This overview seems within the 2025 Path Particular Subject of Canadian Working, on newsstands now.
Merrell MTL Adapt Matryx
Males’s 288 g (10.2 oz.)
Girls’s 231 g (8.2 oz.)
Offset/Drop 6 mm
Stack Top 36 mm/30 mm
Lug Depth 4 mm
$260
This new max-cushioned path shoe from Merrell positively stands out on the path for its uncommon higher and midsole designs, and firmly establishes the model within the trail-running area. It’s meant for lengthy days (or races) on the path, for runners who need a high-quality shoe with premium cushioning, a excessive stack and an higher that received’t allow them to down.
The shoe’s breathable Matryx higher comprises Kevlar, together with 3D-printed and TPU overlays, for top-of-the-line abrasion resistance. The EVA-based FloatPro midsole feels very plush and comfy; the match could be very comfortable by way of the midfoot, with a roomy toe field.
Our tester discovered the higher a bit stiff and felt it didn’t absolutely come by way of within the promised “floor really feel” (facilitated, in principle, by the grooves within the midsole, meant to lend flexibility); admittedly, this can be a robust line to stroll in a max-cushioned shoe. They praised the Vibram Megagrip outsole’s grippiness and trustworthiness, even on ice. We’re impressed with the shoe’s relative lightness, contemplating all of the protecting parts within the higher, midsole and outsole.
Arc’teryx Vertex Pace
Unisex 240 g (8.5 oz.)
Offset/Drop 7 mm
Stack Top 23 mm/16 mm
Lug Depth 3 mm
$230
The most recent entry in Arc’teryx’s Vertex assortment, the Vertex Pace delivers the perfect options of the unique Vertex, with options particular to climbing on technical mountain terrain. It’s a lot lighter than the unique mannequin, with a gossamer-like, very breathable and extremely abrasion-resistant mesh Matryx higher, and nonetheless a good quantity of rubber defending the toes and on the edges and heel. The reshaped excessive, stretchy ankle collar/gaiter is one piece with the built-in tongue, and does a superb job of protecting particles out of the shoe (which can be obtainable in a low-cut model, with out the gaiter). The shoe’s Vibram Litebase outsole additionally contributes to the discount in weight (plus, there isn’t any rock plate on this mannequin), and the lug sample is designed for grip on the entrance for climbing, with good traction underneath the midfoot and heel. The twin-density midsole, which is softer on the heel and firmer underneath the forefoot, has been lowered only a contact, as has the drop. As we’ve discovered with different Arc’teryx fashions, the match is lengthy.
Norda 005
Unisex 214 g (7.5 oz.)
Offset/Drop 7 mm
Stack Top 28.5 mm/21.5 mm
Lug Depth 4 mm
$325
We’re enthusiastic about this much-anticipated new race-day shoe from Norda, which has an identical form to its extra rugged 001 and 002 fashions. It’s extraordinarily mild, with the brand new Vibram Megagrip Elite sole plate (a smooth, grippy compound co-developed by Vibram and Norda) and T-shaped lugs, and a extremely sturdy, bio-based and recycled Dyneema higher that resembles linen; if it weren’t for the shoe’s chunky midsole, it will look nearly like a summery gown shoe. The toe field, like that of different Norda fashions, is vast and accommodating. Jason Schlarb was sporting the shoe when he completed on the rostrum at Hardrock 100 in 2024, and once more a number of weeks later, when he completed within the prime 10 at TDS in Chamonix.
The midsole is 100 per cent Arnitel TPEE—a really bouncy, resilient foam; Martire says the stack doesn’t should be outrageously excessive as a result of the froth is so responsive and resilient. Our tester liked the bouncy, comfortable and responsive feeling of the midsole. Norda footwear match small; you’ll must go up not less than a half dimension. The shoe shouldn’t be low cost, however it’s constructed to final.
Columbia Konos Featherweight
Males’s 262 g (9.2 oz.)
Girls’s 220 g (7.8 oz.)
