Monday Shakeout: Summer 2025 Trail Shoe Round-Up
By David Salas
In this week's Monday Shakeout David shares a round-up of several trail shoes that have released this year and discuss their pros, cons, and our favorite uses for them. We're excited to talk about some of the companies that we don't see as often!
Trail Running Shoes Reviewed
Topo Athletic Vista
Salomon S/Lab Pulsar 4
Brooks Cascadia 19
On Cloudultra Pro
Puma Deviate Nitro Elite Trail
Topo Athletic Vista
Price: $175 at Topo Athletic
Stack Height: 38 mm heel, 33 mm forefoot
Drop: 5mm
Weight: 10.9 oz, 309 g (Men's 9)
Purpose: Trail Running, Ultra Running
The Topo Athletic Vista is a debut model aimed at maximum cushioning and long outings on the trails. The shoe has a classic Topo fit featuring a wide toe box and a a good lockdown through the midfoot. The shoe is designed to drain water well and does have gaiter support. The Vista has a balanced rocker and a wide platform underfoot. The shoe feels very secure and not overly done in any way. This is a shoe that can easily be both a trail running and hiking shoe. The Zipfoam midsole does feel softer and the experience underfoot is pretty plush for a trail running model. There is a high rebound insole in the shoe as well, though I am not sure how much that impacts the plush feeling vs. the midsole underneath. The insole does have a bubbly texture to it, which may not be for everyone. I did forget about it after a few miles, but it felt a little strange at first. There are also 4mm lugs within a Vibram Megagrip outsole. I did feel like the Topo Vista was a trustworthy option for pretty much any trail I threw at it. The shoe does not feel overly fast, but it is smooth and rhythmic for daily or longer outings. The Topo Vista feels like a competitor to the rockered trail shoes in the likes of the Speedgoat.
Positives: Plush and balanced feel throughout the shoe. Good traction for a large variety of footings.
Negatives: A If you are really sensitive to textured insoles, this one does have a noticeable texture.
Salomon S/Lab Pulsar 4
Price: $219.95 at Running Warehouse
Stack Height: 35 mm heel/ 29 mm forefoot
Drop: 6 mm
Weight: 8.9 ounces / 252 grams (Men's 9)
Purpose: Trail Running Shoe, Performance Trail, Sub Ultra
The Salomon S/Lab Pulsar 4 is a no nonsense short distance trail running shoe. The shoe has a snug fit throughout and a lot of connectivity to the ground. The general feeling on the shoe is firm, but responsive and very trail ready. The Pulsar 4 does have a really snug step in, which can be a little difficult to get on at first, but once the shoe is on the fit is quite good. Everything is normal to slightly narrow width, so those needing a lot of space may need to look elsewhere. The shoe uses speed laces for quick and easy lacing and changes if needed. The Energy Foam+ does feel like a firm, but snappy and responsive foam when you load it. There is a regular Energy Foam bottom sole that helps with a little bit of stability and is integrated with a large sidewall. There is also a thin film embedded in the foam for some rock protection as well. The Contagrip outsole uses 4mm lugs and feels sufficient in a good variety of footings, including technical terrain. The geometry is a very gently rounded heel and forefoot, that relies more on your natural stride length. The platform also maintains a decent amount of stiffness, which feels good when you are pushing the pace a little bit quicker. The Salomon S/Lab Pulsar 4 is a race-ready sub ultra trail shoe.
Positives: Great versatility and responsiveness. Easily one of the quicker trail racing options on the market.
Negatives: Very snug getting the shoe on, and although its better once its on, not for those looking for wider fits. Shoe may be a little aggressive for longer efforts for most, but excellent for going fast.
