PUBLISHED 09/04/2007
The North Face Arnuva 100 TR GTX
We Say: The Arnuva comes with plenty of rearfoot support and a large cutaway section under the heel that makes it the softest trail shoe in the bunch, according to RW Lab tests. However, the durable midsole, Gore-Tex bootie, and forefoot overlays combine to make a slightly stiffer shoe, which was noted by a number of wear-testers. While the overlays contribute to the shoe's stiffness, they also give it a supportive fit. Recommended for runners looking for a sturdy multipurpose shoe, for both hiking and running on root- and rock-strewn trails.
Wear-tester says: "A good heavy-duty, supportive winter running shoe, but the flexibility needed improvement." --Polly Corvaia, 45, Reading
Price: $130
Weight: 15 oz (M) 11 oz (W)
Contact: 866-715-3223; www.thenorthface.com
Pearl Izumi SyncroSeek 2 GTX
We say: The waterproof Seek has been updated with firmer lugs that yield better traction, an extra two millimeters of foam in the forefoot to give the shoe a softer feel, and an improved lacing system. The thin Kevlar bands that ran from the laces to the midsole in the previous version have been replaced with wider bands of nylon to wrap the arch of the foot more comfortably. One comment we heard from some testers was that the toebox was a bit narrow. Recommended for trail runners who want a durable, everyday trainer.
Wear-tester says: "The support felt great, and the lacing system provided a comfortable, no-slip fit." --Tim Becker, 36, Reading
Price: $125
Weight: 14.1 oz (M) 11.8 oz (W)
Contact: 800-328-8488; www.pearlizumi.com
Puma Complete Trail Fox II
We say: The latest Fox is still built low to the ground, but Puma has reduced the number of cutaway sections in the outsole, which improves the shoe's ability to protect the foot from trail debris. This protection is further enhanced by additional rubber in the outsole and a flexible plastic midsole plate that has been extended to cup the foot. The Fox is both firm and stiff, according to RW Shoe Lab tests, recommended for efficient runners who run on root-strewn trails and need a protective trail shoe.
Wear-tester says: "These shoes had good traction and support, but the lacing system put too much pressure on the top of my foot." --Seth Palmer, 22, East Lansing
Price: $100
Weight: 11.4 oz (M) 9.1 oz (W)
Contact: 888-565-7862; www.pumarunning.com
Best Debut: Reebok Premier Minocqua TR
We say: A very good all-around shoe. The Minocqua is made on a new last that works with elastic cords that run from the laces down to the midsole for a good overall fit and feel. A layer of foam under the sockliner further enhances the shoe's out-of-the-box comfort. The sticky rubber outsole sports lugs that face both forward and backward for traction whether you are running up- or downhill. Recommended for runners looking for a comfortable shoe for smooth or moderately bumpy trails.
Wear-tester says: "A good lightweight trail shoe with good cushioning and a comfortable fit that didn't feel like a light hiker." --Ted Towse, 35, East Lansing
Price: $90
Weight: 12.6 oz (M) 10.6 oz (W)
Contact: 800-843-4444; www.reebok.com
