[A genuine, self-funded comparison review] If you want to run off-road in comfort and enjoyment, this is the shoe for you. A comparison of long-distance trail running shoes
Written by Outdoor Gearzine Editorial Department
Among trail running shoes for running on mountain trails and off-road, there are many models that are tuned for running long distances of 100 meters or more
These models are of course ideal for athletes who participate in serious ultra races, but some can also be recommended for beginners looking for shoes that are less tiring and put less strain on the feet (easy to run in)
This time, we'll compare long-distance trail running shoes from various perspectives, designed to effectively absorb the strain of long-distance running and allow runners to continue running comfortably through the mountains and fields, and consider the best ways to use each shoe
table of contents
Select a comparison candidate
When it comes to long distances, the time you spend with your shoes is incomparably longer. It's not uncommon to wear them for several dozen hours at a time. In selecting candidates this time, we chose shoes that prioritize cushioning, comfort, and stability to withstand long periods and long distances, from classic manufacturers that are popular with ultra runners to models from popular manufacturers that have recently entered this category, without being biased. The five best candidates are as follows (photo below)
ALTRA LONE PEAK 5
Altra is equally popular with HOKA as a trail running shoe in the US. The Altra Lone Peak was released about 10 years ago and has undergone several major and minor changes, finally reaching version 5.0, making it a long-selling model
inov-8 TERRAULTRA G 270
Graphite is a dream material. This shoe, which utilizes this material in the outsole to achieve high levels of grip, durability, and lightness, has now been upgraded to the G270. In a world of gear where technology is constantly improving, can this graphite-equipped shoe still shine?
LA SPORTIVA CYKLON
These groundbreaking trail running shoes feature the BOA dial system on the shoelaces. Combining cutting-edge technology, which has been gaining attention and success in recent years, with the long-standing expertise of a prestigious Italian manufacturer of mountain shoes, these shoes offer exceptional support and stability for running in challenging mountainous terrain
On Cloudultra
On's midsole has a unique design. They haven't focused much on trail shoes, but now they've really stepped up their game in the trail world, with Xavier Bernard, a winner of both the UTMB and UTMF, joining the team. This is their serious shoe
THE NORTH FACE Vective Infinity
This shoe tends to be overshadowed by the company's Flight Vective
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 | AAA | AA | AA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| item |  ALTRA LONE PEAK 5 | inov-8 TERRAULTRA G 270 | On Cloudultra | THE NORTH FACE Vective Infinity | LA SPORTIVA CYKLON |
| Here is ◎ |
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| Here is △ |
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| Comfort | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| stability | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ |
| cushion | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| grip | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| protection | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ |
| Flexibility | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| weight | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| On-road | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Specifications | |||||
| official weight | 318g | 270g | 295g | 307g | 330g |
| Midsole | Altra EGO™ | POWERFLOW MAX | Helion™ CloudTec® | Lightweight Rocker EVA 3D Pebax® Plate | Dual-Density Compression Molded EVA |
| Outsole | MaxTrac™ | GRAPHENE GRIP | Missiongrip™ | Surface Control™ | FriXion White impact brake system |
| Stack Height | 25mm | 12mm | – | 19-25mm | 20-28mm |
| drop | 0mm | 0mm | 8mm | 6mm | 8mm |
Impressions of each model
ALTRA LONE PEAK 5
A long-selling shoe that lets you enjoy running on uneven ground
Here is ◎
- Perfect fit without feeling cramped
- High cushioning and flexibility in the soles of your feet
- Upper and midsole durability
Here is △
- Stability on descents
The best thing about the Altra Lone Peak is the comfort it provides even when worn for long periods of time, and the flexibility of the soles. The cushioning isn't particularly thick like the Hoka one one, and the midsole isn't nearly as deep as barefoot shoes, but the soft feeling that makes you forget you're wearing these shoes is irreplaceable
The 25mm stack height provides ample cushioning from the midsole, while also providing a sense of stability that allows for a firm grip on the ground and immediate response even on rough terrain. Previous Lone Peak midsoles used EVA foam, but the 5.0 model uses urethane-based ALTRA EGO, which is less likely to wear out even after long runs and has been tuned for longer runs
Extremely soft midsole and outsole
The outsole is made of Altra's proprietary MAX Track material and finished with a lug pattern called Trail Craws, which provides a firm grip on both rocks and trees. On normal trails, you won't have to worry much. However, on sharp curves and angled rocks, the grip felt a little weak. However, because the soles of your feet can sense the road conditions quickly, you can regain your balance more quickly than with other shoes even if you slip
As the name Trail Crawas suggests, the design resembles claws, and thanks to the flexible sole, they actually feel like they can grip the ground
The upper features a very fine mesh fabric on the front. This fabric is moisture-resistant, ensuring excellent breathability. The toe, side, and heel areas are reinforced with thicker fabric, which reduces breathability and adds a little weight, but is firmly sewn on rather than pressed, making it less likely to peel off and providing excellent durability and protection
However, the fabric is very soft, so the fit and comfort are maintained at a high level. The toe area has a wide box structure, which is a hallmark of Altra, allowing for toes to move freely, making it comfortable even when running long distances. However, this freedom meant that my feet tended to slide back and forth on downhill runs, making them less stable and making it difficult to run at high speeds
It's reinforced throughout, yet still maintains the necessary breathability
It's incredibly comfortable from the first step, and remains so even after long hours of wear. The upper and midsole are incredibly soft, with just the right amount of cushioning, a firm grip, a wide toe box for free toe movement, and a zero drop. This feeling alone makes the Lone Peak shoes well worth choosing!
