrainer. Well, next year, America gets in on the action with the Asics GEL-FujiTrainer 2. The FujiTrainer is one ounce heavier than the FujiRacer (9.7 vs 8.7 ounces) and comes with a 8 mm drop. The upper features a gusseted tongue, lace garage, and open mesh fabric. The outsole has a more aggressive lug pattern than the FujiRacer while lacking the racer’s drainage ports.
A mixed pair of the Asics GEL-FujiTrainer 2.
Hoka One One Bondi B 2 ($160 – Spring 2013)
How did a road shoe – the Hoka One One’s Bondi B 2 – get in here? Because I see a heck of a lot of the original Bondis out here on the trails of Utah. With the Bondi B 2, Hoka focused on improving the shoe’s upper. There’s a new, more open mesh as well as revised overlays that should reduce friction. There’s also a softer ankle pad to increase comfort. Finally, there are now heel and tongue pulls to help get your Bondi B 2s on more easily.
For a more complete look at some of Hoka One One’s newest models, as well as at the 2012 Speedgoat 50k and some personal Hoka stories, here’s a not quite final version of a forthcoming Hoka video.
[Click here if you can't see the above video.]
Saucony Peregrine 3.0 ($110 – March 2013)
Saucony continues to dial things in with its Peregrine line. No longer on the minimal side of things, the Saucony Peregrine 3.0 is best described as a lightweight (9.9 ounces), low-drop (4mm) real trail shoe. In this iteration, Saucony added more sticky rubber to the center of the shoe for increased traction on hard and/or wet surfaces. The company also opened up the upper’s mesh a bit to increase breathability. Other than that, it’s the same great Peregrine.
A mixed pair of the Saucony Peregrine 3.0.
Patagonia EVERmore ($110 – February 2013)
The Patagonia EVERmore continues in the direction Patagonia Footwear took with the Fore Runner. That is, focusing on lighter weight and more minimal structure. At 7.8 ounces, the EVERmore is certainly light, while it’s even lower to the ground with a 17/13 mm stack height, which yields the same 4 mm drop as the Fore Runner. The EVERmore has neither an arch shank nor a heel counter, but it does have a small forefoot rockplate. The shoe is also built around a new last with a more roomy toebox.
The Patagonia EVERmore.
Other new shoes from Patagonia Footwear: Fore Runner EVO ($120; updated lining; more forefoot wrap; more drainage ports); Gamut ($125; follow up to the Specter with better out-of-the-box comfort).
Dynafit Feline Ghost ($130 – March 2013)
The Dynafit Feline Ghost is a step in the right direction for the company. At 9.2 ounces, this looks like another strong entry into the sub-10 ounce, real-mountain-running-shoe category. It’s got cushioning, stability, and protection all in a lightweight package that rides atop some solid lugging. These might very well be worth checking out in person.
Shoes Omitted, But Not Forgotten
I’ve only got so many hours in the day, so I tried to be better about sticking to the most core trail running products above. However, I collected lots of info on other new shoes, such as these:
- Born 2 Run – A minimalist shoe with the big toe completely separated from the other four;
- Merrell’s M-Connect Line, including the Vapor Glove and Road Glove 2; and
- Teva TevaSphere – A rounded heel design.
Call for Comments
As always, we’d love to hear your thoughts on these shoes. We’ll also try to answer any questions that you have!
Related articles:
- Best Trail Running Shoes of Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2012 A look at the best trail running shoes of the 2012 winter Outdoor Retailer show....
- Best Trail Running Shoes of Summer Outdoor Retailer 2011 A look at the top trail running shoes for the 2011 Outdoor Retailer Summer Market....
- Best Lightweight/Minimalist Shoes of ORSM 2010 The best minimalist/lightweight trail running shoes of the 2010 summer Outdoor Retailer show....
Filed under Shoes ·
Bryon Powell is the Editor-in-Chief of iRunFar.com, which he founded five years ago. Also the author of Relentless Forward Progress: A Guide to Running Ultramarathons and a contributing editor at Trail Runner magazine, he's quickly approaching 10 years as an ultrarunner and 20 years as a trail runner. These days he calls Park City, Utah and its trails home.
All posts by Bryon Powell
Bryon thanks for this post. I’ve been searching the internet the past few days trying to find info on new shoes from the OR show. This is exactly what I’ve been looking for. As always you pull together the best content and I look forward to the new material each day. Keep it up!
