Conversational Pace Favorite Trail Shoes of 2023. A Year In Review!

[@crimphigh]

I feel like I watch Conversational Pace for shoe beta, but really I think I watch it for the comedy. Thanks for not taking gear reviews too seriously.

[@ConversationalPace]

At the end of the day, it's just running and that shouldn't ever be taken too seriously. Especially in the trail world when a successful day might just be whether you don't crap yourself 😂😂

[@markbuley176]

The Norda 001 gets my vote in every category. I have the GS Tam and the Normal Kjerag and I still reach for the Norda on almost every run. Y'all are doing yourselves a disservice if you don't get a pair of the 001s on your feet in 24. Just my 2 cents. LOVE the content both here and on Singletrack. Keep up the world-class work gents. Happy New Year!

[@etho98]

I have the exact same shoes and the exact same sentiment! Some norda owners are clocking in 1000 to 2000… unreal. Worth every penny.

[@ConversationalPace]

Fortunately, I will have a pair of Norda 001s within the next week! So stoked to start logging some miles in these. Thanks for watching!

[@Not_So_Common_Sense]

My main concerns with the 001 revolve around the upper. Mid/outsole are perfect (can't believe some reviewers describe the ride as "stiff"). But Dyneema is too hot for late spring/summer weather around here (maybe perfect for Canada but most people live in warmer climates). Also, the lack of a structured heel means I have to perform a heel lock-but the laces (also made of Dyneema) are to stiff and dig in when I'm going fast downhill. Maybe they will soften up eventually (and you can always replace them with regular laces) but at that price I expect nothing more than perfection from a shoe. Other than that a great shoe.

[@codyrobinson5130]

I'd agree with the 001 statement. I do have to runners knit the laces, but that's a non issue for me, I do that with alot of shoes. But I will say it's very similar to the kjerag in that the shoe gets better with age, the upper seems to soften up and form to your foot better the more you run in them. Incredible shoe. 10/10

[@n.duquette]

They are next level, I feel so confident in every condition. I just wish the tongue was a bit longer, balancing lockdown with lace bite can be an issue.

[@aaronsmith2929]

Kjerag also my favorite trail shoe of the year. They give you this stripped down , natural, connected feel that is so much fun and confidence inspiring.

[@ConversationalPace]

It was such a pleasant surprise. And to come out of a first year brand too, is just super cool to see. Thanks for watching!

[@stefaniaalbanesi1372]

This was really informative. I want to shout out the Norda 001 which I have used exclusively since it came out. It works on every kind of terrain and it is amazingly comfortable, no issues with foot fatigue, light and responsive. The traction is great and it’s a fantastic winter shoe. I used it a ton for running on hilly western Pennsylvania trails and flatter Minnesota trails in the middle of winter. But I race mainly in California, AZ, UT where it also does great. I would highly recommend this shoe to those looking for an all purpose, light, all weather, great traction, really comfortable shoe. I recently got a pair of Speedlands to try out the Boa system and I love them too, but they would not work as a winter shoe and I do think the traction is not as great as the Norda.

[@ConversationalPace]

I'm so excited to log some miles in the 001 this year. I'll find out soon about the 001, but I agree, the Speedland (GS:TAM) doesn't have quite deep enough lugs to be a great shoe in winter conditions. Thanks for watching!

[@ricodelavega4511]

i wasnt very aware of asics trail shoes, then just today in a grocery store i saw a lady wearing some asics trail shoes, and to my surprise i saw it had a gaiter trap. I didnt think asics was that kind of brand. also, you guys are humorous, keep it up....run happy.

[@ConversationalPace]

Thanks for watching! Asics makes some great trail shoes and they also do a great job of making sure nobody knows that 😂

[@TrailrunnerTroy]

Thanks for a great year, and to Lindsay Dakota for introducing me to your channel. Agree that Nnormal and Speedland have been stellar additions to the trail-running world, along with the Naked T/r (which worked brilliantly for me in the Pikes Peak Ascent). Also can’t wait for the LaSportiva Prodigio! Happy ‘24.

[@ConversationalPace]

Thanks for watching! Lots of exciting shoes around the corner for 2024!

