New Balance 875 Trail Runner
I used to think that road runners were just as good off-road as trail runners. I mean, an aggressive tread here, a reinforced toe box there, how much of a difference could there be?
Well, I tried out the New Balance 875 trail runners this week, and the difference is huge.
The first thing that I noticed with the 875’s was the outsole. The lugs on the bottom were impressive and widely spaced to prevent mud and debris from clogging the tread. Made me feel tougher before I even put them on. Then I noticed how light they were-I had read about their stability and reinforcement, and I assumed that with it came a heavier shoe, but is weighs in at a svelte 11.6 ounces.
I took these guys out on an eight-mile loop on Northern California’s rugged Hornbeck Trail, and they were solid. I cruised over rocks, dirt, mud, and water and I never slipped or lost my footing. The Rock Stop plate running from the mid- to forefoot kept me from feeling every dip and bump on the trail and made the run feel as smooth as road, and the reinforced toe saved me as I repeatedly stumbled (with surprising violence) over an exposed root or partially buried rock.
Like a Corvette with tank treads, the New Balance 875’s pack protection, traction, speed and comfort into less than a pound of shoe, and are great for runners who like getting down and dirty.
The Quick and Dirty
Where you can get one:
Amazon.com: $89.95
Why They Rock:
- Lockdown Liner integrates the shoes lacing and liner for a better fit and more mid-foot support
- Full length ABZORB Strobel board provides premium cushioning and shock absorption
- The Rock Stop plate runs from mid-foot to forefoot creating mid-foot stability and wraps up on the toe to protect the foot from impact with rocks, roots, and other trail hazards
- A combination of solid and sticky rubber ensures exceptional ground
- contact and traction, while an N-durance outsole ensures long-wearing durability.
- SURE LACE laces keep the shoes from coming untied mid-run
- Lightning Dry lining provides moisture management
- A combination of solid and sticky rubber ensures exceptional ground contact and traction, while wide tread spacing prevents debris clogs
- N-durance outsole ensures longwearing durability
Seat-of-the-pants rating: 10 out of 10
New Balance’s 875 are great all-around trail shoes. Whether you’re a hard-core trail runner, a climber looking for approach shoes, or just want some light hikers, the 875’s are tough enough to slog through the wet Spring weather and light and ventilated enough to breeze through the hottest Summer hikes.
Looking to Buy? Check out these sites:
Amazon.com: $89.95
Guest Post By Billy Brown