Comparison review: Barefoot, thick-soled... A professional trail writer compared the trail running shoes that were popular in 2018.

This is Okuyama, a trail writer. In my daily life, ON or Five Fingers, and in the summer, I wear homemade warach quite frequently. However, when running road and trail runs, I prefer thick-soled shoes from a certain company T and shoes with a Vibram

The width is slightly wider and has bunions, so once they go well together, they will last for quite a long time. The main fields for the trail run are Tanzawa, Hakone, and Kamakura. While affiliated with the company that manages the tournament, I also work as a trail writer. I have judged (and fearful) the popular models I've been interested in, including the new model this year and the models that were popular last year!

table of contents

• About the items we compared and tested this time
• Test results and spec comparison table
• Evaluation results for each shoe
• summary

About the shoes that were candidates for comparison this time

Zero drop, Vibram , thick-soled type...

These days, there are more and more unique trail running shoes.

Ideally, one pair can accommodate a variety of trails and distances.

However, one of the highlights of this sport is the different shoes, such as for long races, multi-fields, and damage reduction.

This time, I decided to write about some real-life comments that you wouldn't know if you had to try wearing them. We hope this will help you choose shoes.

• MERRELL TRAIL GLOVE 4 E-MESH
• HOKA ONE ONE SPEEDGOAT 2
• Adidas TERREX AGRAVIC SPEED
• LA SPORTIVA AKYRA

Test environment

My main field is Tanzawa. Slopes, steep climbs, and descents. It is known for its punchy trails with many ups and downs, and is a field that is easily accessible from the metropolitan area. I mainly tested it at Tanzawa. We also test-worn worn at the field of the OSJ Trail Race Okukuji Trail Race and around Hirugatake Mountain Lodge, the highest peak in Tanzawa.

1. Weight: The lightness of the shoes is not only effective, but also affects your feet. However, it also affects the strain on your feet, so it's not just that it's light enough.
2. Grip: A shoe grip that has a significant impact on your performance when running trails. In particular, it is an essential element for trail conditions and descent.
3. Last...Most Japanese feet tend to be wide. It would not be an exaggeration to say that if the ending doesn't suit you, it won't start to choose shoes.
4. Upper: The tip of the shoe. It has the role of protecting the fingers. If it's too small, it's proof that it's not right. Tighten the shoelaces and as long as you get a comfortable fit, that's fine.
5. Comfort: It is desirable to remain comfortable even when wearing shoes for a long time. It consists of a variety of factors, such as breathability, compatibility at the end, and the feeling of wrapping in the upper.

Test results and 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
This is ◎	Grip, cushioning, stability	Lightweight, stability, grip	Lightweight, arch support, hold	Lightweight, breathable, grip
This is △	weight	The toes are slightly narrow	Grip power	Slightly narrow toes, stability
weight	★★☆☆☆	★★★☆☆	★★★★★	★★★★☆
grip	★★★★★	★★★★★	★★★☆☆	★★★★★
last	★★★★★	★★★★☆	★★★★★	★★★☆☆
upper	★★★★★	★★★★☆	★★★☆☆	★★★☆☆
Comfort	★★★★★	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	★★★☆☆
Specs
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 Microlight Skeleton + Flex Guard (Lineer: 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 - Recommended by type

MERRELL TRAIL GLOVE 4 E-MESH

Lightweight shoes that barefoot trail runners definitely wear

TRAIL GLOVE 4 E-MESH

MERRELL

13,824 yen

This is ◎

• It's quite lightweight at 216g. Comfortable even when worn for a long time
• Arch support for easy barefoot running
• The toes are plump and easy to land
• The upper hold is irresistible

This is △

• The grip is not enough
• Not suitable in rainy weather

First of all, I was surprised at how light it was. That's probably 216g. It is about 50g lower than the average train running shoes. I guess it's because they're shoes that allow you to run barefoot or barefoot. The insole supports the arch, making it relatively easy to wear. It would not be an exaggeration to say that even beginners can naturally run easily with barefoot form without being aware of it. A pair of shoes is perfect for runners who want to incorporate barefoot running. The toes of the shoes are slightly plump, making it easy to move your toes. The upper hold is pretty good. The upper is a mesh type with breathability in mind. The upper is integrated with the tongue, and when the shoelaces are tightened, the arch of the arch of the arch is pulled up, making it a perfect fit, wrapping around your foot. It feels like it gently wraps around the instep of your feet. The shoe box is spacious. Because your fingers are easy to move, you can naturally transfer your weight around the ball of your thumb. A shame. The outsole grip is slightly weaker. There is a bit of technique to descend the trail. The "trail protection pad" used on the forefoot protects your feet, but the grip is not much different from running shoes. However, it is also perfect for fast hiking.

