If you run in any sort of adverse or variable conditions, the Brooks Adrenaline GTX has got you covered.  (If you are familiar with Brooks models, this shoe is basically the GORE-TEX® version of the Adrenaline ASR 8.)  For me, Brooks’ claims that this shoe is for “ultimate protection from elements on and off the trail” and the “GORE-TEX® membrane allows you to go almost anywhere, in almost any weather” could not have been more true.

Colorado’s winter weather provided me the opportunity to test these shoes in a myriad of conditions including: dry pavement, snow-packed sidewalks, slush, snowy singletrack, mud, and ice. Given the variable conditions, the GORE-TEX® membrane was the star of the show. Even when splashing through slush or puddles, my feet remained warm and dry. In milder, dry weather my feet did not overheat; as advertised, the GORE-TEX® membrane kept the cold and wet out while still being breathable and light.

I was also really impressed with the midsole of this shoe.  I generally run in very minimalist, sub-5mm drop shoes, so I wasn’t sure what to expect from the relatively substantial Adrenaline GTX.  From the moment I slipped my foot into the shoe, the fit felt great and it seemed to mold to my foot, which is exactly what the Brooks DNA technology is supposed to do. Even with a thicker, more supportive midsole, I felt connected to the ground with each step, the impact was dispersed throughout the sole, and the rebound felt just right – not too soft, not too firm.  Additionally, I felt very stable in uneven, varied terrain.  Brooks does stability well – the shoe is designed for pronation control and has a rollbar to prevent twist torsion.

The HPR outsole was sufficiently lugged to deliver excellent traction on both wet and dry terrain.

I have already raved about the GORE-TEX ®membrane, but the rest of the upper on the Adrenaline GTX is also impressive. It is tough, but not too heavy. At 10.7 ounces they’re about twice the weight of my minimalist shoes, but I honestly didn’t notice it, and think the go-anywhere and stay-dry feature is worth the weight. Although I did not have the opportunity to run on overly rocky trails, I have no doubt that these would protect me from sharp edges. I was also a huge fan of the attached tongue. No need to worry about it slipping out of place. My one concern is that, for people with higher arches, the attached tongue may put too much pressure on the top of the foot.  Even with a normal arch I could feel a bit of pressure – more than just the snugness of the shoe.

The Adrenaline GTX has a feature I hadn’t seen on a shoe before:  four of the shoelace eyelets are stretchy, so that when you lace up, you get a more of a customized fit.

I did have one issue with the shoes that arose for the first time after approximately 50 miles.  I went out for a long run and, for no apparent reason, my second toe began to go numb, and it spread into pins and needles in the rest of my foot. The same thing happened on a trail run the following week. I still have yet to pinpoint the issue.  I liked the shoes so much from the start that I’m reluctant to set them aside, and I plan to further investigate the cause.

Overall, I loved the Adrenaline GTX; this is a great all-terrain shoe for heel-toe runners who get out in all conditions.  They held true to the manufacturer claims, the fit ran true to size, and the black with teal accents keep them looking new even after they’ve been put through the paces.  I am curious to see if a black GTX shoe – even with good breathability – will get hot in summer months.   More on that once I am able to test in those conditions.

Available also in Men’s (black/orange).

MSRP: $120

Newton Momentum - Women's

Just so that I don’t have to write this long title every time, let’s start with the name.  Newton Running has chosen Latin names for their models (as would be appropriate for a company founded upon the principals of Sir Isaac), and refers to the shoes also in the English translation.  The Newton Terra Momentus, as it is called, is also known as the “Newton Momentum”.  The “All-Terrain” portion refers to the fact that this is an off-road shoe, and the (are we done yet?) “Guidance Trainer” finale refers to the category within the Newton lineup where this model resides.   So.  For the purpose of this review, I hope you don’t mind if I just call them the Momentum.  Thanks.

I should mention that I have been running on this shoe since its release in 2010, so my review perspective extends beyond what would be a normal product testing period.   I have been running on Newton road shoes since the company first arrived on the market with their patented Newton Action/Reaction Technology.   When the Momentum launched, I was very curious to see how this forward-propulsion technology, designed for natural running, would translate to the trail.

