Footwear Insight

LINES WE LIKE 50 • Footwear Insight ~ November/December 2024 footwearinsight.com TECH AND STYLE FOR THE TRAIL AND BEYOND. 1. Merrell / e MTL Adapt Matryx combines lightweight cushion with the grip and abrasion resistance needed for the trails. Features include a Matryx upper that combines multi-filament threads of Kevlar and high-tenacity polyamide; a FloatPro Foam midsole for lightweight comfort that lasts; FLEXconnect dual-directional flex-grooves in the midsole for enhanced ground connection; and a Vibram Megagrip outsole for grip on both dry and wet surfaces. 2. The North Face / A maximum performance trail running shoe, designed in partnership with e North Face global athlete team, the Vectiv Enduris 4 ($160) is versatile enough for either everyday training or race day runs. It is built to offer ultra-distance comfort with trail- optimized Vectiv 3.0 propulsion technology combined with an ultralight Dream nitrogen-TPU midsole for enhanced rebound and stability. 3. Lowa / Inspired by the brand's mountain heritage, Lowa's trail-tuned models are designed so "runners can run their trail their way." In Spring 2025, the Amplux all-rounder concept returns with the new Amplux 2 model that balances comfort and trail feel for mid-distance and daily training runs. It features durable yet breathable 5-D printed Reptex Sport uppers, a new Dyneva midsole designed for cushioning and rebound at speed and a full-length Lowa Trac Agility outsole with 4.5 mm deep lugs. 4. X-Bionic / Swiss apparel and gear brand X-Bionic is launching in the North American market with offerings that include the TerraSkin trail system. e "skin to trail" sock and shoe system is designed to offer both cushioning and control, particularly on the downhill. It has an Achilles tendon protector 3D heel cage, SkinKnit wrapping for control, Speedframe technology for stability, Spinweave technology for grip and traction, and Power-Lite carbon for reactivity and control. e elite level X00/C ($300) is built for medium to long distance, complete with compatible X-Socks. 5. Craft / e Pure Trail X ($169.99) is the updated version of the brand's popular Pure Trail, built to deliver lightweight performance along with grip and a protective rock shield. A good fit for rocky, unpredictable trails, the shoe aims to be fast and responsive while also giving runners durability and traction. It delivers cushioning with the brand's Cr Foam, which combined with advance midsole geometry, delivers a mix of dampening and cushion, along with propulsion and stability. n 1 2 3 4 5 A BIT OUTSIDE

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