[A no-nonsense, self-funded comparison review] Lightweight and versatile. A comparison of short and medium distance trail running shoes

Friday, June 4, 2021

THE NORTH FACE , adidas , Hoka One One , Montrail , comparison , trail running , Brooks , Nike

Written by Outdoor Gearzine Editorial Department

The speed at which running shoe technology evolves is astounding. What was considered common sense not long ago quickly becomes outdated, and what was once considered nonsense is revived as a cutting-edge trend thanks to technology

Looking at this year's new trail running shoes, it's clear that the huge wave of dog-year technological innovations in running shoes is having a major impact on the world of trail running, especially on short- and medium-distance models that have a strong affinity with road running shoes. Perhaps this year marks a major turning point for trends? Runners are excited about meeting their new companions of the future

So this time, we've picked out some trail running shoes that we think are great, focusing on these innovative new models, from popular models to hidden gems from brands that aren't very well known in Japan, and compared and evaluated them thoroughly by running them side by side

table of contents

A comparative review of short and medium distance trail running shoes
Test Results & Spec Comparison Table
Impressions of each model
summary

A comparative review of short and medium distance trail running shoes

Select a comparison candidate

This time, from the many trail running shoes available, we have selected models that are particularly suitable for distances that can be run in about half a day (up to 50km)

Models in this range are generally characterized by being lightweight, nimble, and prioritizing speed, and are targeted at areas from rural areas to low mountains rather than deep mountain runs, with many having sole structures that are suitable for both off-road and paved roads. Many open-entry trail running races are also held in this range, so there are sure to be many people who will be interested, including those who started trail running after city runs

We have picked out six models, focusing on this year's hottest new models for short and medium distances, from major manufacturers to hidden gems. We will briefly explain why we chose each model

From left: Montrail FKT Attempt, The North Face Flight Vective, Adidas Terrex Speed Ultra, Hoka One One Challenger ATR 6, Nike Air Zoom Terra Kiger 7, Brooks Catamount

THE NORTH FACE Flight Vective

The North Face, the most powerful brand in the outdoor industry, has finally released a new model. The North Face's new Flight Vective is the first trail running shoe to feature the carbon plate technology that has been creating a sensation in the running world in recent years. Will this much-anticipated high-speed shoe perform well on off-road terrain, which is different from smooth paved roads? This review is the hot topic.

HOKA ONE ONE Challenger ATR 6

Hoka offers a wide variety of trail running shoes, and we've the Challenger ATR . Its upgraded design this season highlights the shoe's superior cushioning and ATR (All Terrain) capabilities, providing support for running on any trail.

Brooks Catamount

Brooks, the running shoe brand that has held the top spot in the running powerhouse that is the US since the 2010s, is known for its low recognition in Japan, which makes you wonder why. This flagship off-road model from Brooks is a high-speed trail running shoe that utilizes a lightweight, cushioned, and responsive midsole, the same as those used in elite running shoes, and has finally made it into our comparative review

NIKE Air Zoom Terra Kiger 7

Nike, the famous brand, has been making trail running shoes for quite some time now. They nearly disappeared from the Japanese market for a while, but we're happy to say they've become readily available again in recent years. These speed shoes incorporate a wealth of cutting-edge technology from the well-known Nike brand, delivering a lightweight and exhilarating running experience. The soft, responsive midsole quickly senses trail conditions and adapts to the surface, allowing you to take your next step smoothly and lightly

adidas Terrex Speed Ultra

making a significant effort in the outdoor field worldwide TERREX the Speed Ultra . Its ultra-lightweight design and high rebound support the feet of speed runners.

Montrail FKT attempt

Montrail has had many parent companies change, but they've always made great shoes. That hasn't changed (hopefully). This time, we've picked out a new all-around shoe that offers stability and versatility for any occasion. It's a high-cost, high-performance shoe that's also highly durable

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: In trail running, where you are 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: The actual weight is important, but the feel of the weight when riding is also an important factor to consider
On-road: Not only do I ride on trails, but I also ride on asphalt and concrete. I also used ease of riding on road surfaces as a criterion for evaluation

Test environment

We evaluated the feel of the shoes by riding them on a trail with moderate ups and downs, including rocky and muddy areas, as well as on asphalt roads to gauge their ease of riding on the road (changing shoes multiple times over the same route)

