Comparison Review: Unbeatable in the distance. Undeterred by rough terrain. Comparison of long-distance trail running shoes
Written by Outdoor Gearzine Editorial Department
In Japan's trail running scene, long-distance races over 100km, such as UTMF, are on the rise. There are probably many people who started trail running because they wanted to participate in a long-distance race like the UTMB held in France. I'm sure there are many people who are still training with the goal of completing a 100km or 100-mile race
However, it's common for amateur racers to take 20-30 hours to complete a 100-mile race, so shoes that support your feet for such a long time are a crucial factor in completing the race
This time, I'll be reviewing and comparing trail running shoes, specifically those designed for long-distance ultra-trail runs of over 100km. From the countless manufacturers available today, I'll be introducing my recommended shoes, chosen by myself as a 100-mile runner. I hope this will help you make your purchase, from your first pair to your final shoes
table of contents
table of contents
- About the items tested this time
- Test Results & Spec Comparison Table
- Impressions of each model
- Detailed review of each item
- summary
About the long distance trail running shoes we compared this time
Below are the five models we compared this time. We chose trail running shoes for long distances
inov-8 Terraultra G 260
The outsole features graphene, developed in collaboration with the University of Manchester, significantly improving strength, durability, and resilience. Despite its thinness of just 9mm, the midsole utilizes EXTEROFLOW, which provides excellent resilience and shock absorption, making it ideal for long-distance races
Hoka one one SPEED GOAT 3
The successor to Hoka one one's popular Speedgoat 2. Max cushioning, Megagrip grip, and rolling keep you moving forward. While retaining the same design as its predecessor, this shoe offers improved durability, making it a more complete shoe for long distances
La Sportiva Ultra Raptor
This Italian mountain sports shoe manufacturer is on the heavier side of the five models mentioned here, but it offers high rigidity, stability, and a comfortable fit, making it particularly useful for mountain marathons, which are prone to rocky terrain and debris
Columbia Montrail CALDORADO 3
This model was developed to conquer the Western States 100, known as the oldest trail running race. The new model features a revised upper for lighter weight, improved durability, and better hold, making it versatile for use on any trail, from short to long
MERRELL MOMENTOUS
These trail running shoes are made by Merrell, a renowned manufacturer of hiking boots. Not only does the MegaGrip provide excellent grip, but the unique heel cup also provides excellent stability when landing and is resistant to bumps on rough terrain, allowing you to run long distances with peace of mind. They also feature a sophisticated design
Test environment
The following five points were set as indicators for the evaluation items and the review was conducted
- Comfort: The fit of the upper, breathability, and overall flexibility mean that there is no pressure or stress when wearing the shoes, and they are comfortable and unlikely to cause injury even if you wear them for 20 to 30 hours straight
- Weight: We paid attention not only to the actual weight but also to the feeling when riding
- Grip: The ability to prevent slipping when landing on various trails, and the ability to dig in when pushing off. Grip strength is especially important in the latter half of a race when you start to get tired, as it helps prevent injuries and accidents
- Cushioning: Absorbing the impact of landing. When it comes to long-distance trails, high cushioning is one of the major factors in preventing fatigue in the soles of your feet
- Stability: The holding power of the heel and sole, as well as protection to protect the feet from external stimuli and shocks. These are essential aspects for trail running, where you'll be dealing with a variety of terrain and carrying a load
With these five points in mind, I tested it on my usual roads and trails with lots of ups and downs
Each shoe has a distinctive appearance. Trail running shoes tend to be flashy
Test Results & Spec Comparison Table
If you find it difficult to see the table on the lightweight display for smartphones, click here.
