The MJ Rating System Excellent: Great: Good: Fair: Junk:

MOUNTAIN | Built to handle the ups and downs of steep, unpredictable backcountry terrain
NEW BALANCE 872 The 872 says, "I'm made for burly terrain." A polyurethane plate in the forefoot distributes the impact of stomping on hard roots and a dirt-clawing outsole clings to wet rocks. Reflective trim and a cushy foam midsole assist the occasional road crossing. [$90; newbalance.com] RATING:
LA SPORTIVA Pikes Peak Designed for extremely rugged terrain, where you might find yourself hiking because it's too steep to run, the 14-oz Pikes Peak has a composite plastic shank beneath the forefoot to guard you from rocks, along with sturdy ankle support and bootlike lugs underneath. [$95; www.lasportiva.com] RATING:
MONTRAIL Continental Divide If you take your medium- or low-arch feet mostly off-road, the 13-oz Continental Divide is the best choice. A dense rubber post on the heel controls pronation, while impressive traction and reinforced side panels and toe guards bolster the trail cred. [$105; montrail.com] RATING:
MULTISPORT | Three fresh designs that handle running, biking, and even paddling
SALOMON Trail Pro SCS Essentially an off-road cross-trainer, the Trail Pro SCS has ventilation and quick-drying materials to keep feet feeling fresh, with simple foam cushioning that absorbs impact as well as pricier alternatives. [$100; www.salomonoutdoor.com] RATING:
MERRELL Overdrive Big on support and protection, the 11-oz Overdrive provides more rigidity -- both side-to-side and front-to-back -- than other trail shoes. Tiny tubes in the heel keep the cushioning firm, so feet and joints are less likely to crap out over the long haul. [$90; merrell.com] RATING:
KEEN Ochoco Waterproof Don't be scared by the climbing shoeŠinspired lacing system of the 13.6-oz Ochoco. This truly is a performance trail shoe. It fits snugly, has a waterproof Event lining in the upper, and feels soft underfoot, thanks to a five-density foam rubber midsole. [$120; keenfootwear.com] RATING:
OFF-ROAD | Best suited for doubletrack, smooth singletrack, and occasional stretches of pavement
NIKE Shox Junga The Junga looks identical to a road-running shoe until turned upside down. Divided into four nearly free-moving sections, the sole in the forefoot grips the ground almost like a tractor's treads. For an added touch of relief, the upper is made of quick-draining mesh. [$110; nike.com] RATING:
THE NORTH FACE Arnuva 50 The 50's minimalism raises eyebrows considering the brand's past over-engineering. Made for ultramarathoners, it reduces foot sweat through ventilated mesh, front air channels, and a highly breathable tongue -- nice features for even a five-mile jaunt. [$105; thenorthface.com] RATING:
BROOKS Cascadia II Brooks created the Cascadia with the nuts and bolts of a typical road shoe but made some helpful tweaks for the trail. The tongue is sewn to the upper to bar dirt, the toe has a plastic guard, and the sticky bottom doesn't rise in the arch, thus maximizing surface area. [$95; brooksrunning.com] RATING:
ASICS GEL-Trail Attack II If you love the fit of Asics and haven't traded pavement for dips yet, these bright-orange kicks make the transition easy. Straps extend from the lace eyelets down the sides to cinch snugly, and orange rubber dots ringing the sole aid traction. [$80; asicsamerica.com] RATING:
INOV8 Mudroc 280 Largely undiscovered in the States, Inov8 has a dedicated following in its native UK. Look beyond the Eurostyling: The lugged sole clings like Velcro (even in mud) without sacrificing flexibility, which along with a 9.8-oz weight gives the shoe the feel of a racing flat with otherworldly traction. [$90, inov-8.com] RATING:
UK GEAR XC-09 UK Gear supplies running shoes to the British and German militaries. It cushioned the XC-09 underfoot, protected its front with rubber, and treated it with an antimicrobial finish to fight odor. Best for a long-distance trail-runner in need of arch-side support. [$90; ukgear.com] RATING:

Photographs by: Michael Pirrocco
(October 2006)