Bryon thanks for gathering this info and wrapping it up in a nice package for us. Lots of great shoes, only so much money to spend!
On the strength of the irunfar’s review of the Vertical K I bought that bad boy…and I love it. My plan was to just keep buying Vertical ks for the foreseeable future. But with this look at the Helios I have to rethink that, as I would love a rock plate and definitely a wider toe box!
Keep up the great work Bryon! This is exactly why I have irunfar as my home page!
Thanks for the write up, there are definitely some promising looking models coming out.
In the New Balance bit you stated “for the record, the Mount Agamemnon 50k” when I think you meant to say Mount Agamenticus 50K in York, ME. I was actually there last year when they were doing scans during each lap. Also, Mount Agamemnon is in Antarctica if I am not mistaken.
Thanks for the correction, Ted. I was given a somewhat uncertain name for the race, but didn’t research/confirm that name. My bad.
I was at the “Big A 50k” as well. They actually sent me a mold of my foot after they compiled all the info (possibly the coolest trophy ever!!). Always wondered what they were going to do with those scannings. Thanks for the info Bryon.
I used to buy Salomon trail shoe but realized that they were too stiff with the mid foot plate and they were thin on the bottom. They says it’s for a low profile but that means you are closer to the rocks.
I like road shoes for trail running. It makes sense that if you are “pounding the pavement for 26.2 miles” that they should work well on rocks.
Also, I was once reading a race report where a guy said at mile 70 his feet were killing him. He changed shoes to a road shoe and his feet felt wonderful.
I think I’m going to try the Hokas.
A shoe swap at mile 70 is always going to feel good, no matter what type of shoe you were wearing or what type you put on. ;-)
Kidding aside, I completely agree with you. A lot of people get caught up in what is the best shoe to run in, but all that really matters is that you are comfortable in them.
That being said, I run in trail shoes for both road and trail (the Montrail Rogue Racer). I do have a pair of Hokas and I really like them (the Stinson Evo) but I’ll never start a race with them. For 100-milers, I put the Hokas in a late drop bag to swap into, if the need arises (although, I only did this once, at Hardrock. Usually, I do not spend the time to swap shoes during a race, no matter the distance).
Good luck in your search!
I was running a tough Ultra once and I heard a guy say of another unknown runner; “He has the right shoes”.
As if the shoes are going to make someone finish a race. The guy could be an inexperienced newbie with the “right” shoes on his way to epic fail.
Or the guy could be an experienced runner on a budget, finishing the race in a great time while wear $60 New Balance/Nike/Asics.
You never know. But I agree – go for comfort and fit.
Any idea if the Brooks Cascadia 8 is lighter than the 7?
A hair at 11.9 vs 12.2 ounces.
“Yeah, that’s not your mom’s Montrail Hardrock…” Ha ha! Hillarious!
All kidding aside, great write up and thanks for posting it so soon after the show.
-Brad Koenig
More shots of the NB Leadville (especially in the men’s colorway lurking at the back of that photo) would be appreciated. Perhaps add them to a facebook gallery?
Thanks, Joel. A Facebook gallery of extra pics was and still is planned, but it was temporarily left on the to do list when I called it quits at 5:15 am this morning. :-)
Take your time, good sir, and go back to bed!
A revised NB MT110 with the lateral edge “fixed” will be great.
I still want to see the Salomon Sense in wider forefoot sizes too, but you did not mention anything about that.
Thanks for the report – always good to know what is coming, you know, for planning ahead :)
The “revised” MT110 will roll out with colorway updates next spring. Once again (as I’ve been in the past), I was reassured that the medial and lateral sides of the MT110 are, in fact, even; however, that’s not how the shoe actually rides for some folks, hence a minute adjustment.
Had not heard about the pending adjustment. That *is* great news. I’ve had great success with them but still struggle with the lateral edge as others have. Will look forward to the revision, along with the smorgasbord of other options in 2013. Thanks as always for all the (fun) work!
Cool. That might actually coax me back to the NB line, but they’d better hurry up… in the meantime I’ve been buying shoes made by companies not named NB while my 110s sit in the closet with a total of a week of runs on them. I don’t care what they say… the current 110 rides high on the lateral edge.
I returned mine (swapped for different model) directly to NB after contacting customer service. They did not deny the problem, at least to me. And it definitely messed with my gait and caused some leg pain.
