This past July we got the opportunity to meet with all the major running shoe brands to get a glimpse of what’s to come in 2019. Here are six all-new 2019 trail shoes we’re stoked to test out.
Adidas Terrex Speed GTX
This one promises to be one the best all-weather lightweight trail shoe on the market. While not per say an all-new shoe from adidas Terrex it does debut a new Gore-Tex product. Featuring Gore-Tex 3D, an all-new sock-like waterproof lining stitched in upper adidas takes their best seller, the Terrex Speed and adds more protection from the elements. Available February 2019, $180.
Weight: 9.7oz (men’s), 8.3oz (women’s)
Drop: 6mm; 26mm/17mm
La Sportiva Kaptiva
If you look at La Sportiva’s entire mountain running shoe lineup, there’s a glaring deficit of sub 10 ounces (men’s)/8 ounces (women’s) shoes. Enter the all-new the La Sportiva Kaptiva, a super lightweight-racing shoe featuring a full-length rock plate with 3.5mm to 4.5mm lugs. A sock-like compression upper with knit-wraparound tongue is added to keep the Kaptiva snug and secure at fast paces. Available March 2019, $139.
Weight: 9.1oz (men’s), 7.9oz (women’s)
Drop: 6mm; 18mm/12mm
Scarpa Spin Ultra
A new middle-ground addition to Scarpa’s Spin line, the Spin Ultra aims to offer a bit more cushioning and stability than the Spin, but at a lighter weight than the long-distance cushioned cruiser Spin RS. The Spin Ultra will carry the same TPU insert for anti-torsion and stability as the Spin RS, but removes an additional low density midsole to shed some weight. The outsole features Vibram outsole with megagrip rubber. Available Late February/Early March, $150.
Weight: 9.3oz (men’s), 7.8oz (women’s)
Drop: 6mm
Saucony Switchback ISO
Saucony took their lightweight road shoe, the Freedom ISO featuring Everrun midsole and added a grippy trail protective outsole. The upper is outfitted with a BOA turn-dial lacing system and a reinforced woven mesh upper. I got the opportunity try on a pair and my first impression is light, secure and cushioned. Available February 2019, $140.
Weight: 9.6oz (men’s), 8.6oz (women’s)
Drop: 4mm
Merrell Antora
This is a lightweight, affordable cushioned trail shoe designed specifically for women. At 8 ounces it boosts a plush 34mm of Merrell’s Q FORM 2 midsole under the heel, giving it more cushioning than most shoes in a similar weight class. Merrell gender-engineered the midsole for women to allow for natural alignment. Outsole features Vibram TC5+ with 5mm lugs for underfoot traction. Also offered with Gore-Tex InvisibleFit for $140. Available February/March 2019, $110.
Weight: 8oz (women’s)
Drop: 6mm; 34mm/26mm
Merrell Cirrus
Designed with Skyrunning in mind, this men’s trail shoe is best suited for fast running in technical terrain. Weighting in at a somewhat heavy 11 ounces, the Cirrus feels much lighter and nimble than most 11 ounce shoes. It’s outfitted with an EVA midsole, TrailProtect rock plate and Vibram MegaGrip outsole with 4.5mm lugs. Available February/March 2019, $180.
Weight: 11oz (men’s)
Drop: 5mm; 30mm/25mm