Trail Test Camp: Our Trail Shoe Test Summaries in the Race Category

► CATEGORY: RACE

Shoes designed for fast running across all types of terrain. Lightweight and responsive, Trail Race shoes offer excellent grip and maximum efficiency to maintain a high pace during a race. They are aimed at runners looking to optimise performance, from short formats to long distances depending on their level and ability to sustain the pace.

© ASICS

➜ Firmly focused on performance, the Asics Fujispeed 4 stands out for its light weight and high responsiveness, helping runners sustain fast paces in the Trail Race category.

As soon as you put it on, the shoe delivers a pronounced sense of lightness and a precise fit that securely wraps the foot. Comfort is enhanced by quality padding around the collar and heel, a contrast with the upper's minimalist profile. The lacing system is a technical limitation identified by almost 60% of testers: the laces are considered too thin and sometimes too short, making it harder to dial in the fit and potentially causing chafing across the top of the tongue. Although the internal volume is snug, it leaves moderate freedom of movement in the forefoot, making the shoe best suited to narrow and medium-width feet.

On the run, the model's defining feature is its lively ride and mechanical efficiency. A synthetic plate combined with a pronounced forefoot rocker enables smooth transitions and effective propulsion, particularly on runnable sections and climbs. This snappy character is paired with firm cushioning that favours energy return over maximum impact absorption. However, the low-to-the-ground feel and shoe stiffness demand precise foot placement; around one third of testers reported less-than-perfect lateral stability and a tendency for the heel to slip on off-camber ground or highly technical trails.

Grip varies sharply with the weather. The lugs provide strong traction on dry dirt paths, but 41% of testers questioned the outsole's effectiveness once the ground becomes wet. Slippage is common on wet rock slabs and roots, limiting confidence on technical courses in the rain. Protection comes from a flexible toe bumper and durable mesh, but the overall package remains minimalist. Beyond 40 kilometres, its limited ability to filter out sharp terrain may lead to premature foot fatigue from repeated impacts on rocky ground.

This model is intended exclusively for trained, competitive runners seeking to optimise their times over distances of 20 to 50 kilometres. The Asics Fujispeed 4 comes into its own on hilly, relatively non-technical trails, where its light weight and ability to pick up the pace help maintain a high rhythm, provided the ground is dry.

➜ With the Zinal 3, HOKA showcases its expertise with a performance shoe that does not necessarily rely on a carbon plate. Versatile, lightweight and affordable, the Zinal 3 won over our testers.

The Zinal 3 provides a precise, close-fitting and enveloping fit, particularly well suited to runners with narrow feet. Our testers highlighted immediate step-in comfort, reinforced by a supple upper that follows the foot's shape without creating noticeable pressure points. The conventional lacing system does its job simply and effectively, although some users noted the lack of a lace-storage pocket. The shoe's low platform also delivers a pronounced close-to-the-ground feel from the first steps.

On the trail, responsiveness and agility are the shoe's main strengths. The midsole provides firm cushioning that favours sharp accelerations and pace control across a range of profiles, all without a carbon plate. This agility is matched by excellent foot hold and moving stability, making technical sections easy to tackle with highly precise foot placement. The shoe encourages a natural, fluid stride and feels especially at home through rapid changes of direction.

Its traction is a major technical asset, thanks to deep, aggressive lugs that deliver outstanding grip on loose ground, grass and mud. Overall grip is strong on dry trails, but less secure on wet rock slabs. Protection is minimalist: impact filtering is adequate for shorter formats, while the lightweight toe bumper offers limited defence against frontal impacts on very rough terrain. The mesh also raises minor questions about durability and breathability during prolonged exposure to high temperatures.

This model is intended for light, well-trained runners looking for an agile, responsive shoe for short to mid-distance races. The HOKA Zinal 3 is an ideal option for runners with good foot placement who prioritise efficiency and ground feel on technical or runnable trails.

© BROOKS

➜ The Brooks Cascadia Elite is a high-performance Race-category trail shoe combining protective cushioning with a lively ride.

Even standing still, the shoe stands out for its high level of step-in comfort. Its design includes a gaiter-style sleeve that keeps debris out while wrapping the foot evenly and securely. Textured laces provide reliable, precise lockdown, complemented by an elastic lace garage on the tongue. Although the fit is precise, the toe box is generous enough to accommodate wide feet.

On the run, the Cascadia Elite's strengths are its lively ride and smooth transitions. A rigid plate delivers efficient energy return on runnable sections and climbs, supporting consistent propulsion. A minority of testers felt that the substantial cushioning reduced the shoe's perceived snappiness on the shortest formats, but it proved valuable for comfort over longer distances. The thick midsole effectively filters out rough terrain and neutralises rocky impacts over time.

That stack height does limit lateral stability, however. Nearly one third of testers reported marked instability during abrupt changes of direction or on highly technical ground, with the foot tending to roll outward despite the shoe's width. This calls for extra care when landing on the heel in technical terrain.

