Many trail running shoes for mountain paths and off-road driving are tuned for long distances of over 100m.
These models are of course perfect for athletes competing in the heavy ultra races, but depending on the product, they can also be recommended for beginners looking for shoes that are less tiring and less stressful on their feet (easy to run).
This time, we compared long-distance trail running shoes that are effective in absorbing the burden of long running and keeping runners running comfortably in the fields and mountains from various perspectives, and we thought about recommended ways to use them that are suitable for each.
table of contents
Select a comparison candidate
For long distances, the amount of time you spend with your shoes will be incomparable. It's not uncommon to wear them for dozens of hours at times. When choosing this candidate, we chose shoes that emphasize cushioning, comfort, and high stability that can withstand long and long distances, so that they do not bias them widely, from standard products from manufacturers that are popular with ultra runners to models from popular manufacturers who have joined this category. Here are the five best candidates (photo below).
ALTRA LONE PEAK 5
In the United States, Altra is a trail running shoe that divides its popularity with HOKA. The Altra Loan Peak was released about 10 years ago, and is a highly long-selling model that has undergone repeated major and minor changes and has finally reached version 5.0.
inov-8 TERRAULTRA G 270
Graphite, the material of dreams. This shoe, which uses this material to achieve a high level of grip, durability and lightness by utilizing the outsole, has also been upgraded to the G270. In the gear world where technology is improving with the daily advancement, will these graphite-equipped shoes still shine?
LA SPORTIVA CYKLON
A groundbreaking trail running shoe with a shoelaces with a dial-type BOA system. With the latest technology that has gained attention and proven track record over the past few years, and the know-how that has been cultivated by the prestigious Italian, a mountain shoe nation's most powerful mountain shoe, these shoes are highly supportive and stable and can run even in harsh mountainous areas.
On Cloudultra
It has a midsole shape that looks like it's a strange thing. Although they didn't put much effort into trail shoes, this is a serious pair of shoes that has been really focused on, with Xavier Bernard, who has won the UTMB and UTMF, and has been taking a serious look into the trail world.
THE NORTH FACE Vective Infinity
Flight Vective, the company's carbon plate equipped shoe . These shoes tend to be hidden behind the scenes, and although they do not come with carbon plates, they are high-performance shoes that carry the Vective technology as they are.
Test results and spec comparison table
If you find it difficult to see the table because it is lightweight 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 |
| This is ◎ |
|
|
|
|
|
| This is △ |
|
|
|
|
|
| Comfort | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Stability | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ |
| cushion | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| grip | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| protection | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ |
| Flexibility | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| weight | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| On-road | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Specs | |||||
| Official weight | 318g | 270g | 295g | 307g | 330g |
| Midsole | Altra EGO™ | POWERFLOW MAX | Helion™ CloudTec® |
Lightweight rocker structure 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 |
![[Inovate] Sneaker Boots TERRAULTRA G 270 MS Men's](https://images-fe.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81-hD9QFOZL._SS300_.jpg)
![[On] Trail Running Shoes Cloud Ultra Men's](https://images-fe.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71cXZ6yPE1L._SS300_.jpg)
![[The North Face] Hiking Shoes Vectiv Infinite Men's](https://images-fe.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71D2MC17BmL._SS300_.jpg)
Impressions of each model
ALTRA LONE PEAK 5
A highly long-selling shoe that lets you enjoy driving on irregular terrain
This is ◎
- Perfect fit without feeling cramped
- Combines high cushioning and flexibility in the soles of the feet
- Upper and midsole durability
This is △
- Stability on the descent
The best thing about Altra Lone Peak is its comfort that lasts for long periods of time and flexibility in the soles of the feet. The cushioning isn't particularly thick like the Hoka one one, and the midsole is hardly shaved like the bare foot shoes, but the soft feel that makes you forget you're wearing these shoes is inevitable.
The stack height is 25mm and there is plenty of cushioning from the midsole, but it also has high stability that captures the sense of the ground and allows you to respond immediately even on rough roads. Until now, EVA foam was used for the midsole of Lone Peak, but from 5.0 it uses urethane-based ALTRA EGO, which makes it look sluggish even when running for a long time, and has been tuning for longer periods of time.
Very soft midsole and outsole.