Interesting… I’ll try the same thing then. It’s not like I haven’t bought a massive number of NB shoes (they were my fave’s until this 110 thing). Thanks for the suggestion.
MT110 needs more than just shaving 1mm off lateral side, it needs a new material for mid sole. Currently, it’s cushy but fragile. Unless one has perfect form, it will break down one side or the other.
It looks to me like almost all of the new models are trending in style towards hokas. Big looking moon shoes. Anyone else think the same thing?
No, actually. But I’ve seen Hokas up close. Hokas are worn by a friend of mine. These, sir, are no Hokas. Except maybe the Scotts.
You are saying the Scott T2K (Kinabalu)is like the Hoka? Apples and…watermelons my friend. I just got mine, but here are some early impressions of the T2K.
1. Weight: for my size 9.5- an ounce less than the Bondi, 3 oz less than the Stinson (9.5oz vs 12.5oz). I got my pair down to 9.2 oz with my normal shoe lightening customization.
2. Height and ride: Not sure what the stack differential is- feels less than the 11mm stated above. The midsole is built on Scott’s T2 road racing flat model with the rockered eRide transition to toe-off. The T2K feels a lot like the Montrail Rogue Racer in terms of height, but with a firmer, more responsive ride, and much deeper traction. The T2K has a rock plate made of light carbon fiber looking material, exposed between the lugs.
3. Traction: Hoka= Bondi has basically none, Stinson has decent lugs. T2K= aggressively lugged on par with the Scarpa Spark, Montrail Bajada.
I wear Hoka Stinsons plenty, but this shoe has nothing in common with Hokas. Compare to Scarpa Spark, Rogue Racer, Bajada, Peregrine, etc.
Can’t say I saw too much trending in that direction… as in I didn’t see midsole or stack heights rising across the board. Midsole might the looking a bit different today as companies go to brighter colors in more unified fields (i.e., fewer visual cues of posting).
Man, some nice shoes. However, I can’t imagine how anyone including Tony Krupicka wouldn’t break an ankle in those Minimus.
I do like the Montrail. The PI’s do appear to be a bit overpriced.
No Inov-8′s?
Craig,
Those Mimimus aren’t meant for trail running… so I’m doubting ankle breaking is an issue. ;-)
Slip on a pair of current (or future) PIs and the fit of the no-seem upper might have you thinking otherwise. :-)
I received no invite for a meeting from Inov-8 and when I went to their rather locked down booth and asked if they were showing anything more recent than the Trailroc line I was told “no.” So either there’s nothing new or Inov-8 lost out.
Makes sense!
I don’t wear NB. What is the minimus meant for? Lounging?
I was a big fan of PIs when I was doing more road running back in the early- to mid-oughts. I’ve had mixed results with their trail shoes recently, but I’m excited for these.
I did 12 miles in the Trailroc 245s after work yesterday and was impressed. The fit did seem slightly different than their road shoes, maybe not quite as roomy a toebox as the Road-X 233s. Still, they don’t force my big toe in towards center like the F-Lites, and are a bit more secure than the Road-Xs so as to not let my feet slide around on downhills.
Byron, someone at Inov-8 should have red ears now – the Trailroc is still the newest Inov-8 tread, but there are definately news for SS13 for that model as well. Also significant updates to the Roclite line.
The new trail stuff for Inov8 was the introduction of the women’s versions of the Trailroc (246, 236, 226), new colors of the Trailroc 255, 245, 235, and then the Trailroc 150 (no midsole, 0 drop).
A couple other new trail shoes but the focus is on the Trailroc.
They also expanded their f-lite line moving it more in the crossfit direction.
And finally they added to the road collection with a Road-Xtreme line.
Let’s not forget a completely redesigned pack line with some awesome stuff.
255s should be here today and can’t wait to try them out. Anyone else out there have them? Any thoughts?
Where do you live, Jonathan? I’ve put about 600-700 miles on both the 245 and 255, and I am liking both models. The 255 wear testers I had didn’t have the great fit of the 245′s and weren’t quite as fast, but they have addressed these issues with the production model I now have. My opinion is that the cost for the insurance of a more robust upper and a slightly thicker midsole is very low in terms of speed. For myself, the 255 will probably be my regular training shoe for the near future, and also my race shoe for races of 20-50 miles. Others, like Dave James who wears 230′s for 100′s, would go for the 245′s. I think he is wearing them at Trans Rockies. Both shoes are very flexible. For long, very technical mountain runs, I’ll probably still go with Terrafly 313′s or Roclite 309 or 315′s that are less flexible.