Offset/Drop 10 mm
Stack Top 27.5 mm/17.5 mm
$130
Columbia has entered the operating shoe area, with a novel assertion: that “each floor is a path.” Right here’s the rationale, as we interpret it: most highway footwear carry out finest on clean, dry pavement, and are due to this fact optimized for sturdiness (reasonably than grip). In path footwear, the traction comes from lugs, which have to be made out of rubber that’s onerous sufficient to not put on off simply, however smooth sufficient that it doesn’t really feel such as you’re operating on a brick. Columbia’s reply to this dilemma is to provide footwear with smooth, contoured and textured outsoles (however no lugs) that work effectively on any floor, rain or shine. (We examined the Konos Featherweight on a number of kilometres of highway that was a mixture of moist, dry, rutted and crunchy with snow and ice, and have been impressed. And if it finally ends up sporting out rapidly, it’s nonetheless the least costly shoe in our lineup to exchange.)
The Featherweight lives as much as its title, is well-cushioned and versatile, with a breathable, supportive higher. The journey is plush and fairly responsive (and the drop feels decrease than 10 mm). Whereas very comfy, the match is massive—take into account happening a half (or full) dimension. Our tester notably appreciated the seven-hole lacing system and the enticing styling, which can be acceptable for informal put on.
Salomon S/Lab Extremely Glide
Unisex 280 g (9.9 oz.)
Offset/Drop 6 mm
Stack Top 41 mm/35 mm
Lug Depth 4 mm
$300
This new high-stack, high-performance long-distance racer from Salomon, launched at UTMB final 12 months, appears implausible, and our enthusiasm has (largely) continued after taking the shoe to the paths.
The shoe combines excessive cushioning with premium sturdy supplies in an environment friendly and reliable ultra-trail racing shoe. It has a two-piece EnergyFOAM midsole that strikes a superb steadiness between cush and responsiveness (however tending to the firmer aspect), and the shoe feels very steady, regardless of the peak of the stack. It performs simply as effectively for climbing because it does over rolling terrain—a giant ask. The shoe has excessive, protecting sidewalls, which lend stability, and a sturdy toe bumper. The stretchy mesh higher has the model’s much-loved Quicklace system and could be very breathable, with some skinny padding across the collar and plenty of protecting overlays. The higher is designed to broaden to accommodate swelling throughout lengthy races, however our tester discovered the toe field a bit cramped.
The match of the heel is unusually comfortable, and our tester had no points with slippage, even climbing steep, slippery rock. They have been impressed with the grip and total sturdiness of the ContaGRIP outsole.
The progressive new contoured midsole and outsole are not like something you’ve ever seen, and are designed to alleviate strain and redistribute repetitive stress on the foot.
NNormal Kjerag Brut
Unisex 230 g (8.1 oz.)
Offset/Drop 6 mm
Stack Top 28.5 mm/22.5 mm
Lug Depth: 6.5 mm
$280
A extra rugged model of the model’s Kjerag shoe (there will probably be an replace to the common Kjerag this summer time), with outsole lugs which are nearly twice as deep, the Brut is admittedly designed for smooth, unstable terrain and poor situations (i.e., deep mud, water, snow or scree). It underwent in depth testing in Europe, and will probably be welcomed as eagerly by path runners within the Pacific Northwest as in Britain, the place runners usually discover themselves ankle-deep in boggy marsh whereas approaching or departing from the fells.
The Brut has a Vibram Litebase outsole, and (did we point out this?) very aggressive, deep lugs. The breathable, woven Matryx Micro higher has an built-in neoprene tongue and drainage holes to shed water; there may be additionally much less padding across the collar, so much less materials to grow to be saturated with moisture in sloppy situations—an recognized weak point of the unique Kjerag. The shoe’s supercritical EVA Eexpure midsole is unchanged, and performs effectively. The shoe has an exterior moulded heel counter to maintain you locked and loaded.
La Sportiva Prodigio Professional
Males’s 255 g (8.9 oz.)
Girls’s 225 g (7.9 oz.)
