New Balance KOM/QOM
This latest addition to our trail shoe selection, the King/Queen of the Mountain (KOM/QOM) is a moderately cushioned trail shoe. It has a rock plate and aggressively lugged Vibram outsole. This model fits more narrow than we would have expected from a New Balance shoe, but the mid-foot wrap does well to secure the foot on the midsole.
Brooks Transcend 6
The new Transcend features Brooks’ latest support feature: Guide Rails. Guide Rails provide stability and support whenever you need it: for those more neutral runners, Guide Rails offer a little guidance when the form changes due to fatigue. A more plush under-foot feel and a softer upper, the new Transcend feels like a Glycerin with Guide Rails. Some of us have been noticing that this upgrade is fitting more snug than previous years.