The outsole is made from Altra's unique MAX Track material, and is finished with a rug pattern called Trail Craws, giving it a grip that will make it firm even on rocks and wood. On regular trails, you don't have to worry much. However, on rocks with sharp curves or angles, the grip felt slightly weaker. However, the soles of the feet can quickly sense the road conditions, so even if you slip, you can quickly regain your position than other shoes.
As the name suggests, the design is like a nail, but thanks to the flexible sole, it seems like it can really grab the ground.
The upper is made of very fine mesh fabric on the front. This fabric is difficult to absorb moisture, ensuring good ventilation. The toes, sides and heels are reinforced with thick fabric, making them less breathable and slightly more weighty, but they are tightly sewn rather than crimping, making them less likely to snap, and they provide durability and protection.
However, the fabric is very soft, so it maintains a high fit and comfort. The toes are made of a wide box structure that is characteristic of Altra, allowing you to move your toes, making them comfortable to ride long distances. However, this freedom caused me to slip back and forth on the descent, making it difficult to run at speed, as it was not stable.
Reinforcements are provided everywhere, but the necessary breathability is also maintained.
It was extremely comfortable from the first step, and the comfort remains even after long periods of wear. The overall design is extremely soft, from the upper to the midsole, with moderate cushioning, sticky grip, wide toe area that allows you to move your toes freely, and zero-drop. It's well worth choosing Loan Peak just for this feeling!
It is designed for long distance trails, so there is no need to make it easy to run at speed, but once you know it, you'll be addicted to the ride, as if the foot and shoes are integrated into one. I would recommend ultra runners who have not tried it because it's a zero drop so far, and this is an all-rounder recommended for those who want to experience the fun of running the trail. Another attractive feature is that there are so many colours.
inov-8 TERRAULTRA G 270
A safe graphene sole that combines grip and stability, and is lightweight and flexible, making it easy to wear out.
This is ◎
- Excellent grip
- A midsole that combines stability and cushioning
- Lightness
This is △
- The protection is weak
In 2019, inov-8 developed a contradictory G-grip outsole using a material called graphene and boasts excellent soft, tenacious grip, yet highly durable. I remember being moved at the time too. The shoes equipped with the latest technology have become more mature and practical after several years since their release.
The stack height is 12mm-12mm, and is thinner, zero drop. Thanks to the thinnest midsole of all the comparison shoes this time, the trail conditions can be conveyed to the soles of the feet with each step of landing, allowing you to instantly deal with any uneven terrain. This midsole is called POWERFLOW MAX, and the cushioning is weak and the tuning has been protected with a slightly stronger rebound force. The insole is distinctive. It is made slightly thicker, and the back is non-slip, like a rice grain lining, preventing the insole from slipping inside the shoe. This thick insole compensates for the weak cushioning of the midsole.
The back of the insole appears to be covered with rice grains. This rice grain prevents the insole from shifting inside the shoe.
Even with wet rocks and trees, it will not slip vertically or horizontally, so there is no need to worry about the grip. I ran in the rain, but with my other shoes I was worried about "Oh, maybe I'll slip!", but I didn't have to worry about it slipping while I was running. The gripping is thanks to the outsole called the G-grip, which is the true essence of this shoe. A grip with such a sticky grip makes the compound soft and easy to scrape, making it less durable inevitable, but the G-grip is a rare outsole that has been used to bring two rabbits to the benefit of graphene. I tried running a lot of roads that were easy to remove, but there was hardly any damage at this distance. There was a clay road on the test course, but it didn't slip there either, so you might not need to worry unless you drive through deep mud.
The graphene-containing G-grip sticks firmly to any ground. There are almost no mud clogs.
The upper is made of double mesh fabric, and although it is not very breathable, it is ensured to be sufficient. The sides are made of fabric that appears to be TPU to increase durability in the lateral direction, while the toes are slightly thicker. It may be sufficient to prevent rubbing from rocks, but it may be a little weak to protect your toes.
The fit seems to be neither good nor bad, but the instep of the foot can be fitted with shoelaces so that it does not shake, and the toe box has a relatively generous feel, so it doesn't feel too much trouble even when worn for a long time and is relatively comfortable to wear.
It is also breathable and reinforced with PTU material, but it is slightly weaker.
The gripping on the outsole is amazing, and it bites the ground so well that it doesn't slip unless it runs on oil. It's still durable, so it's one of the top-level outsoles out of today's trail running shoes. It is highly grip and lightweight, making it especially useful on road surfaces that can be used to make use of it, and technical courses with lots of rocks and roots. On the other hand, it is a midsole with a slightly resilient midsole and an insole that provides moderate cushioning, making it a versatile shoe that can be used without worrying about the road surface, making it a comfortable ride on both road and hard trails.
