Flat and Fast
If you’re running dry, flat dirt trails, you might as well enjoy road-shoe-like comfort. Here the SyncroFuel XC delivers with a seamless upper and even cushioning—pillowy enough for long, slow miles but light enough to feel fluid at a lung-busting pace. The upper’s secure midfoot wrap held our feet solidly in place, which kept the shoe feeling reactive when we needed to change direction quickly. That said, it’s best suited for grass or smooth dirt with only occasional obstacles, since the traction—and overall stability—is lacking for anything really rugged or muddy. 10.9 oz;
Traction: 2.5
Stability: 2.9
Speed: 4.6