The long rainy season is over and summer is in full swing. The cool high mountains above 2000m are nice, but personally I don't mind running in the summer, even in the low mountains, as the greenery is lush and I don't need much clothing (and a beer after a hot spring is the best)
In summer, I recommend low mountains that are accessible and have many mountain huts where beginners and veterans can enjoy themselves (such as Tanzawa, Mt. Jinba, and the Hakone area in the Kanto region). The shaved ice eaten at mountain huts is especially exceptional. Be sure to drink plenty of water and replenish supplies, and be careful of heatstroke. For this comparative review of trail running shoes, I have chosen some slightly more popular trail running shoes, intended for distances of 20 to 50 km (the so-called short course). Of course, leg strength and experience will vary, and there will be individual differences, so please understand that this is a review by an average trail running enthusiast
table of contents
table of contents
- About the items tested this time
- Test Results & Spec Comparison Table
- Impressions of each model
- summary
About the short distance trail running shoes we compared in this test
I chose these four pairs:
- La Sportiva BUSHIDO 2
- HokaONEONE STINSON ATR 5
- inov-8 TERRAULTRA G 260 UNI
- The North Face Ampezzo
Test environment
The test took place in early August, just after the rainy season ended. All tests were conducted with standard round socks. The test field was Funabashi City, Chiba Prefecture. After researching whether there were any trail and dirt running fields in central Chiba, we found one. The course started and finished at a sports park, and included green spaces, farm roads, and roads, incorporating elements of dirt running and trail running
Reference site: Route Lab https://latlonglab.yahoo.co.jp/route/watch?id=ab0ae329c14b9b161ae6e4eb7c34cbe6
Evaluation points
- Comfort: Not only comfort and fit, but also whether the shoe flexibly responds to the user's performance
- Durability: Durability and abrasion resistance against obstacles such as rocky areas and tree roots. Durability over long periods of use is also judged
- Cushioning...mainly judges shock absorption
- Grip: Determine whether or not the grip is flexible, from landing to kicking off, including braking
- Weight...it goes without saying that lightness is essential for speed
Test Results & Spec Comparison Table
If you find it difficult to see the table on the lightweight display for smartphones, click here.
| comprehensive evaluation | AAAAA | AAAA | AAA | AAA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| item |  The North Face Ampezzo |
 La Sportiva BUSHIDO 2 |
 inov-8 TERRAULTRA G 260 UNI |
 HokaONEONE STINSON ATR 5 |
| Here is ◎ |
|
|
|
|
| Here is △ |
|
|
|
|
| Comfort | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| durability | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Cushioning | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ |
| grip | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| weight | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Specifications | ||||
| Actual weight (g/foot) | 309(27cm) | 320 (27.3 cm) | 273 (27cm) | 350 (27cm) |
| Drop (mm) | 6 | 6 | 0 | 5 |
| Midsole | XTRAFOAM™ & EVA two-layer compression-molded midsole | Standard compression model (EVA midsole) | EXTEROFLOW | Maximum Cushion |
| Outsole | EXTS™ outsole | FriXion Red+ Impact Brake System | GRAPHENE GRIP | All-terrain |
Impressions of each model
The North Face Ampezzo
Here is ◎
- A feeling of hold that wraps around the entire foot
- Smooth response and grip for your foot movements
Here is △
- Lightweight
The North Face, which originated in North America and is trusted in a wide range of outdoor sports culture in Japan, has chosen this season's latest model, the Ampezzo
The actual weight is 309g (27cm/one shoe), which is quite normal. When I put my foot through it... Hmm! I noticed the gentle contact of the thick tongue. The heel cup also fits just right and is comfortable
The upper is wide and feels good. According to the manufacturer's website, it uses a seamless "highly breathable double Russell mesh upper" that is lightweight, highly breathable, and durable. What's even more impressive is the seamless finish. When bending, it moves very smoothly and without stress
The midsole is equipped with "Extra Foam," which has excellent shock absorption when landing. You can actually feel its elasticity when you heel strike (landing on your heel). This also seems to greatly reduce the burden on your feet. Also, the trapezoidal midfoot structure is commendable for reducing lateral movement when landing and providing stability
The outsole is designed with the proprietary "EXTS (Exploration Trax System)" system, which is based on biomechanics and enhances acceleration, deceleration, and flexibility performance. It uses two types of rubber, with one that provides enhanced grip and the other that is more durable, laid out in a balanced manner. Perhaps because of this, I think the performance when landing and pushing off is quite good, regardless of whether you're going up or down the trail or what the conditions are. I never thought that these shoes would be so good for both short and long races... To be honest, I was surprised
Seamless upper. Durability, breathability, flexibility, all high-level finish. Shoe tongue hold is also perfect
Extra foam midsole with excellent shock absorption and elasticity. You'll be surprised at how much better it feels than it looks
The outsole combines rubber for enhanced grip and rubber for increased durability
La Sportiva BUSHIDO 2
Here is ◎
- Relaxed arch support
- Grip that responds to your movements
Here is △
- Impact absorption capacity
The BUSHIDO2 is a major update to the BUSHIDO which was highly praised by speed-focused trail runners . The forefoot of the shoe is standard width, with a low instep. The upper may be tight for some people. It may be best to adjust it with the thickness of your socks. The tongue is thin, but even when worn tight, it provides a soft hold. The heel cup grips the heel firmly, providing excellent stability. The upper is made of breathable mesh and thermoplastic film that is specialized for abrasion resistance, and is designed to be durable enough to withstand sections with obstacles such as scree and tree roots.