| comprehensive evaluation | AAA | AAA | AA | AA | A |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| item |  inov-8 Terraultra G 260 |  Hoka one one Speedgoat 3 |  La Sportiva Ultra Raptor |  Columbia Montrail Caldorado III |  Merrell Momentus |
| Reference price (excluding tax) | ¥19,500 | ¥19,000 | ¥17,500 | ¥14,500 | ¥14,000 |
| Here is ◎ |
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| Here is △ |
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| Comfort | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| weight | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| grip | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| cushion | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| stability | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Specifications | |||||
| official weight | 260g | 292g (27.0cm) | Approximately 350g | 296g | 283g |
| Actual weight | 258g (27.0cm) | 285g (27.0cm) | 388g (approx. 28cm) | 298g (27.0cm) | 339g (27.0cm) |
| drop | 0mm (9mm/9mm) | 4mm (28mm/32mm) | 8mm (21mm/29mm) | 8mm (11mm/19mm) | 4mm (25mm/29mm) |
| Midsole | EXTEROFLOW | – | INJECTED | Fluid Form | – |
| Outsole | GRAPHENE GRIP | Vibram® Mega Grip | FriXion White | Trail Shield | Vibram® Mega Grip |
Impressions of each model
Inov-8 Terraultra G 260
Here is ◎
- Grip and durability
- Supple midsole
Here is △
- Low protection
The Terraultra G 260 is the long-distance model among the three models in inov-8's flagship G-Series. The G-Series uses graphene, the strongest material developed in collaboration with a university, for the outer sole and Kevlar, the same material used in bulletproof vests, for the upper, achieving both high grip and high durability
inov-8: terraultra G 260
True to its name, the grip is extremely high for a long distance shoe, allowing you to step boldly even on wet rocks. While a high-grip outer sole often comes at a trade-off with durability, this shoe is also extremely durable, and although I tried it on many occasions, including rocky areas, scree areas, and roads, where soles tend to wear down, I didn't notice any significant wear
The midsole uses "EXTEROFLOW" for improved rebound and cushioning. While the cushioning is modest compared to other models, the rebound when stepping in is very high, propelling your feet forward. Combined with the zero drop and extremely flexible sole, you'll find your speed increasing without even realizing it, making for a very comfortable run
The upper is made of breathable mesh and has a good fit, but compared to other models, it offers less protection and stability. It seems stressful on trails with lots of rocks, scree, and protruding objects. Although it's designed for long distances, it doesn't offer excessive protection and is aimed at runners who have a fair amount of experience. These shoes allow you to intuitively grip the ground, are not hindered by the shoes, and allow you to perform at your best
Hoka one one Speedgoat 3
Here is ◎
- Cushion Max!
- Rolling forward momentum
Here is △
- Large shoe volume
Hoka one one now boasts a high market share in both trail running and ultramarathons. In June, it was the Hoka one one Speed Goat that set an overwhelming course record and won the Western States 100, America's oldest trail running race
Viewed from behind, the midsole is quite voluminous
The source of its popularity is its high cushioning. The Speed Goat3's sole height is an impressive 28mm in the forefoot and 32mm in the heel. If cushioning is simply soft, it will sink in, lose power, and cause instability when landing, but the Speed Goat3's cushioning has just the right amount of rebound and is not wasted. In addition to its cushioning, the outer sole uses Vibram Megagrip, providing excellent grip. While the low durability of Hoka one one's outer sole is a concern, the Speed Goat3 didn't feel too flimsy
The sole height is high, but the trapezoidal shape of the contact area provides a high sense of stability when landing and prevents unnecessary loss of power. However, because of the volume, I had a hard time with technical trails that required precise footwork. I felt that I would trip more often, especially in the latter half of the run, as I got tired and my feet became harder to lift
At just under 300g, it's not particularly light, but the Meta Rocker Geometry sole, which curves up at the toe, naturally propels your foot forward, making it feel much lighter than shoes of the same weight. It's not just a shoe with high cushioning, it's packed with various features to help you run faster
La Sportiva Ultra Raptor
Here is ◎
- High defensive power
- Outstanding stability
Here is △
- weight
