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Top Pros
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Reddit Reviews
Tecton x2 is one of my favourite trail shoes. Not a soft ride and not the quickest I have used but does everything I want really well. Is hard wearing too. Personally I would say the tecton x3 is the quicker shoe. Much bouncier ride though does sacrifice some stability for it. Adidas speed ultra. You dont have issues rolling ankles? You will in these shoes. Fastest shoe ive tried on open fire trail but you hit the slightest bump wrong and it tries to murder you. Definitely not for heel strikers. Fit didn't agree with me either so gave them away. I will echo other that the prodigio pro might just be the best all round shoe I have used on the market. Not plated but holds speed just as well and handles technical terrain with ease. Sizing can be tricky with them though Have tried the metafuji trails on and the heel felt wildly squishy and unstable. Seeing them used on trails confirmed that for me. Everyone I have seen using them collapses in badly through the heel once they get off the forefoot
Speedboat 5s are known for wearing super fast. I had 2 pairs, put about 200k into each and haven't used them in years because honestly they just feel shit. Got way more life out of mafate speed 4s, tecton x2s and X3s. Mafates i have multiple pairs over 400ks and nearly 500 on tecton x2s and they still feel great.
I love the 6s (maybe the only person on the planet) but the sole looses its pop around 50k and offer no help to your feet. I can’t believe you made it 100 miles in them. I switched to the Tecton x2 for the saddles 100 race. I tried nordas too but the Tecton felt the best and the carbon plates helped the shoe help me. My feet felt good the entire race. They feel similar to the speedgoats with a little more toe roll off. A little more expensive but if youre doing more than a 50k it’s worth it.
Hoka Tecton X 2 and two pairs of Norda 001s
\^\^\^ agreed on both the Tecton X2 and X3. Great combo of propulsion and ground feel, which usually don't go together. In super technical terrain I'd steer clear of all the carbon(ish) shoes, but these are as good as they come.
I love the Tecton X3s and like others said if it’s working for you then maybe don’t mess with it. That said, $275/pair adds up quickly when you’re doing a lot of miles. For gravel / fire roads I usually run in Nike Ultraflys which have a plate and more or less the same foam, but go on sale for $160. I also do a lot of miles in whatever Tecton X2s I can still find for sale and actually feel more comfortable in them on single track.
It’s my usual size. I was wearing Tecton X2 🤣 didn’t have any road shoes
Done 50m trail races (centurion UK) in both the Tectonic X2 and X3 with no problems, and is my go to shoe for these. X3 bit more comfy IMO.
I’ve tried a few: Salomon Ultra Glide 1.5 is fast but narrow, Hoka Tecton X 2 is comfy but less quick, and Asics Metafuji Trail balances speed and traction well. Go for something light and grippy for long runs.
Rankings by Use Case
Top recommendations from others in the same boat
Best for Deep mud and soft ground

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Salomon - Speedcross Series
Best for Quick draining and drying for wet trails

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Altra - Lone Peak Series
Best for Road-to-trail transitions

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Nike - Pegasus Trail Series
Best for Steep technical descents

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Altra - Lone Peak Series
Best for Technical rocky terrain

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La Sportiva - Prodigio Series
Best for Ultra-marathon racing

Top pick
La Sportiva - Prodigio Series