[@dewaynescott5114]

“I put that shoe on and immediately had a vitamin D deficiency “ 😂😂😂😂

[@ConversationalPace]

😂😂

[@jakeva9802]

I love how you include thruhiking. This is the reason i subbed. Looking for other options to use for both long hikes and trailrunning.

[@ConversationalPace]

Glad you found the channel! Definitely thankful to have Finn as the thruhiking expert to help navigate that segment.

[@andyhighsmith6519]

Excellent!! Now, please get that Norda 001 reviewed and tell me everyone else is wrong and I shouldn’t waste 285 on it!😂

[@ConversationalPace]

I have a pair en route!!! Working on getting Finn a pair as well 👍

[@NateCrail]

Norda 001 is my do-it-all and fashionable trail shoe.

[@ConversationalPace]

Perhaps the most requested shoe to review, and it's looking like we're finally going to get the chance to review it soon!

[@davidtlam]

Great work on this, guys. I think you nailed it on most, including the sleeper Trabuco Max 2! I’ll echo the sentiment I saw on a few comments regarding the Norda 001, as that’s the shoe I grab for the most AND my WS100 shoe from this year. Unfortunately, I love the Kjerag as a concept, but it hasn’t been the best shoe for a wider foot like mine across 5 different shoe size attempts in it. Keep the shoe nerdom going!

[@ConversationalPace]

Thanks for watching! You're totally right about the Kjerag that the biggest 'flaw' has been that the sizing and shape isn't as flexible as most other shoes so it can be an immediate deal breaker. I'm super excited to log some miles in the 001 this year

[@Justin-vg7ij]

Thanks, enjoyed watching these reviews this year. Agree about TNF - I ran a bunch of miles in the Enduris 3 this year, underrated shoe.

[@ConversationalPace]

I've run in the Enduris 1 and thought it was a fantastic shoe for just about everything. Super excited to see all the new TNF footwear for 2024. Thanks for watching!

[@mdicello1823]

Hope these shoe reviews continue onward! Both of you reviewing shoes together... so good!!

[@ConversationalPace]

Thanks so much for watching! Cheers to 2024!

[@runswithdogs3069]

Awesome review!!

[@ConversationalPace]

Thanks for watching!

[@ClintonTonge]

100% on the ankle collar/gaiter. Nike Peg Trail 4 gtx for winter. Best design for wet conditions IMO.

[@ConversationalPace]

Yeah seems like a no brainer to add that to any GTX trail shoe!

[@zacmilverton3815]

I work at a running store in Melbourne and it’s crazy how the Venn diagrams of shoes are overlapping. It’s awesome for us who get to try and see so many unique shoes but I see customers struggle with choice paralysis everyday! You guys do a great job talking through each shoe and its purpose!!

[@ConversationalPace]

Thanks for watching! I agree it's getting increasingly harder to differentiate all the shoes. It is also cool to see that they're all getting pretty good at everything too.

[@colinmcc8564]

Just picked up some Zegamas ahead of Rocky Raccoon. Even though I have some Hoka Evo Speegoats and Nnormal Kjerags to chose from, the Zegama's clearence price, additional stack, and slightly deeper lugs has me feeling set for my (hopefully) first successful 100.

[@ConversationalPace]

That Zegama will be a great choice. For Nike advertising it as more of a big mountain shoe, it became one of my favorite shoes to run more mellow terrain in because of the cushion and the smooth heel to toe transition. Thanks for watching and good luck at Rocky Raccoon!

[@laurahubbard2169]

Thank. you for this and all the miles you all put in on all the shoes. You all are the best. Trabuco max showing up was a surprise/ making me want to try it! Happy New Year to my favorite shoe reviewers.

[@ConversationalPace]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@marcoc2706]

Also love Fresh Foam X here. Had over 400k in Hierro v7 this year. I have to put on some silicone sleeves when I run so my big toes don't develop blisters from the upper, but the midsole is just so comfortable. Snatched a pair of More Trail v3 this month. Will be running in them a lot more in the coming year.

[@ConversationalPace]

That Hierro is definitely an underrated do it all sort of trail shoe. Thanks for watching!

