Tarkine - Tarkine Trail Devil 2

Currently IMO: Tarkine Trail Devil 2 > Topo MNTN Racer 3 > Altra Lone Peak The Tarkines feel a lot like SpeedGoats with a wider toe box and the grip isn't as good in the wet, not bad, just not as sticky as the Vibram sole on the Hokas. I did 100km race in the Topos, and they're fine in a rotation, just prefer the Tarkines. The Altras are just a bit lifeless, but I don't get blisters in them because of the toebox, so better than a standard shoe if I run long.

I've pretty much followed the same path as you and for over 100km: Tarkine Trail Devil 2 > Topo Mtn Racer 3 > Lone Peaks Although I think the LPs have the most forgiving shape and just this week, I got a pair of **Altra Experience Wild**, which are the standard Altra shape (LP are Original shape shape) but much bigger stack height and 4mm offset. They also take the Altra gaiter system, which I really like, so these may get to the top of the list- just need to get some runs in them. So, if you kinda like the LPs but want a bit more, these might be an option for you.

I had the exact same issue with the Cascadias as well. I’ve just done a 100km event last weekend in a pair of Tarkine trail devils. Bloody loved them. Made in Australia (not sure where you’re based) Nice wise toe box and no issues with blisters like I was getting with the Cascadias

Oh God. Superblast -> daily trainer, 780km, nearing end of life. Love it. Superblast 2 -> expect to be new daily trainer. Still giving me blisters, but seems otherwise good. Sc trainer -> was daily trainer until I did 100km in superblast. Now use as a slower daily trainer. Alphafly 3 -> did my Achilles in them on my 3rd run, so not using them until after my next ultra. Love the feel, worried they are too aggressive. Sc elite v4 -> go fast shoes. Give me blisters, but great shoes. Rc elite v2 -> keep up with a faster mate, occasional quicker parkrun. Favourite shoes ever. 1080x v12 -> going away shoes, sore and *need* to run slow shoes. Comfortable for slow Speedgoat 5 -> daily trail shoes, nearing end of life. First pair was super comfy, second pair less so. Speedgoat 6 -> expect to be new daily trail shoes. Tecton x 3-> go fast trail shoes. Blisters made me bleed, bit unsteady, but fast on easy trails. Tarkine trail devils-> change up trail shoes (particularly slower runs). Probably good value per km compared to hoka, but feel very similar to speedgoats. Maybe a touch low volume given my forefoot tends to hurt, but nice and wide toe box. Retired, but still have: 3x ultraboosts x21 Pegasus 35 (probably should bin) Ultraboost 19 (or something) Speedgoat 5 (hiking only)

Grabbed a pair of these Trail Devils 2 after reading your post. Thanks, my favorite trail shoes now by far

https://preview.redd.it/mxy32gbitkwd1.jpg?width=1536&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c0ab1c5c783aae8a03326654726c2c769c78e21e Tarkine, small Australian brand, have released a trail shoe that seems on paper like exactly what I’ve been looking for…decent stack, superfoam and lightweight. Added bonus of nice and wide. Stats and initial comments below after one 10km trail run. For reference, I'm 78kg, 6ft, and run around 100km per week. Events I focus on tend to be 40-80km trail. Easy pace 4.30-5.30min/km, threshold 3.50-4min/km and intervals <3.40min/km. **Stats:** * 39mm heel, 33 forefoot (6mm drop) - rockered. * 3.5mm lugs - their own rubber compound. Previous model didn't get great reviews in this area but they've updated the rubber for this version. Too early to comment. * Midsole - what I’m most excited about. PEBA infused! It feels like an EVA/PEBA blend tuned for the trails. Firmer than what a modern road equivalent would be but feels great out the box on gravel / trail. Responsive and plenty of cushion without losing too much ground feel. * My size 11 US weighs 281g. Advertised men’s 9 US approx 252g & women’s standard size 219g. * Spacious foot shaped toe box, Altra/Topo style - I had to fiddle with the lacing to get them the way I want them, but the lockdown is good. Certainly lots of room for the toes, this might impact the extreme end of technical performance (TBD) but should go well on most other surfaces. * Recycled materials in the upper. Tarkine prides themselves on being as eco as possible and promotes durability of their products (TBD). 30 day guarantee and great recycling program. Out of the box the most surprising thing is the weight. They really are exceptionally light for the amount of stack and look great too in the unusual colourway. On the trail they felt really quick and responsive, but not unstable at all. The foam has some squish but leans on the responsive side which should work well for longer trails. I've tried the Asics Metafuji trail (fast but unstable) and the Adidas ASU (blisters galore) and these are tame in comparison when it comes to the pure propulsion, but they do feel smooth and fast compared to most other trail foams with the peba foam and lightweight the key factors. I've been desperate for something that is fast, cushioned and non-plated on the trails because I struggle with lower leg issues with plates. With Kepler Challenge in December, these shoes have jumped straight to the front of the queue on first impression. This could obviously change. The company sent out an email pre-launch essentially saying, we promise they are as good as they sound. I've got to say, I haven't been excited about a pair of trail shoes after one run in a while. https://preview.redd.it/80jwmgbitkwd1.jpg?width=1536&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c86655624266550241d96812f3cbf005f0cfc8fb https://preview.redd.it/gul6bwbitkwd1.jpg?width=1536&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9c21bfb4290e459354b2434cba844a6c02aa0a18 https://preview.redd.it/qyubggbitkwd1.jpg?width=1536&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=07fe01644149a5ceec8bb4be5ed3f0be75dd55e9

True to size for me. I’m 11US in most, Asics, Nike, Nnormal. They are wider in the toe box obviously but otherwise fit well, I have used the heel lock lacing to dial it in a bit.

The grip is really not a strong point. Did a trail today a day after raining, the ground was covered with leaves and the rocks had some light moss. These were quite slippery and I had 3 near slips in 5km. Agree with other comments tho it's quite pleasant and comfortable.