Weight 378g
Evaluation Nike’s top-end trail shoes had gone off the boil over the last couple of years because they showcased the company’s flat, sticky-rubber G-Tek outsoles. These outsoles were great on dry surfaces, but hopeless on mud, so Nike is now moving back to traditional lugs that work better.
The Crested Butte 2 still isn’t the greatest trail shoe in the world – its lugs don’t give as much traction as those of other shoes, including Nike’s own
Storm Pegasus, and it flexes in the midfoot rather than the forefoot, which reduces smoothness and support.
What it does have, though, is a Gore-Tex and Dri-FIT upper to keep water out – a heavy-duty alternative to the weatherproofing on the Storm Pegasus. That’s okay as long as water doesn’t get 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-Tex upper, it’s still not the greatest option.
Try it if you liked Nike Air Estival (£80)
