Best Trail Cameras for Hunters: Top Picks for 2024
Cameras | November 28, 2024
SAIL
July 10, 2024
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Are you looking to inject some new energy into your running routine? If you’re seeking a refreshing change from the same old city sidewalks, trail running may be just the ticket for you. All you need is a pair of running shoes, right? Absolutely, but the criteria for choosing the best trail running shoes are a world apart from those for road running. Depending on your running style, you might prioritize durability, stability, grip, cushioning, protection, waterproofing, or breathability. And if that wasn’t confusing enough, there is a whole host of brands offering a very wide range of options. Here is our selection of the best trail running shoes to come out this year.
In this article, you will learn more about 6 of the best trail running shoe brands:
Established in 2010, On has quickly become a prominent name in the running world. The brand has developed unique technologies that are used to design high-performance running shoes for runners at every level, from beginners to experts. Its CloudTec® technology, in particular, is used to provide runners with a midsole that activates on landings to cushion the impact of each stride while still providing an explosive takeoff.
In recent years, On has also stood out for its eco-friendly approach, making multiple efforts to reduce its environmental impact. The brand is using more and more recycled materials in its products. For example, after six years of development, it now offers its CleanCloud foam, made from carbon emissions. In the long term, On aims to manufacture products without relying on fossil fuels and to design them with a focus on circularity.
The third generation of On’s Cloudventure trail running shoe is particularly well suited for challenging trails. The rubber outsole with MissionGrip technology offers optimal traction for powerful push offs. Cushioning and comfort are certainly not lacking on this model, thanks to the Helion super foam and On’s flagship Cloudtec technology. The upper is lightweight and breathable, and it provides good shock absorption. All these features make the Cloudventure one of the best trail running shoes of 2024!
With the Cloudvista, On offers a lightweight, versatile all-terrain trail running shoe. This model is a perfect ally for moderate runs over short to middle distances. It integrates Cloudtec technology, along with MissionGrip, which provides excellent shock absorption and all the traction you need for a safe and enjoyable experience on the trails. The Cloudvista is the lightest model in On’s range, weighing just 280 g. The upper, made from 70% recycled polyester, offers agility and comfort.
Unlike most running shoe brands, Salomon started off its journey making trail running shoes. Most of its research and development efforts today are actually focused on improving its range of trail shoes. The brand regularly reviews and improves all the components of its products to meet the needs of both dedicated runners and beginners. Its S/LAB collection, for instance, was created by athletes for athletes, resulting in unbeatable performance.
Salomon offers a wide range of models, from entry-level shoes to ultralight performance sneakers for all distances and every kind of terrain. It also developed many technologies, including the Quicklace lacing system and the Sensifit construction for optimal fit and stability. All this adds up to Salomon being one of the best trail running shoe brands in 2024.
The latest version of the Speedcross, which is one of Salomon’s signature trail running shoes, is the perfect ally for your outings, no matter the distance you run. It once again delivers outstanding grip and durability. The cushioning is moderate, but the comfort is high thanks to the EnergyCell midsole and welded upper that perfectly hugs the contours of the foot. SensiFit technology also provides optimum fit and support. The Speedcross 6 are best worn during winter or mid-season trail runs, 2 or 3 times a week. There’s no doubt that they rank among the best trail running shoes for women and men this year.
The Thundercross is a comfortable and dynamic trail running shoe, made to handle all kinds of surfaces, but particularly well suited to muddy terrain. Its traction is indeed very powerful, partly because of the aggressive 5 mm lugs on its outsole. The model also offers maximum comfort, which makes it an excellent choice for longer outings on the trails. The drop is rather low at 4 mm, which is something to consider when choosing trail running shoes. With the Thundercross, Salomon once again offers a highly satisfying option, with an exceptional quality-price ratio to boot!
Asics is already known globally for its comfortable road running shoes, and the same applies to its trail running shoe collection. With comfort as its main focus, the brand continuously seeks new ways to improve the cushioning of its trail running shoes. The Trabuco model, for example, now features FLYTEFOAM™ under the heel and forefoot for enhanced comfort. That means longer outings for outdoor enthusiasts. After all, no one wants to turn back and end their run early because their feet hurt!
Comfort is far from being the only factor considered in the design of Asics products. Most of them are equipped with special lugs that work well both uphill and downhill, ensuring good grip even on challenging terrain. Runners then benefit from enhanced traction during push offs and landings. Many models also feature a closed mesh upper to keep out dust, mud and water. In short, everything is in place for the best trail running experience ever!