Newton Momentum lug design

The Newton Action/Reaction Technology is centered around a row of actuators or “lugs” on the sole’s midfoot (above photo: the primary midfoot lugs are black, and the flatter, forefoot lugs are green) .  These lugs press inward when you strike with your midfoot/forefoot, then as your foot levers, the lugs release that energy.  This is the Action/Reaction generated, an idea based on Sir Isaac Newton’s Third Law of Motion.   These actuator lugs are present on all Newton shoes, with minor revisions dependent upon the model’s specific purpose.   When you run on Newton shoes for the first time, especially on a road surface, it is a very strange sensation to land on these protruding lugs.  With proper form, however, the sensation normalizes quickly, and you begin to appreciate the forward kant of being propelled.   (Someone once told me that wearing Newton shoes in a race is cheating.)   On the Momentum the lugs are slightly lower, and, given the additional softness of being off-road, you may hardly notice the lugs at all.  (Note: My assumption throughout this review is that proper natural running form is being used.)

photo credit: TriSports University

My primary concern prior to testing was whether this lug would create additional imbalance for me on the trail (I say ‘additional’ because I am a notorious klutz and can barely stay upright as it is).  I was afraid that the seemingly reduced landing surface would cause me to turn ankles or otherwise send me flying on anything more technical than a fireroad.   But what I experienced is what you see in the above photo;  the actuator lugs can absorb individually, much like an independent suspension on a car.   This means that the shoe is able to perform very well on flat and uphill rocky surface without causing instability.

My second concern upon lacing up for the first time (remember the klutz part) was downhill performance.  The Newton Action/Reaction Technology is so effective for me on the road, I was worried the forward propulsion would jettison me off the trail.   My concern was valid – the Momentum indeed creates additional momentum, and on the downhill this needs to be kept in check.  I found that the traction could use some improvement as well for downhill running, as the sole just isn’t as grippy as other pure trail shoes.  As a natural runner I tend to increase speed on the downhill by increasing cadence, taking shorter, faster steps.  For me this has been the safest way to manage the forward motion and lessened traction of the Momentum.  When I have tried to blast downhill on the edge of control (don’t tell me you don’t do this too sometimes) it has not ended well.   In other words, if you enjoy running recklessly downhill, the Momentum may not be in your best interest.

The structure of the shoe feels to me more like a road shoe than a stiff trail shoe.  This has both positive and negative implications.   In the positive, the shoe feels light, without being so minimalist that the foot feels unprotected.  Almost all shoes on the market for natural runners are stripped-down, flyweight versions of their siblings, and I appreciate that Newton provides a shoe (both road and trail) with some substance to the natural runner.   Since natural runners have a lighter step, it just feels right to have a lighter shoe (the women’s Momentum weighs 9.2 ounces).   Traditional trail shoes are often double that weight or more.  In the negative, and likely in the interest of weight reduction, the shoe has given up a knobbier tread (as previously mentioned), and lateral stiffness.  While the upper has non-stretch reinforcement and the midfoot/rearfoot has a support chassis, I think Newton could improve upon lateral support, which would go a long way in delivering confidence to run more aggressively on the trail.    The upper is a highly-breathable mesh that is fine enough to keep out the dirt, dust, and sand which is ever-present in my Southern California environment.   I cross a lot of streams in my trail runs, and in the Momentum I run right through, leaving my waterproof-wearing friends to do their rock-to-rock routine.   The water comes right out and the shoes stay light.  The sockliner has terrific anti-friction and anti-bacterial properties, which contribute to the overall comfort of the shoe.

For a trail shoe that comes from road-shoe heritage, it would be logical to question the off-road durability.  So, after having already abused this particular pair of shoes for 3 months, I took the Momentum to the GORE-TEX Transrockies Run, a six-day, 125-mile stage race in the Colorado Rockies, to see what they’ve got.  While most people alternated between two or three pairs of shoes during the race, I decided to test the Momentum on every type of terrain the race served up.   The shoes held up remarkably well, with no outersole chipping, toe cap damage, or mesh tearing, any or all of which I would have expected after such extreme usage.  In fact, when I got home, I washed them up and kept wearing them.

dirty, but no apparent battle scars from TransRockies

Perhaps the best compliment I can give the Momentum is that I not only finished the race in them, I wasn’t sporting a single Band-Aid.  While most racers spent time in the medical tent getting toes and ankles taped before and after each stage, my feet remained injury-free.  No blisters, hotspots, or black toenails, none of the small irritants that can rapidly turn into major suffering on a long run.   The rest of my body was sufficiently tapped, but at least my feet were good to go.  This is because the shoe is built for the running style, is designed for the movement, and therefore nicely conforms to the foot throughout the land-lever-lift motion.   Getting a good fit is important with the Newtons to achieve this level of comfort.

