Comparison Review: What are the recommended trail running shoes for conquering Hasetsune? [Aim for a sub-10 marathon]
Written by Kohei Tsushima
table of contents
Hasetsune season has arrived again this year! ~What is Hasetsune?~
At this time of year, a little early for the mountains to start changing color, you can often see trail runners on the mountain paths of Tokyo's Okutama area. Athletes taking part in the Japan Mountain Endurance Race (commonly known as the Hasetsune Cup), held every year in mid-October, are doing practice runs
The Hasetsune Cup is positioned as part of training for attacking from the final camp in the Himalayas. With a time limit of 24 hours, a total distance of 71km, a cumulative elevation gain of 4,800m, and only one aid station along the way with 1.5L of hydration, it is one of the most grueling mountain endurance races, and cyclists will be running through the mountains of Okutama all night long to reach the finish line
I participated in this race for the first time last year, and seeing 2,500 people of all ages and genders running through the mountains for a whole day and night is a true festival of trail running. The race starts at 1 p.m., and by the time we pass the first checkpoint, it's already dark. We run through a trail shrouded in complete darkness, where it's hard to tell whether our eyes are open or closed, relying only on the light from our headlamps. Occasionally, we'll see the eyes of a wild animal shining, or a runner suddenly appears at the side of the road, unable to move due to exhaustion. Running through this other-dimensional world, it's hard not to wonder if we're really in Tokyo!? The sense of accomplishment we felt when we crossed the finish line in the illuminated dungeon was incredible
And after I finished, I was shocked to learn that while many runners spend the night in the mountains, there are runners who take the last train home from Hasetsune. Before I knew it, I too began to dream of achieving the sub-10 mark (finishing the race in under 10 hours), a goal that many runners aspire to in Hasetsune
Hasetsune runners' dream of choosing shoes to achieve a sub-10 time
While training is essential to achieving a sub-10 time, equipment is just as important. Shoes are arguably the most important item. So, we've picked out three pairs of the best trail running shoes for the October race. We thoroughly compared each pair during our daily training and chose the best pair for the grueling race
table of contents
- About the items tested this time (trends and selection criteria)
- Test Results & Spec Comparison Table
- Evaluation results - Recommendations by type -
About the shoes compared this time (trends and selection criteria)
Hasetsune has been held since the days when the term "trail running" was not yet common, and this year marks its 24th anniversary. The winning time, which was nine hours at the time, has been shortened every year, and now top runners complete the race in just under seven hours. Behind this is the dramatic evolution of various types of gear as trail running has become more mainstream
Every year, various companies release a variety of trail running shoes, some with an emphasis on stability and others with improved grip. As the trend in recent years has been toward speed, not just in Hasetsune but in trail races in general, lightweight models that offer support are becoming mainstream. For example, Hoka shoes, which look heavy at first glance with their thick heels, have achieved surprising lightness by using hollow soles
Unlike marathons and other races that run on paved roads, trail races vary in distance and road conditions depending on the course. Some races are more than half paved, while others have so many chain and scree sections that it's almost impossible to run. In the case of Hasetsune, the cumulative elevation difference of 4,800m is not just for show; it involves repeated steep climbs and descents. Also, you can pick up speed on ridge paths, so you need shoes that are good for running. To achieve this, comfort and lightness in shoes are essential. These are also very helpful when tracing the intended line (landing point). This time, with the goal of completing Hasetsune in 10 hours, I selected my shoes with the following points in mind
