Running Shoes Gone Wild

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Teva Pro Wraptor Stability $110

When trail running takes on the dimension of scrambling, the Teva Pro Wraptor is the sort of shoe you want on your feet. Thanks to the 360-degree support system, literally wrapping your foot like a football player getting his cleats taped on, the upper and midsole of the Wraptor give the feeling of being one. Cushioning is provided by a two-density midsole and shock-absorbing insert in the rear foot. Despite all of the hardware, the Wraptor still comes in at a relatively lightweight 12 ounces. Teva.com

Saucony Progrid Xodus $100

The Xodus represents an aggressive new trail design for Saucony. The upper is made of a durable rip-stop textile material, with a breathable sock liner and gusseted tongue. The EVA midsole is enhanced by materials that increase shock absorption in the fore and rear foot, along with a layer of rock-buffering EBO. An exclusive Vibram 8 compound rounds out the shoe with a durable outsole. Saucony.com

GoLite Shadow Dragon $130

The Shadow Dragon weighs in at a paltry 12.3 ounces, defying the goods it delivers: a debris shield, a scree collar safeguard, self-adjusting laces, a protective softshell upper and a wider trail strike last. The super-luggy sole features “Interlocking Trail Claws” for improved grip on any obstacles from rocks to roots. Good for trail running, trail racing and the intrepid adventure racer. Golite.com

Merrell Overdrive II $90

A TPU support and cushioning system—Merrell calls it TrailSpring—gives the sturdy Overdrive II a running shoe feel with the substantial protection normally afforded only in hardcore trail running shoes. This shoe is great for straight-on trail running or adventure racing with an easy-to-secure lacing system and a venting and drainage in the forefoot when you’re stepping in to wet and muddy terrain. Merrell.com

JUST FOR TRIATHLETES

Zoot Ultra Tempo+ $130

If you jump in the occasional triathlon or are a hardened tri geek, you may already own a Zoot wetsuit and a drawer full of Zoot apparel. Now there’s more: Zoot is introducing running shoes to the endurance market, and you’ll like them for their technical savvy and original thinking. Think of the Zoot Ultra Tempo+ as a triathlon shoe with several technical enhancements to increase support. Designed for drainage (Zoot thought about how much liquid is spilled over your head at aid stations) and to be worn barefoot, the shoe also has a carbon-fiber plate to reduce the twisting forces of over pronation. For fast transitioning, the lace system is super quick, and the tongue and upper around the heel provide a built-in shoehorn. Zootsports.com

K-Swiss Ultra-Natural Run $80

This shoe was born after series of prototype and testing sessions with American triathlon star Chris Lieto. While some sponsored athletes make mild efforts in contributing to the production of new products, Lieto, a precisionist, reportedly went full throttle. The Ultra-Natural Run is a lightweight, fast performance shoe that functions both as a racer and lightweight trainer, with micro detailing inspired by the picky Lieto. Designed with a triathlete in mind, this shoe has been engineered to drain its way through wet conditions and aid station chaos. K-swiss.com

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