By Chloe Bishop

   

'The Trailtalon 290s are by far my favourite go-to trail running shoe of all time!'

     

    

 

Photo credit: Caro Jordaan   

      
Over the last year, I’ve been training, racing and hiking in these shoes. They’ve been my sidekicks on all my races and all-day mountain adventures, keeping my feet happy and comfy.

 

There are many things one needs to consider when running and racing long distances, and what’s more important than the shoes you’re running in? The Trailtalon 290s are specially designed for long runs on all terrain.

 

These shoes feature ADAPTERFIT technology, which means the fit of the shoe adapts as the foot swells, which frequently happens on longer distance runs.

  

The two-piece POWERFLOW midsole provides increased shock absorption and energy return. It is soft enough for ultra long days and they are comfortable enough that there is no need to break them in. You can take a brand-new pair straight out the box and hit the trails! It is ideal for running as well as hiking, and one can spend a whole weekend in them without any signs of blisters or sore feet. I’ve personally travelled more than 400 kilometres through the Cederberg with mine, and not one scratch!

 

With an 8mm heel-drop, they offer the perfect balance between support and responsiveness. I’ve used them from ultra races down to fast half marathons and they really are a great all round trail running shoe.

 

 

 

 

The outsole contains multi-directional 4mm lugs, each with a wide contact area, which makes for aggressive grip, excellent stability and the quick release of any debris.

 
The outsole consists of three different rubber compounds. The hardest, most durable one is found at the heel, a medium rubber in the centre for increased traction and a softer rubber on the edges for grip and security with every step.

 

 

 

 

The Trailtalon 290 is by far my favourite, versatile shoe yet - gravel, technical downhills, rocky climbs, and water crossings. This shoe grips all of it. The traction is fantastic, and the cushioning is ample, but still allows for ground feel and solid footing on rock. A huge asset on any wild adventure imaginable!