Sports and adventure
Beginning trail running: choosing the right shoe
Pebbles, mud, sand, rocks and sometimes snow… the beauty of trail running lies in the multiplicity and variety of these terrains. So which shoe should you choose to provide effective cushioning on all types of ground and optimum support for your ankles? Widermag tested over 944 models. Here’s their top picks!
Running in the great outdoors means climbs and descents, rocks, changing weather…
The priority is to choose footwear suited to the varied terrain. Stiffer for better support, more resistant thanks to reinforcements, they are heavier than those for the road and have better crampons to grip slippery and muddy ground.
Among the many pairs tested by trail specialist Widermag.com, here are a few recommended models:
Men’s models
Brooks Cascadia
The great classic. This 12th version still offers the same comfort, the same foot roll and the same precise support. It remains dynamic and the grip is very good.
The Sportiva Akasha
La Sportiva is living up to its reputation as a mountain and technical terrain specialist with this Akasha. The grip is good and the foot is well protected.
Mizuno Wave Daichi
The comfort you feel is immediate. You immediately want to go out longer with this Daichi on your feet. While it’s not yet designed for extreme terrain, where the protection will be a little limited, it is an excellent running shoe for trail running.
Salomon Sense Pro 2
It’s hard to classify the Salomon Sense Pro 2, but it’s undoubtedly one of the most versatile shoes in this comparison. This shoe doesn’t really fall short in any respect: precise fit, decent grip, effective lacing, fairly stable.
Women’s models
Brooks Caldera
Very pleasant to run in, they follow the natural stride and flexibility of the foot. You don’t feel the impact too much, but as a result you’re carried along with limited dynamism. The lugs aren’t impressive, but they’re enough to give you a good boost on dry ground in particular, where the flat path and sole provide good stability.
La Sportiva Helio 2.0
Lightweight, flexible and beautiful, its ‘grooved’ lugs lighten the shoe without sacrificing grip. Its 4mm drop gives a very good relaunch and allows you to run “fast” and precisely. Very good cushioning. The shoe remains stable and allows you to play without fear.
Saucony X-Odus
This is a good all-rounder, very stable and solid, with a sole that promises considerable durability. Grip is good on soft and hard ground without being exceptional, and quite good on wet ground. The characteristic feature is the prominence of the lateral studs.
Salming Trail T2 W
The T2 is really fun and pleasant to wear. With a perfect balance between stiffness, flexibility and lightness, this Swedish shoe is a serious competitor to our classic choices. It’s easy to put on, the lacing is very precise and the fit is rather narrow, so it’s made for thin feet. The cushioning means you can run anywhere.
Myzuno Hayate
The lightest of the Mizuno range, despite its 9mm drop, it grips the ground. A real slipper, supple and comfortable. Its thin sole limits it to long-distance running, but it’s responsive for faster runs.