As we transition from fall to winter and from the roads to the trails, we take a look at the latest road and trail shoes for the season.
These reviews are independent and unbiased views based on running many miles in all of these shoes. This section also contains affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission when you follow these links.
Brooks – Hyperion Max 2 – £160.00
Brooks Hyperion Max 2
Not too long ago this type of shoe would have been considered a max type, but the shoe world has evolved at such a rate that a 36mm cushion is more in the “normal” range than the shoe’s Max name suggests.
The bolster is the brand’s DNA Flash v2 foam, a nitrogen-infused material designed for their performance models. It is light, responsive and durable. The shoe also features a SpeedVault nylon plate. This does a great job of adding both propulsion and stability to the shoe, and means it’s much more versatile than the racing model.
The Hyperion Max 2 is a great pace and range type shoe and will also work well for racing for those who don’t want the much higher cost associated with carbon coated models. It’s a fast-feeling shoe, and the DNA Flash midsole has a good track record of proving very durable and outlasts other responsive foams.
Under Armor – Velociti Elite 2 – £225.00
UA Velociti Elite 2
A deeper pile of bio-based Pebax foam gives the second generation of this shoe a much more refined ride. The full-length carbon plate is still present, as is the rubber-less outsole, with the shoe resting on the midsole for traction and durability. The sole works well enough on the roads, and this firmer layer of foam also provides good stability.
It’s the brand’s softest, springiest and fastest shoe to date, and has some solid credentials, with Sharon Lockedy wearing it to her second-place finish in the Boston Marathon and then her fourth-place finish over 26.2 miles at the Olympics. While the shoe isn’t as soft or light as some carbon-coated racers, it’s very stable.
New Balance – FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v3 – £230.00
New Balance SC Trainer v3
The new FuelCell midsole compound features PEBA energy and responsive feel for the third generation of this model.
It’s just a little firmer than the previous model, but for me it’s a perfect balance between soft cushioning and responsive long-term comfort.
The full-length Energy Arc carbon fiber plate also adds energy return, keeping the shoe very stable; a nice combination, given that some shoes in this category can “wobble” a bit.
The 6mm drop gives the shoe an everyday trainer feel, but the performance is skewed too much towards the racer to give us something you’ll want to reach for regularly. The upper is snug, lightweight and breathable, while the outsole has a generous rubber coating, enhancing durability and improving traction as we head into the wetter winter months.
Learn more about the SuperComp Trainer here
Inov8 – RoadFly – £100.00
INOV8 RoadFly
Returning to the road market, INOV8 has kept it simple with its latest model, the RoadFly. With a 27mm cushion and 6mm drop, the shoe is on the more traditional side of the market, but still features a soft and relatively flexible midsole in the form of the brand’s POWERFLOW PRO foam. There’s also their BOOMERANG insole (which makes up 6mm of that pile) for a soft, underfoot experience.
The shoe is built on the last shaped anatomical foot, so it gives a little more room in the toe box and allows the foot to spread naturally.
The upper is an engineered mesh construction that also allows for breathability, providing good support around the foot thanks to an internal cradle formed by layers incorporated into the laces.
It’s a light and supple, natural-feeling ride and great value at just £100.
Get on the road at Roadfly here
ASICS – Metafjuitrail – £220.00
ASICS Metaspeed Fuji
Inspired by the Metaspeed road shoe, this model brings speed to the trails. Featuring the brand’s combination of high-performance foams encased in a trail-specific carbon plate, the shoe delivers the perfect balance of cushioning and energy return in an off-road package.
The FF Turbo midsole sits underfoot and is light, soft and responsive. Underneath, the carbon sheet is trail-ready and delivers the push we’ve come to expect while creating a stable platform. The FF Blast Plus base layer rounds things out for a balanced and controlled ride. The ASICSGRIP sole takes care of traction and is perfect for gravel trails, forest paths and rocky terrain. If it encounters mud, it can efficiently shed it on the move.
The upper uses NEXKIN material reinforced with Pebax yarn to provide a very secure lock that is durable and extremely light. For going fast on the trail, this shoe seems to smooth out the roughness and provide road-like speed.
Go here on the trails of Metaspeed
Arc’Teryx – Kopec Mid GTX – £180.00
Arcteryx Hill
For those looking for a more supportive and versatile shoe suitable for everything from a brisk walk to an easy jogging pace, this mid-height shoe provides all the protection you need. With a Gore-Tex and Cordura upper, you’re guaranteed a lightweight yet durable build that’s also waterproof.
Articulated construction allows for great flexibility, while reinforced areas around the toe and arch support and protect the foot in all conditions. A dual-density midsole provides soft, underfoot comfort as well as stability on any terrain, and with the Vibram Litebase Metagrip outsole, you can confidently step out on a relaxed foot. A great all-rounder for any terrain or condition.
Salomon – DRX Defy GRVL – £125.00
Salomon GRV
Inspired by the popularity of gravel bikes, this shoe aims to fill the gap between road and trail shoes with a model that combines the best of both worlds. The EnergyFoam midsole provides road shoe-like cushioning and rebound, plus the active CHASSIS design provides stability with its winged design that rises above the midsole to support the foot.
The shoe is light at just 239g, so close to racing weight for a versatile road/trail daily trainer. Off-road traction, as the name suggests, is perfect for gravel trails and light trails, but at the same time, it’s not too deep or stiff that it can’t handle the road. It’s a competitively priced, versatile shoe that can provide a one-shoe solution to all your running needs.
Other – Olympus 6 – £155.00
Another Olympus
The brand’s most cushioned trail shoe, the Olympus offers 33mm of plush, cushioned CM-EVA midsole foam that runs the length of the shoe. This zero drop construction provides a smooth balanced ride and works very well on the trails.
The original toe shape design promotes stability off-road as well, offering a wider base and allowing the foot to naturally splay for stability. The upper is well made and very durable with plenty of padding around the ankle and Achilles area for good support. The Vibram Metagrip outsole is perhaps the most aggressive of this selection and provides excellent grip, yet easily adapts to the terrain for a flexible and responsive ride.
Saucony – Xodus Ultra 3 – £149.99
Saucony Xodus
Despite the Ultra name, you don’t have to go far to get the most out of this shoe. The cushioning is the brand’s highly responsive PWRRUN PB foam from its road racing line, so it offers a light and snappy feel. In this off-road model, it has a wider base and taller sidewalls to cradle the foot and also provide a stable base.
The upper uses a ripstop mesh that’s breathable yet highly durable and wraps the foot securely for confidence-inspiring lockdown. A PWTRAC rubber sole with 4mm lugs means the shoe can handle everything from forest tracks to muddy roads with ease, and the design also sheds mud easily, meaning the shoe feels light and flexible on the trails.
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