Best Trail Running Shoes for 2017

Altra Olympus 2

The revamped Altra Men’s Olympus 2 stands as one of the best train running shoes on the market today. While the Olympus 1 and Olympus 1.5 were likewise praised, rather than stick to what works, Altra elected to make significant improvements.

For starters, the Olympus 2 now features a Vibram Megagrip bottom. The dramatic lugs of this outsole will reduce slippage and improve lift.

The downside is that the lugs are so deep that they reportedly accrue mud much more readily than shallow treads. However, so long as you keep them clear, you should enjoy performance benefits both uphill and downhill. Additionally, Vibram is known for durability, meaning you won’t find your shoe’s lugs tearing off anytime soon.

What positions this trail runner at the head of the class, though, is that it’s the only zero-drop shoe on the list. At the same time, the Olympus 2 has one of the highest stack heights in our roundup: 36mm. That makes it a favorite among runners who prefer a natural gait while providing ample padding for durability and protection against sharp rocks.

The downside is that the Olympus 2 is a bit on the heavy side for a top-end trail runner. Men’s size 9 weighs roughly 11 oz.

To accommodate what’s underfoot, the Olympus 2’s upper is exceedingly lightweight. Their mesh construction will let your foot breathe easy, which makes them perfect for hot summer runs.

Of note is that the uppers have fewer overlays than many trail runners. Some buyers have lamented toe-box blowouts after just a few runs, and this may be a contributing factor. Also, overlays have the advantage of preventing your foot from rolling.

That said, buyers of the Olympus 2 have been very vocal about the exceptional comfort provided by the shoe, which stands as one of its primary value propositions. In addition to maximum cushioning provided by EVA foam, the shoe sports a foot-shaped toe box to provide ample wiggle room.

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Nike Air Zoom Wildhorse 3 GTX

The Wildhorse 3 GTX is the only fully waterproof trail runner to grace this roundup of best trail running shoes.

Waterproof running shoes are a good idea for runs in cold, slushy conditions since they keep your feet nice and dry. The issue is that if water does manage to get into your shoe, you’re going to have to stop and dump it out. So, if you’re planning on crossing any streams during your trail run, consider wearing wicking socks.

Waterproofing is accomplished via a Gore-Tex membrane encasing the shoe’s upper. At the same time, underlying plus mesh sleeves should keep your feet cozy.

Nike uses its “Flywire” technology and TPU bars to provide durability to the Wildhorse 3’s upper and prevent foot rolls.

Cushioning comes partly from Nike’s patented “Zoom Air” heel, the low-profile system it introduced in the mid-1990s. Strategic positioning of air pods will help you enjoy added propulsion to take on uneven terrain. Aside from the pods, the midsoles are EVA foam and include rock plating.

The Wildhorse 3 GTX’s heel profile measures 34.2mm. The 8mm offset is a bit much if you’re looking for a natural feel to your run, but it’s still better than many other entries in this roundup.

The overall weight of the shoe is 10.8 oz. for a men’s size 10.

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Reebok All-Terrain Super Or

First of all, the “OR” stands for “obstacle racing.” The name fits, since with its barefoot feel and sharp, widely-spaced lugs, the Reebok All-Terrain Super OR is best suited to fleet maneuvers.

There’s no question this Reebok is one of the lightest shoes you’ll find, weighing just 7.9 oz. It accomplishes this achievement with a somewhat modest heel profile of 26.4mm and thin-fabric upper. Combined with a flexible sole, it’s a fun shoe to run in, even with a mid-range offset of 7.4mm.

In addition to helping keep the shoe lightweight, its mesh top doubles as a water-shedding system. Drainage holes keep water from pooling inside. That way, you can splash through streams and mud puddles without having to worry about stopping to dump them out.

Another key feature of the All-Terrain Super OR is its speed-lacing pull system. That makes it easy to slip these shoes on and pull them snug. Be sure you get a shoe that fits properly, though, as the same lacing system is prone to coming loose.

Previous versions of this shoe have had issues with the tongue slipping. Reebok has remedied this problem with elastic fixings to keep it in place.

Be aware that the same minimalistic build that makes this shoe great for obstacle tracks them ill-suited for rougher terrain and longer runs. On top of that, many wearers have complained that its overall durability is lacking, so they’re probably not the answer for an everyday runner.