These shoes are designed for long-term, long-distance trail running, so they aren't designed for high-speed running, but the ride feels like your feet and the shoes are one, and once you experience it, you'll be hooked. I would definitely recommend these shoes to ultra runners who have avoided them because of the zero-drop design, and of course, they are a recommended all-rounder for anyone who wants to experience the joy of trail running itself. Another attractive feature is the wide range of colors available
inov-8 TERRAULTRA G 270
The reliable graphene sole provides both grip and stability, and is lightweight and flexible for fatigue-free walking
Here is ◎
- Excellent grip
- Midsole that combines stability and cushioning
- Lightness
Here is △
- The protection is weak
In 2019, inov-8 developed the G-Grip outsole, which uses a material called graphene to provide soft, sticky, and exceptional grip while also boasting high durability, a contradictory concept. I remember being impressed at the time. These shoes, equipped with the latest technology, have become more practical and mature over the years since their release
The stack height is a thin 12mm-12mm, giving it a zero drop. Thanks to the thinnest midsole among the shoes compared here, the trail conditions are transmitted to the sole of your foot with every step, allowing you to instantly adapt to any uneven terrain. This midsole, called POWERFLOW MAX, provides weaker cushioning with a slightly stronger bounce tuning for protection. The insole is a unique feature. It's slightly thick, with a non-slip surface made of rice grains on the underside, preventing the insole from sliding around inside the shoe. This thick insole compensates for the weak cushioning of the midsole
The inside of the insole is covered with rice grains, which help prevent the insole from slipping inside the shoe
Even on wet rocks and trees, there was no slippage, either vertically or horizontally, so there was no need to worry about grip. I also ran in the rain, and while I've worried about slipping several times with other shoes, I never had to worry about slipping while running. That grip is truly thanks to the G-Grip outsole, the true essence of these shoes. With such sticky grip, the compound is soft and prone to wear, meaning durability is inevitably low. However, the G-Grip outsole, thanks to the benefits of graphene, is a rare example of a two-for-one deal. I also ran a lot on road surfaces, which tend to wear easily, but I barely noticed any wear over this distance. There was some clay on the test course, but I didn't slip there either, so unless you're running in deep mud, there's probably no need to worry
The graphene-infused G-Grip grips firmly on any surface and is virtually free of mud clogging
The upper is made of double-layered mesh fabric, and while it's not particularly breathable, it does provide sufficient ventilation. The sides are made of what appears to be TPU, which increases lateral durability, and the toe area has a slightly thicker layer of protection. While this may be sufficient to protect against abrasions from rocks, it may be a little weak in terms of toe protection
The fit is neither good nor bad, but the shoelaces allow you to adjust the fit around the instep so it doesn't move around, and the toe box is fairly roomy, so you can wear them for long periods of time without feeling uncomfortable and they are relatively comfortable to wear
It is breathable and reinforced with PTU material, but is somewhat weak
As expected, the outsole has excellent grip, gripping the ground so firmly that you probably won't slip unless you're running on oil. And yet, it's durable, making it one of the best outsoles available among current trail running shoes. Its high grip and light weight make it particularly effective on surfaces where this is most beneficial, especially technical courses with lots of rocks and roots. Meanwhile, the midsole offers a slightly more responsive feel, while the insole provides just the right amount of cushioning, making it a versatile shoe that can be used on both roads and firmer trails, regardless of the surface
It will provide strong support for a relatively wide range of runners, from beginners who want to run safely off-road, to those who want to improve their times in races by running long distances on tough terrain without getting tired, thanks to its safe grip and light weight
On Cloudultra
These ISOP Award-winning shoes are engineered with a well-balanced design that is perfect for beginners
Here is ◎
- A midsole that combines cushioning and resistance to flex
- Fitting (and its adjustment mechanism)
- protection
Here is △
- Grip in rainy weather
On has always been known for its shoes, popular among runners, triathletes, and fashionistas, and I can't deny that I've underestimated them. However, with the release of their new trail running shoes, they've signed a sponsorship agreement with Xavier Bernard (he previously wore Asics, so as a Japanese person, this is a bit disappointing...). The French runner has won the UTMB multiple times, and many people will know him as he has also won the UTMF. Given this history, it's clear that On has a great deal of passion for this shoe. Surprisingly, the shoes worn by such a top ultra-distance athlete aren't strictly race-ready, but rather offer a high level of performance with few weaknesses, making them a well-balanced shoe that is ideal for beginners