- "Comfort" that creates a sense of unity between your feet and shoes with a comfortable fit
- Weight is essential for light footwork and fatigue reduction
- Grip strength for safe landing
- "Protection" that reduces impact from the ground
- "Support = stability" that reduces shaking when landing and kicking off
Test environment
The test was conducted during the day on the Hasetsune course (Imakuma Shrine to Asama Pass) in early September. Due to the rain that had fallen the day before, the road was wet in places, and I ran alone, changing between the three pairs of shoes I had in my backpack. The road surface was all trail, so I did not test on paved roads. For reference, my current running ability is Hasetsune best time: 11 hours 35 minutes, full marathon: 3 hours
Test Results & Spec Comparison Table
| Overall ranking | 1st place | 2nd place | 3rd place |
|---|---|---|---|
| item |  inov-8 TERRACLAW 250 MS |  Montrail Men's Fluid Flex FKT. |  LA SPORTIVA AKASHA |
| Overall score (out of 100) | 84 | 76 | 72 |
| Reference price | 17,280 yen | 13,500 yen | 18,144 yen |
| Here is ◎ | High grip and excellent comfort allow you to run freely on the trail | The flexibility creates a light feel similar to road shoes | High running performance and protective capabilities give runners a sense of security |
| Here is △ | Low protection | Weak grip strength | Weight |
Comfort (25 points) | 24 | 19 | 15 |
weight (25 points) | 23 | 23 | 12 |
grip (20 points) | 19 | 13 | 17 |
protection (15 points) | 8 | 11 | 14 |
stability (15 points) | 10 | 10 | 14 |
| Specifications | |||
| size | 26cm | 26cm | 26cm |
| weight | 284g | 283g | 321g |
| Upper fabric | Synthetic fiber/artificial leather/synthetic resin | Thermoplastic welded midfoot cage design | Air mesh + PU leather + dynamic protection |
| Outsole | Rubber sole | Griptonite with 3-point lugs in heel and forefoot traction zones. Trail Shield in forefoot | FriXion XT + Trail Rocker System |
Evaluation results: What I learned after trying out each shoe
inov8 TERRACLAW 250
The ultimate shoe for achieving a sub-10 time, allowing you to trace any rough terrain exactly as you intended
Looking at the upper alone, the shoe has a simple, stripped-away look that makes it seem like a road shoe, while the outer sole features sharp protrusions that make the name "CLAW" a fitting name. The strong grip provided by these protrusions allows for stable running on rough scree and slippery rocks. The thin, soft upper material fits snugly around the entire instep, creating a superbly comfortable feeling of oneness between the foot and the shoe. However, there is a fair amount of thrust when landing, so the protection provided is not that great. The shoe also has poor torsional resistance, so landing in an awkward position is a no-no
inov8 shoes are made with a slightly wider forefoot, allowing you to push off and brace naturally, and the sense of unity between the shoes makes it feel almost like being barefoot
There is also a higher-end model called the 225 (the weight is the model name) that is even lighter than the 250, but the thinner sole leaves me a little unsure about the distance of the Hasetsune. Even the 250 has a stronger impact from the ground compared to the Fluid Flex, which I'll discuss later. During the test run, not only did it have a good grip on climbs and descents, but I was also able to maintain speed without skidding even on narrow trails that sloped down toward the cliff
While it can be used throughout the course, you need to be careful of rocks, tree branches, etc., as it has weak protection. Also, the impact is higher than the two feet mentioned below, so unless you have a fairly strong foot, you may not be able to run in the second half
The highlight of Hasetsune is the Konpira Ridge, which begins 10km before the finish line. If you can keep your feet healthy up until this point, the Terra Claw has the potential to carry you to the finish line at an unparalleled speed
Montrail Men's Fluid Flex FKT.
The flexible and light feel is perfect for those coming from road racing!