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Nike Air Zoom Terra Kiger 3

Trail runners in the market for a low-profile run will be attracted to the Nike Air Zoom Terra Kiger 3’s 4.9mm offset and 27.9mm heel stack. It’s not quite like running barefoot, but you’ll want some protection if you plan on hitting tougher trails.

Additional protection comes courtesy of molded EVA foam and Nike’s Zoom Air system. As with the Wildhorse 3, these enclosed air pockets provide a nice combination of shock resistance and propulsion.

While it keeps your foot close to the ground, the Terra Kiger 3’s outsole features sharp, wide lugs composed of sticky rubber. This layout helps the shoe achieve reasonable traction on a variety of turf types, including moveable dirt, rocky inclines, and wet asphalt.

The midsole is sculpted to cradle your foot. Combined with Nike’s threaded-nylon Flywire system, the Terra Kiger 3 provides the kind of fit and support you’d expect of a top-of-the-line trail runner.

The shoe upper is mostly meshing. Combined with increased space in the forefoot over the previous two versions of the Terra Kiger, people who don’t like feeling too constricted should be pleased.

Meanwhile, welded strips help to protect areas of the upper that are prone to abrasions, in addition to improving the shoe’s overall stability.

The shoe’s weight sits at 8.9 oz. for a men’s size 9, making it a good lightweight runner despite its excellent durability. Several buyers have stated they use the Terra Kiger 3 for long runs and ultra-trail races with no problems.

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The North Face Ultra Endurance

The North Face is known for quality, technically advanced gear, and the Ultra Endurance is no exception. It incorporates the North Face’s patented CRADLE system, which is an impact-absorption technology providing varying degrees of EVA density underfoot.

The idea behind the CRADLE is to provide anatomical support to encourage proper gait. Such support helps lessen this trail runner’s 8mm profile offset.

A built-in ESS Snake Plate in the forefront will protect hard foot strikes from causing rocks to jab your foot. This plating is helpful since the shoe’s stack is just 17mm in the heel and 9mm in the forefoot.

As with Olympus 2, a Vibram Megagrip outsole helps runners achieve good traction thanks to sticky rubber and dynamic, deep lugs. These help runners climb rocky inclines and maintain balance going down hills.

Despite their slim bottoms, the Ultra Endurance weighs 11 oz. for a size 9. Much of this weight can be attributed the shoe’s rugged uppers, which include a nice TPU toe bumper and multiple welded TPU and suede overlays. The design helps protect tears in the mesh weave underneath.

Some buyers feel these overlays cause the shoe to feel a bit too constrictive, so if you have a wider foot, you might want to consider buying them a size up.

Gussets sewn into the tongue will also help keep trail debris out, and a sturdy foot cradle will help keep your foot in place.

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Hoka One One Challenger Atr 2

The Hoka One One Challenger ATR 2 provides optimal comfort even on harsh terrain thanks to its oversized EVA foam midsoles – aptly named, “The Marshmallow.” Despite the added cushioning, the Challenger isn’t an unusually heavy shoe, weighing approximately 9.7 oz. (for a men’s size 9).

The shoe’s heel stack sits at 29mm, with just a 4mm drop to the forefront. That makes it another good pick for trail runners in the market for a shoe that promotes a natural gait. The lugs measure a decent 4mm in length, with a widespread that should provide reasonable traction on any terrain.

Aside from its padding, one of the most recognizable attributes of the Challenger ATR 2 is its pronounced, curved toe. Called the “Meta-Rocker,” it’s designed to help your foot roll forward and boost speed.

Closed mesh uppers will keep your feet breathing, while grafted overlays help promote both durability and stability. A solid plastic heel keeps the back of your foot nice and secure.

Both the tongue and low-profile collar are plush, without blister-causing seams. Dimples on both will help keep debris from slipping in during your run.

The big concern that some raise regarding the Challenger ATR 2 is that forefront is a bit too restrictive. It’s several millimeters narrower than the ATR 1.

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Reebok All Terrain Thrill

Runners in the market for a fun trail and obstacle course hybrid should consider the Reebok All Terrain Thrill. Despite its bold and colorful look, this shoe screams mud runner.

Drainage ports integrated into the sides will let water out as you splash happily through puddles and streams. At the same time, mesh coverings will keep the rocks from coming in and punishing your feet.

Wide, angled lugs provide terrific traction for taking sharp corners and maintaining balance on steeply cambered trails. Wrapped toe boxes, meanwhile, help you dig your toes in for propulsion up steep inclines.

Some buyers, however, take exception to what’s underfoot. While the shoe’s heel sits at a cushy 35.1mm, its forefoot is only 20.6mm. The steep 14.5mm drop doesn’t support the most natural stride.

Additionally, complaints of discomfort have been levied against the shoe when its forefront hits sharp edges – despite having rock plating built into the midsole.

The All Terrain Thrill also weighs 11.5 oz. That’s more than any other shoe in this bracket. Of course, the reason for all that weight is that the shoe is solidly constructed.

The Thrill’s upper is a plastic-infused mesh that’s flexible and non-restrictive. A clip around the heel provides support to keep you from turning your foot. The design is meant to withstand rough obstacle-course terrain while promoting agility.

The shoe’s tongue, meanwhile, is a soft, cushiony cloth punctured with sizeable, elongated holes. These are meant to keep your feet from sweating in humid conditions.

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Saucony Peregrine 6

Version six of Saucony’s lauded Peregrine line offers key improvements like a wider toe and reinforced heel cup. The net effect is that the Peregrine 6 triumphs as the best fitting addition yet to a shoe already known for its lovely combination of minimalism and durability.

Probably the most impactful change, though, is that the Peregrine 6’s outsole offers better traction than the past takes thanks to deeper, toothier lugs composed of sticky rubber.

The 6’s heel profile remains 21.5mm – the same as the Peregrine 5. By no means thick, it provides an excellent combination of cushioning and feel. The shoe’s offset is only 4mm. No, that doesn’t make it a zero-drop entry – But it does place the Peregrine 6 solidly in the lower end of the spectrum, particularly for trail running shoes.

The Peregrine 6’s low profile also contributes to a decent weight, which is 9.4 oz. in a men’s size 9.

A nylon-fiber rock plate will protect you underfoot from sharp rocks. At the same time, the EVA foam of the midsole is flexible and bouncy and will keep you moving fast.

Mesh uppers provide ample ventilation. Supporting overlays will keep your foot stable on shifting ground.

The collar profile sits low but may be a bit too narrow for comfort at first. Also, vertical stitching along the back of the collar may be a source of hot spots until you break them in, potentially leading to blisters.

Overall, the Peregrine 6 should appeal to trail runners in the market for a minimalist, low-profile sneaker. It’s one of the best train running shoes you’ll find for its cost.

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Pearl Izumi EM Trail N3

The N3 is the third entry in the E: Motion Trail series. Sadly, it also stands to be the last, as Pearl Izumi has closed the doors to its running department.

The biggest difference between this shoe and its two predecessors is an increase in profile. The Trail N3’s overall stack height is 5mm thicker than its previous version. The heel sits at 31mm, while the forefoot is 23mm, for an 8mm offset.

Many reviews suggest the offset is 4mm, but this isn’t the case. The 4mm measure refers to the offset at heel strike, which varies from the push off thanks to the shoe’s so-called “Dynamic Offset” system.

The E:Motion Trail N3’s 3mm lugs probably aren’t going to be enough to take on the roughest trail. Still, their multidirectional layout is functional enough for most off-road capers.

Additionally, the Trail N3’s cushioning and stability make it a good trail shoe for long runs. It’s also a good recovery pick if you tend to run with thin-soled shoes.

Concerning construction, the upper is seamless, which means better durability.
Mesh fabric will keep your feet cool during summer runs and help keep water from pooling inside if you like to splash through puddles. Bonded diagonal overlays will help keep your foot from rolling when you hit trail ruts.

Most complaints point to the heel of this trail shoe generating too much friction, leading to blisters. Some may find its collar sits a little too high for comfort.

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New Balance Leadvillev3

New Balance’s multi-purpose trail runner gets its name from the famous Leadville 100 trail race. This 100-mile run nestled in the Colorado Rockies includes elevations ranging from 9,200 to 12,600 feet. As such, it requires a performance shoe that remains comfortable on long runs.

True enough, buyers of the Leadville v3 have remarked on its exceptional out-of-the-box comfort. Cushioning comes in part from New Balance’s springy N2 technology in the forefoot, a system that’s plush without being too bulky.

The Leadville v3 also incorporates New Balance’s Revlite midsole, a lightweight EVA foam designed to be flexible and responsive while providing ample shock absorption.

