Hit the trails in the latest shoes and accessories to help keep you comfortable and confident while you rack up miles in the wild, whether you are training, racing, or just having fun.
Scarpa
Golden Gate 2 ATR
Built for comfort, this do it all shoe is the choice for those runners who spend time on both pavement and dirt. The forefoot and traditional, supportive heel work in tandem to keep your foot secure and rolling into each stride. Meanwhile, the dual-density EVA Bounce Foam takes the shock out of pounding the blacktop and negotiating rocky trails. And it weighs in at a mere 10.2 ounces in a men’s Euro size 42.
$169; scarpa.com
La Sportiva
Jackal II BOA
Light, at 10.5 ounces, and agile, this is the shoe of choice for those with ultra objectives. The double BOA lacing system may not be for everyone—but we wonder why not? Instead of dealing with lacing and double lacing and replacing, just dial in the fit and adjust on the fly if necessary. That perfect fit gives you better stability, while the Infinitoo cushion technology serves up a spring in every step alongside an outsole that can chew up rocks and roots. $111; lasportivausa.com
Arc’teryx
Sylan GTX
Looking for a shoe to give you some extra bounce and roll as you stride into the wild? This comfy 11-ounce trail runner’s big rockered midsole pumps you through each step, and the shoe’s ample space in the toe is a relief for finicky feet. The Vibram Megagrip outsole tackles a wide range of terrain and the Gore Invisible Fit liner keeps out the wet stuff. It may be too much shoe for some but the ideal fit for those who want a lot of oomph from their kicks. We like it as a day hiker, too.
$230; arcteryx.com
Hoka
Speedgoat 6
The latest greatest version of Hoka’s ever popular Speedgoat can climb, race, and ramble down the ugliest trails out there—and it will imbue you with the confidence to push your limits on race day. Credit that stability to the aggressive 5-mm lug pattern and ultralight CMEVA cushioning in the midsole that sucks up the abuse of gnarly terrain. Weighing 9.8 ounces in a men’s size 10, this shoe is so comfy and in control on the trail, some of us used it as a quiver of one for hikes, training, and racing. $155; hoka.com
Altra
Olympus 6
The latest iteration of Altra’s Olympus serves up plenty of comfort for those runs that rack up the miles—but it’s not too bulky for race days. Weighing in at 12.2 ounces for men and 10.2 for women, the shoe features a soft, breathable mesh upper and outstanding traction, thanks to a new big pattern on the Vibram Megagrip outsole that eats up both dirt and wet rock. As usual, Altra is a good fit for those with wide toe boxes. $175; altrarunning.com
Tailwind
Dauwaltermelon
Packing a punch of electrolytes and calories, this tasty energy drink will keep you powering though runs that would otherwise beat you down. Don’t believe us? Tailwind whipped up the mix with Courtney Dauwalter, the first person to win Western States 100, Hardrock 100, and UTMB in the same year (and she won Hardrock again last month). $2.49 single serving, $40 box of 50; tailwindnutrition.com
Rab
Veil 12L
Mountaineering brand Rab put all the know-how it’s gleaned from alpine endeavors into this light (just under 13 ounces) well-fitting running vest that’s mandatory for those big mile days. The ample pockets hold water and snacks and the ripstop material sheds moisture—but the real sell here is the fit system, which keeps the pack out of your way and tight to the torso without rubbing when you sashay down the trail.
$180; rab.equipment
Montane
Dart Lite T-Shirt
Trail running does not require a lot of gear, which is why the basics need to be perfect. This lightweight base layer made from recycled polyester answers the call for the demands of a run, wicking away moisture and sweat, while providing warmth when you need it for your core but staying cool when temps soar. $60; us.montane.com