The moment you put on the shoes and stand up, the weight of the shoes gives you a sense of security that you won't find in other shoes. The voluminous sole, the excellent fit thanks to the air mesh upper, and the secure hold of the plastic heel cup are all factors that give you this sense of security. The toe has a thick rock guard, and the sides of the upper are reinforced with polyurethane-reinforced fabric, giving the overall shoe a very rugged feel. The appeal of these shoes is that they provide a high level of security even on rocky trails and are highly durable. If you don't feel stable when wearing these shoes, then there's nothing else to be desired
As you would expect from Sportiva, a brand bred in the Alps, the protection is excellent
Although it is heavier than other shoes, once you start running, it doesn't feel that heavy, perhaps due to the good weight balance or the rebound of the midsole. The cushioning is thick and sufficient. It's not as fluffy as the Speedgoat 3, but it feels firm and sturdy. You can maintain a stable speed on downhill slopes
I was a little worried about the grip compared to other shoes. There's no problem when the road is dry, but on wet surfaces I'm a bit worried because they tend to be a little slippery. The durability is a little low due to the sticky grip. This is a shame, considering the durability of the upper is quite high. Because these shoes have a high level of protection, they are best suited to unstable trails with lots of rocks and scree, rather than smooth, easy trails
Columbia Montrail Caldorado III
Here is ◎
- Overall good balance
- Highly versatile
Here is △
- Midsole durability
Although I now wear a variety of shoes, the shoes I bought when I first participated in a trail running race were Columbia Montrails. I remember wearing them until the soles were so worn out that they were peeling off. The Caldorado III is also an all-around model that I recommend for beginners
Montrail: Caldorado III
First of all, the upper is made of highly breathable mesh fabric, providing a comfortable fit. While it doesn't offer excessive protection, the heel area has double support with a plate on the outside and a heel cup on the inside. In addition, it uses a thick cushion, so the heel area is held in place perfectly, providing a high level of stability when the foot touches the ground. Conversely, there is almost no support on the forefoot, allowing for great freedom of movement and a smooth kick
The midsole uses Fluid Foam, which has just the right amount of cushioning and rebound. It's thin yet provides solid cushioning and a rebound that propels you forward with ease, making it less tiring to run long distances. However, after about 100km of testing, wrinkles appeared due to wear and tear that aren't present in the midsoles of other models. It seems like the midsole wears out a little quickly
The outer sole is hard. This makes it very durable, but I can't say for sure that it provides good grip. It sheds mud well, so it seems suitable for trails with few exposed rocks or tree roots. It has a hard EVA part called a trail shield, so it can withstand some impact, but I don't think it's very good for trails with lots of sharp rocks, including in terms of grip
Merrel Momentus
Here is ◎
- Upper hold
- design
Here is △
- Running comfort (shoe flexibility and cushioning)
- The sole is hard and not flexible
Its distinctive features include a voluminous heel cup and a wrap-around upper system called the Burrito Tongue. The large heel cup, called the Hyperlock TPU heel counter, and the cushioning that reaches up to the Achilles tendon ensure almost no heel movement and a high sense of stability when the shoe is in place. The upper is also made entirely of a seamless, thick mesh material, with a TPU film laminated on top to improve hold and support
The distinctive shoe tongue, known as the burrito tongue, is held in place by rolling it up like a Mexican burrito
However, despite the thickness of the midsole, the cushioning isn't that great, and the internal plate is as hard as that of a trekking shoe, making it difficult to flex. Furthermore, the forefoot is equipped with a trail protect pad to protect the soles of the feet from rocks, but this does prevent them from being pushed up by rocks, so I'm a bit worried about the comfort of running. The drop is surprisingly low at 4mm
The grip is made by Vibram Megagrip, which provides a firm grip, but perhaps due to the shape of the lugs, there was a slight feeling of skidding
One thing that bothers me is the shoelaces, which are a small detail, but they seem to wear out easily. You should assume that you'll need to replace them. On the other hand, if you choose a sturdier pair, the fit may be better. The size is also large, so it's probably best to choose a size 0.5cm smaller than usual