Nike Ultrafly
Pros
- Optimized for trail races
- Accommodates wide feet with ease
- Full-length, responsive Pebax midsole
- Equipped with a Vibram Megagrip outsole
- Ideal for heel strikers
- Offers outstanding comfort
- Remarkably stable
- Suitable for 100-mile races
Cons
- The Vaporweave upper could be more durable and breathable
- Heavier than expected even for a trail racing shoe
- The $260 price tag might be steep for some
- Limited toebox height
Key Features
- Men to Women Sizing: The sizing is well thought out, with Men Size 8 equating to 9.5 for women, making it versatile for different users.
- Durable Construction: Made with high-quality Nike materials ensuring longevity even in challenging outdoor conditions.
- Rubber Sole: Provides excellent grip and traction, essential for trail running across various surfaces.
- Lace-Up Closure: Allows for a customizable fit to ensure comfort during long runs or hikes.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Outer Material: Nike Materials
- Closure Type: Lace-Up
After extensive testing both in the lab and on the trails, we have determined that Nike’s Ultrafly is best suited for serious trail runners seeking speed and stability. This shoe delivers a cushioned ride while providing a Vaporfly-like experience tailored for off-road conditions. Its notable energy return and supportive platform ensure comfort throughout any distance.
The performance of Ultrafly is driven by its significant stiffness, featuring a full-length carbon plate that is 38.7% stiffer than average according to our bend test. This design facilitates energetic toe-offs and responsive movements. The shoe's impressive 36.6 mm heel height, combined with a plush feel, enhances overall comfort during long runs.
Our durometer testing of the Pebax foam shows an exceptionally low reading of 9.8 HA, indicating it is 62.7% softer than average. Despite its substantial stack height, Ultrafly maintains a stable ride through its rigidity and wide base, which provides solid traction for navigating easy to moderate trails. The sticky lugs measure 3.0 mm deep, ensuring safety and control across various terrains.
However, the steep price of $260 may deter some buyers, especially considering the average trail runner costs around $137.
Salomon Speedcross 6
Pros
- Ideal for heel strikers
- Impressive durability
- Quick mud shedding ability
- Lightest Speedcross yet
- Secure lockdown with QuickLace system
- Enhanced ground feel in the forefoot
- Agile and responsive in fast corners
Cons
- Midsole feels like concrete
- Extremely poor breathability
- Not suitable for midfoot and forefoot strikers
- Low energy return
Key Features
- Unparalleled grip: The outsole is designed for superior traction, making it ideal for slippery or uneven surfaces.
- Comfortable fit: The Speedcross 6 provides a precise fit that adapts well to your foot shape, enhancing stability.
- Lightweight construction: This model is designed to be lighter than previous versions, allowing for greater agility during your runs.
- Revamped upper: The new upper design not only looks striking but also adds to the shoe's functionality.
- Fast mud evacuation: Enhanced drainage capabilities ensure that water and mud do not weigh you down.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole material: Polyurethane
- Outer material: Polyester
- Closure type: Bungee
The Speedcross 6 is a suitable choice for hikers seeking a lightweight and agile shoe. It demonstrates significant performance in handling muddy tracks and dirt trails, thanks to its flexible yet stable platform and robust lugs.
Weighing only 10.4 oz (296g), it is 22.1% below the average weight of hiking shoes, making it light enough for running as well. Laboratory tests indicate that it is 13.0% more flexible than average, enhancing comfort on longer excursions and allowing for quick adaptations to unpredictable trails.
Equipped with the reliable Contagrip outsole, which we measured at 93.9 HC on the durometer, it provides exceptional grip on slick and soft surfaces. The 5.8 mm deep, aggressively spaced lugs ensure notable traction and control across various terrains.
The firm midsole contributes to stability and ground sensitivity, evidenced by its low shock absorption rating of 96 SA. Additionally, the curved insole design offers support by allowing the foot to sit inside rather than balance on top.
However, these shoes may not be ideal for summer use due to limited breathability, making them more comfortable in cooler weather conditions.