Bryon, has PI changed the drop on its shoes? That has been my biggest concern of late.
Strong work as always Bryon…thanks for the coverage!
It’s gonna be really hard to decide which shoes to buy next year!
Thanks Bryon, You say the Peregrine 3 is no longer on the minimal side. What do you mean by that in regard in how the 3 is different from the 2? I currently run in the 2 and maybe a little more cushion would be nice. Is that the direction they are heading?
Sorry, I meant relative to the market. When the very similar Peregrine came out in Spring 2011 they were still on the more minimal end of main stream offerings… and now they seem to be more at the center of the trail shoe spectrum. I guess I’m primarily noting a shift in trail shoe spectrum and the terminology that surrounds it. In reality, the Peregrine is not nor has ever been “minimal,” it was simply a lighter trail shoe with a lower drop. Tons of grip, solid protection, and a reasonable upper.
Definitely, it is a great shoe. Thanks again for your review and response.
Hey Bryon, thanks again for this post. Any chance you have pics or info on other gear from the OR show. Say maybe new hydration packs/systems from Ultimate Direction and UltrAspire?
Nathan, you may wanna check out the new vests Vaporwrap and Vaporshape from Nathan. Pictures from OR Show on their facebook page.
Thanks Knut, didn’t realize they had new packs in the works too.
Yes. That’ll be a separate article. :-)
Awesome Bryon! Looking forward to it. Thanks.
Great post I was looking for such shoes everywhere finally found them. Actually I will be going to a hill station with my friends so desperately wanted them. I am in love with them and would like to have them all.
Bryon, your OR shoe reviews are always excellent but this one is over the top. Thanks for putting out such great content for all of us. Bottoms up! AJW
Bryon,
Do the Cascadia 8s still have the offset lacing? I can’t really tell from the picture. I am in love with the 7s. and the lacing has made a world of difference in comfort to me.
Is it just the photo angle or are there drainage holes in the forefoot of the Cascadia?
I woke up this morning to find Christmas came early. Thank you for all your hard work Bryon and crew. You rule. Did I mention I perhaps have an unhealthy addiction to shoes. HA. Cheers!
Happy to feed your (relatively) healthy addiction.
Great reviews! Do you have a suggestion on which one could function as a good day-hiker for not-too-technical hikes but also a good trail runner? Thanks!
Brooks Cascadia — It had been my former trail/ultra shoe since the Cascadia 4, but since having “downsized” to more minimalist shoes for running they have become a *great* hiking shoe with easy crossover to running. Did a 6-hr technical hike with a pretty heavy pack last weekend and the feet were great!
Not to pigeon hole a company, but I think the Vasque Pendulum would make a great multipurpose shoe.
This is great, Bryon. Many thanks. As always, you do a great job.
I’ve been running in the P-I Streak II on the roads the past month and I have to echo your comments that they have the best transition and return on energy than any shoe that I’ve worn in many a year. My minute/mile training times have gone way down in them. The new e-motions look like they have a little lower heel, which I think would even be better than the current ones, since that is the only thing that I don’t’ like about them. Nice to see that someone may finally be doing this right after years of overbuilt, under built, shoes. Hope that it lasts.
Looks like it’s all about the neon colors this time around. But, the NB Leadville look like something new.
http://runrunnerrun.blogspot.com/2012/07/use-your-shoes.html
dude! stop promoting your [Redacted] blog everywhere
probably feel better if you went on a run.
To Tomas’ credit, I had considered sending you a more diplomatic message suggesting that the tangentially-associated links in your comments were a bit spammy. If you notice, no one else comments on iRunFar in that manner. I can understand being enthusiastic about your new blog, but the implementation of that enthusiasm may be coming across to others as something else. You’re welcome to comment however you like on iRunFar (so long as it’s civil), just know that overly promotive comments may rub others the wrong and may be detrimental in the long run.
Sounds good. Sorry for the offense.
