
These massive lugs act more like ice crampons than shoe treads, and as such this shoe will keep you stable through snow, mud, sand and anywhere else the ground is generally inhospitable to bipedal locomotion.

The bottom of a Salomon Speedcross 6 has 33 lugs, including the two facing directly off the front of the shoe for grip during steep climbs. The secret to the Speedcross’ success isn’t really a secret at all (just turn it over to get your answer). For this, the Salomon Speedcross 6 is the best of the best-you’ll often see runners donning these kicks in the damp Pacific Northwest or icy Northeast. When running on soft trails where slippery, wet obstacles are prevalent, you need superior traction to prevent slips and deep lugs that grip the earth so you can stop at a moment’s notice. Weight: 9.1 ounces | Cushion: Moderate | Heel-to-Toe Drop: 10 millimeters


(Often, high cushion shoes feel great on well-graded trails but lack stability on uneven ground.) The Karacal has a soft upper, well-padded footbed and a durable sole with grippy rubber. These shoes are a great all-around trail runner because they’re cushioned enough for long mileage days but also perform well in technical terrain. Weight: 8.8 ounces | Cushion: Moderate | Heel-to-Toe Drop: 7 millimeters
