Running Footwear

Recent Running Footwear Reviews

Swiftwick Pursuit Four Sock

Swiftwick is as good as it gets for scent-free, blister-free comfort, wicking, and durability. I have owned Swiftwick socks of one variety or another for five or so years now. I've worn them up and down several Cascades Volcanoes and they are now my go-to light hiking and running socks. Test Conditions: I received two almost identical sets of Swiftwick socks about four months ago and I have included them in all my fitness, trail runs, gym workouts and hikes in the hills. It's been long-pants season… Full review

Balega Blister Resist Quarter

Balega's Blister Resist Quarter is a hybrid mohair and synthetic sock from a company that does a great job with running socks. Great wicking properties help keep your feet comfortable. Smooth material doesn't tend to chafe. They tend to show wear by looking "fuzzy" but that's cosmetic—no notable thin spots or wear. Slightly more bulky than a typical running sock. OVERVIEW By calling this a "blister resist" running sock, Balega is pretty clearly pushing the narrative that this sock is somehow better… Full review

Salomon Women's X-Mission 3

The second pair I've bought. These are my all time favorites! I like the fit of these shoes. I tend to have a slightly wider than normal toe space and average heel. I like that the toe box on these shoes are roomy. The quick pull laces are great for fast adjusting. No issues on the break-in period. Not a blister or hotspot. I wear them hiking and have zero problems. They are not waterproof, so I do not wear them hiking in the rain, but I wear them running errands in the rain and they are fine (I… Full review

Salomon Women's Speedcross 4

Great trail running shoe if you're not in the rain. I bought these shoes because they are waterproof. These shoes fit my foot a little slim. The tongue is chunky and slides a lot, and they are a little too low. I was not able to wear them in the rain for long because they just filled up with water. Glad I didn't step in any puddles.  They are a nice color, and the grip is amazing. Full review

Salomon Men's XA Pro 3D

Salomon’s XA Pro 3D is a heavy duty trail running shoe that has been around, with various updates, for years. It is very heavy and firm for a running shoe, and I use it as a low light hiker. It’s available with a waterproof/breathable membrane, but I like the no-membrane version for it’s very good breathability. Very good traction, support, foot protection, and durability, plus an interesting lacing system, make this a winner. The non-waterproof version’s availability in wide sizing was… Full review

Altra Women's Superior 3.5

The Altra Superior 3.5 (and 3.0) are the best pair of shoes for thru-hiking that I have tried. With over 2,700 miles covered in them (four different pairs), I can confidently say that they meet my needs in being lightweight, durable, comfortable, responsive, and fast-drying. Description & Specs: The Superior 3.5 is the most recent version of Altra's low profile trail running shoe. It has been slightly updated from the 3.0 version, with the goal of improving upper durability, comfort, and more… Full review

La Sportiva Men's Helios 2.0

Love 'em, but wish they had a rockplate. Awesome for groomed and soft but not too muddy trails. These are my go-to shoes for shorter (up to 30-ish km) runs on terrain that's likely not to have many sharp pointy rocks or involve too much road running. I'm on to my third pair of Helios having clocked up over 1500km in my last ver1s before I retired them.Fit I have picky feet—if the shoe fits I'll wear it and I loved the fit and comfort of these shoes straight out of the box. I like a lower drop… Full review

La Sportiva Men's Bushido

Plain and simple, I love my Bushidos! Great combination of a lightweight, durable, and protective shoe that performs magically on some very technical terrain. I'd absolutely recommend this shoe, if it fits your foot well! For my foot, the fit is near perfect. I have a narrower foot and these are a bit snug, but I acutally like that (in the midfoot anyway). With a little use they loosened slightly and the fit got even better. If you're worried about the tight fit and you have a narrow foot, buy them… Full review

Inov-8 Men's X-Talon 212

Perfect fit, soft enough too feel the ground, stable for even technical terrain and light for long runs. I use them for both short and long runs, but only terrain and trail. I use them in spring/autumn, and never slip! Remember to clean them regularly. I use only water. Inov-8 delivers excellence! Full review