Salomon has updated the SLAB Ultra with a refined upper while keeping the midsole and outsole unchanged. The SLAB Ultra was the shoe I wore …
Read moreSalomon S-Lab Ultra 2 Review: An Improved Fit With the Same Great Ride
La Sportiva has updated the much loved Bushido with a new upper and an additional 4mm of cushion in the midsole. The La Sportiva II still has the precise fit, stable ride, and grippy traction of its predecessor, but is now better suited for longer days on the trail. I’ve been wearing the Bushido II since its release a few months ago, and will share my thoughts in this review.Â
The Salomon Sense Ride 2 is a lightweight trail shoe that can carry you from door wherever your adventures take you. Fans of the original Sense Ride will love that Salomon is using the same outsole and midsole combination for v2. The major upgrade comes with a new upper.
The Speedgoat 3 is a max cushion trail shoe from Hoka One One that’s quite possibly the most popular trail shoe around right now. The Speedgoat 3 continues with the exact same midsole and outsole as the Speedgoat 2, but brings in a revised upper to address some complaints about the v2’s fit. I’ve been wearing the Speedgoat 3s over the past few months on hikes, trail runs, and even some road runs, and will share my thoughts in this review.Â
The Hoka EVO Mafate is a max cushion trail shoe with 34mm of cushion in the heel and 30mm of cushion in the forefoot. Although the midsole is plush, it maintains impressive stability and responsiveness on tough trails. For the outsole of the EVO Mafate, Hoka combines Vibram MegaGrip with a thoughtful lug pattern that will handle any trail conditions you’re likely to encounter.
The Altra Lone Peak 4.0 is a well cushioned zero-drop trail shoe that’s well suited for long days on the trail. For v4 of the Lone Peak, Altra has really secured the fit of the heel and midfoot. The toebox keeps the wide anatomical fit of all Altra shoes. The Lone Peak 4.0 also has a newly designed outsole with a stickier and more durable MaxTrac compound.Â
In this gift guide I’ve put together a list of items that every trail runner is sure to enjoy. It doesn’t matter if they’re a beginner or pro, training for a 5k or a 100 miler, some new gear for the holiday season is sure to make those early morning training runs a little more enjoyable.Â
See the new shoes hitting the market in 2019 from Adidas Outdoor, Merrell, Vasque, Danner, and Five Ten. From technical trail runners to burly hiking shoes, there is a lot to be excited about for next year.
Salomon, La Sportiva, Altra, and Mammut are all releasing exciting new trail shoes for 2019. The well known and loved Speedcross, Bushido, and Superior are getting updates, and a few brand new models will be making their debut.
Hoka One One is probably the fastest growing company in the light hiking and trail running world at the moment. Hoka started a few years ago with max cushioned shoes and took the industry by storm. For those already familiar with Hoka’s trail lineup, you’ll be excited to see refinements to the Speedgoat, Mafate Evo, and Challenger lineup. New for 2019, will be the burly and rugged Arkali.