See Manhattan On Your Feet: Whom You Know Recommends Xterra's Trail Runner XR 1.0
Support and stability doesn't have to mean "overbuilt." XTERRA's XR1.0 are the ultimate all-purpose running shoes. Lightweight and stable, this shoe provides the optimal flexibility, breathability, cushioning, and support to handle the roughest trails or the calm neighborhood roads. A running shoe for heel-strike and forefoot runners alike. Xterra is a new brand that we have been covering and we like the performance of their shoes.
When they set out to design the XTERRA XR1.0 they wanted to create the best trail running shoe for races. Colin Chapman designer and builder of Lotus Cars fame said "Simplify and add lightness." Although this automotive reference is a bit obscure for our world of XTERRA racing, but "Simplify and add lightness" is very relative. A traditional "trail runner" is overbuilt, too heavy, too stiff, and the lugs are so severe they can be felt through the shoe. While running in a road shoe on the trail does not provide enough support, traction or rock protection. Having run trails all over the USA they settled on a few truths to address:
Trails have a lot of different surfaces.
Running on trails or to trails often means miles on the road too.
Rocks and roots can hurt!
A stable platform is key.
That extra ounce or two on your shoe lifted, say 4000 times adds up to whole bunch of weight!
Cushioning is important on all surfaces.
How it Works
Sync in with the SYMBIONICS WILDTred technology. Engage with the grace and agility of a big-game predator. Independent touch pads for wrap-around grip, lugged claws for traction, and the convertible breeze of XHale a webbed nylon weave that allows your feet to catch their breath. Everything bred together to give you a running experience that till now, was only for those who ran on all fours.
The midsole is injected EVA, no cushioning is wasted by compressing the EVA into a mold, plus no material is wasted during manufacturing. The XR1.0 has a blown rubber outsole with a carbon rubber toe. Blown rubber is lighter. They use carbon rubber on the toe so the lugs can dig better on those gnarly, muddy trails. They've built in just enough protection with the forefoot rock plate and an I-beam arch shank for support and ride stability.
What is WILDTred? Inspired by a big cats paw, WILDTred is the out-sole's solution to traction. When a big cat runs it uses it's paws for traction, claws only come into play as a last resort. The out-sole works the same way, the entire blown rubber perimeter wraps around surfaces for traction, while the large indentations dig and bite allowing the perimeter to perform like separate pads. The center section of the outsole is concave with aggressive lugs, this provides two advantages. When running on a firm surface the center will compress increasing your stability, but when on an uneven surface, the center lugs can protrude to help grasp the trail.
What is XHale Mesh? This is the proprietary three layer upper construction. An External web frame offers optimal breathability and abrasion protection, The ultra suede core maximizes support in key areas, and an ultralight mesh liner for superb comfort and debris protection.
The Ultimate Running Animal
Weight: 11.5 ounces (men's size 9)
Light is fast!
Whom You Know put these to the test, and our stellar tester summarizes:
These XTERRA running shoes look sharp and helps me run at my full potential. Because they are trail running shoes, I can use them on all sorts of paths and terrains and go off-roading like my Jeep Rubicon. The bottom offers a platform of support with grips. Sometimes the ridges on the bottoms feel strange on the sole of your foot. However, these feel perfect. The mesh of the shoe also makes them breathable, which is an important feature for my running shoe of choice. My feet sometimes get super hot and tend to bother me. The Xterra was durable and protective which made me feel safe crossing any surface. I felt like I could just keep going and going, ridding that runner’s high till exhaustion. The shoe not only looks detailed, but the designers have also put a lot of effort into making every feature purposeful. These shoes have provided all the reliability I’ve needed to have an enjoyable a successful run while keeping my time up and avoiding injuries. I have a stronger motivation now to pull myself out of bed and go for a exhilarating run thanks to the XTERRA Trail Running Shoes!