When you tighten the shoelaces, the upper is given just the right amount of tension, ensuring a perfect fit. The arch is equipped with a thermoplastic frame, providing comfortable support for the arch of the foot. The outsole is an all-around type that can be used on a variety of conditions, including roads, gravel, and trails, and the rubber uses Sportiva's unique "Dual Mix Compound" that has excellent shock absorption and grip. The grip is impeccable, and the shoes feel like they will respond well to the user's running
The actual weight is 320g (27.3cm/one shoe), but when you wear them, they don't feel that heavy. However, although the shock absorption when landing on the heel is quite excellent, I think the user's leg strength will be tested when it comes to pushing up (the impact from the ground) when running downhill
The upper and midsole are made with a generous amount of durable thermoplastic material
The heel cup provides a better hold than the "BUSHIDO"
Compound outsole for long-lasting durability and grip
inov-8 TERRAULTRA G 260 UNI
Here is ◎
- Flexible grip that you can rely on even on rough roads
- Light enough for both trail and road running
Here is △
- Durability and flexibility of the upper
inov-8 , known for its strong grip the TERRAULTRA G 260 UNI . The outsole rubber is made of graphene (a material that won the 2010 Nobel Prize in Physics), a lightweight and thin material 200 times stronger than steel, and the heel is made of Kevlar, a high-strength material also used in bulletproof vests, making this a highly talked-about shoe. Furthermore, it is a zero-drop shoe with a 0mm difference in heel-toe height, embodying inov-8's concept of "natural running" (a running style in which the midfoot or forefoot strikes the ground). Picking it up will surprise you with its light weight. The actual weight is 273g (27cm/one shoe).
When I put my foot in, the toe box was a little wide, and the heel cup was shallow, but it felt just right to hold me in place. The upper is made of mesh material that prioritizes breathability. Although it's stronger, it doesn't seem like the forefoot will be very durable. The outsole is made of rubber that contains the aforementioned graphene. To be honest, the grip is good. While it may seem hard, it has a sticky, flexible grip. It's a reliable grip even on gravel or in rainy weather. Of course, it's also great on asphalt roads
The midsole uses "EXTEROFLOW," which has strong shock absorption and rebound properties, and "Dynamic Fascia Band Technology (patented)," which is designed to work with the structure of the plantar fascia, making the sole very easy to push off from. However, at the same time, the upper part, which flexes, seems to lack smoothness (despite being mesh, it feels stiff and pinched). I would like it to be more flexible and responsive to movement. It also has a gaiter pocket that can be fitted with the separately sold ALL TERRAIN GAITER. (Depending on compatibility) It looks like it will be able to run hard on rough terrain
The graphene outsole is 200 times stronger than steel, making it durable and providing excellent grip on the ground
The movement of the forefoot is not exactly smooth
HOKA ONE ONE STINSON ATR 5
Here is ◎
- Outsole with excellent shock absorption
- Stability for a firm landing
Here is △
- The weight and size of the shoes themselves
- Outsole durability
From HOKA ONE ONE which touts itself as a running marshmallow ATR 5 , the fifth upgrade of ATR shoe. First of all, when I put my foot in, the toe area was a little wide, which I would say is more suited to the average Japanese person.
The heel cup is deep, holding the heel firmly and providing stability. The upper is also reasonably strong. Although the arch support is not very noticeable, the HOKA ONE ONE midsole "Lightweight Maximum Cushion" has excellent shock absorption, making the entire sole of the foot extremely comfortable. Even when landing downhill, the shoe feels soft.
The 5mm drop allows for easy foot movement from landing to pushing off, providing strong forward propulsion. The measured weight is a little heavy at 350g (27cm/one shoe). Regarding the outsole, the blue base is thick and quite soft. In comparison, the red portion, centered around the forefoot, is made of a much harder material. The grooves on the outsole are deep, providing firm grip on the trail. However, there's a noticeable slight sinking sensation upon landing (though not necessarily unstable). The blue portion, in particular, feels quite soft and sinks when pressed with your thumb. As for road shoes, I can't help but wonder if they'll be durable enough for rocky, scree-covered terrain. (Although the manufacturer's website describes them as all-terrain shoes with cushioning and durability...) Still, they're perfect for beginners and veterans alike who want to enjoy trail running with less strain on their legs and hips
Lightweight and maximum cushioning, just like recovery sandals. Highly stable shock absorption is the key point
The outsole is made of two types of rubber. The blue part is soft enough that it sinks when you press it with your finger. It feels like it grips the ground firmly, but it doesn't seem very durable
summary
Choosing trail running shoes can be difficult, as everyone's experience and leg strength are different. Furthermore, everyone has their own running habits, and you also need to consider the type of terrain and how much you'll be running. Runners who aren't confident in their leg strength will likely appreciate shoes that specialize in shock absorption. Also, unlike road running, trail running requires the grip of an outsole that responds to movement as well as braking, making it extremely important. That said, it's difficult to determine things like the last and width of the shoe without actually trying it on. First, try the shoes on and see if the toe box, arch support, heel cup, etc. feel right. Do they fit your feet? Then, consider the cushioning and grip of the sole. Furthermore, it might be a good idea to look at factors like durability
The one shoe that stood out the most this time was The North Face Ampezzo (it was the first time I'd worn The North Face since the black-and-white trail running shoe "SINGLE TRACK"). Its seamless, comfortable upper, shock-absorbing cushioning, and grip that responds to your movements... It's hard to describe, but I was amazed at how well-made it was. The La Sportiva BUSHIDO 2 and inov-8 TERRAULTRA G 260 UNI are aimed at runners who are confident in their leg strength even on road runs, but they're also models you can wear hard on short-course trail runs. The HOKA ONE ONE STINSON ATR 5 offers comfortable cushioning, but its weight is still a drawback. It seems designed to make it easy to push off, but it can be quite difficult.
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