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Comparison Review: Barefoot, Platform, and More... A Professional Trail Writer Tests Out the Hottest Trail Running Shoes of 2018

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

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

  1. 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
  2. Grip: In trail running, shoe grip has a significant impact on performance, especially on trail conditions and descents
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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

TRAIL GLOVE 4 E-MESH
MERRELL
13,824 yen

Here's what I like about it

Here's △

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

SPEEDGOAT 2
HOKA ONE ONE
21,600 yen

Here's what I like about it

Here's △

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 for runners with narrow feet! The grip is quite strong on both uphill and downhill slopes

AGRAVIC SPEED
Adidas TERREX
14,040 yen

Here's what I like about it

Here's △

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

Highly versatile!! The stable grip and arch support will have you hooked on MOW!

AKYRA
LA SPORTIVA
17,820 yen

Here's what I like about it

Here's △

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

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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