Brooks Cascadia 19
Price: TBD, 135 pounds UK
Stack Height: Not provided at this time
Drop: 6 mm
Weight: 10.7 oz, 303g (Men's 9)
Purpose: Trail Running Shoe, Daily Running, Ultra Running
The Brooks Cascadia line has been around for a long time, and for good reason. The shoe is a reliable workhorse for the trails. The Cascadia line has always been sturdy and reliable for both running efforts and hiking efforts. The shoe has a wide and forgiving fit that is also accompanied by a wide underfoot platform. The Trailtack Green outsole is grippy and full length. The shoe has a very gentle rocker to the platform with mild flexibility. There are also some gentle sidewalls that are integrated well and make you feel pretty centered. The Cascadia 19 is now using a nitrogen-infused DNA Loft midsole that makes the ride a little more plush and bouncy than its predecessors. The general feel still leans on the firmer side of the spectrum, but with a fun bounce that the shoe did not previously have. The upper is decently plush throughout for a trail shoe. I think it fits well and comfortably throughout. The tongue may be a polarizing one for people, with it being very plush for a trail shoe. Those wanting a really plush tongue, you got it. If it makes your foot run a little hot, then you may want to look for an option with a more breathable or thinner tongue. It is nice for those that it will agree with though. The Brooks Cascadia 19 continues to be a reliable tank of a trail running shoe.
Positives: Very balanced feel for both running and hiking. Plush and accommodating fit throughout. New midsole gives the shoe a little bit more life than before.
Negatives: Still not the fastest shoe, but great for steady and longer efforts. Tongue may be overly plush for some.
On Cloudultra Pro
Price: $259.95 at Running Warehouse
Stack Height: Not Provided
Drop: 6 mm
Weight: 9.7 oz; 275g (men's size 9)
Purpose: Trail running, Ultra Trail Running, All Terrain
The On Cloudultra Pro is a brand new shoe from On that is targeted at maximum cushioning and efficiency for ultra marathon efforts. This shoe will feature the super foam Helion HF in a dual layer design and a Speedboard dividing the two layers. The Missiongrip outsole has been redesigned for additional traction considerations. The fit of the shoe is normal width throughout, with a good amount of volume throughout the forefoot. This is really nice for swelling accommodation. The upper has a woven appearance and is very lightweight and breathable, while still feeling very structured. The tongue is gusseted and the lockdown through the midfoot is quite good. The foam is incredibly plush and bouncy for a trail shoe, but does not feel overly unstable. The geometry features a very rounded heel with a more gradually rounded forefoot. The initial contact feels very smooth for a trail shoe, with a forefoot that likes to be loaded and pushed off of. The transitions are smooth and the shoe does best at rhythmic paces. The shoe feels very neutral throughout, but there is enough security from the upper lockdown and outsole traction to feel connected enough to the ground. This is a shoe that is meant to be able to hit all terrain, and I feel that is very doable. Between road, runnable fire road, technical footing, etc, the shoe does a pretty good job in a large variety of footings without being a master at any of them. For me, this is definitely a shoe I would look at putting on my feet for longer trail efforts with a variety of footings.
Positives: Potentially the most plush and bouncy trail shoe I've tried without being unstable. Breathable upper that locks down really well. Excellent for long rhythmic efforts.
Negatives: The dual layer Helion HF won't be for everyone, due to the softness and bounciness. Though the shoe is not unstable, it is not as stable as many other trails shoes. Price is steep, but it does feature the newest technology in a trail offering.
