Western States 100 Edition
2016 Retrospective + 2026 Prospective
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Adidas Adios Boost 3
Hoka Rocket X Trail
Norda 005
Nike Vaporfly 3
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Why these?
Throw it back to 2016. A dude named Jim Walmsley rocks up to the start line in Adidas Boston Boost racing flats and attacks the course with absolute confidence and energy and seemingly utter disrespect for everything that came before. Everything about it seemed like punk rock. Even his cut up shirt. Especially his cut up shirt.
But it wasn’t punk rock. @walmsleyruns had all the energy and arrogance, but he also had the skills–a great track runner, he smashed hard long runs with marathoners, and he studied the craft inside and out. It was more like the Red Hot Chili Peppers: punk rock energy with technical virtuosity.
The shoes were no exception. His road flats were another audacious affront to convention. But it seemed calculated. Every track runner knew the value of a gram, and trail shoes were wastefully heavy. The course isn’t overly technical, and he had the chops to stay on his feet (and Bostons had Conti rubber). Precise precociousness.
Fast forward to 2026. Trail shoes have changed. But so have road shoes. Which has advanced more? And is the difference worth considering racing in road shoes for any part of the course today?
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3 Qs:
How does 2016’s rock ‘n roll compare to today’s trail shoes?
How does the new Hoka Rocket X Trail (might be on the feet of many favorites, even JW?) compare to a current best trail shoe?
How do the best 2026 trail super shoes compare to road super shoes?
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Protocol:
4.5’ 16 kph/0% + 4’ 12 kph/7%
Duplicates, mirrored
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Results:
See pics
Flat: VF > RXT = 005 > Adi
Uphill: VF > RXT > 005 > Adi
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Well, the best trail shoes are both 2.7% better and worse than old and new road shoes, respectively.
I suspect Jim is wise enough now not to race his 2016 self, but if he were so tempted, he could rest easy knowing he has the better shoes.
But if that 2016 ghost were to find himself on the 2026 starting line, would he rock today’s high-octane tarmac footwear? Or will somebody else be so cavalier?
More thoughts in comments
‘16 📸 @trailjunkiephotos
4 months agokonecnik19
If you can tell me do you think is big deference between norda 005 and salomon genessis in flat speed? Tnx
5 months agojd.runs.bikes.eats
@geoffreyburns I love reading these lab reports. Very interesting stuff! I got the Norda 005’s this year and enjoy them. But I’m training for Pikes Peak Ascent, and curious what you would choose for that race? Seems like Norda isn’t gonna give me as much benefit. I have considered RXT and your results show me why that may be a better idea. But is a trail shoe even necessary? Let me know what you think
5 months agofreddaeriksson
Ran my marathon personal best in the exact Adios 3 🏃 They also performed really well in trailraces with more gravel surface 🔥 A great allround shoe 👟
5 months agoloehryoung
Have you run in the new adidas speed ultra’s? That shoe for me is fantastic pretty much on all terrains and surfaces. It feels the most like an actual super shoe but seriously trail worthy. I know a lot of people say it’s unstable but for me it’s not really at all and it behaves well in every scenario I’ve put it in.
5 months agorobslate
Great job Geoff. Really interesting. Do the Vapors you used have many miles on them? And does that matter? Also, I’d love to see a downhill study. Seems functionally relevant considering the terrain of many ultras.
5 months agothe_revitalized_runner
@nordarun 005’s always fun to run in, my top shoe in my rotation. I want to hate it for the price but most of my daily runs are done with this shoe. So light and comfy.
5 months agothomasenelson
The Adios Pro 4’s are more stable on light technical trails than either ASU model. If you are a good technical runner, there isn’t any reason why you wouldn’t choose them for gravel, smooth trails. The Conti rubber is surprisingly good.
5 months agonatekale
Do you think downhill testing would be tangibly different than your flat testing?
5 months agopetermaksimow
Nice study @geoffreyburns! I’ve been hearing a lot about the idea for a while now on our runs, but great to see the results. 👨🏼🔬
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