Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/1118716
May 2019 • Outdoor Insight • 21 outdoorinsightmag.com These shoes are all about fit and feel on the trail. Brands are fine-tuning the design of their footwear uppers to hug the foot, combined with midsole and outsole innovation that creates a smooth and protected ride on even the toughest terrain. Here's a peak at some new styles ready to blaze the trail. By Cara Griffin On "Comfort is the absolute most important factor in a trail running shoe or light hiking boot," says On co-founder Caspar Coppetti. "On's engineering approach is to bring the fit, lightness and overall comfort of our running shoe to the outdoors." The Cloudrock Waterproof, $229.99, is designed as a speed hiking shoe, with traction and protection. It is built for pace in tough terrain, with the brand's Speedboard tech helping it offer stability and forward motion. The Cloudrock also has a Missiongrip rubber overlay for traction on its Cloudtec sole. n Oboz The new Arete for Spring 2020 aims to pick up where the Oboz Cirque, designed for fast ascents, left off. Built off the dynamic A3 chasis, the Arete is a lightweight, breathable shoe featuring seamless construction and a mesh upper. Independent TPU stabilizers provide torsional flex and allow for natural articulation while the single density EVA throughout provides cushioning and comfort. Available in men's and women's low and mid heights, as well as waterproof options in each design. Shown here is the women's Arete Mid B-Dry waterproof. n inov-8 The Roclite 370, $220, features G-Grip technology, which infuses Graphene into the shoe's outsole, providing durability and sticky traction on wet slippery surfaces. "We have delivered to the market an outsole that is not only ready to take on any conditions but will do it for many, many miles," says Brendan Murray, U.S. sales and marketing manager, inov-8. "Runners are always looking for ways they can help improve their performance; the great thing about G-Grip is it helps them do just that." Made for fast-hiking, the waterproof Roclite 370 has 6mm lugs for tough grip over trail and mountain terrains, from soft mud to hard rock and everything in between. n