The on midsole structure is immediately apparent when viewed from the side, and unlike other on shoes, it has two layers of small holes folded over each other. While regular shoes adjust the quality of cushioning by changing the material of the midsole, on's cushioning is achieved through the perforated CloudTec structure, which is adjusted by the size and placement of the holes. As the Cloudultra is a long-distance model, the holes are made smaller to reduce deflection and increase durability, and the two-layer design provides cushioning
The cushioning is slightly firmer than usual for On shoes, and feels stiff when running on the road, but on the trail it feels just soft and firm. On the road, you feel the firmness of the Speedboard plate directly under the insole. This plate, incidentally, provides rebound force for increased speed and also acts as a rock guard
While running shoes have one layer of CloudTec, this model has two
Unlike other shoes, the rubber on the outsole is distributed partially rather than entirely. It is divided into four sections, with lugs of different sizes and depths, such as shallow lugs in the heel and larger lugs in the arch, and each lug is calculated to function functionally. Perhaps because of this, I ran over rocks, roots, and gravel roads without any worries
However, they seem to be a little slippery in rainy weather, and I skidded sideways several times on the boardwalk, and on downhill sections I couldn't resist the pressure and would slip. The sole is hard and not flexible, so it felt difficult to control my feet, so caution is needed in rainy weather and on technical surfaces
It is stiff and not flexible, probably because it contains a hard speed board
The upper is made of a hydrophobic fine mesh and a cushioned fabric with dotted holes, providing breathability and a snug fit. PTU material is bonded from the heel to the side and toe, and a slightly thicker protective layer is placed on the toe area
The tongue and shoe are integrated, so it's seamless and the fit is excellent. The opening is a little tight, but once you put them on, it's not noticeable, and thanks to that, even though they're low-cut, pebbles and other small particles don't get in. However, because they're a little tight, they may be difficult to wear for people with wide feet
The forefoot features a mechanism called FlipRelease, and by rotating this small part, you can instantly tighten or loosen the fitting at the tip. Loosen it when your feet swell after a long run, or tighten it to keep your feet in place on downhill runs. Fine adjustments are possible with just one touch
By turning the FlipRelease, you can instantly adjust the fit around the forefoot to tighten or loosen it
With a comfortable upper, a midsole that combines stability and cushioning, an outsole that can handle a wide range of terrain, and a well-balanced shoe with no holes in the entire shoe, it's designed in many ways to be able to run long distances and long periods of time in relative safety and comfort, regardless of your foot strength or trail experience.The shoes are also well-made, so they seem well-suited for more strenuous activities like fast hiking, where you move quickly but carry more luggage than you would for trail running
THE NORTH FACE Vective Infinity
Don't call it a no-carbon model! Highly balanced shoes tuned for long distance riding
Here is ◎
- A light and easy run at a good tempo
- High grip and stability on downhill runs
Here is △
- I don't like rainy weather
The Flight Vective, equipped with a carbon plate, has been the talk of the trail running shoe world in 2021. Its sibling, the Vective Infinity, doesn't feature a carbon plate, but it's based on the same concept and is designed for serious long-distance mountain trail races, making it a shoe that can't be second-rate
My first impression was that the moderate rebound and cushioning, combined with the rocker structure, made for a smooth and comfortable ride. That's because there's a 3D molded plate sandwiched between the shoe body and the midsole, making for a crisp and light kick-off. It doesn't have the same sharp rebound as the carbon plate model, so I personally found this model more suitable for everyone and easier to run in
The orange 3D plate peeks out. This plate creates just the right amount of repulsion
The fit is tight and snug. There's no play in the toes, so your toes can't move freely, and it feels especially tight for those expecting an Altra-like footbox. It feels like a race car seat