Traction comes from a Vibram outsole, a significant improvement over the previous two versions of the Leadville trail shoe. As should be expected from Vibram, the outsole’s lugs feature sticky, durable rubber that shouldn’t wear down or tear very easily.

The Leadville v3 has a 33.6mm heel stack with a 9.2mm drop. That’s a bit steeper than some runners will be comfortable using. The shoe’s overall weight is 10.6 oz., classifying it as a mid-weight trail running shoe.

The Leadville v3’s upper ventilates well thanks to breathable mesh. A synthetic rand wraps around the shoe to improve its overall durability. Solid toe protection will keep you from blowing out the fronts as you brave the wilds.

A gusseted tongue will also prevent debris from sneaking inside while you run, ruining the shoe’s overall comfort.

Unlike most other trail running shoes in this roundup, the Leadville v3 runs a bit large. If you have narrow feet, you may need to think about sizing down.

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Brooks Cascadia 11

The Brooks Cascadia has been on the shelves for 11 years now. While the shoe itself has undergone very few changes over that time, its status in the eyes of many runners has gone from “minimalistic” to “behind-the-times.”

Part of the reason for that is the Cascadia 11’s weight. At over 12 oz. for a men’s size 10, it’s one of the heaviest trail running shoes featured in this roundup.

On the other hand, the Cascadia 11 is a highly durable and secure shoe that has a devoted fan base. Overall, it offers great toe and underfoot protection, leading Brooks to nickname it, “an SUV for the foot.”

Its burly size provides much more cushioning than most contemporary trail runners. While perhaps a bit stuffy on hot days, it should certainly keep your feet in place for the duration of your runs.

The heel profile of the Cascadia 11 measures 33.1mm, while its forefoot is 22.5 mm. That 10.6 mm offset again marks the Cascadia 11 as a shoe more suited to a traditionalist. The EVA midsole incorporates rock shielding for extra protection.

It’s meshed upper will keep your feet cool and dry, while overlaid supports provide stability. A 4-point pivot system encircling the shoe is designed to help improve control on shifting ground.

The Cascadia 11 has a thick tongue, though it’s unfortunately not gusseted. Still, its snug fit seems capable enough of keeping debris out.

Additionally, hydrophobic foam in the tongue and collar are meant to repel water. That not only keeps the Cascadia lighter when splashing through water, but it also helps keep your foot warm during colder weather.

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The North Face Litewave Tr II

Fans of minimalist running shoes that can handle some trail work will probably want to give North Face’s Litewave TR serious consideration. The shoe has a fast feel thanks to a slight 19mm heel stack and a reasonably light 7.9 oz. for a men’s size 9.

Its forefoot drops to just 13mm, which will leave runners feeling connected to the trail throughout their run. That could present some issues running over sharp rocks, though, especially since its compression-molded EVA midsole doesn’t include any protective rock plating.

Additionally, its sticky UltrATAC rubber outsole is okay for groomed trails but reportedly doesn’t handle loose dirt or mud very well.

The Litewave TR mesh upper hugs the foot like a thin sock. A low-profile tongue and heel counter also complement this feel.

A minimalistic upper also keeps the Litewave TR airy, perfect for running on humid summer days. TPU overlays support the shoe along the sides, heel, and toe cap. These protect it from abrasions and helps keep your foot stable, so you don’t stumble along unpacked dirt.

Another benefit to the Litewave TR’s stylish, light look and feel is that they ideal for indoor gym use, too.

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adidas Performance Men’s Thrasher 1.1

Despite being more affordable than many of the other trail running shoes presented in this roundup, the Adidas Performance Thrasher 1.1 has maintained regard as a quality performance shoe since its 2005 introduction.

The Thrasher 1.1’s weight comes in at a hefty 12.5 oz., unfortunately. Like Brooks with its Cascadia 11, Adidas seems content to keep this bulked-up shoe frozen in time, relying on its iconic status and bucking minimalistic trends. However, this is a shoe built for withstanding high levels of abuse.

Much of the Thrasher’s weight is attributed to thick padding and thick EVA foam midsoles, making them an exceptionally well-cushioned shoe for runners concerned with comfort. That same bulk also makes them a solid choice for running in cold weather conditions.

Many buyers report that they run a little tight due to their bulk, especially in the forefoot. So, if you decide on the Thrashers, you may want to order a half size up.

