Gear & Apparel
What’s on your feet matters. Trailhead’s Gear & Apparel section covers the kit that keeps trail and ultrarunners moving — long-term trail shoe reviews, hydration vest testing, jacket and layering guides, sock and headlamp roundups, and brand-new product launches as they hit the trail. From entry-level trail shoes to 100-mile race-day kit, expect honest takes from runners who actually go long. Brought to you by UltraSignup, the world’s leading trail running registration platform.
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Trail Tested: Norda 055
The new Norda 055 trail shoe continues this small Canadian brand's legacy of using top-tier materials and innovative designs.
Brian Metzler
July 7, 2026
Trail Tested: Kiprun Kipsummit Max
Kiprun's KipSummit Max is a high-quality max-cushioned built for long-distance cruising on all sorts of trail terrain.
Brian Metzler
June 30, 2026
7 Great Trail Shoes for Technical Mountain Running Races
These 7 shoes can serve up speed and agility on the rugged terrain of technical mountain running races.
Brian Metzler
June 15, 2026
Trail Tested: Mount to Coast H1
How the versatile Mount to Coast H1 became such a buzzworthy shoe on the trails.
Brian Metzler
June 11, 2026
Trail Tested: Hoka Speedgoat 7
The Hoka Speedgoat 7 is dependable option for runners who value consistency, traction, and protection over long miles on the trail.
Allison Mercer
May 1, 2026
Trail Tested: Nike ACG Ultrafly
The Nike ACG Ultrafly is a cushy, responsive, and stable shoe design for long-distance running and ultra-distance racing on a variety of surfaces.
Brian Metzler
April 24, 2026
Trail Tested: Salomon Aero Glide 4 GRVL
The Salomon Aero Glide 4 GRVL is a soft, smooth-riding and versatile daily trainer.
Brian Metzler
April 19, 2026
Trail Tested: Kiprun KipSummit Race
The Kiprun KipSummit Race offers a good blend of semi-firm cushioning, energetic propulsion, reliable traction, and lateral stability.
Brian Metzler
April 10, 2026
Dirty Dozen: 12 of the Best Trail Shoes for Running in the Mud
Springtime running often means running on muddy trails. That’s OK if you’re wearing the right pair of shoes, specifically a pair of toothy trail runners with an outsole that boasts sizable lugs.
Brian Metzler
April 6, 2026
12 Great Trail Running Shoes To Consider Adding To Your Quiver This Summer
Here are 12 great trail running shoes to consider adding to your quiver this summer as you rev up your training for upcoming races.
Brian Metzler
March 16, 2026