ANNA KOBB, KOA ST
KERRI ANDREAS, XODUS ISO2 Most of my run club jumped on the trail running bandwagon this summer and I found myself signed up for the marathon relay at The North Face Endurance Challenge in Collingwood. Now, I don’t run a lot of trails, so I didn’t think getting a pair of trail shoes would be worth it. Don’t tell my team, but I probably wasted a minute or two stopping to scrape mud from my shoes so that I wouldn’t slip (I still slipped). I put these shoes to the test the morning after an aggressive tempo workout. My heavy legs made me nervous to attempt a technical trail, but I was pleasantly surprised. The PWR TRAC tread gripped even the most slippery sections, and the light, neutral shoe, with a roomy toebox, made the rocky terrain feel flat. The upper’s uses Saucony’s ISOFIT, a stretchy fabric that wraps your foot like a sock. No wonder these shoes are from Saucony’s RunAnywhere line—with a pair on your feet, you definitely can.
The 8 mm lugs on these shoes shed mud efficiently, keeping my feet light on the trail. No more mud-packed soles weighing you down—a great combination of comfort, performance and style. I love the wide toe box as it allows my feet to grip the ground and keeps me stable, even on tough terrain. Unlike many trail shoes, these don’t incorporate mesh into the uppers. This is a huge advantage for warmth—I’m looking at you, winter!— and moisture shedding. While they don’t claim to be waterproof, they withstand mud and splashes, keeping your toes toasty and dry. The toggle lacing system was also a pleasant surprise. I’m one of those runners who can’t be bothered to untie my shoes, and I think this toggle system was designed with me in mind. Finally, the 4 mm heel-to-toe offset, responsive cushioning and neutral pronation offer comfort without compromising the feel of the trail under your feet. And they’re all tied up with bright colours that really pop on the trail.
ALEX FLINT, THE TRAIL KING, KOA ST Trail running is often half soothing bliss and half perilous adventure. My shoes made the adventure feel blissful and perilous soothing. Designed for the roughest surfaces with 8 mm lugs, traction was never an issue, and the shoes know it— they proudly have "MUD" printed right on the side. Minimalist shoe fans will love these, with a 4 mm heel-to-toe drop and neutral pronation. As always, Saucony’s EVERUN topsole is a comfortable ride and the toe box fit my wide feet really well. Probably my favourite feature is the triathlon-style toggle lacing system. They’re quick to pull on and tighten and, almost as importantly, they’re easy to take off when you’re ready to put your feet up. Although the Koa ST isn’t the smallest or lightest trail shoe, the impressive tread, handy lacing system and comfortable ride make them worth every ounce. Whether you’re new to the trails and want to protect your feet from rocks or a seasoned ultra-runner with a foot-long beard, I recommend giving these Sauconys a spin.
iRun.ca
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