Offset/Drop 6 mm
Stack Top 34 mm/28 mm
Lug Depth 4 mm
$235
The Prodigio Professional is a brand new racing shoe based mostly on the design of the Prodigio, which was launched final 12 months. With vital enhancements to the higher and the midsole cushioning, an elevated rocker profile and better sidewalls for stability, this is a superb shoe for path racing.
The XFlow Pace cushioning (supercritical nitrogen-infused TPU and EVA) is smooth, mild and really responsive, permitting the model to trim the burden barely; it feels plush and responsive on the path. The putting TPU and nylon-reinforced mesh higher is very sturdy and wraps the midfoot snugly. The well-padded tongue is built-in right into a knit collar that does a good job of protecting particles out of the shoe. The rocker is kind of noticeable; landings really feel steady and transitions clean. The match is comfortable throughout the midfoot, however with loads of width within the toe field for splay on the downhills. This is likely one of the most comfy and well-fitting footwear we examined.
The shoe has the model’s softer, tackier rubber compound on the outsole, and provides the shoe wonderful traction and grip, however will probably be fascinating to see the way it holds up with repeated use; in all probability finest to maintain it for race-day put on solely. Additionally, it stored our tester’s toes comfortably heat in snow, which can not bode effectively for operating in heat climate.
Lowa Madrix
Males’s 290 g (10.2 oz.)
Girls’s 250 g (8.8 oz.)
Offset/Drop 6 mm
Stack Top 30.5 mm/24.5 mm
Lug Depth 4 mm
$240
It is a rugged, moderately-stacked and plated path shoe from the favored European model, Lowa, that’s designed for each coaching and racing over lengthy distances. It shines on technical terrain, and has power return to burn. The carbon-reinforced, forked plate (which is 80 per cent nylon) is much less stiff and extra forgiving than the carbon-fibre plates in highway racing fashions, however works in live performance with the comparatively agency, nitrogen-infused TPEE midsole and the pronounced toe rocker to present you loads of oomph to beat the paths. (It could additionally present some rock safety.)
The shoe’s sturdy bolstered higher and TPU toe cap present loads of safety from path particles. The thoughtfully designed, asymmetrical tongue follows the anatomy of the ankle, decreasing friction and chafing, and the toe field is appropriately roomy, permitting loads of area for toe splay on descents.
The shoe has a sturdy Vibram outsole, and the lugs are configured in a forward-facing arrow orientation on the entrance (for grip whereas ascending) and rear-facing on the again (for descending).
Hoka Tecton X 3
Males’s 286 g (10.0 oz.)
Girls’s 223 g (7.9 oz.)
Offset/Drop 5 mm
Stack Top 40 mm/35 mm (males’s), 39 mm/34 mm (ladies’s)
Lug Depth 4 mm
$300
X marks the spot—and for Hoka, X denotes “this can be a carbon supershoe.” It’s a big replace to the Tecton X 2 and the unique Tecton X, which appeared in 2022; Jim Walmsley wore a prototype of an earlier model when he received UTMB in 2023, and he and Vincent Couillard wore up to date prototypes after they received Western States and UTMB in 2024, respectively. No expense has been spared to make this one of many quickest, highest-quality and most sturdy path racers we’ve seen shortly—and also you don’t should be a professional to reap the advantages (although professionals get it without cost—fortunate them).
The shoe is max-stack, with a carbon-fibre plate that’s break up down the center, permitting either side to maneuver independently (it’s usually agreed that this works higher on trails than a single plate), with aspect panels which are designed to enhance stability—and it’s a very steady shoe, due additionally to its vast, forgiving platform, which extends past the heel for stability on descents. The midsole is brand-new, very responsive double-density peba foam that feels comfortably cushioned with out being overly smooth. The shoe has a waterproof Matryx higher with a bootie development, that includes an built-in tongue and knitted, sock-like gaiter that matches tightly (however feels very comfy as soon as it’s on). The Vibram Megagrip/Litebase outsole has tiny prongs on the aspect of the lugs for traction and grip. The shoe is greater than an oz. heavier than the two, however nonetheless comparatively mild.
