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

Shoes
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written by Outdoor Gearzine Editorial Department

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 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.

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 ranking1st place2nd place3rd place4th place
itemSPORTIVA AKYRA Akira 36D ButterLA SPORTIVA AKYRA[HOKA ONE ONE] HOKA ONE ONE Running Shoes M SPEEDGOAT 2HOKA ONE ONE SPEEDGOAT 2MERRELL TRAIL GLOVE 4 E-MESH[Adidas] Trail Running Shoes TERREX AGRAVIC SPEED Men'sAdidas TERREX AGRAVIC SPEED
Reference price17,820 yen21,600 yen13,824 yen14,040 yen
This is ◎Grip, cushioning, stabilityLightweight, stability, gripLightweight, arch support, holdLightweight, breathable, grip
This is △weightThe toes are slightly narrowGrip powerSlightly narrow toes, stability
weight★★☆☆☆★★★☆☆★★★★★★★★★☆
grip★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆☆★★★★★
last★★★★★★★★★☆★★★★★★★★☆☆
upper★★★★★★★★★☆★★★☆☆★★★☆☆
Comfort★★★★★★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★☆☆
Specs
itemLA SPORTIVA AKYRAHOKA ONE ONE SPEEDGOAT 2MERRELL TRAIL GLOVE 4 E-MESHTERREX 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 MeshEngineered MeshTextile and synthetic upper
OutsoleFriXion XT mix + impact brake systemVibram® MegagripVibramContinental Rubber
Stack height9mm4.5mm0mm8mm

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

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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

[HOKA ONE ONE] HOKA ONE ONE Running Shoes M SPEEDGOAT 2
SPEEDGOAT 2
HOKA ONE ONE
21,600 yen

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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

HOKA ONE ONE a pioneer in thick-soled systems . These are the train running shoes that can be used in a variety of ways. It feels like I put my feet in... The upper is a bit tight, so thin socks are better (according to Okuyama). Try jogging lightly on the trail. Not only does it not feel heavy, but it also doesn't give you a sense of thick bottom when landing or kicking. Honestly, it's light. I was surprised at how natural it was to walk. It has a rolling ease of extruding your feet and a stable grip when descending. The deeper, more grooved Vibram® outsole provides an all-purpose grip on trails with intense ups and downs. As expected from HOKA ONE ONE, the "running marshmallows" is called HOKA ONE ONE . The new ending is a little wider. The midsole holds your feet firmly. The two-box also places importance on stability. SPEEDGOAT 2 " is an evolution of the previous Speed ​​Goat Fit, stability and durability are perfect. It is only the tough long trail that you can be a great companion. I hope that those with no experience in thick soles will 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.

[Adidas] Trail Running Shoes TERREX AGRAVIC SPEED Men's
AGRAVIC SPEED
adidas TERREX
14,040 yen

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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 Adidas, " TERREX ." The tolerun model in that series is the " AGRAVIC SPEED ." It weighs a slightly lighter 255g. When I put my legs in, it was a slightly slimmer ending. It looks a bit tight on the wide feet of the mountain. Perfect for runners with narrow feet. The upper part features highly breathable mesh and a ripstop upper. The shoe tongue has an EVA material opening with ventilation holes and a mesh cover, which contributes to breathability and weight reduction. The design near the heel is a little deeper. For some people, the heel may fall out more easily... There is a high possibility that gravel or other substances will enter through the gaps (crying).The outsole uses Continental rubber The grip is effective when climbing and descending. It is highly stable and allows for very easy weight transfer. Its excellent grip is something to be admired, but I still hope for improved heels.

LA SPORTIVA AKYRA

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

SPORTIVA AKYRA Akira 36D Butter
AKYRA
LA SPORTIVA
17,820 yen

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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

AKYRA is proud of LA SPORTIVA , which has established a solid position in climbing shoes . When you put your feet in, the first thing you will notice is the heel cup. The arch is supported and holds securely and comfortably. The box at the fingertips is wide, making it perfect for people with wide feet. The fingers are easy to move, and it feels like you can run using the entire sole of your feet. The sole uses the Trail Rocker™ system The firm and soft patterns are properly arranged, making it a reliable grip even in all trail conditions. The "impact brake system" absorbs impact on road surfaces, increases friction and increases grip on sloped grounds, and is also encouraging. Even if you wear it for a long time, the inside of the shoe is comfortable because the upper is highly moisture-evaporating. This is one of the ideal models for long distance trail runs. Perfect for runners looking for all-purpose shoes. However, to be greedy, I wish it would have been 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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