Vasque TrailBender

Field Notes: Vasque’s TrailBenders are so cushioned, you’ll feel like you’ve got pillows on your feet. And while snoozing on the run might be tempting, the energy you’ll conserve using these trail running shoes will keep you wide awake for the many miles to come. Sharp rocks become dull, roots become hardly noticeable, and long miles are less grueling. This is in part due to the footbed, which Vasque describes using terms like “anatomical,” “ortholite,” and “high rebound,” all of which is technical jargon for “really comfortable for a really long time.” The other part is due to the lining of the footbed, which is made up of an ultra moisture wicking material. The soft, supple TrailBender will carry you miles with less fatigue and your feet feeling well enough to tackle trails the next day. 

This Vasque women’s trail running shoe comes in two color options, both simple and not overly showy. Sizes range from 6 to 11, so while not as many size options as you’d find with other brands and models still covering the most common foot sizes. A 6mm midsole drop is slightly more extreme than the average trail running shoe Active Junky testers reviewed for women who like that extra push forward.

Tester Comments: “Thanks to the tall stack height, these shoes make you feel like you’ve grown a few inches, which is awkward feeling at the start. But after a few times out on the trail, we couldn’t wait to get back in them. Any discomfort we’ve felt over the testing period from previous knee and joint problems was eliminated when we ran in the TrailBenders.”

Pros: With such a cozy interior, these kicks are prime cold weather runners. Additionally, we can’t get over how the cushion almost feels like orthopedic gel inserts, no need for supplemental insoles.

Cons: The look of this shoe could use some improvement; it’s not the sleekest on the market and frankly it’s a bit bland. 

Key Attribute: Innovation