Newton shoes in general tend to run small, and the Momentum is no exception.  I wear a half size larger in Newton shoes than I do in any other brand.  They recommend that you have a full thumbs-width between your toes and the end of the shoe; if you are ordering online, use your current shoes to test; if you don’t already have a full thumb’s width in them, order a half size up when ordering the Newton.  Remember that the sizing is important to make sure your foot is properly centered over the actuator lugs.   I have a narrow foot, and find the width of the Momentum to be on the generous side.  When I lace up my shoes for a run, they are pulled almost as tight as they can go (somewhat apparent in the above photo). If you have a very narrow foot and prefer a snug, enveloping feel, you may not be able to achieve this with the Momentum.  If you have a normal/medium to wide foot, you should not have any issues with the Momentum fit.   The toe box is also amply-sized to allow enough space for the levering action.  A final note on fit:  I often use custom orthotics when I feel flare-ups of an old injury, and I have been able to run very comfortably with these orthotics in the Momentum.  Simply remove the insole.

I recommend the Momentum for natural runners seeking more protection on the trail than a minimalist shoe, and who frequent trails with moderate terrain.  This is a comfortable and durable shoe that can help you to run both better (in form) and most certainly faster.

MSRP $139

Newton Momentum Giveaway - sign up by Dec 12 to enter

The shoes weigh in at about 1.3 pounds (20.8 oz), which is actually right in the range of other supportive, GTX trail running shoes.  Since they aren’t necessarily heavier than their competitors, perhaps what my hands were noticing initially was the structural sturdiness.  The shoe is categorized as a trail runner on the LOWA website, but the site also states the S-Cruise GTX’s ideal use as ‘fitness walking’.  I tested them as a trail runner more than a fitness walker, and I think this shoe will work just fine in either capacity.

I was especially impressed with the arch and heel support, because I tend to suffer from lower leg aches and pains that, if the support isn’t there, might stop me short on the trail.   I love the gusseted tongue, and am a huge fan of the tough laces. The seams appear to be strong, and I don’t foresee these shoes breaking down quickly. The muted Stone/Lime color combination (your only choice) is neutral and flattering.

I ordered the same size in the S-Cruise GTX as I use for road-running shoes, which proved to be a good fit.  I would say the LOWA S-Cruise GTX runs true to size.   LOWA uses an exclusive female last for their women’s products, which inherently improves the fit and comfort.

The first test was three miles on a graded single track gravel and dirt trail in the local foothills. Nothing too strenuous, but enough to get a good taste of what this shoe has to offer. The tread held well on the gravel, no slippage, and the shoe overall offered very good support. There was plenty of room in the toe box, and I felt like I could flex my foot naturally, without any constrictive binding.  The comfort and confidence allowed me to run more aggressively – I was able to out-run my trail partner that day, who usually smokes me without a second thought.  After the run I felt good, with no signs of aches or pains (thank you arch support).   I also didn’t detect any signs of rubbing, and noticed for the first time the very-ample cushioning around the shoe collar.    When I got home, I compared the LOWAs to other running shoes in my closet, and confirmed that the S-Cruise GTX does indeed have  more collar padding than anything else I own.

