I love to run alone. It is my quiet escape. No headphones, no kids running around, no dogs barking - just the sound of my feet meeting the road. No deadlines, no chores, no stress. This is the time I call my own. I didn’t think I could enjoy the sport of running any more than I already did, until I discovered trail running.  I love my road routes, and the predictability of them.  What I didn’t know was that I would also find harmony on the trails.  

I began running trails in the same shoes as I used on the asphalt, and quickly realized that I needed a shoe made for the elements I was encountering.  A shoe that provided more support, a toe bumper for my run-ins with tree roots, and the ultimate waterproof skin so I could cross the streams and not worry about drenching my socks.  

My New Balance 910s were delivered on a Friday afternoon, and I was on the trail the same evening. I had high expectations of this shoe, and was ready to see if it would meet the challenges I put them up against.  First things first though…I knew of a short 2.5 mile trail loop at the metro park around the corner, and took the pair out for a test run. It was warm outside, but I chose to wear a thicker running sock because, in my mind, trail shoes were a heavy duty shoe and required a heavy duty sock to prevent blisters and provide extra cushion – I also wanted to make sure that my foot didn’t slip in the heal.  It was a successful test run!  The 910 provides a dual-density collar foam that molds to the heel, creating a personalized fit and minimizing rear foot movement which meant no slippage.  I was also extremely happy with the laces and how lightweight the shoe felt.  I am used to laces over the period of a run loosening, and as a result the support isn’t as strong as I’d like it to be.  New Balance uses Sure-Lace™, and it has a reciprocating wave pattern that helps keep laces tied and tight.  Another reason test runs are worth your time:  Even though it was warm outside, I chose heavy socks for extra cushion and to prevent blisters.  Not necessary.  The 910s are made with Ortholite foam inserts which deliver long term comfort and breathability and a midsole made of Abzorb FL Antifreeze which provides premium all-weather cushioning.   
 

Saturday morning roles around and I decide I’m ready to give the shoes the real test.  Climbing, switch backs, roots, rocks and the dreaded streams.  Two minutes into the run and I’m already climbing.  The Gusseted Tongue is fully attached to the shoe, and therefore keeps the debris out, as I focus on my steps and charge up the hill.  (if you were watching you may not have called it a charge, but that’s what I’m calling it)  At the summit, the trail flattened and I enjoyed an even paced run for a few minutes.  The few times I did forget to look down, and the tip of my shoe found a half buried rock or root.  No problem, the Toe Protect™ rubber compound provided reinforcement as I regained my balance.  As I made my way down the switch backs and into the valley, the Rock Stop feature that is embedded into the forefoot provided protection from sharp rocks.  This was very helpful considering I was on my toes, but pushing back, so not to fall forward.  Eventually I made my way to the stream. I was hesitant to cross it because I knew I had a half hour back to the car and if the shoes waterproof feature was less than perfect, I’d be nursing some blisters later.  I crossed the stream, and out of disbelief crossed it twice more…my feet were dry!  Socks completely dry!  The GORE-TEX Extended Comfort feature worked.  What a relief to have the last half hour of the run go by without squishing my way through it.  

For every run after this, the 910's performed well and have stood the test of time. The outsides wear well and feet stay dry through snowy runs and stream crossings. An excellent shoe from New Balance.

This is my first pair of trail shoes, so I may be biased, but they’re top of the line!!!  They met all of my expectations!  New Balance did an excellent job with the 910s and anticipated the elements runners will encounter.  

Some other great features are listed below:

• Ndurance® rubber provides maximum durability in high wear areas and helps keep you steady on rough terrain or streets.
• Gore-Tex XCR provides 100% waterproof protection from the elements.
• NLOCK® integrated lacing and webbing system provides optimal fit, support and security.
• Removable Ortholite® insole is breathable, moisture-wicking, anti-odor and antimicrobial.
• Dual-density collar foam molds to the heel, creating a personalized fit and minimizing rearfoot movement.
• Sure-Lace™ has a reciprocating wave pattern that helps keep laces tied.

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