sections that flex independently to give great responsiveness and ground contact, especially on hills. The structure over the arch locks the midfoot in place, and a tongue pocket tucks away lace ends to stop snagging.

In short:Basic, stable trail shoe Mercy Morris: COMFORTABLE AND GRIPPY, BUT A BIT STIFF AND HEAVY Strengths: good grip on most surfaces, ok on short stretches of road, comfy Weaknesses: good grip on most surfaces, ok on short stretches of road

've been out in 8" snowdrifts and slush and didn't slip once. If you're on ice nothing apart from spikes would stop you sliding. However, I don't do 'mega' off-road but use these purely so I can get out. My road running shoes are like skates in anything

and very comfortable straight out of the box. Ran an off road marathon in them almost straight out of the box (3 mile trial run). Did the same race last year and trashed my feet in a pair of shoes I previous had no problems with. This time came back

heavier, more comfortable sibling. It should have a broader appeal than the Trailfox thanks to extra cushioning and a wider fit. It isn't as extreme as the Trailfox with shallower lugs better suited to harder-packed trails than a really extreme off-road

In short:Neutral off-road shoe with EVA midsole and removable sockliner Scotsluvin: RELIABLE ALLROUNDER Strengths: These are comfortable well balanced shoes which can easily absorb the impact of long distance. I've ran two road half marathons

that require extra grip. They also clean up very well, even after a trip through the Bog of Doom. Lorry Dodger: Excellent Off Road Shoe Strengths: Relative light weight, very grippy in mud and recent snow. Weaknesses: Relative light weight, very grippy in mud