[@cgazlan]

I have the more Trail V3 in the white turtle dove colourway. I havent run in it... too pretty to get it dirty haha 🙂

[@ConversationalPace]

Haha It's so bittersweet when a company absolutely nails the colorway for a shoe 😅

[@Shevock]

The Challenger is my favorite shoe. Period. They've made them for a long time. I don't want to switch to the Torrent.

[@ConversationalPace]

I'd be shocked if Hoka ever moved away from the Challenger. It feels like it absolutely deserves to be one of their classic models that stays in their lineup indefinitely.

[@Not_So_Common_Sense]

Speedland PGH-returned. Norda 001-very good...but not $285 good. Kjerag-bought two more pairs.

[@ConversationalPace]

Love my kjerag! What didn't you like about the Speedland?

[@Not_So_Common_Sense]

@@ConversationalPace Too wide for my (normal) feet. Cranking down the BOA system does reduce midfoot volume but causes the fabric to bulge and creates pressure against the foot. Clunky when attempted to go fast (granted it's not a speedster but at that price it should be able to keep up when you pick up the pace). Maybe it's another runner's dream shoe but for me no bueno.

[@ConversationalPace]

I totally hear you on the upper problems for the Speedland. I'm right on the bubble. Any wider of a shoe and it would be a deal breaker for me. I also didn't feel very speedy in the shoe, but enjoyed it a ton for the long slow days.

[@Not_So_Common_Sense]

@@ConversationalPace Fair enough. This begs the question though-why spend 280+ bucks on a "plodder" with a less-than-stellar outsole and a fit so wide that is borderline problematic for people with low/normal volume feet...

[@ConversationalPace]

Some with a super efficient foot strike noticed the outsole durability problems less, but I agree with you, it's a tough buy if you don't check every single one of those boxes

[@GaëlNinot]

Happy '24 guys ! I run everything from 10 k to 100 miles with S-Lab Ultra 3. I love them because I have really narrow feet and the fit is perfect for me. The underfoot protection is very good (as a french runner, the trails of my area are very rocky and technicals), the shoe is stable and secure for my ankles. I also like the supple talon coque (no damage on Achilles). I ran 2 UTMB with them in a bit more than 28h and I was very happy with these shoes. I'm lucky enough to participate to the next Western States and I ask myself questions about this shoes for this race wich is not technical (only the first 30 miles). I was thinking about the S-Lab Genesis because they are lighter and softer, but the fit is not as narrow than the Ultra 3 and the higher stack is not as secure for my ankles... Beth Pascal won the Western States with Ultra 3, so I don't think they should penalize me. What do you think about that ? Do you have any other suggestions for a very narrow shoe ?

[@ConversationalPace]

Courtney Dauwalter also won Western States in 2018 in the Ultra 3. I think if that's the shoe you know works best for you for 100 miles, that's the one you should use. At the least, it's the one you should start with and maybe consider changing to the genesis or a higher cushioned shoe in the second half of the course. The first 50km is through the mountains and has some sections that are more technical than one would expect, so a well fitting shoe is very important for that first part. Thanks for watching and best of luck to you at Western States!

[@GaëlNinot]

@@ConversationalPace Thank you very much for your answer and advice. As I prefer to run without changing the model of shoe during a race, I'm gonna go with the Ultra 3 !

[@ajohnson6416]

Great video gentlemen! I've worn the Hoka Mafate Speed for some time now but I am considering the Asics Trabuco Max 2 for a technical 100 miler. My only issue is I have no place to try them on to determine size. I wear a 10.5 in the Mafate but I have no idea about the Trabuco. When I wore Asics years ago I was always a 10. Any suggestions on sizing? I know RW is great for returns but I'd like to avoid that if possible. Thanks again ! Keep up the great work!!

[@ConversationalPace]

Finn and I both went the same size for the Trabuco max as the Mafate Speed. Hope that helps!

[@ajohnson6416]

@@ConversationalPace , thank you for the reply!! Definitely helps!

[@philipking3010]

Great summary of the year. Interesting that Finn felt the need for a second pair of Speedlands given that they're meant to last for a lot more than 400. Also super excited for the new La Sportiva and also the Nike Zegama with the Vibram outsole.

