If you are getting dressed for a trail run, but aren’t sure what the trail conditions are going to be like, the Craft Pure Trail X is a perfect choice of shoe that can handle a wide range of conditions and trail surfaces. Let’s see exactly what that means for you!
Craft has really jumped in to running shoes hard in the last few years and we continue to be both surprised and delighted by what they’re putting out. This time they’re truly focused on a hard core trail running shoe.
Who Is It Good For?
Here is a quick rundown on the Craft Pure Trail X‘s key callouts to decide if this is the right shoe for you!
My quick take is that this is a great shoe for any technical trail run you’ll face. It’s flexible and adaptable to any and all conditions.
- Wide feet: This shoe runs on the narrower side, those with wide feet will probably find it too tight.
- Technical trails: Good grip for any trial condition.
- Long runs: Held up well to back to back runs and would do well for race distances up to the marathon.
- Front of the Pack: Not my go to for speed, but great for days to get lost in miles.
Craft Pure Trail X Specs
- Heel toe drop: 6 mm
- Weight: 10.5 oz men’s
- Stack Height: 36mm
- Usage: Trail running
- Available in 3 colors
- Available at CraftSports.us for $169.99
Who tried it?
Hi, I’m Aimee, a chemist who has solved most of my work and life problems out on a trail somewhere. I signed up for my first marathon in college not knowing how long a marathon was and have been an avid runner for the last twenty years.
I typically run 30-35 miles a week chasing my two German Shorthaired Pointers, Sam and Bert, hence my well known instagram @runningwithsam. (Largely I’m running whatever my RTTF Coach Laura tells me to do.)
Craft Pure Trail X Review
Out of the box, I liked the Craft Pure Trail X. There’s no excessive, overmolded sole, the laces are straightforward, and it features a solid sole.
At first try on, I noted that the Craft Pure Trail X felt narrow width and sizing ran a bit small. Having a narrow foot it was nice to not need to cinch down excessively on the laces to get a good fit. The Pure Trail X reminded me a lot of the fit of my go-to shoe, the Saucony Peregrine.
I tested these shoes on surfaces ranging from easy rail trail to technical, rocky, gnarly roots to snow and found them easy and suitable for all three providing great traction.
I didn’t notice a single rock underfoot with the exposed rock plate and suitable lugs that offered sufficient traction and grip. With heel lock lacing I felt secure in the downhill no matter the speed or grade of the trail.
This isn’t an overly cushioned shoe. The CR Foam provides enough cushion to be very comfortable but is still firm enough to have a good connection to the trails and not feel like you are floating.
The Good
The back heel cushioning helps this shoe feel really secure around your foot especially with a heel lock lacing style. The top of the shoe didn’t hit too close to my ankle which I loved as it didn’t hinder my
After my fourth run in these shoes, I wasn’t thinking about my shoes at all. They were just a natural part of my run after a few days in these shoes. The ripstop upper felt really durable being able to survive all the spots I typically develop holes.
The Bad
I can’t decide if this shoe runs small or not. Initially when I tried this shoe on it felt a half size too small. With thicker socks, it feels small. With thinner socks, it feels like the right size.
The upper also felt a bit stiff in the first few runs and while not uncomfortable it felt better after a few days.
It’s not a wide toebox, which can definitely be a drawback if you’re wearing it for ultrarunning.
Similar Shoes to Craft Pure Trail X
This is not going to be the super cushioned shoe that many road runners have fallen in love with lately. It’s a firmer ride.
- Saucony Peregrine – similar in cushion, maybe not quite as much traction
- Hoka Speedgoat 6 – slightly wider fit
- Merrell Agility Peak – hard to beat their traction
The Bottom Line
This is a versatile trail shoe. This shoe took me from dry dirt to mud to snow, over roots and rocks seamlessly all in one run. This will be a shoe I reach for when I want to hit a variety of surfaces all in one run.
The Craft Pure Trail X with its grippy outsole, rockplate, and moderate cushioning makes this a great shoe for even the most technical of trails and any distance.
So that’s our quick take!! We’re always curious to hear if you’ve tried a shoe or have other questions, so we can make sure to include that info in future reviews.
Looking for more trail talk?
- Best Gifts for Trail Runners
- Comparing Hoka Trail Running Shoes
- Our picks for Best Trail Running Shoes
Cold Weather Running Gear Must-Haves
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