2010 Trail Shoe Review
SEE ALL SHOES REVIEWED BELOW
By Robb Finegan
With the weather starting to warm up and the flowers blooming, everyone’s eager to get out on the trails. Many of new trail shoes are worth checking out for this spring. Whether you need a firmer, supportive trail shoe or are looking for a lightweight, flexible, low-profile trail shoe, you can find something to fit your needs. A trail shoe will give you miles of enjoyable walking, keep your feet dry, and protect you from the terrain. You might get a little muddy, but that shouldn’t stop you from getting out and having fun on the trails.
Robb Finegan has worked at Fit Right Northwest since 2003 and became a co-owner in 2006. He oversees daily store operations and serves as footwear buyer for both the Portland and Vancouver locations. Try this selection of trail shoes at Fit Right Northwest. To find a location near you visit www.fitrightnw.com.
Montrail-Rockridge 
Brand-new on the market, the Montrail Rockridge combines a breathable mesh with welded thin overlays to create a seamless fit. The Rockridge is a lightweight, low-profile trail shoe that offers great traction on varied terrain. The roomy toe box fits a wide variety of feet.
$90
www.montrail.com |
Montrail-Sabino Trail
Those of you who loved the Montrail Hardrock are in for something even better. The Sabino Trail is a great update with a dual density midsole and forefoot Trail Shield? to protect you from stone bruises on the trail. The Gryptonite outersole along with the three-point lug design provides great traction, while a gusseted tongue helps keep debris out.
$100
www.montrail.com |
The North Face-Single-Track 
The North Face Single-Track is a lower-profile trail shoe that attacks wet and muddy conditions while giving your feet a smooth ride. It works great on harder surfaces like asphalt as you make your way up to the trails. Once you reach more challenging terrain, the Snake Plate forefoot protects you from bruising on rocks and roots without compromising flexibility. The Single-Track’s external screen-collar will help keep the dirt out without adding lots of weight to the shoe.
$100
www.thenorthface.com |
The North Face-Fire Road II
A true hybrid trail shoe, the North Face Fire Road II is the shoe for you if you have pavement to pound before you get to the trails. The dual-density midsole will provide midfoot support, but the Fire Road is also a lower-profile shoe. The outersole will protect you from the rocks even as it offers a smooth ride on your urban adventure.
$90
www.thenorthface.com |
Adidas adiStar-Raven 
The adiStar Raven is a brand new trail shoe from Adidas. Its dual-compound rubber outersole provides great traction on a wide variety of surfaces. The adiStar Raven’s Formotion 360 cushioning control midsole system puts you closer to the ground for added stability.
$120
www.adidas.com |
Adidas-adiZero XT 
The adiZero XT has been a great update in the trail line from Adidas. The adiZero XT has the feel of a lightweight road shoe but will tackle the roughest trails. Weighing in at 11 oz., the adiZero XT is so light you will hardly notice that you have anything on your feet. The sticky rubber outersole is great on wet surfaces, including rocky terrain. The adiZero XT fits a little narrower in the toe box.
$90
www.adidas.com |
New Balance-MT100 
The New Balance 100 is a true minimalist trail shoe. Even though the 100 is negligible in weight, it has great forefoot protection - the Rock Stop midsole - to protect your feet on the harshest trails. With its reasonable price, you can justify getting that new hydration pack you know you need.
$75
www.newbalance.com |
Inov-8-288 GTX 
The Inov-8 288 GTX is the lightest GORE-TEX boot on the market. The minimal upper feels like a slipper but will keep your feet dry in the wettest conditions. If you are looking for that low-profile trail shoe that will keep your feet dry all day long, the 288 GTX is your shoe. The roomy toe box will accommodate a wide foot as well.
$130
www.inov-8.com |
|
