Comparison Review: Barefoot, Platform, and More... A Professional Trail Writer Tests Out the Hottest Trail Running Shoes of 2018
Written by Outdoor Gearzine Editorial Department
My name is Okuyama, and I'm a trail writer. In my daily life, I on or Five Fingers, and in the summer I often wear homemade Waraichi shoes. However, when I'm road running or trail running, I prefer platform shoes from a certain company called T or shoes with Vibram
The width is a little wide, and I have bunions, so once they fit me, I wear them for quite some time. My main trail running fields are Tanzawa, Hakone, and Kamakura. I work for a company that organizes competitions, but I also work as a trail writer. So, I've (with a little humility) decided to judge some of the noteworthy models that I've been interested in, from this year's new releases to last year's popular models!
table of contents
table of contents
- About the items tested this time
- Test Results & Spec Comparison Table
- Evaluation results for each shoe
- summary
About the shoes we compared this time
Zero drop, Vibram , thick soles...
These days, there are an increasing number of unique trail running shoes
Ideally, you want one pair of shoes that can handle a variety of trails and distances
However, using different shoes for different purposes, such as for long races, for multiple fields, or to reduce damage, is one of the joys of this sport
This time, I decided to write down my own personal comments, which you can only know by actually wearing the shoes for a long time. I hope that it will be helpful when choosing shoes
Test environment
My main field is Tanzawa. It's known for its scree fields, steep climbs and descents, and its challenging trails with lots of ups and downs, and it's easily accessible from the Tokyo metropolitan area. I mainly tested it in Tanzawa. I also wore it at the OSJ Trail Race Okukuji Trail Race and around Hirugatake Sanso, a mountain lodge on Tanzawa's highest peak
- Weight: The lightness of the shoes not only affects performance but also leg lift. However, it also affects the strain on the feet, so simply being light is not enough
- Grip: In trail running, shoe grip has a significant impact on performance, especially on trail conditions and descents
- Last: Most Japanese people tend to have wide feet. It is no exaggeration to say that if the last does not fit, you cannot even begin to choose shoes
- Upper: The front part of the shoe. It protects the area around the toes. If it's too narrow, it doesn't fit properly. If you tighten the shoelaces and it fits comfortably, then it's OK
- Comfort: It is desirable for shoes to be comfortable even when worn for long periods of time. This depends on a variety of factors, including breathability, compatibility with the last, and the enveloping feel of the upper
Test Results & Spec Comparison Table
| Overall ranking | 1st place | 2nd place | 3rd place | 4th place |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| item |  LA SPORTIVA AKYRA |  HOKA ONE ONE SPEEDGOAT 2 |  MERRELL TRAIL GLOVE 4 E-MESH |  Adidas TERREX AGRAVIC SPEED |
| Reference price | 17,820 yen | 21,600 yen | 13,824 yen | 14,040 yen |
| Here is ◎ | Grip, cushioning, and stability | Lightweight, stable and grippy | Lightweight, arch support, and secure fit | Lightweight, breathable, and grippy |
| Here is △ | weight | The toe box is a little narrow | Grip | Slightly narrow toe box, stability |
| weight | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| grip | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ |
| last | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| upper | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Comfort | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Specifications | ||||
| item | LA SPORTIVA AKYRA | HOKA ONE ONE SPEEDGOAT 2 | MERRELL TRAIL GLOVE 4 E-MESH | TERREX AGRAVIC SPEED |
| Weight (g) | 335(27cm) | 278(27cm) | 216(27cm) | 255(27cm) |
| upper | Air mesh + TPU microlite skeleton + flex guard (liner: non-slip mesh) | Engineered Mesh | Engineered Mesh | Textile and synthetic upper |
| Outsole | FriXion XT mix + impact brake system | Vibram® Megagrip | Vibram | Continental rubber |
| Stack Height | 9mm | 4.5mm | 0mm | 8mm |
Evaluation results - Recommendations by type -
MERRELL TRAIL GLOVE 4 E-MESH
A must-have lightweight shoe for barefoot trail runners
Here's what I like about it
- Lightweight at 216g. Comfortable even when worn for long periods of time
- Arch support for barefoot running
- The toe area is puffy, making it easy to land
- The upper's grip is amazing
Here's △
- Grip strength is not enough
- Not suitable for rainy weather
The first thing that surprised me when I picked them up was their light weight. It's no surprise, weighing just 216g. That's about 50g lighter than a typical trail running shoe. Perhaps it's because these shoes are designed for barefoot running or running with a barefoot feel. The insole provides arch support, making it relatively easy to run barefoot. It's no exaggeration to say that even beginners can easily run barefoot without even thinking about it. This is the perfect shoe for runners looking to incorporate barefoot running. The toe area of the shoe is slightly padded, making it easy to move your toes. The upper provides excellent support. The upper is a mesh type for breathability. The upper is integrated with the tongue, and when you tighten the laces, it lifts the arch of the foot and hugs it for a snug fit. It gently wraps around the top of the foot. The shoebox is wide. Because the toes are easy to move, weight naturally shifts to the ball of the foot. Cons: The outsole's grip is a little weak. Going downhill requires a bit of technique. The "Trail Protect Pad" in the forefoot protects your feet, but the grip is not much different from that of running shoes. However, it is also perfect for fast hiking
HOKA ONE ONE SPEEDGOAT 2
Become a running marshmallow! Lightweight platform shoes with a variety of options
Here's what I like about it
- Lightweight and comfortable landing feel without the feeling of thick soles
- Exceptional stability in a variety of trail conditions
- Highly stable grip on both downhill and uphill climbs
Here's △
- The upper is a little narrow, making it difficult to move your toes
HOKA ONE ONE 
the pioneer of thick-soled shoes, is a versatile trail running shoe. Trying them on... The upper is a little tight, so thin socks are recommended (according to Okuyama). I tried a light jog on the trail. Not only did they feel light, but they didn't even feel thick when landing or pushing off. Honestly, they're light. I was surprised at how natural my foot movement was. They offered a rolling feel and stable grip on descents. The deeper, more grooved Vibram® outsole provided all-around grip, even on trails with steep inclines and downhills. As expected from HOKA ONE ONE , known for its "running marshmallow." The new last is slightly wider. The midsole holds the foot firmly. The toe box also emphasizes stability. The SPEEDGOAT 2 . The fit, stability, and durability are impeccable. They will be a reliable companion on tough long trails. We encourage anyone with no experience of thick soles to experience this perfection for themselves.