From beginners who want to safely drive off-road, to those who want to increase their time, such as racing, with a safe grip and lightweight nature, they will provide strong support for a relatively wide range of runners, from beginners who want to run safely off roads, to those who want to improve their time in races and other areas.
On Cloudultra
The ISOP Award-winning shoes, created through calculated engineering, are recommended for beginners, and are also recommended
This is ◎
- Midsole that combines cushioning and resistance to deflection
- Fitting (and its adjustment mechanism)
- protection
This is △
- Grip in the rain
When it comes to on, the image of shoes that are popular for runners, triathlon athletes, and fashionable people is ahead of the image, and it is hard to deny that they were honest about them. However, in order to release new trail running shoes, we signed a sponsorship with Xavier Bernard (he previously wore Asics, so it's a bit disappointing for a Japanese person...). He is a French runner who has won UTMB many times in the past, and has also won the UTMF, so many people probably know him. Looking at the circumstances, on will likely have a strong passion for these shoes. The shoes worn by top athletes in the ultra distance world are not just rough lace designs, but rather are evenly high-quality, and have few weaknesses, making them the most recommended shoes for beginners.
The midsole structure of the on is visible at a glance when viewed from the side, but unlike other shoes on, the smaller holes are folded into two layers. In the first place, regular shoes are adjusted to the quality of the cushion using the midsole material, but the cushioning is achieved through the CloudTec structure with holes, so it is adjusted according to the size and arrangement of the holes. Since this Cloudultra is a long-distance model, it is designed to reduce deflection and increase durability by reducing the holes, and to provide cushioning by making it two layers.
The cushion is tuned slightly harder for the usual on-board, and while it feels firm when driving on the road, you can feel a moderately soft, firm cushion on the trail. On roadside, the plate called a speed board located directly under the insole is directly felt, giving it a stiff impression. By the way, this plate also provides speed through rebound force and also serves as a rock guard function.
The running shoes are one layer of CloudTec, while this model has two layers.
Unlike other shoes, the rubber on the outsole is placed in a partial way throughout. The lugs are divided into four sections in total, with shallow heels, and large rugs on the arches, and lugs of different sizes and depths are arranged, each one being calculated to work functionally. Perhaps thanks to that, I was able to ride rocks, kines, gravel roads, and other roads, but there was nothing I had to worry about.
However, it seemed to be a bit slippery in rainy weather, and it skid several times on wooden paths, and in the downward section, it couldn't stand it when the force was applied. The sole is stiff and inflexible, making it difficult to control your feet, so you need to be careful when it rains or on technical roads.
Perhaps because it comes with a hard speed board, it is firm and not flexible.
The upper is made of a fine, hydrophobic mesh fabric and a cushioned dot-like fabric with holes, providing both breathability and fit. PTU material is crimped from the heel to the sides to the toes, and a slightly thicker protection is placed on the toes.
The tongue and shoes are integrated, making them seamless and fit very well. The entrance is a bit tight, but once you wear it, you won't notice it, and thanks to that, despite its low cut, no pebbles can be found inside. However, it is a bit tight, so it may be difficult for people with wide feet to wear.
A mechanism called FlipRelease is installed on the fore side, and by rotating this small part, the tip fitting can be instantly tightened and loosened. If your legs start to swell after running for a long time, loosen it, or tighten it because you want to keep your feet fixed on the descent. This fine adjustment is possible with just one touch.
By turning FlipRelease, you can instantly adjust the tightening and loosening fitting around the forefoot.
The comfortable upper, a midsole that combines stability and cushioning, an outsole that can be used against a wide range of road surfaces, and a well-balanced shoe with no holes overall, and there were many ideas that allow you to run long distances and long hours relatively safely, regardless of your foot strength or experience on the trail. Their construction is well-established, so they look good for hard activities like fast hiking, where you can move quickly but have more luggage than trail runs.
THE NORTH FACE Vective Infinity
Don't call it a carbon-free model! Highly balanced shoes tuned for long distances
This is ◎
- A light and fast-paced run
- High grip and stability for downhill
This is △
- I don't like rainy weather
Flight Vective, equipped with carbon plates, has caught the buzz in the trail running shoe world in 2021. This Vective Infinity is a brother to such flight Vective. Although this does not have a carbon plate, this shoe is designed for full-scale, long distance mountain trail races based on the same concept, and is not suitable for second-place finishes.
