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:
- New boots for hiking, backpacking and mountaineering, and a sampling of climbing shoes.
- New trail shoes, multi-sport shoes and miscellaneous footwear.
Trail-Running Shoes |
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The 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 |
Mesh and leather trail runner includes Vibram rubber outsole with cross-directional lugs and non-marking rubber to resist slips. Materials: Mesh and leather |
Women's shoe from Asolo's new Propulsion Plus line of trail runners. Men's version is the Dominator. Materials: Nylon mesh, microfiber |
The 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 |
Built 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
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Adhesion Sole, Tri-Axial Chassis, and Carbon Duo stabilizers provide stability on uneven terrain. Gore-Tex version also available. Materials: Mesh and Leather |
The 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 |
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 |
The 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 |
The 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 |
The 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. |
The 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 |
The 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 |
Oboz bootie design blocks debris and asymmetrical lacing reinforces foot support. Carbon rubber outsole balances durability and friction. Materials: Synthetic mesh |
Scarpa'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 |
Vasque's new FootSync Fit System makes its debut on the Transistor FS, the company's lightest-ever trail runner. Materials: Synthetic fibers |
The Mindbender is built on Vasque's Perpetuum last, which is suitable for straighter, flatter feet. Materials: Synthetic fibers |
Outdoor Socks |
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Heavy-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 |
Drymax Maximum Protection Trail Running Socks Drymax 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 |
Injinji Excellerator Performance Compression Toesock 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 |
The 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 |
Point6 Outdoor Hiking Collection Double-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 |
Point6 Performance Road and Trail Running Collection Point6'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 |
Smartwool PhD Trail Running Mini 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 |
Thorlo 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 |
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Merino 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 |
Teko Merino Heavyweight Hike/Trek This 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 |
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Previously in our guide to the shoes of 2010: