The following review was written by ATRA gear wrangler Sarah Barber and features Mount to Coast road and trail shoes in a comparative assessment. The words “mount to coast” seem straightforward—simple but also inviting space to elaborate. In the context of running, my regional bias immediately invoked an image of Mount Hood stretching into the… Read more »
The following is published with permission from ATRA Steep and Rocky member Salomon and features the signing of Grayson Murphy to the international team. Featured photo courtesy Cortney White. Ogden, UT – Salomon, the global leader in mountain sports innovation, is proud to announce the signing of trail-running athlete Grayson Murphy to its International Team… Read more »
The following review was completed by ATRA team member Anita Ortiz and features 2 of La Sportiva’s trail running shoes, the Prodigio Pro and the Prodigio 2. Product was provided at no cost for the test and review. I run a lot. All summer. All winter. No matter the conditions. And because of this, I’m… Read more »
The following review was written by Sarah Barber and features HOKA’s Rocket X Trail running shoe. Product was provided for the test and review at no charge. With UTMB in the rearview mirror, most trail runners probably think that all the shoe tech for 2025 has had its fifteen minutes of fame on the world’s… Read more »
The following review was written by Sarah Barber and features Altra and SOAR. Product was provided at no cost for the test and review. Some pairings defy the odds, like the unique friendship between Snoop Dogg and Martha Stewart. Other dynamic duos make us wonder how either member of the couple could exist without the… Read more »
Recovery begins in the feet. In recent years, major trail running shoe companies have increasingly focused on creating shoes not only for performance, feel, or style, but for recovery. Recovery slides, slip ons, and highly cushioned shoes designed for post-run recovery or for those who spend long hours on their feet before or after runs… Read more »
The following release is published with permission from ATRA corporate member The Running Event (TRE) and features this year’s move to a new venue. TRE is North America’s premier run specialty event that welcomes the industry to connect, learn, and grow. PORTLAND, Maine —– The Running Event (TRE), North America’s premier run specialty retail conference… Read more »
The following review was written by Sarah Barber and features the HOKA Mafate 5 trail running shoe. Product was provided at no cost for the test and review. Call it anec-data since I don’t have any hard numbers to support my perception, but I’m convinced HOKA is the most popular brand of trail shoes on… Read more »
Last week, I was on site for my third Western States Endurance Run (WSER 100), and it was a record setting day. Caleb Olson won the men’s race in 14:11:25, the second fastest time in race history. For the women, Abby Hall won in the fourth fastest women’s time, 16:37:16, and placed 11th overall. But,… Read more »
Each spring, the American Trail Running Association conducts a survey to measure trail running trends from our national audience. This year we had responses from more than 500 individuals. Complete survey results are made available to corporate members at the Switchback, Steep & Rocky and All-terrain levels. The following selected outtakes are from our most… Read more »
ATRA team member Sarah Barber reviews the Merrell ProMorph running shoe. Product was provided at no charge for the test and review. Recently, I found myself frantically cramming items into a roller bag in order to avoid giving the airlines my hard-earned cash just to haul—and potentially lose—my actual luggage. Because it was summertime travel,… Read more »
One of the most essential differences between road and trail running lies on the feet. In recent years, road running and trail running shoes have become increasingly distinct, and innovations for performance in each sphere are at an all-time high. But, as much as major shoe brands are investing in creating separate road and trail… Read more »
ATRA team member Sarah Barber reviews Altra’s Experience Wild 2 trail running shoe. Product was provided at no charge for the test and review. If an award existed for “Most Versatile Trail Shoe,” Altra’s Experience Wild 2 would win. This sturdy workhorse is the captain of the football team, the homecoming queen, and the valedictorian… Read more »
Merrell has a lasting heritage on trail that few shoe companies can claim. In the mid 1990s, Merrell pushed boundaries in the outdoor shoe space with the mission of creating the world’s best hiking boot. By 2010, they led the barefoot/minimalist trail running shoe market. In 2025, they have a wider variety of products than… Read more »
Sarah Barber reviews BOA® Fit System’s Altra Timp 5 Boa trail running shoes taking them out for test runs near her home in Boise, Idaho. The shoes were provided at no charge for the review by ATRA corporate member BOA® Fit System. Good bye shoelaces Imagine a world where traditional shoelaces are a thing of… Read more »
Trail runner and ATRA team member Sarah Barber reviews Arc’teryx Norvan Jacket, Norvan Crew Neck Shirt SS, Norvan Short 5”, and Vertex Speed Low Shoe. Product was provided for the test and review at no charge. For decades, I’ve thought of Arc’teryx as a high-end outdoor apparel company whose focus lives in the mountain peaks… Read more »
In 2020, lifelong Canadian shoemakers and endurance athletes, Willa and Nick Martire founded their own shoe brand Norda, to respond to the greatest flaws in the trail running shoe market. Since the early 2000s, the pair has worked for various fashion and sports companies and enjoyed a shared passion for cycling, cross country skiing and… Read more »
Shoe design duo Dave Dombrow and Kevin Fallon founded their own running shoe company, Speedland, in 2021, with the mission: “No compromises.” Their objective was to design running shoes independent of marketing agendas, material costs, profit margins, etc., and make the best products possible. After spending years working in shoe design for major companies, including… Read more »
Like every year, The Running Event (TRE) is a full-on information overload of new and updated shoes, clothing, products, services, and accessories. This year’s event in Austin, Texas was no exception. The entirety of the 900,000 square feet of the Austin Convention Center was filled by multi-storied exhibitor booths, live-streaming stages, meeting and dining areas,… Read more »
ATRA gear wrangler and trail runner Sarah Barber shares some of her favorite products in the following holiday gift guide. Footwear, socks, headphones, trail running poles, a hydration vessel, going pinless, energy gels, and joint support for a furry friend. ‘Tis the season. Salomon Genesis What trail runner doesn’t admire and strive to emulate Courtney… Read more »
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