The first question that beginners in trail running often ask experienced runners is: 'Expert, I want to start trail running. Can you recommend a pair of shoes?' Even seasoned trail runners get anxious before a race, unsure of which shoes to wear, and often regret their choice during and after the race! Unlike traditional hiking boots, trail running shoes must handle rugged terrain while being lightweight enough to meet the speed requirements of running. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned runner with over five years of experience, choosing the right shoes is always one of the most challenging aspects of trail running.
The Six Key Features of Trail Running Shoes
Trail running shoes, which combine the needs of both running and hiking, have six important basic characteristics. Clearly, there is no perfect shoe in the world, so trail runners must make trade-offs among these six features. Hopefully, the following summary diagram will inspire you when choosing your next pair of shoes.
Since 2016, Columbia has been the main sponsor of UTMB® and has reorganized its Montrail brand, launching a new line of trail running products, including clothing, shoes, and accessories. In the spring of 2017, several trail running shoes from the Trail Running, Mountain Running, and Fastest Known Time (F.K.T) series were released. Based on the six key features mentioned above, let's analyze the characteristics of the new Columbia Montrail trail running shoes.
Dual Approach to Attack
Multi-directional Lugs, FluidGuide Multi-Density Stability Technology
The primary feature of trail running shoes is 'attack,' meaning they can handle both mountain trails and rugged, complex paths with ease. The CALDORADO™ II, the main Trail Running shoe promoted by Montrail in the spring of 2017, is also the battle shoe that Columbia strongly supports for all UTMB participants in mainland China. Its outsole features Columbia Montrail's unique multi-directional lug design, with lugs arranged at 120-degree angles to provide continuous multi-directional grip. This design aids runners in various techniques such as uphill climbing, sharp turns, and steep descents. The lugs are made of high-quality rubber compounds, providing sufficient grip and traction. Although the 4mm lug height is not as high as mud-specific running shoes, it ensures enough fun on both rocky and soft muddy surfaces.
The midsole of the entire Columbia Montrail trail running shoe series uses FluidGuide multi-density stability technology. The multi-density, progressive midsole design allows for smooth pressure transfer, adapting to changing terrains, providing good cushioning and support protection. Combined with the multi-directional lug outsole with 120-degree symmetrical lugs and flex grooves, it ensures sufficient grip while providing stability and support on rugged terrain.
The official weight of a single CALDORADO™ II shoe is 297 grams. The actual weight of a size 43 (28CM) shoe is 303 grams. A single weight of around 300 grams is an ideal choice for both daily training and competitive races.
Multi-Dimensional Protection Technology
TrailShield Puncture Protection, FluidFoam Cushioning, Metatarsal and Heel Protection
The main pressure points on the foot are the toes, the ball of the foot (primarily the first and second metatarsals on the inside and the fifth metatarsal on the outside), the heel bone, and the ankle bone. These areas need constant protection during trail running.
The entire Columbia Montrail trail running shoe series uses a midsole with moderate hardness and FluidFoam technology. The spring 2017 models feature a new formula with an integrated full-length midsole cushioning technology, enhancing cushioning by 17% compared to regular EVA, making the material more durable, the midsole lighter and more comfortable, and providing better rebound, offering long-lasting cushioning protection.
Puncture protection is an essential feature of all-terrain trail running shoes. Columbia Montrail's patented TrailShield foot protection technology uses an additional high-density protective layer to prevent punctures, effectively reducing the impact of stones and other hard debris on the foot. The toe cap and Achilles notch heel cup provide extra protection against toe impact and heel stability during downhill runs.
Signature Highlights: High Comfort, No Break-In Needed
Running shoes are in close contact with the feet, accompanying runners day and night over mountains and valleys. Comfort is the most intuitive feeling. Testers of the Columbia Montrail CALDORADO™ II reported that the shoes required no break-in period and felt comfortable right away. The upper uses Midfoot harness fit technology, which adapts to changes in foot circumference during trail running, efficiently wrapping the foot without needing to stop and adjust, thus improving running efficiency. The collar features thickened foam for easy on and off, and the enhanced anti-sand tongue design further enhances overall comfort.
The Columbia Montrail CALDORADO™ II has a 19mm heel and an 11mm forefoot, with a medium drop design that keeps the foot relatively close to the ground with a slight forward tilt. This design helps transition from forefoot landing to full-foot landing during running, further reducing discomfort from the continuous downhill impact during trail running.
Columbia Montrail Brand DNA: Durable and Robust
The Columbia Montrail CALDORADO™ II weighs around 300 grams per shoe. The upper is made of tear-resistant material, quick-drying breathable mesh, and a welded film support frame, providing good upper support and foot protection, minimizing the chance of accidental damage to the upper. The outsole uses GRYPTONITE wear-resistant grip technology and high-quality rubber compounds, providing excellent grip. The 4mm multi-directional lugs ensure long-lasting grip for long-distance trail running. American runners wearing the Columbia Montrail CALDORADO™ II ran 300 miles on various terrains in Utah, and the outsole's durability left a strong impression.
