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New Footwear for 2010, Part 3: Trail-Runners and Outdoor Socks

by Mackenzie Lobby
January 18, 2010

The drive to upgrade the traction and support in trail-running shoes continues apace in 2010. Shoe companies are crafting soles with deeper lugs and stickier grip and designing shoe uppers that breathe better and keep more trail out of the shoe. 

In outdoor socks, Merino wool is becoming the fabric of choice as more companies seek out sustainable, environmentally friendly fibers.

Previously in our guide to the shoes of 2010:

Trail-Running Shoes

Ahnu Shasta

Ahnu Shasta trail runnerThe Shasta is a  lightweight,  ventilated trail runner using a women's-specific last with Ahnu's Neutral Positioning System (NPS), designed to promote proper foot balance.

Materials: Mesh
Sizes: Women's 6-11 (half sizes)
Weight: 11.08 ounces per shoe
MSRP: $89.95
Available: January 2010

More in the Gear Guide

Ahnu Firetrail

Ahnu Firetrail Mesh and leather trail runner includes  Vibram rubber outsole with cross-directional lugs and non-marking rubber to resist slips.

Materials: Mesh and leather
Sizes: Men's 7-12 (half sizes), 13, 14
Weight: 14.11 ounces per shoe
MSRP: $119.95
Available: January 2010

More in the Gear Guide

Asolo Exum

Asolo ExumWomen's shoe from Asolo's new Propulsion Plus line of trail runners. Men's version is the Dominator.

Materials: Nylon mesh, microfiber
Sizes: Women's 6-11
Weight: 10.9 ounces per shoe
MSRP: $120
Available: March 2010

More in the Gear Guide

Columbia Ravenous

Columbia Ravenous trail running shoeThe Ravenous combines an Omni-Tech  waterproof/ breathable upper with the 3D Techlite heel system for a conforming fit that stabilizes the foot on tough terrain.

Materials: Omni-Tech waterproof/breathable upper
Sizes: Men's 7-12 (half sizes). 13, 14, 15; women's 5-11 (half sizes), 12
Weight: 12.8 ounces per shoe (men's size 9); 11.6 ounces  (women's size 7)
MSRP: $105
Available: Men's February 2010; Women's March 2010

More in the Gear Guide

Garmont 9.81 Bolt DL

Garmont 9.81 BoltBuilt for competition, the 9.81 features a   new Double Lug outsole providing sticky grip for trail running, adventure racing and orienteering.

Materials: Mesh and leather
Sizes: Men's 8-13 (half sizes), 14; women's 5-11 (half sizes)
Weight: 11.6 ounces per shoe
MSRP: $94.95
Available: Spring 2010

More in the Gear Guide

 

Garmont 9.81 Escape

Garmont 9.81 Escape Adhesion Sole, Tri-Axial Chassis, and Carbon Duo stabilizers provide stability on uneven terrain. Gore-Tex version also available.

Materials: Mesh and Leather
Sizes
: Men's 8-13 (half sizes), 14; women's 5-11 (half sizes)
Weight: 13.1 ounces per shoe
MSRP
: $99.95
Available
: Spring 2010

More in the Gear Guide

Kayland Crosser

Kayland CrosserThe Crosser   combines a microfiber-reinforced upper with waterproof-breathable eVent Coconal liner.  Mesh version also available. 

Materials: Microfiber-reinforced rip-stop textile upper, Coconal liner
Sizes: Men's 8-13 (half sizes), 14; women's 6-10 (half sizes)
Weight: 1 pound per shoe
MSRP: $119.95
Available: March 2010

More in the Gear Guide

Lafuma Sky Race OT

Lafuma Sky Race OutDry   technology laminates a waterproof membrane inside a shoe's outer-most surface. Dual-toggle lacing system for snug fit up and down the foot.

Materials: OutDry waterproof/breathable membrane
Sizes: Men's 6-12.5 (half sizes); women's 5.5-10 (half sizes)
Weight: 14 ounces per shoe
MSRP: $139.95
Available: Now

More in the Gear Guide

La Sportiva Raptor

La Sportiva RaptorThe Raptor features a super-sticky FriXion XF rubber outsole and an integrated External Scree Guard. TPU Transkinetic Heel Stabilizer provides cushion and support.