Tomas, I can sympathize with your feelings, but please be civil and respectful in stating your opinion. :-)
Great work Bryon! Thanks for all the beta… now if only you could tell me which women’s shoes will actually fit my feet. :-)
Any idea if the new version of the NB MT110 will have a one piece rubber outsole? Once the EVA foam collapsed on mine the yellow rubber started peeling back…
Of the above shoes, which has the most aggressive tread? Have yet to find a shoe that I like better than the Inov-8 X-Talon 212s but have been advised to get a shoe with a bit more protection…
Bryon, I was just put on a shoe budget! I cannot believe the timing of this article. I have not found the “one” favourite shoe but, I have tried almost everything out there. It is a lot of fun getting new shoes and putting them through their paces. I thought your shoe review was excellent – although, I now have to sit back and drool until I am able to shop once again. Like one of your other responders, I too think that some shoes are trending towards more cushion. I have determined that my old body likes cushion. I believe in the minimalist science but, my aching body wants cushion. Everyone is different.
Thanks again, great review.
Bryon:
I love the reviews! Thank you!
Any idea if the Pearl Izumi’s come in wide sizes? I tried to find the info on their website, but had no luck.
Tony, I do, and the answer is “nope,” at least for the new E:Motion line.
Thank you Bryon! I wish more companies would take pity on us older fat footed people who would like to try their shoes!
Anyone know when the new Hoka models will become available to the public? I’m talking about the new Rapa Nui Comp, Kailua Comp or Bondi “2″
I find the new shoe developments very exciting. After wearing road shoes on trails for twenty years because of the klunkiness of previous models, to see so many types of shoes (vis the P-I models) available makes my heart go pitter patter. That said, I can’t help but see the prices in the same way I see gas prices: the higher they push them, the more $115 seems cheap.
So is the consensus that the midsole on the current Salomon Sense is too soft? I’m embarrassed to admit it, but having had really good luck with fit and durability in many pair of Speedcross, and looking for a lower drop shoe, I’m tempted by the Sense despite the price-tag. But, if the midsole gets shredded before the shoes have a several hundred miles on them, I’m less interested…
Chris, the issue is less shredding than packing out… though shredding can happen, too. It’s definitely a racing shoe.
Thanks Bryon!
I would be less concerned about the exposed midsole shredding, and more concerned with the lugs shredding. Mine have 45 miles on them and are missing several lugs up front. I have never seen a rubber compound so soft on a running shoe. Were the shoes made specifically for running on loose/soft ground? Idaho granite eats Sense for breakfast. Boy does it fit nicely, though.
Byron, can you tell me the difference between the salomon S-Sense and Pearl Izumi N1 trail? You have praised both shoes, which one would you prefer?
BK, while I’ve seen both shoes, I’ve only run in the Sense. The shoes are very different. The Sense is much lighter, is lower to the ground. I’d guess that the Trail N1 offers more protection and cushion than the Sense as well as likely being useful for a great number of miles.
I’d say these two shoes are in different categories.
Thanks Bryon, I appreciate it :)
Bryon,
I wear a size 14 trail shoe and my problem has always been toe box witdth. I have Montrail Masochists which are great width wise but very tough on the legs and knees after 30+ miles and then I have Hoka Evo’s that I love but I ALWAYS get blisters and loose toenails (5 so far) and I tend to jack my ankles bad on real techy terrain (every eastern trail essentially). They just aren’t wide enough for long runs.
What do you recommend for clydsdale runners who need a roomy forefoot and toebox but will sustain a 100 miler?
Thanks!
Dan
Wow, that real love, Dan! Loving a shoe that blisters your feet, rips out toenails, jacks your ancles and is not wide enough, that’s something. :o)
Sorry for the hi-jack, just could not resist.
No worries. I know, it makes no sense. :) They are great up until around 25 or so miles then it goes to hell in a handbasket. The toenails were a combination of letting them get just slightly too long and a 60 miler in June. The ankles are the biggest issue. Hokas are NOT good for me in techy trails. If it’s semi techy, they’re great. If I’m hoping over boulders, forget about it.
I have narrow feet, and have found Mountain Masochists to be the only montrail I can wear. I’ve also found Brooks Cascadias, and Saucony Peregrines to feel quite wide on my feet. FWIW…
Dan, I wear size 14 in most shoes (thus the “Trail Clown” name) and have always had problems similar to yours. I’ve been loving the Altra Lone Peak – great room in the toe box, and they have enough stack height and ruggedness to handle long distance. Only problem is zero drop, which is only a problem if you’ve not transitioned to it. But if you get used to the zero drop, you will never sprain your ankles again on technical stuff, and the cushioning and rock plate will hold up. Great shoe for ultras, if you’re willing to stop running ultras for awhile until your body adjusts.