HOKA ONE ONE SPEEDGOAT 2

You can become a running marshmallow! ? Lightweight thick-soled shoes for variety

SPEEDGOAT 2

HOKA ONE ONE

21,600 yen

This is ◎

• It doesn't feel like a thick-soled shoe, feels like landing and weight reduction
• Excellent stability in a variety of trail conditions
• Highly stable grip even when descending and climbing

This is △

• The upper is slightly narrow, making it difficult to move your toes

Pioneer of thick solesHOKA ONE ONEThese are trail running shoes that can be used for multiple purposes. My impression after trying them on is... The upper is a little tight, so it's better to wear thin socks (according to Okuyama). I tried jogging lightly on the trail. Not only do they not feel heavy, but when landing or pushing off, I don't feel like I have a thick sole. Honestly, they're light. I was surprised at how natural my foot movement was. It's easy to put my foot out like a rolling motion, and it has a stable grip when going downhill. It has deeper, more numerous groovesVibram®The outsole provides all-around grip even on trails with lots of ups and downsHOKA ONE ONEThe new last is slightly wider. The midsole holds the foot firmly. The toe box also emphasizes stability. An evolution of the previous Speedgoat modelSPEEDGOAT 2(Speedgoat 2). The fit, stability, and durability are impeccable. They will be a reliable companion on tough long trails. We encourage anyone new to thick-soled shoes to experience this level of perfection

Adidas TERREX AGRAVIC SPEED

Only runners with slim feet! ? His grip is very strong both in both the climb and the descent.

AGRAVIC SPEED

adidas TERREX

14,040 yen

This is ◎

• Lightweight and breathable mesh upper
• The grip is high. A bite that you can feel even on the climb

This is △

• The heel is slightly deeper and the heel is slightly raised
• The upper is slightly narrow, making it difficult to move your toes

The outdoor series from AdidasTERREX" . The trail running model of that series is "AGRAVIC SPEED" It weighs just 255g, which is a little light. When I put my foot in, I noticed that the last is a little narrow. It feels a little tight for Okuyama's wide feet. However, it is perfect for runners with narrow feet. The upper part is made of highly breathable mesh and ripstop upper. The EVA material collar with ventilation holes and the tongue with a mesh cover contribute greatly to breathability and lightweight design. The design around the heel is a little deep. Depending on the person, the heel may slip out easily... There is a high possibility that gravel or other debris may get in through the gaps (sigh). The outsole has excellent grip even on wet surfacesContinental RubberThe grip is excellent when climbing and descending. It is highly stable and makes it easy to shift your weight. The excellent grip is commendable, but I would like to see an improvement in the heel area

LA SPORTIVA AKYRA

All-purpose expensive! ! Stable grip and arch support make you addicted to MOW!

AKYRA

LA SPORTIVA

17,820 yen

This is ◎

• Multi-grip and shock absorbing outsole
• The heel cup fits well and supports your ankles
• Wide type that makes it easy to move your fingers up and down

This is △

• If it were a little lighter, it would be the best item in the world

It has also established a solid position in climbing shoesLA SPORTIVA" is proud AKYRA(Akira). The first thing you notice when you put your foot in is the heel cup. It supports the arch and holds it firmly and comfortably. The toe box is wide, so it's perfect for people with wider feet. Your toes are easy to move, and you feel like you can run using the whole sole of your foot. The sole hasTrail Rocker™ systemThe shoe features a balanced, firm and soft pattern, providing reliable grip in all trail conditions. The Impact Brake System absorbs shock from the road, increasing friction and grip on slopes, and the stable protection is also reassuring. The upper's excellent moisture-wicking properties keep the inside of the shoe comfortable, even when worn for long periods of time. This makes it an ideal model for long-distance trail runs. It's perfect for runners looking for an all-around shoe. However, if I were to be greedy, I wish it were a little lighter

summary

LA SPORTIVA AKYRA was highly rated Comfort, arch support, heel cups, upper, a wooden mold that is wide feet typical of Japanese people, and above all, it has a multi-purpose grip that is compatible with multiple items. All of them were high scores. The weight is slightly more expensive, but if it's a long race, it's completely within the passing line. the HOKA ONE ONE SPEEDGOAT 2 has been significantly improved. I was surprised at how smoothly the kicking off the ground was, and the shape and light weight didn't show the quirky nature of thick soles. It is suitable for long races from the middle to the middle. If the upper is a little higher, the more comfortable it should be. I've always used the Five Fingers for the MERRELL TRAIL GLOVE 4 E-MESH It's certainly a lightweight model, and the wide wooden mold makes it quite comfortable. The arch support is also comfortable, allowing you to enjoy barefoot running naturally. It's a Vibram sole, but its grip should be improved a little more. I feel very uneasy about descent on the trail, especially when it rains. Finally, the adidas TERREX AGRAVIC SPEED . The lightness and outsole, which uses Continental rubber, You can't help but feel the features of the trail, whether it's descent or up. What's unfortunate is the wooden mold and heel part. He is a very slim type, so there are only a few users. Also, the notch in the heel is too deep, so it is hard to deny that the heel feels floating. Gravel and other items are easily allowed through the gaps. In this test, LA SPORTIVA AKYRA and HOKA ONE ONE SPEEDGOAT 2 marked the shoes they were looking to buy. However, if you're a compatible user and prefer lightweight light, I would recommend the MERRELL TRAIL GLOVE 4 E-MESH and the Adidas TERREX AGRAVIC SPEED

Okuyama Kenji

Trailist (trail photo writer, tournament management staff, woodblock apprentice, mountain hut supporters, etc.). As a freelance trail writer, I write articles for trail running media. As a staff member of the tournament management staff, he is a member of Kitatanzawatake Center → Power Sports (Kokoro Now). The course development led me to complete the basic forest maintenance training and the forest practice course (that is, the woods apprentice). Occasionally, I help out at Hirugatake Mountain Lodge, the highest peak in Tanzawa.

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