The combination of moderate rebound force, cushioning, and locker structure gives it a comfortable feel that goes smoothly. That's right, there is a 3D molded plate sandwiched between the shoe itself and the midsole, making the kicking start smooth and light. It doesn't have the sharp rebound power as the carbon plate model, so personally I found this one more suitable for everyone and easier to drive.
An orange 3D plate peeks out. This plate creates moderate rebound force.
The fitting is tight and fits perfectly. The toes are not playable so their fingers can't move freely, which makes them feel particularly tight for those who are hoping for a footbox like the Altra. It fits like a racing car seat.
The upper is made of Matryx®, made of Kevlar yarn and polyamide, on the entire surface except for the heel, so there is little elasticity. If your feet get swelled after wearing for a long time, this tight fit will compromise comfort. However, the fabric itself is hardly absorbent, so it is highly breathable, and in addition, there is reinforcement on the sides, making it extremely durable, but there is no place for water to drain, so if the shoes are flooded, it will not come out easily. I actually tried pouring water on it and running, but the environment inside the shoe continued to be in a bad state, combining with the absorption of the insole.
Most of the uppers are made of Matryx, which is knitted with Kevlar fiber, ensuring high durability and constant breathability.
Even if it is a little wet, the grip does not slip at all on tree roots or rocks, making it extremely stable when descending, and you can attack the descending without any worries. However, the outsole lug is shallow, so grip is a concern in situations where there is a lot of rain and a lot of muddy. The drainage of the upper is also a problem if it rains lightly, but it can often be stressful if it is raining a lot.
The grip works well in all directions, allowing you to attack rocks, trees, and even when descending.
Overall, all the elements are well-balanced, and if you're someone with a good foot shape, you'll probably like it a lot. If you're interested in FlightVective, a carbon-equipped model, but you're a little pricey, it's definitely worth a try.
However, the tight fitting and higher resilience compared to other shoes, even with long distances, you might be able to use up your feet earlier than usual with an ultra-long 100mile. In terms of long distance, I recommend this to people who are aiming to complete the race, but are athlete-oriented who want to run longer distances faster. Even if you don't run that long distance, these shoes can be used to speed comfortably, so you'll be able to run much more comfortably than before.
LA SPORTIVA CYKLON
Mountain running shoes with a great fit and stability on long distances over hard terrain
This is ◎
- Fit with BOA system
- Reliability of the descent
- protection
This is △
- weight
What catches the eye is the shoelaces system that uses the BOA system. Simply put your feet in and then turn the dial to instantly adjust the fit of your shoes.
If you want to tighten it tighter with regular shoelaces, you will have to untie the knot and then retie, but with this system, you just need to turn the dial. It can be easily adjusted even when wearing gloves, and the tightness fits evenly throughout the entire body from the toes to the instep. It's definitely more convenient than shoelaces as it's easy to tighten it tightly before entering the descent or loosen it a little before climbing.
Before I used it, I was worried about whether these thin, stiff shoelaces would be comfortable to wear, but rather than that, the elastic fabric that wraps around my feet like socks from the ankles to the instep made the fit look very good compared to other models.
The soft, stretchy material and the BOA system that tightens the entire surface were wrapped around the surface, and even though there was a little play around with the fingertips, the foot did not shake inside the shoes without any effort, and I was satisfied with both comfort and stability.
The BOA system makes it very easy to adjust the fit. And the fit is also pretty good.
The branches could get caught while running, so I was worried about what to do if they break during the run, but since this string is made of Dyneema fiber, it is quite strong and does not seem to break quickly. As proof of this, if it runs out of normal use, we will send you a replacement item free of charge, so there's no need to worry about that.
The only thing to note is that it is often possible that you will tighten too tightly than regular shoelaces. If you wear it too tightly and for a long time, blood flow will deteriorate, so you will need to try this area several times before actually using it to get a sense of it.
A branch got caught during the test. Actually, I was worried about this, but the strings are very durable and there is no need to worry about them breaking.
La Sportiva's shoes are mountain shoes that are designed to run in the rocky European Alps, so I imagined it was a bit overprotected on Japanese trails, with a stiff outsole and rough protection that provides good protection from the bottom and from the front and back, back and forth, left and right. However, although this shoe is certainly heavy, the midsole is softer than I expected and is quite supple, so the driving feels lighter than the actual weight and the footsteps are lighter. Perhaps thanks to that, it was fairly easy to ride on the road.
