NEW BALANCE 876

Price: $100
Weight: 12.5 oz(M) 10.3 oz(W)
Contact: 800-253-7463
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WE SAY This update no longer features the great all-weather traction that helped previous versions nab the Best Update award. Instead it has a more traditional lug design built around smaller treads that aren't as sticky. Our testers found the new outsole still managed to provide plenty of traction in all but the muddiest conditions. What they didn't like,though, was the heel, which didn't provide a comfortable ride. According to our lab testing, the heel is the firmest in this guide, and it's noticeably hard. Recommended as a versatile trailblazer for runners looking to tackle all but the nastiest terrain.

WEAR-TESTER SAYS "I liked the breathability and flexibility of the shoe."—Stephanie Grosvenor, 28, East Lansing



PATAGONIA TSALI

Price: $100
Weight: 10.8 oz(M) 8.9 oz(W)
Contact: 800-638-6464
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WE SAY The Tsali boasts an impressive blend of lightweight protection, but its ride is a little rough. Our Shoe Lab tests show the forefoot to be one of the hardest we've seen. While some testers noted this lack of cushioning, even more complained about how loosely the shoe fit in the forefoot. Some felt the upper didn't hold their feet in place on technical trails, where they tend to move around a lot. The rubber toe bumper also has the potential to cause discomfort because it extends a little too far back. We recommend the Tsali for trail runners who like feeling the ground underfoot and want a lightweight shoe with a fast feel.

WEAR-TESTER SAYS "It was comfortable,but the toe box felt a little loose."—Leonard E. Burton, 33, Reading



BEST DEBUT: THE NORTH FACE SINGLE TRACK

Price: $100
Weight: 11.4 oz(M) 9.2 oz(W)
Contact: 866-715-3223
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WE SAY This superb road and trail hybrid runs well on both. The RW Shoe Lab tests show the Single Track to have the softest heel in this guide and a forefoot that's among the most flexible, which earned high marks from testers who encountered patches of pavement on their trail runs. Many of them also liked the upper design, which did a good job holding the foot over the shoe. And the outsole traction proved to be an asset on all but the muddiest trails. Recommended for anyone in need of a general-purpose shoe that rides well on both roads and trails.

WEAR-TESTER SAYS "It was alight weight shoe with excellent traction and a comfortable fit."—Mike Richmond, 44, East Lansing