Trail running is a great way to mix it up whether you are logging the miles training for a big event, or if you are just looking for an activity to spice up your weekly workout schedule. If you have not done any trail running, I invite you to discover a great way to enhance your running experience. There are many options for shoes to go off road. In this review we have 4 high quality shoes that were examined thoroughly. These shoes are unique and high quality. We hope this helps you find a trail shoe that fits your needs. If you are an experienced trail runner and want some different options in the minimalist category or just a different brand to mix it up, all of these are good options. A little tip: if you are having some knee pain or IT band issues you may want to try some trails. I know many people that just run on the roads and they have been plagued with injury, trails may be a way to help prevent injuries by mixing a little bit of variety. Whatever you do ease into it gently.
These are each graded on a 1-5. Five is the highest possible rating.
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Saucony Peregrine 2
This is a familiar construction. If you like Saucony and fit well in any of the road shoes you will really like this for the trails. Great run-ability straight out of the box. The traction and thin durable tread goes well up and down hill. The traction responds very well in wetter conditions. This is much like the original Peregrine with a 4m drop instead of the 8. It's a great minimalist trail shoe. The very breathable upper is great protection with added seals in the toes area and around the sides. This shoe felt the same after logging 10 miles as it did weeks later with 50+ miles. This shoe also offers an anchor for a gator in the bottom of the lacing area. www.saucony.com
Score: 5.0
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SCARPA Spark
This is a minimalist style shoe with very durable tread and a light upper. Breath-ability is incredible. The upper settles lower below the ankle. Weak ankles will not do well with this shoe. This shoe can take a huge variety of conditions and trails and provides great freedom in motion. It's great for when you need to be light on your feet. The lace is like no other. It's not smooth and has some wrinkles and texture. When you tie it down it sits where you tied it. After running, jumping, or climbing this shoe stays snug. If you are looking for a minimalist shoe for trail running and you have strong ankles you will enjoy this shoe. www.scarpa.com
Score: 4.5
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Treksta Edict
Treksta makes some great trail running shoes. The nestFIT system works very well. I really like the way that the shoe has shaping for the big toes and it is shaped like the front of a foot. This is a break from tradition and provides a very snug fit. The Edict is not an ordinary trail running shoe. The bottom is very flat and may take some getting used to. The HYPER GRIP traction is excellent. There's nice cushioning and is a good shoe for rocky paths. This is the third Treksta shoe I have tested and traction is one of the definitive strengths of this brand. The look of this shoe is great; with a red upper and black tread it looks very cool. Treksta has several other options that do especially well to crossover from trail running to hiking or trekking. www.trekstausa.com
Score: 4.0
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VASQUE Mindbender
This is a great all around trail running option. VASQUE is known for amazing hiking, trekking, back packing etc. and the Mindbender is no exception. When I started running in this it was immediately ready to go. No adjustments, just a very comfortable shoe with the right traction and structure. This is a traditional style with very good cushioning, feel and run-ability. It felt so good that I chose it for running the Grand Canyon Rim to rim to rim. The shoe handles high volume well and from start to finish it held together. The lacing is solid and the upper is very comfortable and breathable. It is a couple ounces more than your minimalist type shoe but that is because the heel and tread has the right amount of cushioning for an Ultra distance. www.vasque.com
Score: 4.5
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