The Gel Venture 9 from Asics is an accessible and versatile trail running shoe with a reasonable price tag. It was designed specifically to take you from the city sidewalks to the trails in complete comfort. One of its main features is breathability, thanks to a mesh upper that has been updated since the last version, making it an ideal pair for warm-weather runs. The Gel Venture 9 shoes also feature Asics’s GEL® technology for superior shock absorption and the AMPLIFOAM™ system for enhanced cushioning. Plus, they provide great protection and support!
With the Trabuco Max 3, Asics offers long-distance trail runners a well-balanced and durable pair of shoes that provide maximum cushioning and energy return. You can trust them to be comfortable on trickier terrain, thanks to the ASICSGRIP™ rubber outsole. Their generous cushioning, mainly provided by the FF BLAST™ PLUS midsole foam, helps you save energy as you rack up the kilometres, though it may reduce your ability to feel the terrain.
New Balance has been making sports shoes for pros and casual athletes for over a hundred years. In addition to its expertise in road running shoes, the American brand also offers a nice range of trail running shoes, for all distances and all types of technical terrain.
One of New Balance’s trademarks is its Fresh Foam technology, which is featured in some of its trail running shoes. The midsole of the New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v7, the brand’s iconic off-road model, notably incorporates this technology. The durability of the brand’s trail running shoes is also worth mentioning, and the majority of its models provide good grip and high-performance protection. New Balance is a brand to consider in your search for the best trail running shoes for men and women.
The New Balance DynaSoft Nitrel V5 GTX shoes are a great choice if you’re looking to discover the joys of trail running and keep your feet dry in the process. Whether you come across rain, streams, or puddles, they will let you enjoy every kilometre thanks to their waterproof Gore-Tex exterior. This technology keeps moisture away from your feet and helps maintain a comfortable temperature while ensuring breathability. The Dynasoft foam midsole also provides optimal comfort and responsiveness. The DynaSoft Nitrel V5 GTX are ideal for short and mid-distance trail running outings.
Founded in 1898 in Pennsylvania, Saucony is now one of the world’s leading running brands. Its range of running shoes includes several hybrid models that work just as well on groomed trails as on rocky or muddy forest paths. The best example is the Peregrine model, which offers traction, stability and comfort. The technologies developed by Saucony over the years optimize running sensations and performance, one example being the ProGrid stabilizing and cushioning system. One thing’s for sure, when it comes to versatility and high performance, Saucony is definitely a brand to consider.
If you’re thinking of trail running in the cold season, find out how to choose the right clothing for winter running in our related blog post.
Saucony’s Excursion TR 16 running shoes are made to take you on all types of trails, offering good support and great comfort. This model benefits from Versarun cushioning, a technology that ensures a high level of responsiveness and comfort during trail outings. Sustainability has not been overlooked by Saucony, as the Excursion TR 16 is a vegan shoe made from recycled materials. Grip and breathability are also two strong points of these shoes, which can be worn every day as you enjoy the great outdoors.
Innovation is in Altra’s DNA. In fact, its founder, Golden Harper, is said to have put a pair of shoes in a toaster to heat them up in order to remove the heels and shape them into a shock-absorbing platform! It’s not surprising that this kind of innovative thinking has led to the development of many ingenious technologies. Among these is FootShape™, which comes in a variety of shoe shapes and widths to fit as many runners as possible. FootShape™ also considers the morphological variations between men’s and women’s feet, enhancing fit and comfort.
Altra’s trail running collection includes a variety of shoes with different sole thicknesses, each offering unique features (protective plate in the sole, waterproof membrane, etc.). You can turn to this brand without hesitation if you’re in the market for the best trail running shoes of 2024.
For more tips on how to choose the best trail running shoes for your needs, check out our blog post!
With the Timp 5, Altra offers a stable and comfortable shoe option that is suitable for both novice runners and trail enthusiasts. These qualities mainly come from two technologies: the Altra EGO™ MAX midsole foam and Vibram® Megagrip, which provides excellent traction on both wet and dry trails. If you’re looking for shoes that offer plenty of room for your feet and allow your toes to move freely, the Timp 5 are a perfect choice! For a more natural stride, the heel-to-toe drop is 0 mm, as is always the case with Altra.
Altra’s Olympus 5 model is making its mark among trail running shoes designed for long distances, with a focus on comfort and protection. This shoe is on the maximalist side, weighing a hefty 350 g, but it offers excellent cushioning and support. Vibram® Megagrip technology is also included in the Olympus 5 to provide high-performance traction on various terrains. In this version, the upper has been upgraded for improved breathability. Two of Altra’s flagship technologies, ZeroDrop and FootShape Fit, are also integrated to provide runners with a more natural feel and stride.
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