Adidas TERREX AGRAVIC SPEED
Only for runners with narrow feet! The grip is quite strong on both uphill and downhill slopes
Here's what I like about it
- Lightweight and breathable mesh upper
- The grip is strong and you can feel it even when climbing
Here's △
- The heel is slightly deep, so the heel floats slightly
- The upper is a little narrow, making it difficult to move your toes
The TERREX 
outdoor series from Adidas is available The AGRAVIC SPEED is the trail running model in that series . It weighs a svelte 255g. When I put my foot in, I noticed a slightly narrow last. It felt a little tight for Okuyama's wide feet. It's perfect for runners with narrower feet, though. The upper is made of highly breathable mesh and ripstop. The perforated EVA collar and mesh-covered tongue contribute significantly to breathability and lightweight design. The heel area is a little deep. Some people may find the heel slips out easily... There's a high chance of gravel getting in through the gaps (sigh). The outsole is made of Continental rubber surfaces. The grip is particularly effective on ascents and descents. It offers high stability and makes weight transfer easy. While the excellent grip is commendable, I still wish the heel area could be improved.
LA SPORTIVA AKYRA
Highly versatile!! The stable grip and arch support will have you hooked on MOW!
Here's what I like about it
- Multi-grip and shock-absorbing outsole
- The heel cup fits snugly and supports the ankle
- Wide type that allows for easy up and down movement of fingers
Here's △
- If it were a little lighter it would be the best
LA SPORTIVA 
has established a solid reputation for its climbing shoes, is proud to present the AKYRA . The first thing you notice when you put your foot in is the heel cup, which supports the arch and provides a firm, comfortable hold. The wide toe box is perfect for those with wider feet. Your toes are free to move, and you feel like you're using the entire sole of your foot when running. The sole Trail Rocker™ system , with a well-balanced pattern of firm and soft materials providing reliable grip in all trail conditions. The Impact Brake System absorbs shock from the road, increases friction, and improves grip on slopes, while providing reassuring protection. The upper's excellent moisture evaporation properties keep the inside of the shoe comfortable, even after long wear. This makes it an ideal model for long-distance trail runs. It's perfect for runners looking for a versatile shoe. However, if I were to be greedy, I wish it were a little lighter.
summary
The shoe that received high marks overall was the LA SPORTIVA AKYRA . Its comfort, arch support, heel cup, upper, and last specifically tailored to the wide feet of Japanese people, and above all, its versatile grip, all received high marks. While it's a little heavier, it's perfectly acceptable for long races. The HOKA ONE ONE SPEEDGOAT 2 , a longtime pioneer of thick-soled shoes, has been significantly improved. It's incredibly smooth to push off from the ground, and I was surprised by its lightweight design, which doesn't feel like a thick sole's quirks. It's well-suited for mid- to long-distance races. A slightly higher upper would have made it even more comfortable. the MERRELL TRAIL GLOVE 4 E-MESH . It's certainly a lightweight model, and the wide last makes it extremely comfortable. The arch support is also comfortable, making barefoot running a natural experience. The Vibram sole, though, could use some improvement in its grip. I find them particularly unreliable on trail descents in the rain. Finally, there's the Adidas TERREX AGRAVIC SPEED . Their lightness and Continental rubber outsole are highly commendable. You can't help but feel their unique features on both trail descents and ascents. The only downsides are the last and heel. They're quite slim, limiting the shoe's appeal. Also, the heel cutout is too deep, making it difficult to avoid heel lift. Gravel and other debris can easily find their way through the gaps. In this test, the LA SPORTIVA AKYRA and the HOKA ONE ONE SPEEDGOAT 2 as potential purchases. However, if you're looking for a lightweight shoe that's compatible with your feet, I'd recommend the MERRELL TRAIL GLOVE 4 E-MESH and the Adidas TERREX AGRAVIC SPEED
Kenji Okuyama
Trailist (trail photo writer, event management staff, apprentice lumberjack, mountain hut supporter, etc.). As a freelance trail writer, I write articles for trail running-related publications. As an event management staff member, I was affiliated with the Kita Tanzawa Mountains Center, then Power Sports (where I am now). Course maintenance led me to complete the Basic Forest Management Training and Training Forest Practical Course (which means I'm an apprentice lumberjack). I occasionally help out at Hirugatake Sanso, the highest peak in the Tanzawa Mountains
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