CHEYENNE, Wyo. - Sept. 27, 2016 - PRLog -- OutdoorGearLab, a website dedicated to meticulous gear testing, has just published the results for the top trail running shoes of 2016. Fourteen leading models were researched and then selected to run head to head in a quest to determine the best pairs of the pile. The assessment process was created and curated by expert tester Andy Wellman and his accompanying review team, who were eager to scrutinize the strengths and weaknesses of each design. The majority of this process took place in in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, but testing grounds also included Zion National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Yosemite National Park and two pairs were taken as far as the Narwhal Himalaya, India.
The items were worn in every condition imaginable, including steep rocky terrain, cross-country tundra, scree, rocky ridgelines, mud, snow and buffed out smooth tracks. They were utilized in real world applications as reviewers flew down steep mountain hillsides, splashed through streams, and nimbly danced over jumbled talus aiming for personal bests on long mountain ultras and participating in shorter town-series races. Water absorption and drying rates were measured in a controlled setting and feedback was bounced between testers throughout the whole affair. At the end of four rigorous summer months, the models were charted and compared over categories including foot protection, traction, stability, comfort, weight, and sensitivity.
The winners are as follows:
Editors' Choice Award - Pearl iZUMi Trail EM N2 V3
The iZUMi Trail EM N2 V3 seems to be improving with age, earning the coveted Editors' Choice award for the second year in a row. The blend of foot protection, sensitivity, and stability made testers reach for this product first, again and again. Design details such as a slightly increased cushioning system and a durable carbon rubber outsole with deeper lugs have solidified this product at the top of its game. Additional improvements include a stiffer and more protective forefoot rock plate. Wellman tested this upgrade "by scrambling up the 5th class loose scree and choss of Dallas Peak in the San Juan Mountains, and had no complaints on how well this model protected his feet from the sharp and jagged talus that he had to navigate all day."
Best Buy - The North Face Ultra Endurance
The Ultra Endurance is a bargain buy without compromise to performance. In fact, this model closely resembles the Editors' Choice award winner across most categories, but edges it out in terms of value. Durability is ensured with construction technicalities such as the suede overlays on the upper, solid plastic toe bumpers and the single piece Vibram outsole. Ultimately, testers found that, "These were among the most comfortable and protective items in the review, and some of our favorites to run in. If you are looking for a fantastic option that will last a long time and is slightly cheaper than the rest, look no further."
Top Pick for Light and Fast - Nike Air Zoom Terra Kiger 3
The Top Pick was scooped up by the Zoom Terra Kiger 3 for its combination of low weight, slight profile, and phenomenal underfoot protection. While other light and minimal models trade off protection for increased sensitivity, this model features the hardest and stiffest rock plate of the lot. Unique features such as the waffle patterned outsole, which is made of high-abrasion rubber, make this item super durable and sticky enough for gnarly scrambling. The review team loved it for testing their speed through challenging terrain. Wellman notes, "With such a hard platform to protect us, we didn't need to mince steps because we were afraid of damaging our feet."
Top Pick for Maximum Cushioning - HOKA ONE ONE Challenger ATR 2
When it comes to maximalist prototypes, the Challenger ATR 2 wins Top Pick for its integration of high performance, low weight and unrivaled cushioning. With a stack height of 29 mm, this model provides more underfoot protection than any other model tested. Despite the height increase, these contenders were both stable and sensitive and weighed in at a mere 20.4 ounces per pair. Expert reviewer Wellman concludes, "Whether you have injury concerns, biomechanical issues, or just love to run insane distances, having a ton of cushioning can be a very nice thing."
Based out of Cheyenne, Wyoming, OutdoorGearLab, LLC offers detailed and in-depth gear comparison reviews to aid outdoor enthusiasts in their gear purchasing choices. The website offers side-by-side comparative charts which break down products based on specific measures such as durability and comfort. Skilled reviewers implement rigorous, creative methods to test products over these measures and then award top products to reflect their performance. Categories cover a range of activities such as hiking, climbing, backpacking, cycling, and running. Check out outdoorgearlab.com to explore this fast growing resource.
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