The North Face Single Track Hayasa
BEST FOR: Mixing road and trail runs. THE TEST: The North Face鈥檚 light (and minimally cushioned) made testers happiest on less demanding trails where flexibility and comfort trumped grip and protection. Several commented on how much they liked the Hayasa鈥檚 breathable, soft upper, and everyone was impressed by how easily the shoe transitioned between well-maintained trails and roads. 鈥淎 great all-around shoe,鈥 said one. THE VERDICT: As long as you avoid really rugged terrain, you won鈥檛 need another shoe in your closet. 8.3 oz
Salomon XR Mission
BEST FOR: Long trail runs in rough terrain. THE TEST: Salomon鈥檚 was at home on firm, dry trails, where testers said the solid toe bumper and firm cushioning deflected rocks and kept their feet planted on uneven stretches. Testers found the聽Mission to be on the stiff side, but still 鈥渞eally responsive鈥 when navigating singletrack switchbacks. Rubber lugs offered plenty of grip in dry, sandy conditions as well as on shoulder-season slush but weren鈥檛 quite big enough to grab hold in the mud. THE VERDICT: An ideal shoe for trail runs on the slipperiest terrain. 9.8 oz
New Balance 890v2
BEST FOR: A cushy ride on up-tempo runs. THE TEST: We loved the 鈥檚 soft, pillowy feel, which made speed work and faster road running a joy. Heel- and midfoot-striking testers said the mild eight-millimeter drop (which makes this the flattest of the shoes here) struck the right balance and allowed for both types of strides, and at 7.4 ounces the 890v2 could easily double as a workout or race shoe. While the soft, flexible upper was comfortable, it didn鈥檛 offer weather resistance, and the rubber outsole didn鈥檛 grip well in the rain. THE VERDICT: A comfortable, lightweight, fair-weather road shoe for (almost) any gait. 7.4 oz
Pearl Izumi Kissaki
BEST FOR: High-mileage marathon training and racing. THE TEST: The 鈥檚 crazy color combo was the first thing testers noticed, but they were most struck by how well it handled long, hard runs out on the asphalt. Although a few testers wished for a little more flex through the midfoot, most reported that the responsive Energy Foam rubber in the heel and forefoot never felt squishy or deformed, even after 90-minute runs鈥攊mpressive for a shoe that weighs only 8.3 ounces. Pearl Izumi鈥檚 claim that the聽upper is 鈥渟eamless鈥 isn鈥檛 exactly right (there鈥檚 a long one connecting the tongue to the upper), but it was certainly comfortable. THE VERDICT: A neutral road shoe that won鈥檛 quit on long runs鈥攁lthough for $130, it should really do the running for you. 8.3 oz