[@ConversationalPace]

The upper and midsole could go for 1000+ miles, but unfortunately the outsole is one of the fatal flaws of the shoe in that it is not the most durable material, so after 350ish miles in his first pair, many of the lugs were worn flat, which wasn't going to suffice for the terrain of the 100 mile wilderness. It would actually be super cool to get a pair re-soled with a Vibram outsole, which in theory should be entirely possible

[@simonpollock2799]

would really like to see Speedland innovate on that outsole. for $275, i'm looking for a shoe that can 1.5-2x the miles i'd put in a normal, well-built pair@@ConversationalPace

[@ConversationalPace]

Agreed for more a more durable outsole. Technically you could get the shoe re-soled with Vibram at a cobbler, which would be pretty cool

[@JackCastle]

Still loving Salomon slab genesis! Tecton X didnt work for me - several rolled ankles on techy big mountain terrain and slippy in the wet. Norda 001 is very nice, but took a bit to break in. I do get some lace bite on the top of my foot though. Feels firm/stable but protective. Going strong at 600km. I'm excited about the Merrell Long Sky 2 matryx

[@ConversationalPace]

I too didn't love the Tecton X in big mountain terrain. Much more of a mellow trail shoe for me. I've just got 2 runs in the 001, and hope the upper continues to break in a bit. It's amazing how much mileage everyone gets out of that shoe. Hoping to get some Merrells on our feet here soon. Thanks for watching!

[@NateCrail]

How do the S/lab Genesis and Norda 001 compare?

[@JackCastle]

Norda is a very stable platform, feels less nimble, more firm / responsive. S/lab genesis is soft and agile, feels lighter, a bit narrower and longer in the toebox. I like the genesis booty / matryx upper and quicklace better for comfort and lock down. Genesis is my go to mountain shoe for longer alps trails. Norda is lasting 2-3x longer though and is my daily / can handle steep muddy winter stuff. Both good shoes - ​@NateCrail

[@HowardWortonjb71]

NNormal Tomir my shoe of the year - a truly great all round trail shoe

[@ConversationalPace]

If that's the case, then Tomir is about to win two years in a row for you with the stellar update coming out soon!

[@HowardWortonjb71]

Interested to see how different the update is - I didn’t think they needed to change much and the ethos of the company seems to be at odds with changing its products regularly. Anyway, I love em - I’m wide footed but the narrow looking forefoot doesn’t give me many issues up to around 100k. I love the build quality and grip. And they look cool too. May try the boots if I do purchase another pair.

[@sitoluissalas4899]

Kjerag 👏👏👏

[@ElyseStussi]

Ha! Now, I don't feel so embarrassed about liking the Wildhorse. Super comfortable! It especially wins in the looks department. My only issue is the slippery insole. I just got a super deal on a pair of Saucony endorphin edge - only $85. Looking forward to trying them out, but concerned about all the ankle twists I've been hearing about. What was your experience?

[@ConversationalPace]

Yay team Wildhorse! Hopefully you're able to swap that insole with something that works better for you. I thought the Endorphin Edge was definitely less stable than something like the Wildhorse because of how stiff the shoe is. I did think it was better than some of the other carbon trail shoes like the Ultrafly. Stability felt similar to something like the Tecton X to me. I never took it on very technical terrain, as it was built for more mellow trail. Super fun shoe though!

[@ElyseStussi]

Thanks! I'll take the Edge out for a trial run and update. The Wildhorse sole is improving with time. @@ConversationalPace

[@ElyseStussi]

The Edge was bouncy and surprisingly very comfortable. The high stack height feels higher than it is, especially in the front, so it doesn't feel very connected. I enjoyed it a lot! I didn't feel unstable, but I did not have confidence in its grip over slippery surfaces - the rare rain here in San Diego can make the smooth granite rocks tricky. There was also a bit of slipping in the heel - I need to try with the upper eyelets for better lockdown. I think I will use this most as a road-to-trail shoe - out the door to trails near my house or just a fun dry-day option.

[@ConversationalPace]

Yeah while they don't really advertise it as a door to trail shoe, It does feel really nice on the roads, taking so much tech from its road siblings@@ElyseStussi

[@danreiser449]

Brooks Caldera 6 > GS: TAM that's my 2023 shoe hot take

[@ConversationalPace]

I think that's a totally fair take! That Caldera 6 is a tank!

