Comments on: Spring 2017 Cushioned Trail Shoe Round-up: Skechers GOTrail Ultra 4, Hoka One One Challenger ATR 3, Brooks Caldera, Altra Superior 3.0, Topo Athletic Terraventure

By: Kimi Runner

Kimi Runner — Sat, 23 Feb 2019 01:57:52 +0000

Thanks, Pete! I am finding a trail shoe for my next race in March then see your article. In my country, people don’t run much so hard to discuss running shoes with anybody.

By: Bruce

Bruce — Wed, 28 Feb 2018 15:06:29 +0000

hi david–i wondered if you ever tried the brooks mazama. i’ve been thinking about the first version, since it’s a lot cheaper now.
hope all is well.

bruce

By: Brian

Brian — Wed, 05 Jul 2017 17:25:51 +0000

Hi David – Based on your recommendation, I tried out the Skechers shoe reviewed above and I flat out love them. Just a perfect combination of fit and cushioning for long off-road runs. I like them so much in fact that I’m wondering if Skechers makes a “road” version? I can’t tell looking at Skechers lineup which one most matches these in their non-trail lineup. Any suggestions?

By: David Henry

David Henry — Thu, 29 Jun 2017 23:15:24 +0000

In reply to feelthhis. I have tried them on. Just had the San Juan Solstice 50 mile last weekend so haven't run in some of the news shoes in the last few weeks (typical to not try too many new shoes right before a race). They fit pretty nice. Same last as the Nomad TR but a better fit I think and great all purpose outsole. They do run about a 1/4-1/2 size short for me, but other than that they felt pretty nice. -David

By: Peter

Peter — Sat, 17 Jun 2017 22:42:37 +0000

I like the fit of the Terra Kiger but the bootie system of the upper makes the shoe very hot.

By: feelthhis

feelthhis — Thu, 15 Jun 2017 20:51:14 +0000

Hey David,

Did you get your hands (or should I say feet) on the Saucony Koa TR already? Fit/feel looks promising. Looking forward for your word on it.

By: David Henry

David Henry — Thu, 15 Jun 2017 16:54:36 +0000

In reply to Bruce.

I’ve tried the Sonic 2 on and can say I do like the fit better and the midsole and outsole design is much more responsive…not sure this is necessarily from the Vibe though and as I understand it, Vibe is not necessarily going to provide more pop or response but reduce vibrations (it is more dampening than anything else)…can’t say whether the Sonic 2 would be worth the extra cash or not although I do think it is a notable improvement on the first version. -David

By: Bruce

Bruce — Wed, 14 Jun 2017 14:11:02 +0000

hi david,
sorry, off topic, but i figured you’re more likely to see queries on the most recent post. have you tried any salomons with the new vibe technology. does it seem worthwhile? i’m thinking about getting the s-lab sonic on sale, but wondered if the sonic 2 with vibe might be significantly better.

thanks,
bruce

By: Dylan Ormston

Dylan Ormston — Wed, 31 May 2017 04:28:38 +0000

Thanks for such an informative review David. Nothing is more important than a shoe that fits perfect, matches the running gait of the athlete and most importantly, gives the runner confidence. I’m looking at giving the brooks caldera a run through next.
Cheers

By: David Henry

David Henry — Tue, 23 May 2017 22:49:30 +0000

In reply to Eric.

I’d say the Superior is good, maybe not quite as good as the Kiger 3 but it wasn’t noticeably bad. Agree with the Kiger and Wildhorse 3 being great uppers with both comfort and foothold…I too have had problems with the Kiger outsole (I’ve ruined parts of the outsole in as little as a few runs on really technical trail)…wish they’d just put the Wildhorse outsole on it and give up on the midsole ring which really does nothing functionally in my view. -David

By: Eric

Eric — Tue, 23 May 2017 22:08:44 +0000

In your experience, how does the midfoot/heel lockdown compare on the new Superior to the Kiger 3? The Kiger has been the best trail show I’ve ever worn on technical terrain because it holds my foot so well, but I’m sick of the outsole starting to peel off before 300 miles. (Also, I’m afraid the 4 gives up a lot of what I love about the 3).

By: Brian

Brian — Mon, 22 May 2017 12:38:48 +0000

In reply to David Henry.

Thanks for the suggestions.

I’m curious why you’d run in a road shoe at Pikes…I know it’s not an overly technical trail but I’m looking for as much grip as possible on the rocks and especially that scree in the last 3 miles or so.