The abundance of stitching crisscrossing the Thrasher’s upper might seem like it would make the shoe rather prone to tears. However, all reports indicate that they’re highly durable. Overlays along the toe box will help keep the front of the shoe from blowing out while matching overlays in the ankle and along the shoe’s perimeter improve their overall stability.

This support makes the Thrasher 1.1 a great shoe for tackling somewhat more treacherous trails. Moreover, its ADIWEAR outsole incorporates deep, aggressive lugs capable of shredding through mud, climbing inclines, and turning corners.

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Montrail Trans Alps

The Montrail Trans Alps get their name from a punishing 8-day European mountain race. As you might expect, while built for running, they have a rugged hiking shoe quality designed to equip them for unusually harsh trail conditions. This durable build accounts for their hefty 13.2 oz. weight.

The trail runner’s outsole sports thick, 6mm lugs. These are meant to provide superior traction on both wet and shifting ground, uphill, and downhill.

As you might expect, the Trans Alp has a thick heel profile, which sits at 35.8mm. However, it also features a 12.9mm drop to a 22.9mm forefoot. This offset puts it on the upper end of the spectrum of trail running shoes discussed in this roundup.

While the outsole is tough, any rock penetration that does occur will be rebuffed by the shoe’s flexible TrailShield rock guard, which lies between the outsole and midsole.

The Trans Alp’s upper is also built to last. A stiff, padded top gets additional support from welded overlays along the toe, sides, and heel. These will help keep your feet straight as you plunge across uneven ground, plus keep the forefront protected.

Meanwhile, a gusseted, plush tongue will keep debris out, so you’re not constantly having to stop and empty them. The collar of the Trans Alp is also nicely padded.

On the downside, stiffness and seams in the collar can rub your ankles the wrong way, leading to raw skin and blisters. So, this shoe will likely need to be broken in before being relied on for long hikes and runs.

Some buyers have remarked that the Trans Alp’s foam EVA midsole cushioning, marketed as “FluidFoam,” lies on the stiff side. Also, the Trans Alp is narrow along the forefoot, which might turn off people with wide feet.

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New Balance MT410V4/WT410V4

New Balance’s popular MT410v4 running shoe is a substantial 11.4 oz all-terrain sneaker designed to be budget-friendly. It has a midrange offset of 10mm and a thick heel that should provide good support and propulsion.

The shoe’s outsole consists of New Balance’s AT Tread. The lugs deep and angled, which works perfectly for grabbing terrain. However, some purchasers have remarked that the lugs start to peel off after a few days of heavy use.

A contoured EVA midsole dubbed “IMVEA” and an XLT performance footbed supplies added cushioning and absorption underfoot. The footbed maintains reasonable responsiveness thanks to being more flexible than many trail running shoes. However, part of that is owing to an absence of embedded rock plating.

The 410V4’s upper combines airy mesh with synthetic and leather overlays. The former supplies ventilation and moderate drainage, while the overlays are positioned to keep your foot right and stable over shifting turf and ruts.

The front of the 410V4 is likewise nicely secured by a synthetic bumper overlay. Overall, the shoe receives ample protected on top against abrasions.

A downside of the uppers is that the amount of stitching involved to secure the overlays can result in tears forming, as reported by some buyers.

It’s tongue and collar are both padded, and the 410V4 is said to have excellent out-of-box comfort for a low-end shoe. Don’t expect to get many blisters while trying to break these shoes in.

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ASICS GEL Venture 5

The ASICS GEL-Venture 5s find a nice balance between minimalism and sturdiness, which mark them as great entry-level selection for those who aren’t quite sure what kind of trails they want to run on yet. Their versatility also means you can also get away with taking this shoe to the gym.

The uppers of the Venture 5s feature overlaid mesh intended to ventilate your feet, while also providing a measure of water resistance.

Overlays are aggressive, particularly in the heel. Unfortunately, they’re stitched rather than welded so that some tearing could occur over time. However, they’ll also keep your foot stable to help prevent serious injury should you hit loosened dirt.

One of the shoe’s most endearing qualities is a commitment to comfort. This comfort comes via innovative technologies like ASICS’ patented GEL cushioning in the rearfoot. Also, the Venture 5’s sock liner comes out to make way for medical orthotics.

