Salomon Genesis
The Salomon Genesis is positioned as a best-in-class all‑round technical trail shoe, pairing a grippy outsole with a stable, protective midsole that balances agility and cushioning for varied terrain. It outshines the Bushido II on mixed surfaces by offering more underfoot protection and is a more budget-friendly alternative to the plush Hoka Mafate Speed 4 while delivering dependable durability and traction for long days on technical routes.
Gecko grip
Bouncy ride
Gecko grip
Bouncy ride
Review Summary
"Generally liked for durable construction and confident traction on technical terrain, though many users find it heavier and less nimble than competing models and report some break-in stiffness."
Rock plate
Stable chassis for confident footing on uneven technical trails.
Rock plate
Stable chassis for confident footing on uneven technical trails.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
The Salomon Genesis is positioned as a best-in-class all‑round technical trail shoe, pairing a grippy outsole with a stable, protective midsole that balances agility and cushioning for varied terrain. It outshines the Bushido II on mixed surfaces by offering more underfoot protection and is a more budget-friendly alternative to the plush Hoka Mafate Speed 4 while delivering dependable durability and traction for long days on technical routes.
Gecko grip
Bouncy ride
Rock plate
Stable chassis for confident footing on uneven technical trails.
Aggressive Contagrip outsole that bites into wet rock and mud.
Gecko grip
Bouncy ride
Rock plate
Stable chassis for confident footing on uneven technical trails.
Aggressive Contagrip outsole that bites into wet rock and mud.
La Sportiva Bushido II
La Sportiva Bushido II is the market leader for pure technical precision on rocky, twisty singletrack thanks to its low stack, aggressive lug pattern and close, secure fit that prioritizes control and rock protection. Compared with the Genesis and Hoka it trades plush cushioning for immediate responsiveness and superior grip, making it the go-to choice for short, technical stages and racers who value nimbleness and foot lockdown over long‑run softness.
Catlike grip
Locked fit
Catlike grip
Locked fit
Review Summary
"Widely praised for its precise fit, exceptional grip and stability on technical trails; users note it’s firm and narrow, so it’s less comfortable for wide-footed runners or very long ultras."
Adaptive sole
Sticky FriXion rubber sole delivering exceptional grip on rocky terrain.
Adaptive sole
Sticky FriXion rubber sole delivering exceptional grip on rocky terrain.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
La Sportiva Bushido II is the market leader for pure technical precision on rocky, twisty singletrack thanks to its low stack, aggressive lug pattern and close, secure fit that prioritizes control and rock protection. Compared with the Genesis and Hoka it trades plush cushioning for immediate responsiveness and superior grip, making it the go-to choice for short, technical stages and racers who value nimbleness and foot lockdown over long‑run softness.
Catlike grip
Locked fit
Adaptive sole
Sticky FriXion rubber sole delivering exceptional grip on rocky terrain.
Low-profile platform for precise footing and quick directional changes.
Catlike grip
Locked fit
Adaptive sole
Sticky FriXion rubber sole delivering exceptional grip on rocky terrain.
Low-profile platform for precise footing and quick directional changes.
Hoka Mafate Speed 4
The Hoka Mafate Speed 4 dominates long‑distance technical trail running with a high‑stack, plush yet stable midsole that soaks up repeated impacts and reduces fatigue over ultradistances. Though heavier and less reactive than the Bushido II or norda 001, its premium foam and engineered stability deliver a measurable endurance advantage—an investment many runners accept for comfort and reduced injury risk on extended technical courses.
Cloud bounce
Stable long-distance
Cloud bounce
Stable long-distance
Review Summary
"Appreciated for plush, protective cushioning and excellent descending control with reliable traction; common criticisms are its relatively heavy weight and occasional midsole durability concerns."
Trail rocker
Plush yet responsive midsole foam built for long-distance comfort at speed.