For comparison, I did a later run on an unmaintained trail in a wildlife area, that is a seasonal wetland with some year-round wetlands as well. No hills here, all flatland, but not an inch of pavement or gravel in sight anywhere on this trail. Because the trails are flooded on an annual basis, the ground may be level, but there are plenty of holes and ditches hidden by low overgrowth.  And I’m fairly certain that I stepped in every, single one of them.  Did I mention the Lowa’s are stable?  This trail proved their mettle, and the shoe’s lateral stability helped to keep me upright on the trail, with only minor stumbles, and no ankle turns.  I had great traction on some of the dew-slick grasses and brambles, and my feet remained dry thanks to the GORE-TEX lining.  The S-Cruise GTX even cleaned up well after my workout with a quick hose-down. The outer-upper is a synthetic microfiber blend, and the sole is a Lowa Spine proprietary technology that works with the natural rolling stride of a runner. Even though the shoe is marketed as a trail runner/fitness walker, it is versatile enough that I would wear these shoes for running errands around town.

While this may not be your go-to shoe for trail racing, it is a very stable and well-crafted everyday shoe for people who run and walk regularly on the trails.  Due to its versatility and level of workmanship (durability), it may also be a good shoe to consider for adventure travel.

Lowa products have been around for almost 90 years, first established in Germany.   There is a 12-month warranty offered from the date of purchase on workmanship. The suggested retail price is $160.00.

The Mizuno Wave Ascend held true to its claim to be built for the mild over-pronator who requires a combination of cushioning and stability. After 5 weeks of 3-4 times a week wear on a variety of terrain, the Mizuno Wave Ascend held up nicely with only slight wear. The AIRmesh uppers only adds to the flexibility, responsiveness and breathability of this shoe. Keeping a low-profile (except for the heel, which is firm and stable, using Mizuno’s wave technology) and moderately cushioned shoe, it felt almost ‘transitionless’ in the heel-to-toe flow. When tested on pavement, a bidirectional rubber outsole broke through any water and mud the testers encountered with an impressive grip. While out on the trails, the weight (9 ounces) of the shoes was favorable when compared to other trail shoes. The Mizuno Wave Ascend is best for lighter trail running and moderately hilly runs, but does feature excellent motion control on any unstable ground.

Mizuno’s Wave technology is a great feature of the Ascend. This technology adds support and cushion while helping to absorb the shock throughout the entire shoe so the heel does not take all the impact. The Double Fan Wave mid sole helps the shoe to handle well in all types of surfaces. Dynamotion Fit Technology is an award winning update to the 2010 fall Mizuno shoe collection. This technology helps relieve stress that the foot naturally places on the shoe while eliminating distortion for overall comfort and excellent fit.  For more information, please visit Mizuno.com

The Mizuno Wave Cabrakan was an excellent shoe to test with the anticipation cooler weather right around the corner. When first stepping into the Cabrakan, the arch support and cushion were prominent. The shoe was immediately taken out to tackle the trails in Colorado high country. I was immediately impressed with the beathability of the shoe, and while running  through wet or muddy areas of the trail, my feet remained completely dry and warm. A bi-directional outsole rubber compound breaks through water and gripped quickly on the more technical terrain, allowing me to focus on the trail ahead instead of what was under my feet. However, the tred could be a bit tighter, when going over larger, sharper terrain a few rocks would stick into the tred.

This shoe is designed for overpronators who are seeking a sung fit without compromising on the shoe’s flexibility. Separated flex eyelets and AIRmesh also helps the upper conform to your foot while in motion. Dynamotion Fit relieves stress that the foot normally puts on the upper and eliminates distortion for a perfect fit and lateral ankle support. Although the Cabrakan is designed for a medium to wide foot, the heel counter gripped and held my heal in place allowing for a smooth run. This shoe also features Mizuno Wave® technology. This technology helps absorb the shock throughout the entire shoe so your heel doesn’t take all the impact. The foot bed is removable so it fits well with orthodics as well as antimicrobial for great odor control.

The Cabrakan’s are average weight for a trail running shoe, weighing 10 ounces. These shoes are a good option for those heading out on mixed terrain and not wanting to worry about the daily weather condition. For more information, please visit Mizuno.com.

As a tech approach shoe, the Firetail GTX has the features of a hiking shoe/approach shoe but is light enough to run in if you need to race those mid day storms. I was impressed with the cushioning it has for multiple hour pursuits whether striding or just hiking. The EVA midsole with PU Shock Absorber absorbed the impact while running although I did use my orthotics for added comfort in my flat arch area and to make the shoes fit my narrow feet a bit tighter.