Materials: AirMesh and synthetic leather
Sizes: Euro 36-47.5 (half sizes)
Weight: 12.3 ounces per shoe
MSRP: $110
Available: Early 2010

More in the Gear Guide

Lowa S-Trail GTX

Lowa S-TrailThe S-Trail GTX is designed to support the natural rolling motion of a runner's stride. Anti-microbial Ortholite footbeds fight funk. Mesh and non-Gore-Tex versions available. Women's version is the S-Cope Lady GTX.

Materials: Synthetic fabric and microfiber, Gore-Tex
Sizes: Men's 7.5-12 (half sizes), 13, 14
Weight: 13.2 ounces per shoe
MSRP: $135
Available: Spring 2010

More in the Gear Guide

Merrell CTR Cruise

Merrell CTR CruiseThe new CTR Cruise features rubber toe and heel for extra  protection, reflective fabric for high visibility, and a cinch cord for quick lacing. Gore-Tex version also available.

Materials: Reflective areas, mesh
Sizes: Men's 7-12 (half sizes), 13, 14, 15; women's 5-11 (half sizes)
Weight: 13.4 ounces per shoe (men's); 10.8 ounces (women's)
MSRP: $110
Available: Spring 2010

More in the Gear Guide

Montrail Rockridge

Montrail RockridgeThe Rockridge is a low-profile, neutral shoe  with medium-volume fit and a roomy toe box. Outsole is optimized for moderate to technical trails.

Materials: Mesh upper welded with thin, midfoot thermoplastic overlays
Sizes: Men's 7-12 (half sizes), 13, 14,15; women's 5-11 (half sizes)
Weight:  11.4 ounces per shoe (men's); 9.2 ounces (women's)
MSRP: $90
Available: Spring 2010

More in the Gear Guide

Montrail Sabino Trail

Montrail Sabino TrailThe Sabino Trail is intended for endurance runners and thru-hikers. Aggressive is outsole designed for multi-directional grip on dirt and rock. 

Materials: Synthetic leather and nylon mesh upper
Sizes: Men's 7-12 (half sizes), 13, 14,15; women's 5-11 (half sizes)
Weight: 12.8 ounces (men's); 10.25 ounces (women's)
MSRP: $100
Available: Spring 2010

More in the Gear Guide

Oboz Dash

Oboz DashOboz bootie design blocks debris and asymmetrical  lacing reinforces foot support. Carbon rubber outsole balances durability and friction. 

Materials: Synthetic mesh
Sizes: Men's 8-12 (half sizes), 13, 14; women's 6-11 (half sizes)
Weight: 10.7 ounces per shoe (women's size 7)
MSRP: $100
Available: Spring 2010

More in the Gear Guide

Scarpa Pursuit

Scarpa PursuitScarpa's Pursuit is a lightweight,  highly ventilated trail runner with synthetic leather and mesh uppers. TPU forefoot plate and Armor Lite toe cap block rocks and protect toes. Gore-Tex version also available. 

Materials: Synthetic leather and mesh
Sizes: Euro men's 39-47, 48 (half sizes); women's 36-43 (half sizes)
Weight: 12.3 ounces per shoe (men's size 42); 10.8 ounces (women's size 38)
MSRP: $100
Available: Early 2010

More in the Gear Guide

Vasque Transistor FS

Vasquie Transistor Vasque's new FootSync Fit System makes its debut on the Transistor FS, the company's lightest-ever trail runner.

Materials: Synthetic fibers
Sizes: Men's 7-12 (half sizes), 13, 14, 15; Women's 5-11 (half sizes)
Weight: 11.4 ounces per shoe (men's size 9); 9.9 ounces  (women's size 7)
MSRP: $100
Available: February 2010

More in the Gear Guide

Vasque Mindbender

Vasque MindbenderThe Mindbender is built on  Vasque's  Perpetuum last, which is suitable for straighter, flatter feet.