Trail rocker
Plush yet responsive midsole foam built for long-distance comfort at speed.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The Hoka Mafate Speed 4 dominates long‑distance technical trail running with a high‑stack, plush yet stable midsole that soaks up repeated impacts and reduces fatigue over ultradistances. Though heavier and less reactive than the Bushido II or norda 001, its premium foam and engineered stability deliver a measurable endurance advantage—an investment many runners accept for comfort and reduced injury risk on extended technical courses.
Cloud bounce
Stable long-distance
Trail rocker
Plush yet responsive midsole foam built for long-distance comfort at speed.
Vibram outsole with deep lugs for secure traction across varied surfaces.
Cloud bounce
Stable long-distance
Trail rocker
Plush yet responsive midsole foam built for long-distance comfort at speed.
Vibram outsole with deep lugs for secure traction across varied surfaces.
norda 001
The norda 001 is a boutique, performance‑oriented technical shoe that emphasizes lightweight responsiveness and precise handling, offering a race‑ready feel without excess bulk. Positioned between the heavily cushioned Hoka and the low‑profile Bushido II, the norda 001 delivers a responsive chassis and modern materials at a competitive price for its niche, appealing to racers who want speed and technical control on demanding terrain.
Feather agility
Precise traction
Feather agility
Precise traction
Review Summary
"Reviewed positively for a responsive, lightweight ride and very secure grip on rough terrain, with many praising its modern design; some users flag a firm ride, limited sizing, and long-term outsole wear as downsides."
Snappy response
Light, responsive foam with a stable platform suited to technical terrain.
Snappy response
Light, responsive foam with a stable platform suited to technical terrain.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
The norda 001 is a boutique, performance‑oriented technical shoe that emphasizes lightweight responsiveness and precise handling, offering a race‑ready feel without excess bulk. Positioned between the heavily cushioned Hoka and the low‑profile Bushido II, the norda 001 delivers a responsive chassis and modern materials at a competitive price for its niche, appealing to racers who want speed and technical control on demanding terrain.
Feather agility
Precise traction
Snappy response
Light, responsive foam with a stable platform suited to technical terrain.
Multi-directional lug pattern designed for traction and self-cleaning.
Feather agility
Precise traction
Snappy response
Light, responsive foam with a stable platform suited to technical terrain.
Multi-directional lug pattern designed for traction and self-cleaning.
$190-250 CAD
VJ XTRM 2
The VJ XTRM 2 is a specialist minimalist technical racer featuring a low‑profile, near‑zero drop platform with sticky rubber and aggressive lugs designed for fast, technical courses where ground feel and weight savings matter. It competes with the Bushido II on agility but distinguishes itself by prioritizing minimalism and light weight over long‑run cushioning, making it a top pick for runners who favor speed and precision on rugged, short to mid‑distance routes.
Rocket propulsion
Secure lockdown
Rocket propulsion
Secure lockdown
Review Summary
"Loved by technical runners for immediate grip, low weight and precise ground feel, making it ideal for challenging scrambles; less favored for long distances due to minimal cushioning and a narrow, performance-oriented fit."
Burly grip
Featherweight, race-focused construction for rapid technical ascents.
Burly grip
Featherweight, race-focused construction for rapid technical ascents.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The VJ XTRM 2 is a specialist minimalist technical racer featuring a low‑profile, near‑zero drop platform with sticky rubber and aggressive lugs designed for fast, technical courses where ground feel and weight savings matter. It competes with the Bushido II on agility but distinguishes itself by prioritizing minimalism and light weight over long‑run cushioning, making it a top pick for runners who favor speed and precision on rugged, short to mid‑distance routes.
Rocket propulsion
Secure lockdown
Burly grip
Featherweight, race-focused construction for rapid technical ascents.
Grippy rubber and sharp lugs optimized for loose and hardpacked surfaces.
Rocket propulsion
Secure lockdown
Burly grip
Featherweight, race-focused construction for rapid technical ascents.
Grippy rubber and sharp lugs optimized for loose and hardpacked surfaces.