The Trail Racer

You prefer racing hard on the trails, but sometimes you bite the bullet and run on the road. Doing hill repeats in your neighbourhood gives you a huge boost when you head back to the wilds.

Brooks Mazama Trail: R2 600

Wear-testers describe the Mazama as snug and stiff. While that may not sound like something you’d want from your dirt-dancing partner, the shoe works surprisingly well at full tilt. A stone shield deflects rocks and snaps back when you flex the shoe, for a fast, racing feel that can be likened to the Saucony Type A – only, the Mazama’s shield offers extra protection.

WEIGHT: 266g

Saucony Type A: R2 000

As with the Brooks Mazama, this shoe is for fast racers. While there is a little support – from the fine-weave mesh and plastic overlays on the upper – the midsole is a flexible, single-density unit, which means the shoe is best suited to light, neutral runners. There’s not enough support for trail running, but it’s ideal for running fast on the road. It feels similar to the Brooks 5.6mm, because the drop from heel to toe (5.5mm) is only 1mm lower. Also available in a women-specific option – which is rare for racing flats.

WEIGHT: 147g

NEXT: The Half-Marathon First-Timer

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