). It’s not as soft as the New Balance shoe (not an issue for off-road running), and it shares some great qualities with the North Face: a wide base, a low, stable foot position within the shoe, and a super-secure fit with a roomy toe-box.In short

If you don’t want to adventure race in a pure trail-running shoe, the Flagstaff is the lightest, most runnable alternative. Unless – and it’s a big unless – the upper rubs your big toe as you run.Try it on if you liked Salomon Raid Sport (£50), North Face

Weight 360gEvaluation Salomon has carved itself a healthy niche in the adventure-racing market with a range of shoes that are wonderfully protective, if a little hefty and rigid for those who just want to run in them. That has changed with its new

can throw at them. With the latter camp in mind most manufacturers now produce an off-road shoe that, as well as providing traction on rough ground, also offers complete protection from H2O. We've put 10 of them to the test.Asics Gel-Eagle Trail Gore