Trail Shoe Comparison

This shoe has a well designed toe-box. It is a tad on the heavy side though I think this is Montrail's lightest trail shoe. The tread is sturdy, but there is almost too much of it. The shoe's upper is a bit think, but this thins with use and feels comfortable afterwards. The shoe does not feel to high off of the ground so I don't believe it would be too easy to roll an ankle in to. It is also a warm shoe - this may be good or bad depending on climate. The sole of the shoe is very supportive and not very flexible. It absorbed shock well. Fit is true to size.

The tread on this shoe is perfect. It is well spaced and sheds mud. It also seems a tidbit lighter than the Montrail. The shoe has a warm upper and on a hot day might cause overly wet feet. This ride feels low. There is not a lot of foam holding you off of the ground which means you feel more in control and in contact with the ground. There is a decent support throughout the sole of the shoe. Because of the tread, this shoe might wear faster if run on concrete or roads. This shoe fits true to size.

Northface was trying to improve their trail shoes. They did, but this one is still not up to par with some of the other companies. The tread is fine- sheds mud, not too much or little rubber. The sole is too squishy and the shoe has a narrow upper body. The toe box is just a might bit small. The upper is a spandex-like sock to keep debris out, but in the end it might just be tightening the fit and making the shoe heavier. This shoe runs small.

XT Wings has an awesome idea built into it. The Kevlar laces are strong and quick. The shoe itself is build like a Sherman tank or maybe better compared to a nice hiking boot. It has a non fabric wraparound that keeps feet dry. The sole is a bit too squishy and deflates faster than I've seen in other running shoes. Heavy, but still a good shoe. This one also fits true to size.

Might also help to know - my arch is normal, feet are a bit one the wide side and I'm a mid-foot / forefoot striker.