Vasque TrailBender, $130
Lots of cush combined with
solid traction
Weights: 11.4 oz. (men), 9.1 oz. (women)
Heel-to-Toe Offset: 6mm; 28mm (heel),
22mm (forefoot)
The TrailBender stacks up a hearty
amount on cushioning underfoot
to soften the blow of step after
step, aiming to support runners
for miles on end. The cushioning
feels softer than most shoes in
this roundup, something that
translates well to hardpacked
trails. And the traction, dozens of
very low-profi le nubs underfoot,
does a great job securing footing
on even the steepest trails without
clunking or sticking too much to
pavement (adding to this shoe’s
versatility over multiple surfac-
es). Added comfort comes from
a mostly stitch-free upper, and
a terry cloth-like material lining
the interior of the shoe for sweat
wicking and softness. This shoe is
only available from REI until it hits
specialty retail shops in the fall.Under Armour VTT, $110
Comfortable, protective shoe good
for running and hiking
Weights: 10.6 oz. (men), 8.5 oz. (women)
Heel-to-Toe Offset: 7mm; 18mm (heel),
11mm (forefoot)
For runners seeking stability
and support, the VTT is a solid
option. It’s comfortable upon fi rst
step-in, the footbed and slightly
pronounced arch seeming to give
fl at feet some needed shape. The
VTT offers plenty of cushioning for
all but the longest runs, but the
stiff outsole creates a fi rm ride; it’s
not a very fl exible shoe. Runners
with weak foot muscles or who
simply prefer a fi rmer shoe will
enjoy the VTT. The polyurethane
and textile upper offers durability
(but doesn’t breathe great), and
the molded foam around the
heel collar adds all-day comfort.
Because of its relative stiffness,
protection and resilience, this is
a good crossover hiking shoe as
well as a good runner.40CM0617_FEAT_TRAILSHOES.indd 40 5/11/17 4:50 PM