As sweltering summer temps melt into fall’s perfect beauty, there’s no better time to take your run outdoors. With the wind at your back and the right trail running shoes on your feet, your autumn run routine will transcend earthly delights to something straight from the storybooks. Lucky for you, 2016 is chock full of impressive trail shoes ready and willing to get you out the door, down the trail and through the changing seasons.
adidas Terrex Agravic GTX Shoes
From rain-soaked forest loops to rocky alpine trails, adidas Terrex Agravic GTX Trail Running Shoe delivers sure-footed dexterity and tenacious grip across widely varying trail surfaces. Even better, these trail kicks give your off road endeavors an added boost courtesy of adidas’ BOOST™ cushioning technology for high-intensity, technical trail running. BOOST technology arguably provides more energy return than any other cushioning material in the industry – that means less fatigue, more miles, and more days training.
Designed with high-intensity, technical trails in mind, the Agravic has an aggressive Continental rubber sole with a tread pattern cribbed from mountain bike tires. A cushy layer of EVA protects against the rocks and logs you’ll encounter out on your run, while a waterproof GORE-TEX® membrane keeps feet nice and dry. Speed laces lock in fast and easy and work as a perfect complement the Terrex Boost’s need for speed.
adidasoutdoors.com; MSRP $150
Altra Lone Peak NeoShell Mid
There’s trail running and then there’s trail crushing, mountain munching adventure. Born from days spent conquering the gnarly summit of Lone Peak in Utah, the Lone Peak NeoShell Mid is designed to help eat up whatever the trail throws your way. The all-new Lone Peak 3.0 NeoShell® Mid is Altra’s way of bringing you a touch of enhanced stability and support, without sacrificing the lightweight, responsive feel you came to love in the Lone Peak NeoShell Low.
Traction is everything when you’re running up and down steep mountains, so Altra outfitted the Lone Peak Neoshell Mid with their MaxTrac™ rubber outsole and TrailClaw™ designed lugs providing long-lasting grip even on steep, rocky, and technical terrain. The innovative NeoShell® upper material keeps the rain, snow and muck on the outside while your foot can still breathe and relax in comfort on the inside. And as you’re bounding through the transitioning seasons, the extended upper offers enhanced support, stability and protection.
www.altrarunning.com; MSRP $165
Topo Hydroventure
The cool crisp air of Fall makes for perfect trail running conditions – but the changing of seasons can also add a little chaos to the terrain underfoot. The lightest fully waterproof trail running shoes on the market, Topo Athletic Hydroventure shoes offer strong performance and breathable comfort for your off-road workouts. The magic elixir is a single-layer laminate eVent upper making these off-road shoes fully waterproof.
Like all Topo shoes, the Hydroventure features a wide toe box allowing for freedom of movement and natural splay of the toes. The narrower mid-foot and heel ensures your shoes still feel snug when things get sloppy underfoot. A molded TPU midsole plate and 19 mm platform provide plating protection without sacrificing ground feel. And all the while, the multi-directional lugged outsole offers traction over a variety of surfaces without suffering from the all too common mud-clog syndrome.
topoathletic.com; MSRP $130
Merrell All Out Crush Shield
The Merrell All Out Crush Shield for men and women provides comfort and support whether you’re gaining elevation up to two thousand feet or enjoying the trials and tribulations on hardpack desert trails. It only takes a handful of runs before you become a fan of the M Select GRIP – essentially pinwheel shaped lugs which offer 360 degree traction that ferociously claws into rock outcroppings, loamy forest dirt, and gravel paths. Merrell’s TrailProtect pad offers underfoot protection while still providing the greatest ‘feel-of-trail’ performance out of the group.
A durable, water repellent TPU coated mesh upper gives protection from the elements, without excess bulk or weight. For the moments your day run transitions to dusk, the upper’s reflective details provide added visibility. The integrated EVA footbed and UniFly midsole offer shock attenuation and run-long support. All the while, mesh lining actively wicks moisture to keep your feet airy-cool and pleasantly dry.
merrell.com; MSRP $110
New Balance Fresh Foam Gobi
Don’t be fooled by the Gobi’s stylish good looks; it’s born to run and run hard. With the midsole of a fast, graceful gazelle and the outsole of a rugged mountain goat, this award-winning runner is ready to conquer both your local roads and nearby trials.
Designed around NB’s Fresh Foam midsole technology – used by its popular run fast Zante v2 – this shoe provides for a fast, responsive and cushioned ride. Wherever you choose to tread, the AT Tread outsole provides versatile traction for all types of terrain. These diamond shaped lugs beautifully bite into softer ground, but flatten out to roll over pavement like your beloved roadies. Add in NB’s FantomFit upper with toe protection and you have a shoe ready for your next run, or one hundred. Big diamond-shaped lugs underfoot prove versatile for all types of terrain.
newbalance.com; MSRP $94.99
Saucony Xodus ISO
Suck down that granola bar and get ready for launch time, because those rooty inclines and chossy descents don’t wait for anyone. Trail running often trumps good intentions with its hearty approaches and quick elevation gains, so it’s time to return the favor with the Saucony Xodus ISO Trail Running Shoe.
The lightweight breathable mesh upper allows cooling airflow to keep your hooves from getting bogged down, while the ISOFIT upper creates a dynamic fit system by adapting to the shape and motion of the runners foot. Saucony updated the Xodus with EVERUN topsole construction providing smoother landings in the heel and reduced pressure in the forefoot. All the while, the super-tacky PWRTRAC Rubber outsole provides 3x better traction than standard rubber, giving you tons of sensitivity and control on a wide array of terrain. Looking for freedom on the trail? This shoe is your ticket.
saucony.com; MSRP $130