The upper is made entirely of Matryx®, a material made from Kevlar yarn and polyamide, except for the heel, which means it has almost no stretch. If your feet swell after wearing them for a long time, this snug fit can become uncomfortable. However, the fabric itself barely absorbs water, making it highly breathable. Additionally, the reinforced sides make it quite durable, but there's no way for water to escape, so if water seeps into the shoe, it won't drain easily. I actually tried running in water, and the insole absorbed water, creating a poor environment inside the shoe
Most of the upper is made of Matryx, a woven Kevlar fiber, ensuring high durability and constant breathability
Even when it's a little wet, the shoes have excellent grip on roots and rocks, so you can descend with complete stability and confidence. However, the lugs on the outsole are shallow, so grip can be a concern in situations where there's a lot of rain and it's muddy. The upper's drainage makes it fine in light rain, but in heavy rain, it can be stressful
With excellent grip in all directions, you can tackle rocks, trees, and downhill terrain with confidence
Overall, all elements are well balanced, and if your foot shape fits, you'll love it. If you're interested in the carbon-fiber Flight Vective but are a bit concerned about the price, it's definitely worth a try
However, the tight fit and higher rebound compared to other shoes may wear you out faster than usual on ultra-long distances like 100 miles. For long distances, I recommend these shoes not for people training to complete the entire distance, but for athletic-minded people who want to run longer distances faster. Even for those who don't run that long distances, these shoes allow you to run at a comfortable speed, so you'll be able to run more comfortably than ever before
LA SPORTIVA CYKLON
The No. 1 mountain running shoe for long distances on hard terrain. Fit and stability
Here is ◎
- BOA system for a snug fit
- Stability on the way down
- protection
Here is △
- weight
What really catches the eye is the shoelace system that uses the BOA system. Simply put your foot in and turn the dial to instantly adjust the fit of the shoe
With regular shoelaces, if you want to tighten them more, you have to untie the knot and then re-tie it, but with this system, all you have to do is turn the dial. It's easy to adjust, even when wearing gloves, and the tightness fits evenly from the toes to the top of your foot. It's definitely more convenient than shoelaces, as you can easily tighten them again before going downhill or loosen them a little before going uphill
Before trying them out, I was worried about whether the thin, stiff-looking shoelaces would be comfortable to wear, but the stretchy fabric that wraps around the foot from the ankle to the instep like a sock actually made the fit very good compared to other models
The soft, stretchy material and the BOA system that tightens the entire shoe firmly wrap around the entire top of the foot, so even though there is a little wiggle room in the toes, my feet didn't move around inside the shoe easily when going up or down, and I was very satisfied with both the comfort and stability
The BOA system makes it very easy to adjust the fit, and the fit is quite good
I was worried about what would happen if the laces broke while I was running, because I sometimes got stuck on branches, but the laces are made of Dyneema fiber, so they are very strong and don't seem to break easily. As proof of this, if they break under normal use, they will send you a replacement free of charge, so it seems like you don't have to worry about that
However, one thing to be aware of is that it is often possible to tighten them too much compared to regular shoelaces. If you wear them for a long time with the laces tightened too much, it can impair blood circulation, so you should try them out a few times before actually using them to get a feel for them
During the test, a branch got caught in the rope, which was something I was worried about, but the rope is very durable and doesn't seem likely to break
La Sportiva shoes are mountain shoes designed for running in the rocky European Alps, so I had the impression that they were a bit too protective for Japanese trails, with a hard outsole and sturdy protection that provides solid protection from impacts from below and from the front, back, left and right. However, although these shoes are certainly heavy, the midsole is softer than I expected and is quite flexible, so they feel lighter than their actual weight and my steps are lighter. Perhaps because of that, they were fairly easy to run in on the road as well
A soft and flexible sole
Although it may seem like the ankle is fixed and restrictive, the ankle area is made of a soft, stretchy material, so the ankle is flexible and easy to move around in. It also prevents pebbles and other debris from getting in, so these integrated shoes are easier to run in than gaiters on trails where gaiters are required. However, I'm not sure if this is the reason, but even though the upper is made of breathable mesh fabric, the inside of the shoes became so stuffy that they became steamy just by trekking on a cool day, so I imagine they would get very stuffy in the summer..
