SAUCONY

ProGrid Outlaw:

Running in snow, ice, and wet unstable surfaces can make trail running challenging or dangerous. At first glance the ProGrid Outlaw looks like a hi-top shoe from a side view. This trail shoe is perfect protection from a rolled ankle. I recommend this for those who want a little extra support on the trails. I also liked the idea of putting this shoe on with snowy trails. The extra long tongue and higher ankle support tying this shoe together keeps snow from collecting under the tongue of the shoe. The traction on this shoe is thin and durable. This is the extreme weather conditions shoe that gives excellent ankle support without constricting forward motion or foot strikes. Climbing and descending in this shoe is very supportive and responsive to varying surfaces and speed. This is my first experience with the off road side of Saucony and I am very impressed.

TECNICA       

http://shop.tecnicausa.com/Browse/Outdoor/Trail-Running

Diablo MAX

You may recognize TECNICA from Ski boots. They have been a leader in Ski boots for many years. The Diablo MAX is maximum size, a big chubby shoe with great traction and a wider sole and thicker platform than a typical trail shoe. This shoe is made to move you forward. This is not a minimalist shoe. This is a MAX shoe. With a very comfortable upper that has an Ortholite footbed makes this shoe a great fit right out of the box. The tongue is attached to the upper on one side, when lacing up the tongue slides perfectly into place to meld the top together. There is no slipping or sliding of this tongue side to side, it stays in place and creates solid runability. TRS- (TECNICA Rolling System) is what creates the unique experience in this shoe. This shoe has ROCKER. If you set it flat on the ground you can see where the heel and toe rise up off the ground. This rolling system is great for trails and feels like it propels you forward and keeps momentum going with every stride.   Recommended use of this shoe is smooth single track. If the ground is wet, snowy or slick the traction on this shoe is great with broad based lugs that are positioned for great no slip fun. If you have weak ankles you may not do well in these shoes because you are raised up on a higher platform with these. A wobbly foot strike could be bad.  

VASQUE

This shoe has the classic look and feel of a great trail running shoe. Its predecessor was well accepted and this shoe will surely do the same. This is the shoe that is great in all environments and a shoe that will perform comprehensively. When I think about VASQUE I think about hiking and mountain climbing. The Vasque Velocity 2.0 GTX is one of the best all around trail running shoes I have ever used. The inside lining is soft and is the perfect balance of soft and supportive. The yellow upper is gortex with positioned breathable sections in just the right places. The Velocity has a nice extra build up area around the toes to keep out the moisture and protect toes from being stubbed. This traction is great for whatever the trails throw your way. This shoe is noticeably built well as soon as I laced it up. The laces are positioned in just the right place to lock in and create the best possible fit. This shoe is thicker and was great for snowy runs and the goretex kept my feet dry even in a shallow river crossing. This is a brand new shoe for 2012. I love the color and the look and feel. This shoe will hit the stores next month look for it and you will be amazed.