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	AA
item	The North Face Flight Vective	Hoka One One Challenger ATR 6	Brooks Catamount	Nike Air Zoom Terra Kiger 7	adidas Terrex Speed Ultra	Montrail FKT attempt
Here is ◎	Unparalleled repulsive force and propulsive force stability Fit Grip	All-round Cushioning Loading is also easy Lightweight	Excellent rebound Excellent fit and comfort Lightweight yet provides ample cushioning Loading is also easy	Sensation that allows you to feel the ground delicately protection Fit Moderate cushioning	Lightweight flexibility Grip	All-round Good balance
Here is △	expensive If your leg muscles are not strong, you will get tired easily Narrow toe box The upper is slightly less durable	Weak in tough terrain durability protection	Weak in tough terrain Thick midsole reduces foot sensation	Poor grip, especially on wet roads	stability Cushioning Comfort	There is no outstanding element
Comfort	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	★★★★★	★★★★☆	★★★☆☆	★★★★☆
stability	★★★★★	★★★☆☆	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	★★★☆☆	★★★★☆
cushion	★★★★☆	★★★★★	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	★★★☆☆	★★★☆☆
grip	★★★★★	★★★★☆	★★★☆☆	★★★☆☆	★★★★★	★★★☆☆
protection	★★★☆☆	★★★☆☆	★★★★☆	★★★★★	★★★★☆	★★★★☆
Flexibility (sole sensation)	★★★☆☆	★★★☆☆	★★★☆☆	★★★★★	★★★★☆	★★★☆☆
weight	★★★☆☆	★★★★★	★★★★★	★★★★☆	★★★★★	★★★☆☆
On-road	★★★★☆	★★★★★	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	★★★★★	★★★☆☆
Specifications
official weight	285g	278g	263g	309g (28cm)	245g	279g
Actual weight	294g	277g	270g	283g	263g	294g
upper	Matryx® paneled PU coated knit TPE footbed	Unifi REPREVE®	–	–	- Abrasion-resistant welded mesh upper	–
Midsole	High-rebound dual-layer compression-molded EVA midsole 3D carbon fiber plate	CMEVA Form	DNA FLASH	React foam Zoom Air	BOOST midsole Lightstrike cushioning	Fluid Foam
Outsole	Surface Control™	Zone Rubber	TrailTrack	–	Continental™ Rubber outsole	Griptonite outsole
Stack Height	19mm-25mm	24mm-29mm	25mm-31mm	12-16.5mm	18-26mm	–
drop	6mm	5mm	6mm	4.5mm	8mm	10mm

Impressions of each model

The North Face Flight Vective

The resilience of these shoes makes your feet feel like they're moving forward automatically. These are the fastest shoes for people who want to go fast and can do so without any worries

Here is ◎

Unparalleled repulsive force and propulsive force
stability
Fit
Grip

Here is △

expensive
If your leg muscles are not strong, you will get tired easily
Narrow toe box
The upper is slightly less durable

Thick-soled carbon shoes have been making waves in the running world in recent years, and now seem to have become a staple. This trend has not only spread to roads, but has finally reached the trails as well. The North Face 's Flight Vective took the trail running world by storm as soon as it was announced. Personally, I hadn't had high expectations for shoes from the brand up until now, so I honestly didn't have high hopes for this announcement either, but as it turns out, a full-fledged trail running shoe featuring that world-famous thick-soled carbon plate was something I couldn't pass up. So, when I tried them on, I was amazed. I felt a new running sensation, which I'd call the carbon effect, that was even better than I'd imagined.

When you look at the shoe from the side, you can see that the carbon plate is located directly above the midsole thanks to the carbon fiber lining at the bottom of the heel. This carbon plate gives you a completely new experience never before seen in trail running shoes

The carbon plate located on the midsole can be seen at the VECTIV lettering and tip. I was shown a dissected mock-up of the midsole at a previous test run event, and it was clear that the carbon plate was spread generously throughout the shoe except for the area around the toes (see photo below)

When I ran in them, the thing that was clearly different from other shoes was the high propulsion power. Of course on flat ground, but I could feel the overwhelming power especially on uphill slopes. During the test, I thought I was running as usual on uphill slopes, but sometimes it felt harder than usual. I wondered if I was feeling unwell that day, and when I looked at my watch, I realized that my climbing pace was clearly faster than with other shoes, and that I had unconsciously sped up (this is something that will happen to anyone who has worn shoes with carbon plates on the road)

Furthermore, the rocker structure of the sole, which curves up slightly at the front and back, also acts as a tailwind, allowing your feet to move forward more smoothly and pick up speed. Simply put, the number of rotations of your feet increases more than you would think, which means you can go faster, so these shoes are the perfect choice for anyone who just wants to increase their speed. On the other hand, this means that you will go faster than necessary, which will tire out those who lack muscle strength and be dangerous for those who are not used to handling their feet. It is truly a double-edged sword that only the most skilled can use..

