![]() ![]() Note: The Brooks Cascadia 17 is expected to be released in February 2023 (so any day now). Read our review of the Brooks Cascadia 15. Thoughtful additions like drain holes and gaiter traps will be appreciated by many hikers. The TrailTack outsole is both wonderfully grippy and notably more durable than many competitor models. Meanwhile, the updated rock plate provides ample protection from rough, technical terrain, making the Cascadia ideal for hikers/runners who prefer a firmer, more responsive ride. The new midsole is also lighter and softer than previous versions. The mid and outsole have both been redesigned to make the shoe more flexible and adaptable on rough trails. The latest version of the Cascadia (16) has been streamlined to bring the total weight down by nearly a quarter pound to a scant 19 ounces, making it one of the lightest shoes on our list. ![]() “The new upper material is breezy and dries quickly.” “I rate the grip above average and durability looks great,” said contributor Owen Eigenbrot of the Cascadia 15s (2021’s model). Although some may object to the closeness of this design, it’s ideal for slenderfoots who can’t seem to avoid slipping and sliding in more generously proportioned shoes. In a world of wide toe boxes, Brooks keeps it old-school with their slim and snug-fitting Cascadias. Cons: Stiff higher drop isn’t for everyone narrow cut will feel cramped for some. Pros: Gaiter-compatible sticky outsole for added grip lightweight soft and adaptable midsole. That said, Lone Peaks have remained insanely popular among thru-hikers throughout the ups and downs of their many incarnations, and we expect that trend to continue.īest trail runners for thru-hiking: Brooks Cascadia. The 7s have only been out for a few weeks as of this publication, so their long-term performance and durability relative to previous models remain to be seen. Altra addressed that issue in V6 by simplifying the design of the heel overlay for a more accommodating fit, and that improved heel design has carried over to the latest version. Many hikers and trail runners reported serious heel rub / blistering / Achilles tendon issues with previous incarnations of the Lone Peak. The Lone Peak is available in wide sizes. ![]() The distinctive tread pattern on the bottom of the shoe remains broadly similar to that of the 6s. The shoes continue to feature Altra’s proprietary EGO midsoles and MaxTrac outsoles.Ĭlassic Lone Peak features like the Gaiter Traps and wide FootShape toe box remain. The laser-cut drain holes that briefly made an appearance in Version 6 have been axed in favor of a more streamlined design. The latest version has been redesigned with a durable, seamless, stitch-less upper. (Incidentally, we’ve tested a lot of trail runners that claim to have a wide toe box, but none have ever seemed quite as roomy as this iconic shoe.) Lone Peaks are easily the most popular shoe model among thru-hikers: almost a third of respondents in our annual Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiker Survey reported using Lone Peaks, which are known for their minimalist, zero drop design and their wide toe box. Cons: No waterproof version not the grippiest other brands offer more durable uppers annual updates are hard to keep up with. Pros: Widest toe box around iconic among thru-hikers gaiter-compatible lightweight available in wide. Stay tuned!īest trail runners for thru-hiking: Altra Lone Peak. We’ll cover those in a separate roundup coming soon. You’ll only figure out what’s right for you through trial and error, but it helps to know a bit about the fit and features of some top models in advance. Shoes are highly personal-more so than most gear-because everyone’s foot shape, gait, and preferences are unique. That’s why it’s so important to choose proper footwear for your hike. But if you don’t take care of them, any number of (progressively more horrifying) foot afflictions could take you out of action in a heartbeat. If you treat them right, it’s possible to complete an entire thru-hike without so much as a blister. You’re counting on them to carry you thousands of miles through thick and thin. Your feet are your most important assets as a thru-hiker, after all. Think of this as an investment in your future happiness. Are you planning a long-distance backpacking trip? If so, it’s essential that you choose the best trail runners for thru-hiking (if trail runners are your jam*). ![]()
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