Thanks, Byron, for a great write-up! I don’t run a lot (right now) but always love looking at new shoes coming out (insert drool here). My wife? Yeah, she doesn’t like it so much :)
Ι would appreciate it if anybody could help me on a shoe choice.
I am looking for a neutral trail shoe that:
-has good forefoot cusion
-is lighweight
-has good traction
-has good lacing that locks the foot well
thanks
Amazing review Byron!
For me, I’m particularly interested in the Altra Superior, since I love the Lone Peak but my complaint is that it’s too heavy, and the Montrail Fluidflex, since I consider the Rogue Racer to be just about an ideal trail shoe, except for the 10mm difference (4-6 would be great).
Anyway, living in Hong Kong, the climate is similar, humidity and rain wise, to the Pacific Northwest or the American South. Many American trail shoes, which are developed in Utah, Colorado, northern CA (ie..all dry and sunny climates), simply lack the needed grip for trail running over wet rocks and slick clay that are common in other areas. Are any companies addressing this issue (ie… Saucony perhaps)? Granted, it may not be a big issue, but it could be a valuable selling point in some markets.
Thank you for the great reviews. Makes me yearn for Spring/summer already!!!
The Montrail Fluid Balance will replace the Fairhaven. Just watched a video on the Fluid Balance and can’t wait.
G*d I can’t wait for the spring lineup to appear. I refuse to buy new shoes in winter when I have 4 pair of flawed but serviceable shoes:
MT110′s, that hit you with a hammer on every heelstrike, and delight in ingesting gravel, but with a great last and rockplate, and precise technical behavior.
Bajada’s, with their backassward cushioning: Way too much on the heel, none in the forefoot; a pointy-toed last like an eyetalian dress shoe, and an eye-rolling ungusseted tongue and loose-weave upper.
MT1010′s, that piss me off every time I put them on: Why Oh Why is there no tread on the instep?? Hello NB? Anyone listening? This should have been vetoed at multiple phases from design review to manufacturing to quality control to user testing. I love everything about this shoe; from the upper, with it’s fully-gusseted tongue and fine weave that rejects gravel beautifully, to the shape of the last, to the mid-sole rockplate. And then they threw it all away with the bizarre asymmetrical outsole: lilypads with squirrely behavior on rocks, that peel off in the first 15 miles; and that laughable tripod of EVA bumps under the ‘floating arch’, that give a completely false sense of support in the store, and then compress and shear off to nubbins and leave you fighting the shoe’s enforced pronation on every step. The built-in instability in the 1010′s outsole design was completely unnecessary.
Vertical K’s, with their lack of a rock plate, and minor sizing issues. Well I’m loving these shoes, and even after 100′s of miles they show pretty minor wear, and performed well in recent 50M, when combined with superfeet black insoles. I still want a little more shoe for long events tho.
I’m really hoping the new Pearl Izumi line will be the ultimate ultra shoes. Well, more frustration than hope.
It almost looks, after watching that video, that the Pearl E:motion line is more focused towards heel striking? Can anyone speak to this, or am I way off base?
anybody with a review of asics gel fuji racer 2?
Heel stability in PI what does this indicate? I am fighting off an issue with me swinging my heel wide and shearing the bursa on the outside. Hoping I can find some relief with different shoes my Cascadias don’t feel real great on my foot anymore.
The La Sportiva Helios are out now, anyone worn them? How do they compare to the Vertical K?
Old thread, I know, but I saw a note elsewhere that Pearl Izumi is adjusting the stiffness of the sole on the new E-motion line, delaying them until April. Is this confirmed? Also Biochemical Ultrarunner has a good review of the LaSp Helios
RMS, at least one road or trail E:motion model was was, in fact, delayed due to a late adjustment with the underfoot design. The entire line saw at least one major stiffness adjustment late in development. That sort of thing shouldn’t play into delivery timing. I’ve been told at least one model should be shipping very soon if it’s not already.
great review, i will run my first ultratrail on june 29 in Ecuador, could you please tell in you opinion wich s the best shoe for long distance? I willrun 50 miles. Now adays I am trainning with the salomon speed cross 3