Craft Xplor Hybrid Review // Versatile Road to Gravel Trail Shoe

[@SeeChadRun]

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[@Skidmarx69]

Thanks for this thorough review and the scenery was amazing. Just ordered these after watching. I’ve been eyeing the Pacer but decided on the Xplor for its dual terrain use.

[@SeeChadRun]

I'll be reviewing the Pacer soon, but the two shoes feel identical underfoot. Thanks for watching the video!

[@ericperramond3463]

Yeah, agree Chad - really solid summary of this first Xplor effort - overlays to secure the forefoot, I'd also lower the back heel tab 1/4 inch and add a touch more padding. I'd even accept a little less midsole to shave some weight, but it's a really great midsole and outsole, just a "no nothing" upper that holds it back. Breathable, but it has a lot of lateral movement. I feel like I'm running on a midsole rather than "in" a shoe." It is fun, though. Great review!

[@SeeChadRun]

Thank you for the comment and a great summary!

[@JavierISampedroTNF]

Definitely Craft is releasing some very interesting models. I was eyeing the PureTrail once and now this new model comes in. Hope you get many miles out of this pair :)

[@SeeChadRun]

I'll definitely be running in this pair more! I'm thinking about using them for a 50 mile route that I planned mixed with roads, trails, and gravel surfaces. Should be a lot of fun!

[@rundavidrun76]

Nice review and a great-looking run. I didn't know those roads were there and will have to check them out. This shoe sounds like it would have been perfect for my 50-miler last year on the crushed limestone gravel of the Mickelson Trail. That trail had lots of people walking, e-bikes, and us long-distance runners. Having all that mid-sole cushioning on the long, smooth inclines of the gravel path would have felt much better than what I ran in. But like you say in the review, it seems like a great solution to a specific niche. I'd say 70-80% of my local runs by my house are paved and the rest is dirt county roads. If I travel to run, it's to head to much more technical trails. I'd be interested in the longevity of the shoe with pavement and might still look at this one as a pavement/dirt-road trainer shoe. Thanks for the video!

[@SeeChadRun]

Thank you for watching and for the comment! Those gravel roads behind Horsetooth are beautiful! I'm hoping to return again and explore more. Sounds like this shoe would have been perfect for your 50 miler.

[@KyleKerr-gd5me]

Great review Chad and what a beautiful place in the world where you had the chance to test pilot the Xplor Hybrid! I have access to a lot of paved path and single track and was looking for something that would be a good go-to while training for an ultra. Im excited to try them out on more aggressive terrain to see if they are more than a gravel/road hybrid. My current go to is the Norda 001 which has been incredible on the mixed terrain thus far. Thanks again for the great review and scenery!

[@SeeChadRun]

Thank you my friend! This was such a beautiful run and truly a beautiful area.

[@ParkourHiggiE]

The thumbnail looks great on this one.

[@SeeChadRun]

The brief sunrise was beautiful, and I happened to capture this photo right as the sun was peaking over the mountains and before it went back behind the clouds. Was truly a beautiful morning!

[@Kalvi]

How would you compare it to the Nordlite Ultra?

[@SeeChadRun]

I couldn't say because I haven't ran in the Nordite Ultra. Maybe I'll reach out and see if I can review their shoes!

[@eckssotelo4322]

How would Xlpor compare to the Pure Trail?

[@SeeChadRun]

They are quite different shoes. The pure trail is better for more rugged technical trails, has a stiffer but much more protective midsole, and more aggressive outsole. The Xplor is more of a road shoe that you can take off-road, has a much softer and bouncier midsole, and an upper that has less structure and protection (compared to the pure trail). Here's my review of the pure trail if you're interested: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oqusdXuknbWCb80si=BaumDBfUCzTcVHxc

[@eckssotelo4322]

@@SeeChadRun hmmmm. Would you recommend the Pure Trail for trail ultras?

[@SeeChadRun]

@eckssotelo4322 Short answer: No. I'd hesitate to run much more that 20 miles at a time in it. Long answer: For me, the Pure Trail underfoot feeling is too firm for Ultras and there is too much room/not a secure enough hold in the upper which allows my foot to move side to side. There's a lot to like about the shoe but it's not the first one that comes to mind for ultras. I would much rather run an ultra in the Topo MTN Racer 3 or Pursuit 2, Salomon Genesis, or the VJ MAXx2. Another shoe that I would consider for Ultras, although I haven't ran in it yet, is the Hoka Speedgoat 6.

[@eckssotelo4322]

@SeeChadRun I See. I'm running ultras with my SG5s, but they're nearing the end of its life 😁 Also, have a Nnormal Tomir that I use for trail, which is pretty comfortable when broken in. Needed one more in the stable. 😅 I'm just surprised with Craft Endurance 2 performance. I thought of giving their trail shoes a try.

[@SeeChadRun]

@eckssotelo4322 I think I they have the potential to make a phenomenal trail shoe. I keep hoping for a Pure Trail 2 to come out.