Grip is a major strength confirmed by most of the test team. The lug pattern delivers uncompromising traction on loose ground, while the rubber provides confidence on wet rock. The mesh is durable and protective, although breathability is moderate in hot conditions because of the integrated sock construction.

The Brooks Cascadia Elite is aimed at runners seeking a dynamic, protective shoe for distances from 25 to 80 kilometres. It is best suited to those who value impact filtering and efficiency across varied courses, including medium- to heavier-build runners who are willing to accept more demanding foot placement on steep mountain terrain.

➜ The Kailas FUGA EX PRO is built for technical performance in high mountains, standing out in the Trail Race category for its durability and dependable grip.

The Kailas FUGA EX PRO offers high-quality step-in comfort, with an even fit that precisely wraps the foot. The mesh is considered durable and adequately breathable, contributing to an immediate sense of security. The lacing system divides opinion: its dual adjustment is useful for fitting the toe box and instep separately, but some testers remained unconvinced in practice, particularly because the lower laces have no storage pocket.

On the run, foot hold and moving stability are the model's strongest points. The upper locks the foot down effectively, preventing unwanted movement on steep sections and pronounced off-camber terrain. The sole balance reinforces that stability and allows precise foot placement on unstable ground. Its dynamism is more nuanced: it delivers decent acceleration on technical trails, but its weight and firm cushioning reduce responsiveness on flat, runnable sections. Some testers found it lacked the snappiness expected from a racing shoe, favouring security over speed.

Grip is the Kailas FUGA EX PRO's dominant technical asset. Its deep-lugged outsole provides effective traction on loose ground, mud and scree. Grip is reliable on most surfaces, although it can occasionally falter on wet rock slabs. Protection is comprehensive: the robust toe bumper stands up exceptionally well to impacts, while the thick sole effectively filters out rough terrain and protects the foot over time.

This model is intended for experienced runners and competitors tackling mountainous terrain. The Kailas FUGA EX PRO is a strong choice for Skyrace-style events and technical mid-distance trail races, where grip, stability and protection from the elements matter more than absolute lightness.

© KIPRUN

➜ The Kiprun Kipsummit Race is a performance-focused shoe with a carbon plate designed to optimise energy return across a wide variety of trails.

The shoe provides very high step-in comfort thanks to its soft cushioning and quality mesh. The integrated gaiter wraps the ankle securely while keeping debris out. However, this construction makes entry difficult for some users, as the one-piece inner boot lacks flexibility at the opening. The conventional lacing system provides reliable lockdown, supported by an effective lace garage and grippy laces. The model also runs large, so going down half a size may be necessary for a precise fit: try it on in store.

On the trail, the shoe's defining feature is its dynamism and propulsion. The combination of soft foam and a carbon plate delivers strong energy return and a lively stride, helped by a pronounced rocker that mechanically assists the foot through transition. Cushioning is generous for the Race category, filtering out rough terrain without erasing ground feel. Grip is no afterthought: the outsole and its pronounced lugs provide effective traction on loose ground and secure grip on rocky surfaces, even in wet conditions.

The high stack does bring some lateral instability, however. The heel offers limited support and the ankle can roll on off-camber sections or very rough terrain, where the soft foam makes precise control more difficult. The front toe bumper provides functional protection against impacts, although the thin upper offers limited lateral protection in harsher environments. Mesh breathability is sufficient to maintain thermal comfort during effort.

This model is aimed at light- to medium-weight runners seeking an agile, propulsive shoe for short- to mid-distance races. The Kiprun Kipsummit Race performs best on varied trails and runnable courses, offering an effective balance of soft cushioning and mechanical efficiency for competitors focused on optimising their pace.

© MIZUNO

➜ The Mizuno Neo Accera is a maximalist Race-category trail shoe developed specifically for extended endurance, focusing on generous cushioning and comprehensive impact filtering.

The model stands out immediately for its exceptional step-in comfort. Its thin, neoprene-style tongue wraps the instep evenly without creating pressure points. Serrated laces hold the knot securely and maintain consistent tension throughout the effort. The fit offers generous internal volume and a spacious toe box, allowing excellent freedom of movement for wide feet or runners who want maximum forefoot room. Pay close attention to sizing, though: the model runs notably large.

In motion, the Neo Accera is built around smooth transitions, particularly on runnable sections and groomed trails where it supports a sustained pace. Although the cushioning is distinctly plush, the shoe retains enough liveliness for accelerations, helped by a rocker that guides the foot forward. The design prioritises stride comfort and reduced joint fatigue over mid- to long-distance formats.

The outsole confirms the shoe's strong grip, thanks to high-performing Vibram rubber on dry surfaces, dirt paths and woodland trails. Broad, textured lugs provide effective traction and secure footing. The thick sole thoroughly filters out rough terrain and shields the foot from rocky impacts. However, its substantial height combined with the flexible mesh creates lateral instability, identified by more than half of the testers, especially on off-camber ground or during abrupt changes of direction on technical terrain. The front toe bumper protects against direct impacts, although its lightweight construction is less suited to the most aggressive high-mountain environments.

