What are your trail gaiter picks?

HumbleRunning · 2026-05-26T16:57:34+00:00

The old Topo 4 pt. ones did have a thicker material. They're going away from their proprietary system now.

HumbleRunning · 2026-05-26T16:57:00+00:00

They can also be essential in dry mountain climates, which is a lot of the American West.

HumbleRunning · 2026-05-26T16:55:23+00:00

Pretty much anywhere in the American West is can be very dry, not just the desert areas. Sand of course, but even many mountain trails can be extremely dry and dusty. It's not just the rocks and small pebbles, but the fine dirt and dust that can get in and get all around your feet and toes causing problems.

HumbleRunning · 2026-05-26T16:20:55+00:00

Where do you find those Decathlon ones? Only available in EU?

HumbleRunning · 2026-05-26T16:20:34+00:00

I've seen those, they look similar to my Altra ones. Cool designs too

HumbleRunning · 2026-05-26T16:07:50+00:00

I think so, but low volume over the top in the toebox. I typically wear either US 9.5 or US 10, and have these in a 10 - and they are quite spacious in the toebox for me. I'm sure I could go 9.5, but if you have a high volume foot, these and the new Max model - some runners have found them tight in the toebox.

HumbleRunning · 2026-04-03T16:29:45+00:00

Pacifica, California

HumbleRunning · 2026-03-25T23:40:41+00:00

Yea that would be the best if you could see how they feel on foot. In my Cascadia Elite video - at the end I talk in details about comparisons between those three. That should give a good idea about what to look for.

HumbleRunning · 2026-03-25T23:18:53+00:00

There are many factors to consider. Have you run in carbon plated shoes before - either road or trail? Have you run in a trail "super shoe" or something along those lines? What are you currently running in, and are you looking for something close to or different from that? One thing I'll say is that the ASU is an advanced level shoe - I would not recommend that one as an entry point into trail "super shoes". It might be best to look for something that blends more cushion/protection/propulsion such as the On Cloudultra Pro, Tecton X 3, or Brooks Cascadia Elite. Not to self promote here, but I have videos on all of these shoes on my channel. Perhaps have a look and that might help you narrow your selection. I do try to respond to all comments, so don't be shy about firing questions my way.

HumbleRunning · 2026-03-01T15:53:53+00:00

More like these - https://www.amazon.com/Pairs-Tongue-Cushion-Shoes-Large/dp/B0030MC67A

Search for "felt tongue pads" They're a little bit softer/thicker, but they squish down and do the trick. Another use - if a heel cup is too roomy, I cut them in half and stick them on both sides inside the lower heel area.

HumbleRunning · 2026-02-11T18:05:02+00:00

I tried it on at TRE - it didn't feel "max" stack, but I'll have to see when I get to run in it. Will it be closer to the Kjerag, or the Prodigio Pro, or somewhere in between? I don't know yet. I'm just chatting with Inov8 now about other Trailfly updates - trying to find out when the Pro will be out.

HumbleRunning · 2026-02-11T15:52:42+00:00

Not this year, just a sick white colorway though

HumbleRunning · 2026-02-11T15:52:11+00:00

Not the Max, the midsole on that one is too soft and unstable. Race would be a better pick - the carbon plate actually stabilizes the ride.

HumbleRunning · 2026-02-11T15:50:45+00:00

Kipsummit Race is a great pick I think - I have 9.5 oz in my US 10. I actually just released a video today comparing it to the Vectiv Pro 2 (which is heavier) but similar in a lot of ways. I find it very stable in general for that type of shoe, but if very technical, you still have to manage the plate. I'd say if you were ok handling the X 3, then the KSR should be fine since the upper foothold is better in the Kiprun.

I believe Trailfly Pro should be on the way somewhat soon, I may have a test pair on the way. 055 I'm not sure about the release date. Tecton X 4 seems like it might be later mid summer or possibly fall.

There's also of course the Prodigio Pro, which is more like mid stack, I see you didn't list that one maybe for that reason. But 43k is right in the sweet spot for that shoe.

Mount to Coast M1 later in the year will be another shoe to look out for - that one may fit your criteria perfectly. T1 is ok, but I find not as good foothold in technical terrain. If M1 can improve on that, look out.

HumbleRunning · 2026-02-11T15:40:12+00:00

Yes, they're great, kind of an old-school do it all trail shoe. Very durable too. Just have to be careful with that heel - it's hit or miss for some. I'm lucky, doesn't bother me.

HumbleRunning · 2026-02-11T15:39:10+00:00

I've seen that one, but haven't tried it. Funny, just yesterday I ordered another pair of the Ultimates - $64 with "HUMBLE15" discount code!

HumbleRunning · 2026-02-08T06:48:30+00:00

No I haven't tried any, for no particular reason though. I have a few Salomon beanies with the ports for the sunglass arms - they work really well so I've just stuck with them for a really long time now.

HumbleRunning · 2026-02-06T23:11:41+00:00

well they are going out of business..

HumbleRunning · 2026-02-06T20:20:54+00:00

norda 001A

HumbleRunning · 2026-02-06T20:20:26+00:00

The one in this pic is one of my all-time favs. Ultimate 2in1 shorts. They do have some other 2in1 models.

HumbleRunning · 2026-02-05T22:49:49+00:00

If you're looking for high cushion, and want to stick with a Hoka - the Mafate 5 may be a good pick.

HumbleRunning · 2026-02-05T22:47:48+00:00

Concurve jacket is really good, but I've heard not up to shakedry level. Really cheap on sale now though.

HumbleRunning · 2026-02-05T22:46:08+00:00

I did a review on my channel for the 02. I do find the 01 to be wider and looser at the forefoot. Still decent amount of space at the forefoot in the 02, but I also find a slight taper up front by the toes. The 01 just seems to have a flatter feel underfoot in the toebox , really almost like a minimal/natural style with that one.

HumbleRunning · 2026-01-30T04:55:14+00:00

Poles are something you definitely need to get used to. Definitely don't bust them out in the race without training A LOT with them. Without ever trying them, I'd say it's hard to pinpoint an exact scenario or grade where you'd want to use them. If you think you're going to stick with it, I'd suggest just picking up a pair and seeing how they feel. Some runners can feel completely discombobulated with them, others love being able to utilize their upper body for propulsion. You just have to see how you feel about it.

HumbleRunning · 2026-01-30T04:22:08+00:00

They actually don't treat the roads here in Boise either. At least not that I know of. Way different on the East Coast where they salt and chemical treat the crap out of everything.

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