As summer heat fades and the trail running calendar resets after UTMB, September brings a slate of new footwear designed for autumn miles on gravel paths and mountain switchbacks. These releases focus on balance, offering a mix of lightweight responsiveness and protection for technical terrain.
Salomon is expanding its gravel offerings with the Aero Blaze 4 GRVL, a light trail and gravel version of its road running shoe. Our testers have worn the model extensively, reporting a positive experience overall. The shoe weighs 8 ounces for a men’s size 9 and women’s size 10.5, making it incredibly light.
That low weight combines with a snappy TPU-based midsole foam for an energetic, springy feel. This construction is ideal for tempo runs and speedwork. The 2.5-millimeter lugs provide durable traction that does not trap gravel bits and stones, while the upper features a new thick-laced system derived from Salomon’s Quicklace technology. At $140, the Aero Blaze 4 GRVL stands out as one of the best dollar-for-dollar shoes on the market.
Teva Trailpeak: Low Profile and Secure
Teva’s first foray into a full-coverage trail running shoe, the Trailpeak, aims to address feedback from their earlier sandal releases. While the Aventrail sandal offered a smooth midsole, testers found it insecure on trails with loose rocks. The new Trailpeak includes a full upper to secure the foot.
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Our tester describes the Trailpeak as impressive, low profile, and nimble. It provides precise footwork on technical terrain. The midsole uses a bouncy A-TPU blend that offers excellent ground feel. An integrated fit system with 12 points secures the midfoot during movement. Weighing 8.3 ounces for a men’s 9 and 6.5 ounces for a women’s 7, this shoe offers a sensitive yet responsive ride for runners seeking stability on uneven ground.
Speedland GS:TAM 2: Fit and Foam Upgrades
The Speedland GS:TAM 2 launches September 7 with updates focused on fit and ride quality. This model draws inspiration from the Mt. Tam trails in Northern California. The upper receives a significant rework to accommodate a wider range of instep heights. A dual Boa system features new geometry that sits flush on the top of the foot for a cleaner fit.
Additionally, the ankle collar uses a stitch-and-turn construction with added foam to prevent rubbing. Underfoot, the drop-in midsole uses a new proprietary blend built around ATPU beaded foam. While the brand keeps the specific mix a secret, history suggests the ride will be cutting-edge. The removable carbon plate and Michelin Fiberlite outsole with 6.5-millimeter lugs carry over from the original model.
Modern trail running gear often prioritizes protection and stability as the season changes. While lightweight shoes excel on smooth surfaces, technical terrain requires a specific balance of cushioning and grip to handle mud and loose rocks without sacrificing control. The Trailpeak and GS:TAM 2 illustrate this shift toward shoes that offer the security of a full upper while maintaining the ground feel preferred by performance runners.
Related: Pacific Northwest Offers Best Trail Running Routes
Black Diamond x Norda and Nike ACG Gore-Tex
Other September launches include the Black Diamond x Norda collaboration, dubbed “BD x norda 001.” This release includes a special edition pack featuring shoes, a duffel, poles, and a hoody in exclusive colors. Trail Runner’s managing editor Abby Levene tested this equipment during the full Tour du Mont Blanc last week.
Abby Levene specifically wore the BD x norda 001 shoes while working through the Alpine routes of the tour. The collaborative pack also includes a duffel bag, trekking poles, and a hoody in exclusive colors. The Tour du Mont Blanc, which spans France, Italy, and Switzerland, provided a rigorous environment for evaluating the gear’s performance.
Nike has also released an ACG Gore-Tex trail runner for the season. This model focuses on waterproof protection for wet weather conditions. Runners looking for a versatile shoe that can handle both gravel and technical trails will find options in these latest releases.
September offers a diverse selection of footwear for runners. Whether the focus is on value, stability, or protection, there is a shoe for every preference.