Because it contains a carbon plate, unlike other shoes, the tip will not break even if you bend it hard

The midsole is neither too soft nor too hard, providing excellent protection and a good response, with just the right amount of firmness. The carbon plate has a three-dimensional shape with raised edges that wrap around both sides of the heel and forefoot, providing excellent stability when landing

The fit is also excellent. The tongue and shoe are completely integrated, so some people can get a comfortable fit without tying the shoelaces. The part of the tongue where the shoelaces cross is slightly thicker, so those who want a better fit can tighten the shoelaces without feeling any pain in the instep

However, while the fit is excellent, the tip is a little tight, so it may be uncomfortable for those who are always concerned about the fit of their toes when choosing shoes. The lack of play in the toes makes them less suitable for long runs. The sides of the upper are made of highly durable Kevlar woven fabric for breathability and durability, but the durability of other parts, especially the upper material at the tip, is a concern. After about 30km of running, wear was already evident

A thick cushion is placed in the Achilles tendon area to improve fit and reduce wobble

What I felt again through the test was that it's not just the much talked about carbon fiber rebound, but also a great shoe with a good overall balance. There's no doubt that it's ideal for people aiming for the top in races, but that doesn't mean that it's a shoe that's been stripped down to the point of ignoring comfort and stability. Even trail running enthusiasts will be able to enjoy it

That being said, it's true that the rebound force of the carbon plate makes running feel clearly different from previous shoes. There's no denying the risk that unintentional speed will cause you to use up your energy prematurely, so in that sense, I can't say that I would recommend these shoes to everyone. Specifically, if you wear them for a fun run, the excess speed will be wasted, and if you wear them for regular training, the support from the plate will reduce the training effect. I got the impression that these shoes are best used in crucial races

The North Face Flight Vective Men's Trail Running Shoes, TNF White/TNF Black, Size 26.5 cm

created by Rinker

THE NORTH FACE

Hoka One One Challenger ATR 6

The original platform running shoe. Lightweight and with excellent cushioning, it's easy to ride on roads and trails

Here is ◎

All-round
Cushioning
Loading is also easy
Lightweight

Here is △

Weak in tough terrain
durability
protection

Thick midsoles and rocker construction have become a staple in running shoes Hoka One One the first to adopt these features, and it's no exaggeration to say they were pioneers in this field. Hoka One One 's flagship trail running shoe, the Challenger ATR , has undergone repeated updates and is now in its sixth version.

Once you try on Hoka One One's unique soft cushioning, you won't be able to go back to other shoes. The toe and heel areas are well cushioned, so you can fully enjoy the benefits, especially on downhill sections. It's easy to see from the side, but it's extremely thick, measuring 24mm at the toe and 29mm at the heel. And it's not just soft; the midsole's moderate rebound and rocker structure allow you to move forward smoothly. This sensation is exclusive and can't be found anywhere else

It has a thick midsole measuring 2mm at the toe and 29mm at the heel, and a rocker structure with a raised toe

When viewed from behind, you can see that the midsole has volume on the sides as well. Because it is soft, stability when landing tends to be poor, but to address this, the width has been increased to increase stability. It also provides solid protection for the soles of your feet from rocks and other objects that may be pushing up against them

However, on uneven trails with lots of rocks, scree, and tree roots, this thickness reduces the sensation under your feet, making smooth footwork difficult, and the advantages of these shoes will not be as apparent on trails with a lot of technical terrain. Similarly, this thick midsole is not suitable for muddy surfaces, steep slopes, or technical sections. However, on gentle terrain, fairly well-maintained trails, or courses that include asphalt and other road sections, you will be able to move smoothly and comfortably

The midsole has volume on the sides as well, which increases stability when landing

Another thing I'm concerned about is durability. The midsole is exposed in the middle, and the outsole is only located at the tip and heel, making it lightweight, so the midsole wears out quickly. The outsole isn't particularly durable either, so the sole wears out quicker than other models. It's the Speed Goat , but as mentioned above, it's a shoe for running on relatively easy trails.

The outsole is only placed from the tip to around the ball of the foot and on the heel, leaving the midsole exposed

The upper has some heel reinforcement, but the side reinforcement is thin, so it's not as strong against heavy wear and obstacles on rough terrain

It has two layers of very fine mesh, so it may get stuffy in the summer. There is no reinforcement on the sides

Overall, the signature cushioning and rocker structure are still intact, making it worth choosing for that reason alone. However, it may not be suitable for runners who run at high speeds or for routes with steep terrain and many ups and downs. It is a shoe for running comfortably at your own pace on mild off-road trails, and conversely, it can be considered a versatile shoe that can be used on a wide range of surfaces, from roads to trails. It is an excellent shoe for beginner to intermediate level runners who want to run comfortably for long periods of time. Serious runners may also rediscover the joy of running on trails by choosing this shoe to take a break

HOKA ONE ONE CHALLENGER ATR 6 Trail Running Shoes, Black, 1106510-BBLC, Men's, 21SS, Black/Black, Size 27.0cm (Black/Black, measurement_27_point_0_centimeters)

created by Rinker

HOKA ONE ONE

¥48,500 (as of 2026/02/04 18:58:23, according to Amazon - details)