$85

by Lisa Jhung

Shana Novak

TRACTION ACTION

Good for Technical Trails
Those who like to stay in tune with the trail will love the low-riding 840. Cleat-like, dual-density lugs dig in on loose, loamy terrain, making it a good choice for speedmongers in climes where dusty trails turn to mud in the winter. Compared with thicker-soled shoes, this one gives you far less protection from sharp jabs underfoot, but the thin, soft midsole affords better agility on tricky surfaces. "It's kind of like wearing slippers," said one tester. A narrow heel and wider forefoot add to the racy feel, but we did notice some sloppiness when changing direction quickly. 11.1 oz; newbalance.com

• Learning Curve: Trail Runners
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• Innovations: Running Shoes
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2009 Summer Buyer's Guide Trail-Running Shoes Reviews

Montrail Mountain Masochist Gear of the Year	$95
Mizuno Wave Ascend 4 Killer Value	$90
Brooks Cascadia 4	$100
ASICS GT 2140 Trail	$100
Patagonia Release	$110
The North Face Voza	$95
La Sportiva Wildcat	$100
Teva X-1 Evolution	$90
Inov-8 X-Talon 212	$100
Salomon XT Whisper	$115

2009 Winter Buyer's Guide Trail-Running Shoes Reviews

Pearl Izumi Syncroseek III WRX Gear of the Year	$115
Adidas Supernova Riot Killer Value	$95
New Balance 840	$85
Brooks Adrenaline ASR 5	$95
Merrell CP Paragon	$90
The North Face Chinscraper	$120
Asics Gel-Trabuco 11 WP	$100
Oboz Ignition	$100
Saucony Progrid Guide TR	$90
Vasque Velocity XCR	$120
Montrail Wildwood TR	$110

2008 Summer Buyer's Guide Trail-Running Shoes Reviews

Vasque Aether Tech Gear of the Year	$115
ASICS Gel-Trail Attack 4 WR Killer Value	$80
New Balance 874	$90
Nike Air Zoom Trail S+	$85
Brooks Cascadia 3	$95
The North Face Cooper's Hill	$90
La Sportiva Crosslite	$85
Helly Hansen Manifesto Beater	$110
Montrail Streak	$90
Salomon XT Wings	$120

2008 Winter Buyer's Guide Trail-Running Shoes Reviews

Salomon SpeedCross 2 Gear of the Year	$110
Nike Air Trail Pegasus+ 3 Killer Value	$85
New Balance 800	$80
Adidas Adizero XT	$80
Brooks Adrenaline ASR 4	$95
The North Face Arnuva 100 TR GTX	$130
Asics Gel Trabuco 10	$90
Vasque Mercury XCR	$125
Icebug Pytho BUGrip	$150
GoLite Shadow Dragon	$115
Salomon XA Comp 3 GTX	$110

2007 Buyer's Guide Trail-Running Shoes Reviews

Adidas J S3 Gear of the Year	$95
ASICS Gel-Trail Attack 3 Killer Value	$80
Mizuno Wave Ascend 2 Killer Value	$85
New Balance 790	$75
New Balance 790	$75
Lafuma Active Trail Pro	$95
Mizuno Ascend 2	$85
La Sportiva Fireblade	$90
Asics GEL-Trail Sensor WR	$110
Montrail Nitrus	$95
Pearl Izumi SyncroSeek 2	$95
Hi-Tec V-Lite Lava Run	$90
Teva X-1 Control	$90
Pearl Izumi syncroSeek 2	$95

2006 Buyer's Guide Trail-Running Shoes Reviews

Vasque Blur Gear of the Year	$85
Adidas Climacool Cardrona	$75
La Sportiva Crossroads	$95
Timberland Endurion	$110
Asics Gel-Eagle Trail V	$100
Asics Gel-Trail Attack II	$80
Montrail Highlander	$85
Keen Ochoco	$110
Montrail Odyssey	$95
Merrell Overdrive	$90
The North Face Radial	$85
Salomon Trail Comp SCS	$90
Teva X-1/C	$90
Teva X-1/C	$90

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Montrail Hardrock Wide Gear of the Year	$93
The North Face Cutback	$90
Salomon GCS Pro	$130
Timberland Trail Lizard with Gore-Tex XCR	$110

2004 Buyer's Guide Trail-Running Shoes Reviews

Adidas CC Cardrona	$80
Teva Citral	$85
Vasque Lightspeed	$85
Merrell Stormfront Gore-Tex XCR	$100
Pearl Izumi Take +	$85
Tecnica Tricon	$80
Salomon XA Pro 2	$90

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