Men's trail shoes at Black Friday

Studs and rubber: reading a trail shoe's sole

The sole of a trail shoe is first read by its studs. Deep and spaced apart, like on the Hoka Speedgoat, they bite into mud and soft earth, then empty with each stride. Shorter and tighter, they provide more contact surface on dry rock and rolling paths. The rubber matters just as much: La Sportiva develops its own mixes, while adidas outfits its Terrex with a Continental sole, known for its grip on wet surfaces. A soft rubber sticks to the rock but wears out faster on asphalt: one adapts the sole to the most common terrain of their outings.

The rest of men's running

Men's running during Black Friday also includes:

• Running shoes.
• Textiles.

All men's running is gathered on the men's page.

Cushioning and drop according to the distance to cover

The longer the outing, the more valuable the cushioning becomes. Hoka, born in 2009 around the idea of a very thick yet lightweight sole, built its reputation on this principle: the Mafate and the Speedgoat, the latter designed with American ultra-trailer Karl Meltzer, nicknamed Speedgoat, protect the legs during hours of running. The Asics Trabuco Max and the Saucony Xodus Ultra follow the same logic. In contrast, the adidas Terrex Agravic SL and Lite, lower and lighter, enhance responsiveness on short formats. The drop, the height difference between the heel and the forefoot, gradually changes to spare calves and Achilles tendons.

Technical mountain: the precision of La Sportiva

On technical mountain terrains, scree, slabs, and sloping paths, precision takes precedence over thickness of foam. La Sportiva, founded in 1928 in the Dolomites, where Narciso Delladio handmade leather and wooden shoes for lumberjacks and farmers in the Fiemme and Fassa valleys, designs models close to the ground. The Bushido, with a firm fit, keeps the foot secure during rocky traverses. The Mutant, with a snug fit and aggressive studs, excels in mud and steep slopes. The Akasha, more cushioned, and the Helios, very lightweight, expand the range towards long distances and rolling trails.

Gore-Tex or breathable mesh: depending on the season and weather

A Gore-Tex membrane, like on the Asics Trabuco Gore-Tex or the Nike ACG Pegasus Gore-Tex, blocks water from dew, melted snow, and puddles while allowing some steam to escape: it's the ally for winter outings. It has its limits: when water enters through the collar during a stream crossing, the shoe dries slowly. A breathable mesh does the opposite: it gets wet quickly but drains in a few minutes, making it preferable in summer. The Rossignol Vezor and the adidas Terrex Tracefinder, versatile and easy-going, are suitable for beginners on various paths.

Frequently asked questions

Can you run on roads with trail shoes?

For a few kilometers of connection, yes. But the studs wear out quickly on asphalt and give a less smooth stride: for mixed use, a model with short studs like the Nike ACG Pegasus handles asphalt better.

How many kilometers do trail shoes last?

Generally expect between six hundred and a thousand kilometers depending on the terrain, the runner's weight, and the rubber. Worn studs, foam that stays compressed, or a torn upper indicate that it's time to replace them.

What size should I take for trail shoes?

Take half a size larger than in town: the foot swells with effort and slides forward on descents. There should be the thickness of a finger between the longest toe and the front of the shoe.

How to clean muddy trail shoes?

Let the mud dry, then brush it off, before rinsing the upper with warm water and mild soap. Remove the insole, stuff the shoe with newspaper, and let it dry away from a radiator, which can delaminate the seams.

How to lace trail shoes for descents?

Use the last eyelet for a heel-lock lacing: the loop formed prevents the foot from sliding forward in the shoe. Tighten firmly across the midfoot before a long descent, and loosen a bit during ascents if the toes start to go numb.