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PUSHING INNOVATION AND KEEPING UP WITH TRENDS ON THE TRAIL. TRAIL FOOTWEAR ONWARD UPWARD T here's plenty of "wow factor" appeal to be found in trail running and light hiking footwear across the board in 2023. Brands are tuned in to consumer trends and leaning into tech. And there is increasingly a blurred line between some of the performance details in road and trail shoes. Design details that are trending up in road shoes — such as bigger stack heights and plush cushioning — have made their way to the trail, as has carbon plate technology. Additionally, new participants are influencing trail offerings. "Beyond the overall growth of trail running, the biggest thing we've seen is the diversity of the audience," says Eric Sarin, head of footwear development, Cra. "e age range is wider, ethnicity and gender representation are also expanding, and the variety of terrains trail runners experience is also evolving. It seems people are naturally understanding the great impact being in nature can have." Sarin adds that the brand's trail collection is designed to be "versatile and dependable" for consumers who are looking for products that match the varying environments they run in — whether on technical trails, lighter trails or crossing over on pavement" Many new participants on the trail are seeking versatility in their footwear. "Since 2020, we have started to see a whole new category of individuals who are exploring the trail segment," says Chad Mullavey, manager, global product line, footwear, ASICS. e brand's new Trabuco Max 2 addresses this, Mullavey notes, setting out to "create an all-in-one type solution for the trail, offering both maximum cushioning and traction in an approachable shoe, suitable for both the individual looking to dip their toe in trail running and likewise those looking for an ultra-oriented model." Katie Pyle, trail product manager, Saucony, notes, "I'm seeing a few different trends right now in the trail space. Most notably, a push towards a higher stack height, more minimal and strategically designed protection in the uppers, the rise of new brands in the space, and of course, sustainability." n 18 • May/June 2023 sportstyle • sportstylemag.com HOKA Carbon fiber propulsion meets trail technology in the Tecton X 2, a speedy, carbon-plated trail shoe that has been refined for 2023 with a redesigned upper featuring a lightweight, hydrophobic Matryx textile construction. is update improves the fit, durability and protection from the elements, enhancing the propulsive ride that the original Tecton X was celebrated for. A lay-flat gusseted tongue helps mitigate trail debris. MSRP $225.

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