Special Features for Extreme Environments
In the rainy summer, in stream-filled mountainous areas, and in snow-covered winter landscapes, keeping shoes dry and comfortable is very important. In cold winter snowfields, waterproofing is essential to prevent frostbite. The MOJAVE TRAIL™ OUTDRY in the Columbia Montrail series uses OUTDRY technology, which differs from traditional waterproof membranes placed inside the shoe. The innovative design places the waterproof membrane on the outside, preventing the shoe from feeling wet and cold after encountering water, while the ultra-breathable design ensures continuous dryness and comfort inside.
Vibram's newly developed MEGAGRIP compound outsole provides stronger grip on wet surfaces. Columbia Montrail has also introduced trail running shoes using these technologies to handle more complex weather and terrain conditions, offering stronger grip, cushioning, and support.
No Need to Worry, Just Look at the Appearance
With the continuous development of technology and the constant upgrades of various trail running shoes, it seems that all brands can offer similar functions, each with its own high-tech features. In the end, many people may choose based on appearance. Of course, aesthetics are subjective, and there is no absolute standard. A pair of beautiful running shoes only reaches its full potential when worn by a stylish runner, paired with appropriate clothing, and running happily through the mountains, achieving an 'explosive appearance'..
First Impressions
Snug Fit, Clear Road Feel, Agile Turning
Compared to the previous generation, the CALDORADO™ II's last design appears narrower. My initial impression is that it fits the foot shape very well. Due to the reduced weight of the shoe, movements like kicking and ankle rotation feel very responsive. The forefoot width of 10.5cm is moderate, and the numerous multi-directional lugs combined with the flexible and easy-to-bend sole provide direct feedback on the road surface when running on trails. You can clearly feel the unevenness and lateral tilt of the ground.
When running on meadow surfaces like those in the Columbia168 Chongli Super Trail Race, where many areas have an overall tilt to one side and hidden pits, the forefoot's clear feedback helps the body make quick judgments. The soft and flexible forefoot sole allows for smooth power output when entering and exiting turns, ensuring a smooth running rhythm.
Second Impressions
Quick-Drying, Breathable, Lightweight, and Durable
Last weekend, the sun was very strong, with temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius. Wearing the CALDORADO™ II for mountain training, I didn't feel any stuffiness or burning sensation. Despite continuous sweating, there was no noticeable sweat accumulation inside the shoe. After running for most of the day, there was no significant odor when I took off the shoes. I haven't tested these shoes in rain or on wet surfaces yet, but according to Li Kuo, the 2017 China Huangshan Super Trail Race champion, who wore these shoes throughout the race and experienced rain and river crossings, his feedback was 'quick-drying, breathable, lightweight, and durable.' Weighing under 300 grams, these all-terrain trail shoes can be classified as competition shoes. The upper uses a breathable mesh with a welded film support frame, and more tear-resistant material is used at the junction of the upper and sole, making the upper more durable in thorny trails.
Third Impressions
Powerful Uphill Push, Stable Downhill Landing
Having ridden mountain bikes for many years, I have studied tire treads extensively. The first time I saw the lug design of the CALDORADO™ II, I was very excited, feeling that these must be excellent gripping shoes. The small square lugs provide enough friction with the ground, and the sufficient number of lugs and 360-degree multi-directional design ensure enough grip in all directions. I received satisfactory feedback while climbing rocky paths, steep gravel slopes, and uphill and downhill on dusty meadow trails. The soft forefoot bends easily, providing stable power output on steep slopes and enough confidence on downhill runs.
Fourth Impressions
Handling Complex Terrain, Moderate Cushioning Protection
The official data for the CALDORADO™ II outsole is 11mm at the forefoot and 19mm at the heel, with an additional 4mm lugs, making the forefoot thickness 15mm, which is not very thick. As previously mentioned, the clear road feel, agile turning, and lightweight durability make it relatively easy to handle complex and varied terrains. You can easily and flexibly jump, land precisely, sometimes choosing to land in soft soil pits, and sometimes directly stepping on protruding stones and leaping over them. Although the sole is not very thick, the moderately hard FluidFoam midsole is sufficient for ordinary impacts. When stepping on egg-sized stones or stone ridges and jumping over them, there is no obvious discomfort in the foot.
After several test runs, overall, the CALDORADO™ II is a suitable shoe for multi-terrain trail races, including dirt roads, gravel roads, grasslands, mixed tree roots and stone slabs, and a moderate amount of paved roads or highways.