Puma Deviate Nitro Elite Trail
Price: $230 at Running Warehouse
Stack Height: Not provided at this time
Drop: 6 mm
Weight: 8.6 oz; 245g (men's size 9)
Purpose: Trail Running Shoe, Performance Trail Running Shoe
The Puma Deviate Nitro Elite Trail is an expansion of their performance lineup into the trails. The Deviate Nitro Elite Trail will feature the Nitro Elite midsole seen in the road racing counterparts and will also incorporate a carbon fiber plate. The upper has been reworked to be much more secure and trail friendly. The general fit throughout is snug, but there is still a reasonable amount of space. The material holds its structure well, and I did not have any issues with foot translation or slippage. The outsole is also redesigned to be an all terrain focused version of PUMAGRIP. The geometry is gently rockered, but does allow you to push off the forefoot in a relatively natural way. The Nitro Elite midsole feels plush, but still maintains some rigidity that feels welcomed on the trails. The shoe feels surprisingly good with connectivity to the trail. The Nitro Elite Trail is very responsive when you push it, and definitely feels like a viable option for sub ultra races. The ATR midsole has lugs that are good enough for most footings, but probably isn't the go to option for really technical trails. It is able to tackle everything though with decent success, without being a master at any specific footing. The shoe can go slow and fast, but I do think the shoe naturally wants to push the pace some. I do think this would be one of the friendlier "performance trail shoes" on the market for a larger variety of paces though. The Puma Deviate Nitro Elite Trail is a successful pivot into the super trail market.
Positives: Lightweight and very responsive. Feels decent at slower paces for how fast the shoe can go.
Negatives: A bit more of a snug fit. The stiffer carbon fiber plate won't be for everyone. Outsole is a true ATR, and won't be as good in higher technical situations.
Can I Run in Neutral Shoes?
Super Shoes and Running Economy?
Super Shoes are Placebos?
Transitioning Out of Stability Shoes?
Who Does Best in What Types of Shoes?
Matt's Favorite Shoes of 2024
Andrea's Favorite Shoes of 2024
David's Favorite Shoes of 2024
Nathan's Favorite Shoes of 2024
Value of a Simple Daily Trainer
SUPPORT DOR
*Using the link to purchase helps support Doctors of Running. Thanks so much!
Check out Gear We Love
Ultraspire Fitted Race Belt: The best way to carry your phone and goods on the run. No bounce and various sizes for waist. (Also recommend the Naked belt)
Saysky Running Gear: We were really taken aback by this Scandinavian company's ultra-thin, durable performance clothing
Skratch Recovery, Coffee Flavor: Mental and physical boost post run. Coffee flavor is excellent and goes great straight into a fresh brewed cup
goodr Sunglases: Run in style with goodr's super fun sunglasses.
Feetures Socks: Massively grippy socks that will make you feel more one with the shoe
Amphipod Hydraform Handheld Water Bottle: Perfect for long runs when you need hydration in the summer
Trigger Point Foam Roller: Help get those knots out post-run and feel better for tomorrow
Theragun Massager: This small version is great on the go for working tired legs
Ciele Hat: Our team's favorite running hat of choice!
Fractel Hats: Our team's wider fitting running hat of choice!
FURTHER READING
Nike Vaporfly Next% 3 - A better fit and new geometry make the Vaporfly 3 the best yet
Spring Sustainable Apparel Review - We look at some new stylings from adidas and Saucony
Hoka Tecton X 2 - Subtle changes keep this trail racer a fun and fast ride
Nike Invincible 3 - Updated to improve stability, this max cushion trainer evolves for v3
ASICS Hyper Speed 2 - A lightweight racing shoe for an incredible price
Brooks Catamount 2 - A redesign adds a SkyVault plate to the trail shoe
Find all Shoe Reviews at Doctors of Running here.
Thanks for reading!
FOLLOW DOCTORS OF RUNNING ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook: Doctors of Running
Youtube Channel: Doctors of Running
Instagram: @doctorsofrunning
LinkedIn: Doctors of Running
Strava: Doctors of Running
Podcast: Virtual Roundtable
Pinterest: Doctors of Running
PODCAST
Check out the Doctors of Running Podcast to find more reviews, interviews, and running features from the team.
Visit our Podcast Page
Find us on Apple
Find us on Spotify
Editor's Note: As always, the views presented on this website belong to myself or the selected few who contribute to these posts. This website should not and does not serve as a replacement for seeking medical care. If you are currently injured or concerned about an injury, please see your local running physical therapist. If you are in the Los Angeles area, I am currently taking clients for running evaluations.
Contact us at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com
NEXT: Can I Run in Neutral Shoes?