Entry tags:

gear, review, running, shoes, trail

Vasque Aether Trail Running Shoe Review
Those of you who have read my previous shoe review know how much I adore my Brooks Cascadia 3 trail runners. Seriously, those shoes just rule. I haven't been able to even put another pair of trail runners on my feet since I bought those.

However, I did really love the feel of these Vasque Aether shoes in the store, to the extent that I bought them, as an alternate pair. I haven't put them on to run in until this morning, but I did promise a shoe review for those shoes, didn't I? :-)

I wasn't sure if I'd be able to write a review of this shoe in just one run, but it delivered. I'm gonna start by saying, "wow!" And mind you, this is with me starting a tad apprehensive that my favorite trail runners were not on my feet. These shoes feel just incredible!

They fit the foot well, and are incredibly light weight. If a size 13 shoe can feel like it's not there, and still provide support, structure/traction, then that says something. Speaking of traction: these shoes have outstanding traction. I was able to test them on the following types of trail:

• crushed gravel
• limestone gravel
• grass
• dry, sandy soil
• black clay, slightly damp
• mixed clay/rock (both slightly damp, and dry)
• very rocky areas

Sadly, I was not able to run through any water, but from the design of the shoes, and the materials used, (and the countless testimony of fellow runners) these shoes perform well in those conditions. They were very responsive, despite their almost stiff appearance.

I took it as a good sign when I showed up to a large training group filled with ultra trail runners, including the coach who does 100 milers, and at least 1/4th of them had these very shoes on. Yes, I still love and adore my Brooks Cascadia 3's, but I have to say, that these shoes are equally impressive. They might even become my new favorites. I have to remember, these aren't technically broken in yet. They have earned a spot in my next several workouts!