Some buyers have also pointed out the Venture 5’s deeper-than-average heel cup and great arch support as pluses in the comfort category. A roomy toe box prevents feet from feeling too restricted.
The shoe’s profile sits at 31mm in the heel and 21mm in the forefoot, accounting for an upper-mid-range drop of 10mm.

Traction is designed to perform on both dry and wet trail, including snow and mud. That said, a few trail runners have suggested the lugs aren’t deep enough for the most technical trails. Also, there have been reports of the outsole separating from the shoe.

The overall weight of the Venture 5s is 10.69 oz.

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New Balance MT610V5/WT610V5

The MT610V5s are another budget-friendly New Balance worth your consideration. Unlike the heavyset 410s, these shoes have a minimalistic feel underscored by their no-stitch mesh uppers.

On the other hand, they also lack the multiple-overlay system of the 610s, which make them less stable and more prone to ankle rolls. As such, they’re better equipped for roads and manicured paths, as opposed to the shifting rock and dirt of backwoods runs.

The 610V5s incorporate New Balance’s “AT TREAD” outsole. The AT TREAD’s deep lugs will help you maintain traction over bumpy ground, even if the uppers aren’t suited to it. However, the rubber can start to tear before you’d expect.

A bigger issue might be the 610VT’s 12mm profile offset. This offset sits on the high end, and many runners used to something less pronounced might find it negatively impacts their gait. Then again, others will find it supplies better arch support.

The weight of the 610V5s comes in at 10.4 oz. While not significantly less than the 410s, it’s enough that most runners will find them to be a better pick for everyday use. This use includes not just running, but work and play, too.

ABZORB crash pads and contoured EVA foam help reduce impacts as you run.
Overall, runners tend to score these shoes as very comfortable, and they come with a 4E option for people with wider feet.

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ASICS Gel-scram 3

Like their Venture 5 trail shoe, ASICS’ Gel-Scram 3 incorporates innovative technology designed enhance overall comfort while running. As you’d probably guess from their name, this includes a GEL-cushioning system installed in the rearfoot. The purpose of this scheme is to lessen the jarring impact of foot strikes over bumpy terrain.

A padded tongue and collar keep the fit nice and snug, and contoured EVA midsoles further enhance the shoe’s softness underfoot. However, if you need more, the sock liner comes out, so you can insert medical orthotics.

The uppers are composed of mesh fabric enclosed by synthetic overlays for support. However, they might be a bit too enclosed compared to other choices in this roundup, which can restrict breathability. Still, the ample supportive overlays are ideal for people with foot issues in need of a stable trail runner.

The outsole of the Gel-Scram 3s features reversed lugs for both uphill and downhill grip. While efficient, a few buyers have reported that the tread starts to peel much too quickly. Such peeling may necessitate occasionally gluing the outsole back in place.

Otherwise, the durable construction of these sturdy 11.0 oz shoes (men’s size 9) should keep them on your feet for a long time. Finally, the Gel-Scram 3s have a 31mm heel stack and 10mm offset.

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Saucony Cohesion TR9

The Cohesion TR9 is Saucony’s ninth iteration of this budget trail runner, which is indicative of their enduring popularity. The upper received a partial makeover, incorporating more mesh than past versions. This change makes it the best ventilated Cohesion shoe yet.

HRC Strobel Board provides contoured EVA foam to reduce the impacts of running. The heel is well cushioned and provides ample grip to keep your foot in place. A reinforced toe bumper protects the front side.

Side support is less pronounced on the Cohesion TR9 than previous versions thanks to a reduction in overlays. Overall that shouldn’t present many problems, though, as the walls of the upper are reasonably thick. In fact, some buyers have complained the shoe lacks sufficient flexibility.

The tongue isn’t gusseted, but the collar is high and padded enough that debris slipping in shouldn’t be a big issue.

The tread of the Cohesion TR9 implements Saucony’s XT-600 outsole, a carbon rubber designed to withstand reasonable punishment. However, the lugs of the XT-600 aren’t quite as durable and sticky as Saucony’s more advanced XT-900 and XT-1200. As such, they’re probably best kept on managed trails.

Another potential concern: the heel drop of the Cohesion TR9 sits on the high end at 12mm. Saucony’s acclaimed “Grid” technology in the heel will appeal to runners that tend to strike with the heel first, but forefoot runners likely won’t get much out of it.

The Cohesion TR9 weights 10.2 oz for a men’s size 9.

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