The Vibram outsole provides the highest level of traction I have experienced in a long time. While doing a little bouldering, scrambling up the hillside and on the loose gravel, the grippy feeling was instant and I had true faith that my footing would hold.

The Y-shaped “3F System”, with  braided steel wires, really help to secure my ankles and heels, keeping my feet stable even in uneven terrain. With years of sprained ankles in both feet, that extra support is nice without adding any weight to the shoe.

The Mesh lining and Gore-Tex membrane make these shoes great year round whether in the dog days of summer or wet weather of the mud season. My feet kept cool  during use in the midday heat and dry when the trail hit water.

The Firetail GTX is also available for men and retails for $139 US. A non GTX version is available for $109 US. To see the full line of shoes head to salewa.us.

Vasque Aether Tech

Looking for a lightweight trail runner that can handle speed and rugged terrain? If yes, check out the Vasque Aether Tech.

The shoes proved to have great traction in all conditions including snow, mud, loose dirt and gravel. Reinforced fabric also kept the feet dry and the socks mud free. It also helps increase the flexibility and overall durability of the shoes no matter what you find on the trail. Even when running in warm temperatures, the nylon lining kept our feet dry with the excellent moisture dispersement.

The Molded TPU Plate (Thermoplastic urethane) helped safe guard my feet from any hazards like rocks and tree limbs. The level of stability on uneven terrain was a great surprise to me. The TPU plate is a big help with this, keeping the ankles stable even on off camber uphill and downhill routes.

The amount of arch support is quite high for a trail runner. In fact after my first test, I had a cramp in my right arch that was rectified by taking out my orthotics and relying on the natural stability insoles and built in arch shanks that the shoes come standard with. The rebound heel and forefoot inserts also help with stability and support. They also provide shock absorption and allow the foot to quickly push off as you keep your turnover going.

The coolest thing about the Vasque’s is the BOA lacing system, which lets you dial in your precise fit, which was great for days that your feet are swollen when you hit the trail. You also never have to stop your run to tie your shoes making sure you keep your rhythm in stride.

The Aether Tech fit me true to size and width. My size 7 shoes weighed in at a mere 10 oz. For low light running, reflective accents allow you to be seen by others.

Do you remember the Montrail Hardrock from the old days? Ok, so it hasn’t been that long since the Hardrock was a favorite among trail runners, but many runners, and their feet, have missed the Hardrock. In comes the Sabino trail, also by Montrail. Although it is not the same as the original Hardrock, Montrail reports that the Sabino has many of the same qualities that the Hardrock once touted. We were extremely excited to see how the Sabino could handle the rugged trails and compare to the shoe of old and current shoes on the market.

The Sabino is middle range as far as weight goes, but the low-profile design made us feel like we were wearing a lighter weight shoe than we really were. The Sabino’s midfoot and forefoot regions have a thermoplastic shank called Trail Shield which we put to the test on a couple of grueling-rugged-rocky trails in Western Colorado.  We were a little disappointed with the underfoot protection after a couple of hours of wear. When flying downhill, we felt some of the major rocks and ruts and were a little sore the next day. The trails were tough, but the Sabino’s did not offer the same protection we remember in the original Hardrocks.

However, when compared to some of our other Spring 2010 trail shoes, we kept wanting to wear the Sabino’s because of the flexibility and excellent traction that they provided. When trail running, it is important to not have to think about how your feet feel the ground during each foot strike, and thankfully the Sabino pulled through. The toe box has a wide fit which offers ample room for your toes to splay without rubbing any seams.  Our tester is a neutral runner, trail and road, and felt the shoes were not overly stiff and truly moved with her.