It has a sock-like shape that protects the ankles, but allows for flexible movement around the ankles
The outsole has good grip and firmly grips the ground. The grip on rocky areas is particularly impressive. These shoes are much more effective on rough terrain than on smooth, easy-to-run trails. These shoes are perfect for downhill runs on rainy days. The excellent fit also helps, allowing you to run quite aggressively on downhill sections
However, even though they feel light, the shoes themselves are heavy, so wearing them for a long time can make walking difficult, and you can feel the weight especially around the heel. The excellent fit and flexible midsole provide stability that can handle the road surface, so they seem like they would be useful in situations where you run a lot of rocky or muddy sections with poor footing. They also provide solid protection all the way to the ankles, so they would be perfect for hiking on similar surfaces. If you're someone who is afraid of downhills and always backs away, try wearing these shoes and running as hard as you can, and you'll discover the fun of new trails that you've never seen before
summary
This time, we've collected and compared shoes suitable for long-distance trail running, also known as long distance. This time, all the models were of a high level, making it difficult to choose a favorite, and each one had its own unique and attractive character
To sum up, all models have generally satisfactory performance, but first of all, the On Cloudultra . It's the model that you're least likely to be dissatisfied with when wearing it. The design is also nice.
The ALTRA LONE PEAK 5 and inov-8 TERRAULTRA G 270 allow you to pursue the fun and thrill of running on uneven terrain . With high comfort and cushioning, and a flexible sole, these shoes are perfect for long distances and allow you to enjoy interacting with the road.
Finally, THE NORTH FACE VECTIVE INFINITY LA SPORTIVA CYKLON is for racing and hard use on rougher terrain . Both are slightly firmer, but offer solid cushioning, stability, and protection, helping you move faster and safer in the deep mountains.
Of course, there is no one shoe that is best for all purposes and levels, so we hope you will find the perfect shoe for you based on the features and appeal of each model. Use this comparison as a reference to find the perfect pair for your feet and enjoy long runs, even if they are difficult!
Supplement: Comparative review of long-distance trail running shoes
Evaluation points
This time, we evaluated each shoe based on the following eight criteria
- Comfort: We evaluate not only how comfortable the shoes are to wear, from the feel of the shoes against your skin when you put them on to the feeling of pressure, but also whether they are resistant to sweating even after running for hours, and whether they are resistant to chafing, pain, or fatigue
- Stability: When trail running, which involves constantly running on uneven ground, stability in the sense of preventing slight wobble when landing or twisting your ankle at unexpected times affects safe and fatigue-free running
- Cushioning: How well it absorbs the impact your body receives when you land, allowing you to take the next step. It's important that the material isn't just soft, but that it has enough volume to absorb the impact
- Grip: This category evaluates whether the shoe is slip-resistant when landing on various types of ground. It also evaluates traction, which determines whether the shoe can firmly grip the ground after landing
- Protection: The upper is evaluated based on the strength of its protective power, such as whether it can protect against obstacles like branches and sharp rocks, and whether the sole can guard against impacts from bumps on uneven ground
- Flexibility: In trail running, being able to sense the subtle sensations of the ground through the soles of your feet allows you to quickly respond to trail conditions even when running at high speeds over harsh terrain. In a sense, this is an element that is in a trade-off with protection, but we value the sensitivity and flexibility of the soles of your feet
- Weight: While the actual weight is important, the weight feel when riding is also an important factor.
On-road: You'll ride not only on trails, but also on asphalt and concrete. We also used ease of riding on road surfaces as an evaluation criterion.
Test environment
I ran the shoes several times on trails with moderate ups and downs, including rocky and muddy areas, and tested them based on the following eight-point evaluation criteria. I also ran them on asphalt roads to gauge how easy they were to ride on the road
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