Materials: Synthetic fibers
Sizes: Men's 7-12 (half sizes), 13, 14, 15; Women's 5-11 (half sizes)
Weight: 11.5 ounces per shoe (men's size 9); 9.9 ounces  (women's size 7)
MSRP: $95
Available: February 2010

More in the Gear Guide

 

 

Outdoor Socks

Cuffsox Boot Sock

CuffsoxHeavy-duty socks with a fabric cuff that folds down over the top of a boot, keeping out debris while protecting laces and keeping them tied.

Materials: 48% Acrylic, 24% Nylon, 19% cotton, 8% Polyester, 1% Spandex
Sizes: M (Men’s under 9, Women’s 6-11); L (Men’s 9-11); X-Large (Men’s 12 and up)
MSRP: $12
Available: Now

More in the Gear Guide

Drymax Maximum Protection Trail Running Socks

Drymax Max Protection Trail Running SocksDrymax adds its Blister Guard system to its new socks built specifically for marathons and ultra-long distance runs.  Maximum Protection trail runners are built without vents to keep trail grit out.

Materials: Friction-free ePTFE fibers
Sizes: S-XXL
MSRP: $25
Available: Spring 2010

More in the Gear Guide

Injinji Excellerator Performance Compression Toesock

Injinji Ex Celerator compression socks This over-the-calf compression sock extends Injinji's line of five-toe socks. Compression fuels circulation to promote faster muscle recovery and prevent fatigue during and after exercise. COOLMAX freshFX fibers are antibacterial and moisture-wicking.

Materials: 50% COOLMAX freshFX fabric, 35% nylon, 15% LYCRA fiber
Sizes: Men’s and Women’s S-XL
MSRP: $38
Available: Now

More in the Gear Guide

Injinji Outdoor Series

Injinji Outdoor Crew SockThe Outdoor Series uses Injinji’s natural-wicking Nüwool fabric (along with nylon and Spandex) to keep feet dry and comfy in varied terrain.

Materials: 70% NuWool, 24% Nylon, 5% Spande-flex
Sizes: Men’s and Women’s S-XL
MSRP: $16
Available: Now

More in the Gear Guide

Point6 Outdoor Hiking Collection

Point6 Hiker SockDouble-layer design -- Merino wool inside, nylon outside -- enhances durability in Point6's new collection for hikers and trekkers. 

Materials: 100% compact spun Merino wool yarns
Sizes: S-XL
MSRP: $15.95-$19.95
Available: Now 

More in the Gear Guide

Point6 Performance Road and Trail Running Collection

Point6 Performance SockPoint6's latest Merino wool socks are designed specifically to meet the breathability and comfort demands of road and trail running. 

Materials: 100% compact spun Merino wool yarns
Sizes: S-XL
MSRP: $12.95-15.95
Available: February 2010

More in the Gear Guide

Smartwool PhD Trail Running Mini

Smartwool PhD Trail Running Socks PhD Trail Runners use WOW (wool-on-wool) Technology in high-impact zones to reduce shock and abrasion. They also moderate temperature, moisture, and odor.

Materials: WOW Technology
Sizes: Men’s M-XL; Women’s S-L
MSRP: $16.95
Available: Now

More in the Gear Guide

Thorlo Experia Multi-Sport

Thorlo ExperiaThorlo gets minimalist with the new Experia,  matching thin heel and forefoot cushioning with ultra-light fabric in the rest of the sock.  

Materials: Merino wool and silk
Sizes
: Women's XS-L; men's S-XL.
MSRP
: $13.99
Available: Now

More in the Gear Guide

 

 

Teko Merino Light Low

Teko Merino LowMerino wool  socks designed for running roads and trails alike. The seamless toes, arch brace, and cushioning in the strike zones provide a comfortable feel.

Materials: tekoMERINO Wool and tekoPOLY Recycled Polyester
Sizes: Men’s M-XL, Women’s S-L
MSRP: $14.95
Available: Now

More in the Gear Guide

Teko Merino Heavyweight Hike/Trek

Teko Merino Heavyweight Hiker-Trekker sockThis is one of the most heavy-duty hiking socks around. Moisture-wicking wool, heavy cushioning throughout, and an arch-hugging elastic band provide fit and warmth.

Materials: tekoMERINO Wool and tekoPOLY Recycled Polyester
Sizes: S-XL
MSRP: $24.95
Available: Now

More in the Gear Guide

 

Previously in our guide to the shoes of 2010: