Tecton X 3

Tecton X 3 is a good call above. I'd also look at the Salomon S/Lab Ultra 3 if you want that snappy energy return without giving up traction. I've found it handles the same slippery/rooty stuff you'd rely on the Agility Peak for, but it's noticeably faster feeling on the flats and downhills. Good shoe for race distances in your range.

That Merrell is good, I also run in VJ ultra 3, Hoka Tecton X3 and I have a thing for topo.. However I may like the wide form, sometimes Tecton just gives the right amount of foothold for more technical trails and racing

I use the Terrex ASUs. Just make sure you replace that terrible stock insole that is so bad it litterally cuts through your arch. Speaking of arch if you have a somewhat low arch I would check elsewhere like the tecton x3. That’s what I should have done. Other than that yeah you can notice the extra running economy, more so when you push it. At lower speeds it’s obviously less noticeable. I really suggest you try them first because of the high arch.

Go for it. I think a super shoe for that race profile would be ideal, though with some technical stuff, you just need to be mindful. There are a number of good options, but find the one that works best for you. I hated the Tecton 3s, but some people love them. The first Adidas Terrex Speed Ultra did not work for me also. I used a prototype of the Ultrafly 2 and it worked out great for a non technical trail 50 miler. I would also would consider the Brooks Cascadia Elite. It's pricy though. The Prodigio Pros are a great non-plated shoe

Of course. Happy to help.  I got hooked up as a tester for the shoe way back. The 2 is a better shoe. The 1 was flat. I just picked up the Cascadia Elite but haven’t tried it yet. I think that could be a good shoe to try for you over the adidas.  Feedback so far from others is good. Try the prodigo pro too. It’s a great shoe. I also run in the Zegama, which is very cushioned. It’s a little over engineered and heavy, but I think it works well.  Honestly, pick one, go full send, and don’t overthink it. You can have a back up shoe to quiet the mind, but I don’t think you’ll need it. 

The front landing area is felt was already large. Noticed the issue on a few slightly rocky decents where I landed slightly awkward and yes would just roll straight out. Was enough for me to decide not for me. Stupidly quick shoe when it smoothed out though. Love my tecton X3s but the ultras were quicker on the flats and rolling stuff.

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.

For me the lockdown is much better. The tecton x 3’s weak spot is there lacing and feeling harsh due to the carbon plate on technical terrain. I’ve never been a fan of On until this shoe. The lacing is solid and the nylon plate is just forgiving enough to be tolerable. There is a reason many people are still using the tecton x 2.5

Assuming you're not running in soft mud where deeper lugs are necessary and assuming it fits your foot, the Hoka Tecton X 3 is one of the best designs for wet trails. The parallel plate setup improves stability, which matters when footing is sketchy. It’s widely used in technical ultras because it handles uneven, wet terrain better than most plated shoes. Other options are the Nike Ultrafly Trail (Vibram Megagrip), Altra Mont Blanc Carbon (Vibram Megagrip with a wide toe box for extra ground contact), and lesser known shoes such as the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trail and Saucony Endorphin Edge.