A soft and soft sole.
The ankles are fixed and seem difficult to move, but the ankles are made of soft, elastic material, making the ankles flexible and easy to move. It also prevents the intrusion of pebbles and other items, so these integrated shoes are easier to run than attaching a gaiter on trails that require gaiters. However, I don't know if this is because of this, but despite using breathable mesh fabric for the upper, the inside of the shoes was so poor that it would get stuffy just by trekking on a cool day, so it would probably get quite stuffy in the summer...
The socks are protected to the ankles, but the movement around the ankles is flexible.
The outsole has a good grip and holds the ground firmly. The grip is especially impressive on rocky areas. These shoes are much more useful on rough roads than the well-suited, easy-to-run trails. These shoes will be the best time to go down on rainy days. The high fit also gives you a good run, allowing you to ride quite aggressively in the downhill section.
However, although it feels light, the shoes themselves are heavy, so if you wear them for a long time, you will inevitably feel bad, especially the weight around the heels. The high fit and flexible midsole provide stability to accommodate road surfaces, making it useful in situations where rocks are rumpled or where there are many muddy, scaffolding sections. It provides good protection for your ankles, making it perfect for hiking on similar roads. If you're afraid of going down and just can't help but ride forward, you'll be able to see the fun of new trails you've never seen before by wearing these shoes.
summary
This time, we have compiled and reviewed a collection of shoes that are suitable for long-distance trail running, known as long distances. This time, I got the impression that all of the models were more of a high level than ever before, and there were many attractive shoes that all had some unique personality.
All models have generally satisfactory performance, and then summarizing it, first of all, On Cloudultra . This is the model that is unlikely to be dissatisfied with when worn. The design is also good.
The ALTRA LONE PEAK 5 and the inov-8 TERRAULTRA G 270 can be explored with the fun and joy of riding on uneven terrain . It has high comfort and cushioning, and the sole is flexible, making it a pair of shoes that are suitable for long distances and enjoy interacting with the road surface.
THE NORTH FACE Vective Infinity is more suitable for racing , and if you want to withstand hard use on more rugged terrain, LA SPORTIVA CYKLON . Both are slightly stiff, but have solid cushioning, stability and protection, and support faster and safer actions in deep mountains.
Of course, there are no shoes that are the best for all uses and levels, so we hope that you can find the perfect shoe for you based on the characteristics and appeal of each model. Using this comparison as a reference, be sure to find a pair that suits your feet and enjoy a fun, painful, long run!
Additional information: Comparison review of long-distance trail running shoes
Rating points
This time, each shoe was evaluated using the following 8 evaluation criteria:
- Comfort: We evaluate whether the shoes are comfortable, such as the feel of the skin when you put your feet in and the feeling of pressure, as well as whether they are less likely to get stuffy and less likely to rub, hurt, or get tired after running for hours.
- Stability: When running on trails where you always run on uneven ground, stability in the sense that you don't get a slight shaking when landing or twist your feet on an accidental basis affects your safe and tiring running.
- Cushion: How can it alleviate the impact your body will experience when you land and lead to the next step? Not only is the material soft, but it is also important to have a strong volume that can be easily hit.
- Grip: Whether it is difficult to slip when landing on ground in a variety of conditions. Furthermore, this section also evaluates traction, such as whether you can firmly bite the ground and step on it after landing.
- Protection: The upper is evaluated for its strong protective power, such as whether it can prevent obstacles such as branches and sharp rocks, and whether the sole protects against the impact of thrusts from uneven surfaces.
- Flexibility: When running trails, you can sense the finest sense of the ground through the soles of your feet, allowing you to quickly respond to trail situations even while driving at high speeds over harsh terrain. In a sense, this element has a relationship between protection and trade-off, but it is appreciated for the delicate and flexible nature of the sole sensation.
- Weight: Actual weight is important, but the weight you feel when you run is also a necessary factor in determining.
On-road...not just trails, but sometimes asphalt and concrete. We also used the evaluation criteria to make it easy to ride on roads.
Test environment
There were moderate ups and downs, and we ran several times on trails that included rocky and muddy areas along the way, and tested them based on the following 8 evaluation criteria. I also drive on asphalt roads to measure the ease of driving on roads.