[@streighty]

I loved the Caldera 6 with one exception: I consistently get rubbing and a blister on longer runs under the ball of my foot (on the outside just behind the big toe). I know of two other people with this exact same issue. Norda 001 is now my favorite after getting through the break in period.

[@mcgovski]

I guess I better try that Asic Trabuco Max 2..... Also cant wait for the TNF Alta Mesa line up. Already running in the Caldera 7 (its really good)

[@ConversationalPace]

Would you say it feels like an improvement over the Caldera 6?

[@mcgovski]

I would say its very similar. Super Stable. Super comfy. Great traction. My only gripe is the reinforced substance on the toe upper. Its too stiff. Prefer the 6 in this area. I only did 12 miles in them, I will go get some more and see if that softens up@@ConversationalPace

[@ConversationalPace]

Thanks for the feedback! I think I'll be logging miles in them soon, but good to hear! Hopefully that reinforced toe bumper doesn't shred my toes

[@mcgovski]

will be interesting to see what you think@@ConversationalPace . The new tongue is a bit of a problem too compared to the 6... I have about 75 miles in the 7 now.

[@ConversationalPace]

Hmmm I didn't love the tongue on the 6, so will be interesting to compare

[@gogolaklazlo]

saloon and nike as do-it-all trail???? nice guys 😂

[@Lag10]

Nobody else has problems with the jacquard mesh of the mafate speed shredding skin on big toes like its sand paper? I love everything else about that shoe but this happens every run longer than an hour across a variety of socks I’ve tried. Sounds like I’ll have to try the trabuco max

[@ConversationalPace]

I haven't heard of that issue before, but that sure is a bummer! IMO the Trabuco Max upper is softer at the slight expense of some lockdown, but it was still good enough for me and much more comfortable.

[@rmsrmsrmsrms]

Consider Fujispeed 2 for a review, reasonably priced plated shoe

[@ConversationalPace]

Definitely have the Fujispeed 2 on our review list!

[@berry5954]

Finn.. the NB fresh foam more trail v3 is my worst purchase of the year. The shoe is off camber pushing to supinate. I cut some and it is a lovely walking shoe, but not running.. I want that shoe with the loft V3 and the Caldera outsole.

[@ConversationalPace]

Thanks for the feedback! I'll definitely pass that along to Finn 👍

[@bacon2ator]

ANKLE COLLAR BOYZ TURN UP

[@bridgeandmountain9466]

Norda 002

[@ConversationalPace]

Great to hear! We have both the 001 and 002 on the review schedule for this winter

[@dawnsw0rd]

So you like the zegama green color or not? Lol

[@ConversationalPace]

I think it's great for some occasions 🤣

[@joebusby1]

And yet despite all of this, there isn't a supercritical, litebase, low drop, light weight, moderately cushioned shoe with a snug heelhold but a genuinely wide toebox. Most people's runs aren't 100k. Running in a 40mm stacked 200 miler shoe for 25k on rocky and technical ground is dull. Where is the high-quality daily trail shoe for the wider foot? Maybe a we can hope for a Supercritical Topo MTN Racer next year? I was sorely tempted to cut a hole in the outside of the Nnormal Kjerag...

[@ConversationalPace]

Topo has some amazing foams on their road shoes, and I agree, I'd love to see some of that make their way to the trails. The Saucony peregrine and Brooks catamount aren't topo wide, but wider than the Nnormal Kjerag. Both on sale on Running Warehouse at the moment. Might be worth taking a look at

[@joebusby1]

Ty for the reply. The catamount comes in at like 80g per foot heavier than the Kjerag, and the peregrine is just another slab of Eva (such an opportunity there to make an xodus ultra-lite, or an endorphin speed with the xodus outsole). Some interesting new shoes recently from inov8 on the horizon... ​@@ConversationalPace

[@ConversationalPace]

Agreed, the Peregrine could be a little more exciting, and would be cool to see some more energetic foam in that shoe. Inov8 is one of the brands I'm still trying to get on the channel. I agree, they do have some fascinating shoes coming up!