The Sabino’s are incredibly affordable with a MSRP of $100, which is on the lower range for performance trail shoes, with competitors reaching $140/pair.  Despite the decreased foot protection, we feel that the Sabino’s are well worth their price and would be great for woody-rolling trails.  PS. The Sabino’s took no time at all to break in and the Montrail Customer Service Department has a history of being easy to work with! For more information about the Sabino Trail and other great shoes, please visit Montrail.com

The guys at ActiveGearReview tested out the CTR Cruise by Merrell earlier this season. Now it’s time for a female take on the women’s version of the trail runner. The first time I put the Cruise on I thought, “Wow, this is a comfortable yet burly shoe!” After wearing the Cruise on a not so technical trail run, followed by a trip to the grocery store, and a long in town walk with the dogs, my feet and legs still felt fresh and I didn’t feel the need to take my feet out of the shoes ASAP. Which as you know, is typically the case for most runners post workout. While running, the heel region really impressed me; the heel counter truly cupped my heel and the cushioning was exactly what I needed on the dry-hard packed trail while striding down hill. The arch provided adequate support while the lasts in the shoe helped to provide a snug fit over the midfoot. The forefoot doesn’t tout nearly as much cushioning as the heel, which can be felt when tackling a more technical trail that calls for you to be constantly on your toes and responding quickly.

The Cruise has a sticky rubber outsole that performed best on well-groomed or higher traffic trails; demanding descents and slick-rock were not handled as well by the Cruise. These shoes also tout a DWR finish, which is a nice touch for variable conditions. However, no matter the finish, your feet will get wet while running in spring conditions due to snow/ice melt in the high country (unless of course you have waterproof shoes and gaiters or avoid puddles like the plague!).

The Cruise are on the bulkier side as well, weighing in at 10.8 ounces/ shoe or 21.6 ounces/pair. If you are looking for a light-weight trail trainer or race shoe for technical terrain, then these shoes are not for you. However, the Cruise may be an option for gals who like a shoe that can not only tackle the trail or road while running, but also can double as a light hiker and stylish around town shoe. The CTR Cruise comes in 3 fun colors, we suggest the lime green; looks good even when it is covered with remnants of the trail! For more information, please visit Merrell.com

UPPER/LINING

• M-fit semi-curved gender specific anatomical last

• T-cup slip resistant heel and tongue construction

• nature-Tex™ recycled strobel board

• Outlast® heat management sock liner

• Ortholite® anti-microbial comfort foam sock insert

• DWr treatment provides Durable Water resistance

MIDSOLE/OUTSOLE

• ir3™ rubber outsole for durability and traction

• gait-phase (g-pHASe™) midsole cushioning

• QForm® comfort provides women’s specific stride-sequenced cushioning

• g3-pHASe™ provides responsive heel cushioning

• ir1™ Sticky rubber for lateral traction and grip

• Weight: 10.8 ozs. / 306 gm (1/2 pair)

Here at Active Gear Review, we typically test out trail running shoes or road running shoes. The outdoor industry has begun to produce shoes to meet the needs of runners that want a hybrid shoe, a trainer that can be worn comfortably on road and trail. In 2009, Salomon released the XT Whisper, a women’s specific running shoe in an attempt to bridge the gap between shoe offerings. We tested the updated model, the XT Whisper 2 this spring out in Colorado. The first time we pulled them on, we were impressed with how light they felt on our feet; they weigh 9.3 oz/pair, hence the name! The shoes come with Salomon’s patented QuickLace system, which quickly provides a tight fit for most wearers with feet of average width. The XT Whisper 2’s are also highly breathable thanks to quick drying mesh for hot runs. We don’t recommend wearing these shoes on wet/muddy trails because the mesh offers a nice point of entry for water and they don’t dry out all that quickly.

Field Testing Salomon XT Whisper 2

The XT Whisper 2 has a modest toe bumper and a dual density medial posting to provide more protection from rocks and ruts that you may encounter on the trail. With that said, if you plan on tackling gnarly trails on regular basis, the XT Whisper is not for you. We found these shoes were best suited to gentle-well worn dirt trails and were comfy for around town running as well. We were given the white color and they immediately turned red-brown on our first trail run (they have yet to get back to white). We understand the need to appeal to the road and trail runner, but white is not a great color for a shoe that will be used on a trail. Thankfully, they are available in other colors, which is not usually an issue for our testers. The Salomon XT Whisper 2 are true to most Salomon shoes, they run large, so size down at least a ½ size and try before you buy. Overall, the XT Whisper 2 is a comfy-light-weight shoe for those that like to challenge themselves on the trail occasionally, but do most of their running on the road. For more information, please visit Salomon.com