and the upper offers minimal support, the XA Series is only suited to biomechanically efficient runners. In short Not an off-road shoe for every day training or runners needing support. But if you’re a light, efficient and fast runner, it might be suitable

to absorb the impact. Then it rolls outward, and the force travels forward toward the ball of the foot as the runner toes off. Shoes often utilise shock-absorbing foams and design features, such as independent heel lugs, to absorb, isolate and disperse

over the ankle collar, but it does make the Crested Butte pretty warm in all but the lowest temperatures.In short The new Crested Butte is a sign that Nike is thinking about grip again when it comes to off-road shoes. But unless you really want its Gore

, and the underside of the forefoot is slightly bevelled on the medial side, which could cause you to toe-off at an angle if you already have a stability problem.In short The Terra Tupu is a pure off-road trail shoe in the mould of Nike’s old Air Terra Albis

Weight 362gEvaluation The Thielsen is from Nike’s ACG rather than its core running range and was designed with the trails around the firm’s Oregon HQ in mind. These trails are not unlike British off-road conditions, which is why this is a pretty

Weight 399gEvaluation The Hurricane Ridge is an out-and-out off-road shoe from a brand which is favoured by adventure racers and all-day runners for its comfort and dependability. If you’ve seen Montrail’s Leona Divide), the Hurricane Ridge

're great for heavier racers.Contact 01925 423 000; www.newbalance.co.ukBest Off-RoaderInov-8 Mudroc 290 – £60Why it's the best True trail shoes aren't road models with more grip, but lightweight, low-to-the-ground beauties purpose built for the rough stuff

it into the woods.The shoe’s weaknesses are that despite the Cell improvement it’s still not as smooth-riding or well-cushioned on the road as most other shoes in its weight category – and it’s off-puttingly expensive. (It’s also sized small and narrow, so if you do

, which helped minimise stone bruising underfoot. The 870 is slightly better in mud than you would expect for its shallow grip – the grip is well spaced and doesn’t clog – but it’s at its best on firmer off-road surfaces, thanks to its soft-rubber outsole

we did notice that it was warmer. But unlike the winter version of Nike's Air Pegasus, the 1080 H20 doesn't have an off-road outsole - it's just the same as the road version.Try it on if you liked Asics Gel 1070 (£65); Nike Air Span Triax (£65