This model is aimed at medium- to heavier-build runners seeking a competition shoe that combines high comfort with impact filtering for mid- to long-distance formats. The Mizuno Neo Accera performs best on varied courses, forest trails and relatively non-technical groomed terrain, where its ability to pick up the pace and its plush step-in feel support consistent performance in good conditions.

➜ The Nike ACG Ultrafly Trail is a Race-category model focused on efficiency over runnable, relatively undemanding courses.

The shoe offers very high step-in comfort, described as slipper-like by most testers. Its structured mesh upper is soft and pleasant to the touch, while a generously padded collar and tongue secure the foot. The toe box is considered fairly wide, making it suitable for medium to broad feet; narrow feet may experience some movement. Conventional lacing is effective and even, providing reliable adjustment without noticeable pressure on the instep.

On the run, the shoe is defined by substantial, very soft cushioning. The thick sole thoroughly filters out rough terrain, although some runners seeking more firmness for racing found the foam excessively soft. The carbon plate and pronounced rocker provide its dynamism, encouraging a mechanical roll forward. The system supports high paces on flat ground, but the shoe becomes less lively once the terrain turns steep or rough. Nearly half the testers reported a degree of heaviness and a lack of bounce, with the cushioning tending to absorb impact rather than return energy in a lively way.

Foot hold and stability show clear structural limitations as the terrain becomes more technical. The high stack and narrow heel profile create noticeable lateral instability, with the foot tending to twist on uneven surfaces and through abrupt changes of direction. Vibram rubber provides effective grip on dry, rocky ground, but the shallow lugs limit traction in mud and loose soil. A robust heel counter improves protection, while the lightweight toe bumper offers limited defence against direct impacts in rocky terrain.

The Ultrafly Trail is intended for medium-build runners seeking a stable, comfortable shoe for short- to mid-distance races on undemanding trails. It is best suited to runners who value smooth transitions and reduced joint impact on courses ranging from gravel to mid-mountain terrain, where technical difficulty remains moderate.

➜ The Norda 005 is a high-performance Race-category shoe combining light weight and protection for competitive racing across varied terrain.

The shoe delivers high step-in comfort, with more than 60% of testers describing an immediate slipper-like feel. Its generous volume, particularly in the forefoot, suits wide feet by avoiding lateral compression. That structural width may reduce precision for narrow-footed runners. The lacing system provides even, reliable adjustment, although the rough laces can create localised pressure on the instep. Getting into the shoe can also be tricky because of the collar's height and ergonomics.

In motion, foot hold and moving stability stand out, enabling quick changes of direction and good agility on technical trails. The sole provides secure stability, especially during midfoot landings, maintaining a precise connection with the ground despite the protective foam thickness. Its dynamism is more nuanced: most testers praised a smooth, agile stride, while some found acceleration lacking on very runnable sections. Firm cushioning provides excellent ground feedback while effectively neutralising impact on descents.

The Vibram outsole grips dry, rocky ground effectively, with lugs that deliver strong traction. A significant limitation appears on wet surfaces: one third of testers reported critical grip loss on wet wood and rock slabs, making footing precarious in poor weather. Protection is a major strength, thanks to a robust toe bumper and durable mesh that preserve the foot against obstacles. Upper breathability was also well received, providing balanced thermal management during effort.

This model combines low weight with distance versatility, making it suitable for short to long formats. It is particularly well suited to wide-footed competitors seeking a stable, high-quality shoe for varied trails. The Norda 005 performs best on dry technical terrain, where its agility and balanced cushioning help optimise race pace.

© ROSSIGNOL

➜ The Rossignol Vezor is a robust, protective Race-category shoe focused on stability and precision in technical mountain terrain.

The Vezor has a particularly narrow, close-fitting shape aimed primarily at narrow feet and designed to deliver immediate precision. Testers highlighted its quality step-in comfort, with soft inner foam and an enveloping slipper-like feel that makes it easy to put on. The supple, well-integrated tongue contributes to consistent lockdown without creating pressure on the instep. Nearly half of the testers noted the extended rear collar, which follows the Achilles tendon and adds a reassuring sense of security as the laces are tightened. The lacing system works well, although isolated comments mentioned laces that were too thin or slippery.

In motion, stability and precise foot placement are the Rossignol Vezor's established strengths. The shoe secures footing on rough ground, allowing commitment on descents and through technical sections. This is backed by exceptionally robust protection: the front toe bumper and rigid heel counter form an effective barrier against rocky impacts. The sole offers balanced impact filtering, preserving ground feedback while neutralising sharp terrain.

Its efficiency is more nuanced because of its technical positioning within the category. Around 41% of testers reported moderate dynamism and a structural weight above the usual standards for pure racing, making the shoe more effective at steady paces than during explosive accelerations. Grip is a clear strength on dry ground, dirt and rocks, thanks to high-performing Michelin rubber.

This model is aimed at trained runners with narrow to medium-width feet seeking a stable, protective and durable shoe for mountain races. The Rossignol Vezor performs best over mid- to long-distance formats, where precision and structural robustness matter more than absolute lightness.