Scale mountains or sprint between skyscrapers when the terrain gets messy thanks to the the claw-shaped cleats under the Roclite 290. An energetic midsole absorbs impact, and the rock plate underfoot guards your feet from sharp rocks, roots, and chunks of ice. Reserve these for hard-packed trails or parks and messy road runs. ($120, inov-8.com)
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You won’t have to hesitate along wet trails, icy roads, or snowy parks in the Pytho 4 BuGrip, which incorporates Icebug’s superior traction in its outsole. This shoe has the comfort and cushioning of a more traditional running shoe, but the durability, ridigidty, and ground control of a trail runner. The upper is also water-repellent. ($189.95, icebug.com)
The bootie-like construction of this shoe’s no-sew synthetic mesh upper makes the New Balance Fresh Foam Vongo v2 ideal for enjoying relatively obstacle-free runs. Also working in its favor: the sleek, streamlined look for style-minded runners. ($134.99, newbalance.com)
For dry, frigid run days, lace up in the Wave Inspire 14 by Mizuno, which will support you through long, hard miles. The shoe has a wave-shaped support plate, which is designed to boost stability and propulsion—making each stride just a bit easier. An interior ventilation system also expels excess heat and moisture to keep your feet comfortable for the long haul. ($130 mizunousa.com)
The name says it all. This run shoe was designed for elite distance athletes. The dense rubber outsole has four large lugs designed to propel you forward without weighing you down (one shoe weighs 7.5oz). Its breathability and lightness lends itself to sprints, interval work, and endurance training. If you’re looking for a speedy racing shoe, you’re already confident in your running biomechanics, and you don’t mind trying out Newton’s signature lugged design, try the Newton Distance Elite. ($155, newtonrunning.com)
In the throes of winter’s unpredictable weather—”bomb cyclone,” monsoon, sub-zero temps—the Air Zoom Pegasus 34 Shield is your sidekick. The outer mesh is boosted with a water-repellent finish, while tacky rubber under the forefoot helps grip the ground, adding traction on slippery surfaces. Reflective elements cover the shoe to keep you illuminated in early-morning and late-afternoon runs. The signature Pegasus cushioning and support remain the same, only now there are Zoom Air pods (pressurized air) in the heel and forefoot for some added spring. ($125, nike.com)
Speed through quick runs on cold, clear days in Reebok’s Floatride 6000. The speedy trainer’s knit upper is fairly forgiving, so it allows toe splay while locking down your midfoot. As the name implies, this shoe is designed for lots of cushioning, which makes it ideal for pounding the treadmill, but probably less than perfect for doing drills that require fast cuts or lots of lateral movement. ($130, reebok.com)
Salomon’s S/Lab XA Alpine is anything but an average running shoe, and that’s exactly the point: A combination of materials—anti-debris mesh, a ripstop fabric, and a water-resistant textile—blocks moisture, maintains breathability, and protects your feet from all but the worst slush puddles. The shoe’s chassis provides greater leverage and lateral stability on snowy patches without inhibiting your mobility, while an internal foot sleeve fits snugly to give that locked-in feel. ($250, salomon.com)
Wear Under Armour’s Charged Reactor Run to keep you zooming through bone-numbing temperatures and icy sidewalks. The shoe packs adaptive insulation that keeps your dogs toasty in the negatives, and cools down if you start steaming. The midsole takes advantage of compressed foam for cushioning that feels substantial and durable, so you stay fresh. ($139.99, underarmour.com)