The softness of the shoes is apparent from the moment you lace them up and take a step. This flexibility, a hallmark of Fluidflex, is your greatest asset when running. On ridge paths, you can pick up speed with ease, almost as if you were running on a road, and when dodging twigs and rocks on downhill runs, you can land firmly on the intended spot and move quickly to your next move. The faster you go, the more instantaneous your decision-making becomes, so being able to move your feet as you intend is crucial. The inner sole, with its non-slip urethane treatment on both sides, hugs the sole of your foot, providing a snug fit. There are few reinforced parts on the upper, so protection isn't particularly strong. This is where the Fluidflex really emphasizes running, even compared to the company's Bajada
If you look at the outer sole, you'll see that the block pattern is only on the forefoot and heel. Be careful, as landing on the arch of your foot when going over roots or protrusions will immediately reduce your grip. It's best to land flat with the entire sole of your foot on these shoes
The grip performance isn't that great, but the shoes have a decent amount of grip and the moderate amount of sideways slippage becomes unnoticeable once you get used to it. This can also be seen as a plus, as they can be used not only on trails but also on roads. At Hasetsune, there is a paved section about 4km from the start, and if you fall behind here, you'll get caught in traffic on the mountain roads that follow, losing a lot of time. It's only 4km, but don't underestimate it, and shoes that you can run in are definitely an advantage
Despite being a lightweight and soft shoe, Fluidflex offers less impact from the ground than you might expect. By using a hard EVA midsole and a different density EVA in the midfoot, the Fluidflex offers a balanced shoe that combines lightness and support, a trend that is currently in vogue
LA SPORTIVA Akasha
High running ability and support make it ideal for runners aiming to complete the entire distance
The defining feature of these shoes is their excellent off-road performance. The sides of the upper are surrounded by hard rubber from the toe to the heel, making them impervious to minor bumps against rocks and branches. The thick, hard outer sole also significantly reduces impacts from the ground, providing excellent protection. The ankle area is also firmly secured, providing excellent support against twisting. As a manufacturer that originally made hiking boots, this shoe is a product of generous investment of know-how in this area
The outer sole has deep, sharp projections that dig firmly into the ground, allowing you to rest your body on any road surface with confidence. During my test run, I had to land in an awkward position several times, but the shoes gripped firmly and I never skidded
When I tried them on, I found the grooves on the front and back of the sole (the Trail Rocker System) to be surprisingly useful. The toes and heels are designed like claws that provide better grip, so even when you lift your heels and climb on your toes, they grip the ground firmly, allowing you to propel yourself forward
The high grip performance of Akasha is also useful when descending steep slopes. At Hasetsune, there are many steep slopes where you need to plant your feet firmly on the ground to slow down, and the strong grip translates directly into excellent braking performance, which can be put to good use
The price to pay for this equipment is that they are quite heavy, which can be a bit stressful when you want to move lightly. When running downhill quickly, you feel a bit slower, and when climbing, you become aware of the weight of the shoes. However, because of their high level of off-road capability, you can run through slightly rough terrain without any problems, so they may actually be easier to wear in long races
summary
Running the Hasetsune in 10 hours requires absolute speed. But it's not as simple as just choosing light shoes. It's not uncommon to see runners fall during a trail race, and it's rare for a runner to complete the 70km distance without stumbling even once. Additionally, the majority of the Hasetsune race is at night. When considering how aggressively you can run on a mountain path in the dark, relying only on a headlamp, the protective capabilities of your shoes become crucial
Trail running has three elements: climbs, flat terrain, and descents. Those who have a strong heart and lungs and can keep going uphill, those who come from road racing and are exceptionally fast on flat terrain, and those who can attack descents fearlessly and boldly are all important. Adding to this the distance, trail ratio, and your own running ability will narrow down the best shoes for you. Know your strengths and where on the course you'll attack. You can further develop your strengths or use shoes to compensate for your weaknesses. The shoes you choose in this way will make your trail runs even more enjoyable
Kohei Tsushima
A runner who loves travel and nature. As a student, he climbed mountains all over the place and even traveled to Tibet to see Mount Everest. After entering the workforce, he started running to get some exercise, but became addicted. Not satisfied with full marathons, he started running ultramarathons (100km) and ultratrails (100 miles). Having achieved the grand slam of amateur runners (sub-3 marathon, sub-10 ultramarathon, and completing the summit of Mt. Fuji climbing race), he is now challenging himself in races both in Japan and abroad, aiming for even greater heights! He posts about the races he has run and gear reviews.
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