Finishers Is Reinventing Trail Shoe Testing with the Trail Test Camp

MY TRAILS, working closely with FINISHERS, will host the Trail Test Camp in Le Lioran, Cantal, from May 18 to 21, 2026. This first edition promises France’s biggest trail shoe test, delivered in a modern, participatory and transparent format, with every model put through its paces in real-world conditions. Here’s what to expect from an event set to shake up the usual formula.

Powered by Finishers, the Trail Test Camp is a first-of-its-kind event aiming to become the largest participatory trail shoe evaluation ever held in France. Combining experience, real-world testing and digital tools, the event will bring together 20 carefully selected runners of all levels, 10 men and 10 women, with no brand contracts tying them down, for an exceptional four-day experience.

Following the success of the Road Test Camp in Lyon in March, praised by both brands and testers, it’s now trail’s turn. Over four days, from May 18 to 21, 20 lucky runners will test, compare and assess a selection of the market’s top shoes across four categories: Gravel/All-Round, Ultra, All Mountain and Race. The event goes even further in its pursuit of objectivity. Participants will discover some models in the dark, without knowing the brand or model on their feet. The goal is to focus on what matters most: how the shoes feel. Comfort, grip, stability, responsiveness, protection… Every shoe will be assessed against precise criteria on routes selected by our experts.

Ultra All Mountain category

► Versatile shoes built for every kind of terrain, from rolling, runnable paths to technical mountain trails. Trail All Mountain models strike a balance between comfort, responsiveness and protection, adapting to every distance and every situation.

Ultra category

► Shoes designed for long hours on varied but generally non-technical terrain. Trail Ultra shoes put comfort, cushioning and long-haul stability first, while maintaining a secure fit as fatigue sets in. They are built to keep your stride flowing hour after hour, when pacing your effort becomes crucial.

► The Ultra category is made for extended endurance. Every element is designed to keep you comfortable over time: generous cushioning, an adaptive fit and effective ground filtering. It meets the needs of runners who keep moving for hours, where managing effort matters more than raw speed.

Trail Race category

► Shoes designed for speed across all types of terrain. Lightweight and responsive, Trail Race models deliver excellent grip and maximum efficiency to help you maintain a fast pace in a race. They are aimed at runners looking to maximise performance, from short formats to long-distance races depending on their level and ability to sustain the pace.

► The Trail Race category brings together performance-focused models. Lightness, responsiveness and precision are at its core, with designs built to support high paces. Suitable for anything from short races to ultras depending on the runner’s level, it reflects trail running’s shift towards greater speed and efficiency.