As the temperatures rise and the sun hangs higher, hitting the trails sounds better every day! Whether you’re hopping on the FUTS or heading out to the Schultz Creek Trail, you’ll want the right kicks to keep your feet happy the whole way. Check out these five great new trail runners, and gear up for miles and miles of singletrack fun.
Altra Lone Peak 5
Hitting the trails in the Altra Lone Peak 5 will give you confidence and comfort from start to finish. Altra has earned its stellar reputation in part due to the wide, roomy toe boxes that characterize its shoes. The Lone Peak 5 uses their FootShape™ design, with a rounded toe unlike most trail running shoes. The extra width lets your toes splay naturally, which can help with balance when you’re navigating uneven terrain. A rock plate on the bottom of the shoe protects your feet from discomfort, and widely spaced, custom-shaped lugs give you grip on any surface.
Brooks Catamount
Want to win that trail run today? If you’re racing against a group – or racing against your own time – the Brooks Catamount will give you the boost you need to tear up the trails faster. This super-light shoe features a nitrogen-infused DNA FLASH midsole that feels bouncy and responsive without weighing you down, and with the Ballistic Rock Shield, you won’t even feel that pointy gravel underfoot. You’ll be itching to get up those hills faster! Plus, if you choose the sleek white color scheme, you can wear your dirt like a badge of pride.
Hoka One One Evo Mafate 2
Hoka has a huge following among serious runners – and for good reason. Across the board, you can expect roomy toe boxes, unbeatable comfort, and top-of-the-line performance with their shoes. The Hoka One One Evo Mafate 2 is no exception, and it’s earning rave reviews. Maybe you love the look – but this shoe is really all about performance. The tacky Vibram rubber outsole will help you get traction on slippery surfaces, the upper is infused with Kevlar to protect your feet, and as always, users love the cushy feel.
Saucony Peregrine 11 ST
Charge your way through creeks, and don’t waste a minute on wet shoelaces. If that’s how you do trails, the Saucony Peregrine 11 ST has you covered. The ST is one of three options you’ll find for the Peregrine, and it stands for “soft terrain,” meaning you’ll be in great shape to tackle any muddy trails. With deeper lugs spaced wider apart, this shoe is built to shed all the sticky muck you might carry with you otherwise. The Peregrine 11 ST protects the whole foot, too, with a reinforced upper and a mesh cover for the cinch cord.
Nike Pegasus Trail 2
Sure, it’s not the whole story, but it has to count for something that you’ll love the way you look while tearing up the trail in the Nike Pegasus Trail 2. On top of that fresh, bold design, you’ll get a well-cushioned shoe that’s also built to be responsive, giving you good energy return with every kick. Versatile and comfortable, the Pegasus Trail 2 could be a great option if you find yourself running roads on the way to your trail routes.
No matter what trail you’re tackling next, or what shoe you wear to do it, we hope you enjoy getting out into the beautiful nature around Flagstaff! For more ideas on ways to stay active, and cool spots to check out, make sure to visit the Mountain Trail blog.