Nike Pegasus Trail 5
Pros
- Fully gusseted tongue
- Reflective elements
- Durable upper construction
- New rockered sole
- Great for heel strikers
- Reasonably priced
- All-around comfort
Cons
- Weight increase
- Possibly too plush for trails
- Still lacks traction
Key Features
- Water-Resistant GORE-TEX Upper: Keeps your feet dry in wet conditions.
- ReactX Foam Midsole: 13% more responsive than previous React technology, offering excellent energy return.
- Air Zoom Unit: Positioned in the forefoot for additional cushioning and responsiveness.
- Nike Trail ATC Outsole: Designed for all-terrain adaptability, ensuring stability even in wet weather.
- High Ankle Cuff: Prevents dirt and debris from entering the shoe.
- Reflective Elements: Enhance visibility during low-light conditions.
Specifications
- Model Number: FQ0908-400
- Upper Material: Waterproof GORE-TEX
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Shaft Height: Ankle Strap
- Cushioning: Air Zoom Unit
- Midsole: ReactX Foam
- Origin: Imported
The Nike Pegasus Trail 5 is a hybrid trail running shoe best suited for runners seeking reliability and versatility. It performs well on both rugged terrain and urban environments, effectively combining the necessary toughness with comfort for long-distance runs.
During extensive testing, the outsole exhibited minimal wear, with our durometer indicating a robust 87.9 HC All Terrain Compound. Testing with a Dremel revealed exceptional resistance, showing only slight damage of 0.8 mm. The 3.2 mm lug depth ensures excellent grip on moderate trails while remaining lightweight for city running.
Highly cushioned, the ReactX foam is measured at 51.1% softer than average, which aids in absorbing impact upon landing and propelling during takeoff. This cushioning significantly enhances the overall running experience. Its durability allows it to endure multiple training cycles without significant wear.
The upper section is padded and features layers of mesh for added protection, achieving a perfect score for durability in lab tests, as the Dremel barely affected its integrity. However, the shoe has limitations regarding ventilation, receiving a breathability rating of 2/5, making it less suitable for warmer weather conditions.
ASICS Gel Venture 10
Pros
- Fantastic durability
- Amazing value
- Ideal for beginners
- Softer Amplifoam midsole
- Versatile for trail, travel, casual wear...
- Improved upper
- Plush tongue with pressure-free lacing
- Trail-inspired details at budget price
Cons
- Only for narrow feet
- Heavy
- Low shock absorption and energy return
Key Features
- Mesh upper: Improves breathability while maintaining waterproof capabilities.
- Sockliner production: Utilizes a solution dyeing process that reduces water usage by approximately 33% and carbon emissions by about 45% compared to conventional methods.
- Rearfoot GEL technology: Enhances impact absorption, creating a softer feeling at footstrike.
- AMPLIFOAM cushioning: Provides excellent cushioning for added comfort during longer runs.
- Trail-specific outsole pattern: Optimized for enhanced grip across various terrains.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole material: Synthetic Rubber
- Outer material: Mesh
- Inner material: Polyester
The ASICS Gel Venture 10 is a hiking shoe that is best suited for budget-conscious outdoor enthusiasts seeking durability and comfort. Priced at only $80, it provides notable wear resistance, contributing to the shoe's long lifespan. Its flexible design enhances comfort during treks, making it a solid option for affordable hiking footwear.
In lab tests, the GV10 exhibited impressive sturdiness across its structure. The toebox sustained minor damage, earning a score of 4/5, while the heel padding remained intact with a maximum score of 5/5. Additionally, the outsole showed only a small 0.6 mm dent compared to the 0.9 mm average, further confirming its protective qualities.
The midsole adapts well to movement, providing ease during relaxed strolls. Our bend test indicated it is 13.7% more pliable than average. Weighing in at a minimal 11.4 oz (322g), it is significantly lighter than the lab average by 15.3%, enhancing its appeal as a lightweight hiking shoe.
However, the shoe offers limited impact protection, reflected in its below-average 105 SA rating. Those who prioritize cushioning and joint protection may want to consider shoes with better shock absorption features. This aspect may be a drawback for some users looking for enhanced comfort on rugged terrain.