1. The Mountain Goat
The North Face Rucky Chucky packages the best of a big ol' mountain shoe—protection, support, long-wearing comfort—in a relatively agile chassis. Its key weapon: a pliable plate that guards against obstacles without inhibiting flex ($110; www.thenorthface.com; women's shown).
Traction: 5 out of 5 stars
Protection: 5 out of 5 stars
Agility: 3 out of 5 stars
2. The Much Hunter
Puddles, mud, snow . . . nothing fazes the Kayland Dragonfly, whose fully gusseted tongue and waterproof-breathable upper promise perma-dry feet. Protective sidewalls and a roomy, reinforced toe box make this shoe the equivalent of an all-season radial ($115; www.kayland.com).
Traction: 4 out of 5 stars
Protection: 4 out of 5 stars
Agility: 2 out of 5 stars
3. The Speedster
Made for fast, technical runs, the Nike Zoom Trail S+ has solid protection and cushioning—plus a secret midsole compartment for your iPod nano's wireless sensor. Slip it on pre-run and let your gadget track mileage while you beat feet ($85; www.niketown.com).
Traction: 5 out of 5 stars
Protection: 3 out of 5 stars
Agility: 5 out of 5 stars
4. The Go-Between
Trail shoes are beefy, road shoes are springy, and the Asics GT-2130 Trail is, well, the perfect compromise. It delivers softness and quick-flexing reaction with just enough outsole traction and abrasion resistance from the upper ($95; www.asicsamerica.com).
Traction: 4 out of 5 stars
Protection: 3 out of 5 stars
Agility: 4 out of 5 stars
5. The Technical Treader
Roots and rocks can shake up even a neutral stride. Enter the Brooks Cascadia 3, whose strategically placed foam stability wedges help runners stay balanced. The durable outsole tracks on surfaces wet and dry ($95; www.brooksrunning.com; women's shown).
Traction: 5 out of 5 stars
Protection: 3 out of 5 stars
Agility: 5 out of 5 stars
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