Details Brand Merrell Heel To Toe Drop N/A Breathability 6/10 Latest Version Yes Terrain Trail Type Traction Key FeaturesUpperMidsoleOutsoleBreathabilityComfortStyleDurabilityProtectionResponsivenessSupportTerrainPriceDropStabilityFlexibilityTractionBottom Line Key Features Key Features • Vibram Arctic Grip outsole provides extra traction on wet surfaces• Full-grain leather upper is waterproof and highly durable• Subdued design with two possible colorways• EVA foam midsole and internal footbed• Limited flexibility but excellent stability• Neutral heel drop Upper Upper Although the Merrell ColdPack Ice has a very impressive lower...

Details Brand Reebok Heel To Toe Drop 6mm Breathability 7/10 Latest Version Yes Terrain Road Type Neutral Key FeaturesUpperMidsoleOutsoleBreathabilityComfortStyleDurabilityProtectionResponsivenessSupportTerrainPriceDropStabilityFlexibilityTractionBottom Line Key Features Key Features • Breathable mesh upper• Well-fitting toe box• Foam cushioning• Underfoot rock guard• Drainage ports• Durable lugs Upper Upper The risk with any breathable mesh upper is that it runs the risk of letting in the elements. This is especially risky for a trail runner, where mud and rocks can be let...

Details Brand Pearl Izumi Heel To Toe Drop 8mm Breathability 7.5/10 Latest Version No Terrain Trail Type Neutral Key FeaturesUpperMidsoleOutsoleBreathabilityComfortStyleDurabilityProtectionResponsivenessSupportTerrainPriceDropStabilityFlexibilityTractionBottom Line Key Features Key Features • Seamless upper• eMotion midsole• Energy foam• Abrasion resistance Upper Upper The upper of the N3 is made of seamless mesh. The idea is that the lack of seams and stitching gives the runner an agitation-free experience. A few reviewers complained about the narrow midfoot, and others said they really...

Details Brand Brooks Breathability 7.7 Latest Version Cascadia 12 Terrain Trail Type Neutral Key FeaturesUpperMidsoleOutsoleBreathabilityComfortStyleDurabilityProtectionResponsivenessSupportTerrainPriceDropStabilityFlexibilityTractionBottom Line Key Features Key Features • Thermoplastic EVA plate • This is a plate located in the midsole that helps the foot stay stable and in place.• Ballistic Rock Sheild • This is found in the forefoot of the shoe and does an amazing job at protecting the foot from sharp objects.• BioMoGo polymer allows foam • This is a...

Details Brand Vibram Heel To Toe Drop 0mm Breathability 6.9 Latest Version Yes Terrain Trail Type Minimalist Key FeaturesUpperMidsoleOutsoleBreathabilityComfortStyleDurabilityProtectionResponsivenessSupportTerrainPriceDropStabilityFlexibilityTractionBottom Line Key Features Key Features • Waterpro[infographic]of upper and toe pockets• Added thickness makes them ready for cold weather• Double strap system to keep foot in place• Durable outsole with sufficient traction• Lightweight construction• Comfortable inner lining• Easily machine washable Upper Upper The upper portion of the Lontra is where Vibram had to bring the most...

Details Brand Saucony Heel To Toe Drop 8 mm Breathability 6/10 Latest Version Saucony Guide 10 Terrain Road Type Stability Key FeaturesUpperMidsoleOutsoleBreathabilityComfortStyleDurabilityProtectionResponsivenessSupportTerrainPriceDropStabilityFlexibilityTractionBottom Line Key Features Key Features • XT-900 carbon rubber gives great traction on a variety of surfaces• iBR+ rubber is lighter and gives three times the amount of cushioning as standard blown rubber• SSL EVA dual-density midsole provides lightweight support and durability• ProGrid cushioning promotes smooth, natural strides• ComfortLite Sockliner offers arch support...

Details Brand Vibram Heel To Toe Drop 0mm Breathability 8.8 Latest Version Yes Terrain Road Type Minimalist Key FeaturesUpperMidsoleOutsoleBreathabilityComfortStyleDurabilityProtectionResponsivenessSupportTerrainPriceDropStabilityFlexibilityTraction Key Features Key Features • Stretchy breathable upper• Zero drop• Easy lacing system• Velvety soft interior• Rugged outsole• Amazing groundfeel Upper Upper Vibram always employs amazing technology when they're constructing the uppers in their shoes. The KSO EVO does not disappoint in this regard. Here you'll find a polyester stretch mesh material that is similar to...

Details Brand New Balance Heel To Toe Drop 8mm Breathability 9/10 Latest Version Yes Terrain Road Type Neutral Key FeaturesUpperMidsoleOutsoleBreathabilityComfortStyleDurabilityProtectionResponsivenessSupportTerrainPriceDropStabilityFlexibilityTractionBottom Line Key Features Key Features • Blown rubber outsole with hexagonal gripping lugs• Flex grooves in the forefoot provide greater flexibility• Fresh Foam midsole features concave hexagon patterns• Fantom Fit technology built into the upper• Engineered mesh is soft and breathable yet durable• Less responsiveness than its predecessors• Feels much heavier than it actually weighs•...

Details Brand Mizuno Heel To Toe Drop 12mm Breathability 8/10 Latest Version Wave Enigma 6 Terrain Road Type Cushioning Key FeaturesUpperMidsoleOutsoleBreathabilityComfortStyleDurabilityProtectionResponsivenessSupportTerrainPriceDropStabilityFlexibilityTractionBottom Line Key Features Key Features • The Wave plate system offers a cushion for heel strikes.• The X10 carbon rubber material in the outsole is strong and durable.• VS-1 and AP+ cushioning work together to provide shock absorption.• The Smooth Ride system offers smoothness during heel to toe transitions. Upper Upper The upper in...