Two trail running shoes to put on your radar

[Chris K]

First is the Saucony Xodus Ultra. I put maybe 400 miles of hiking, backpacking and trail running on these shoes. Coming from Hokas, I like the durability, midsole, and ability to handle any terrain: talus, scree, rocky technical trail, smooth gravel, even road. Tremendous shoes! I didn’t see a single other person wearing them all summer on the CT or elsewhere on the Front Range, so I felt like they deserve to be on your radar if you’re looking for something outside the usual Hoka – Altra – Sportiva axis.

Second is a shoe I have zero experience with but just received – the Nnormal Tomir. It’s a new brand partnered with Killian Jornet. He apparently wore the same pair of Nnormal shoes to win UTMB, Sierra Zinal, and Hardrock. In any event, they are marketed as super durable do-anything shoes for hikers as well as runners, feel very well built, and have a stout Vibram outsole and monofilament upper.

Anyway, I’ve been around and around looking for roomy shoes that are durable and can handle mountain terrain off trail. I’m sure some of you are as well. These definitely fit that bill if you’re looking!

[Mole J]

Thanks. Both look worth checking out. I’ll look out for them here in UK.

I’ve been using Scarpa Spin Infinity

this summer – took them for the c500mile(6week) Pyrenean High Route recently.
Best shoe I’ve ever had for comfort (underfoot cushioning) and durability. Just enough room for me – most models are too narrow in forefoot for me. They are designed for ultras, so great for long days in mountains on and off trail.

Partner used La Sportiva Akashas which were also good butva little more battered/worn by the end of the trip.

Both more durable than Innov8s we used for years previously.

[David Thomas]

Okay, I’ve put two running shoes on my radar.  

Now what?

Seriously, The Xodus looks intriguing – I find I want/need more cushioning as I age.  And it comes in a plain enough version for wearing to the office – which, honestly, is how I spend most of my shoe-clad hours.  Thanks.

[Chris K]

David – 🤣

I like their plain looks as well.

[Author]

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