REI’s Labor Day Sale & Clearance is on now! I’ve gone through their entire trail running catalog and found the best deals on some top trail shoes. If you’re in the US, you really should be an REI member - it’s a one time cost and you get several discount coupons throughout the year which totally covers the membership cost, and then some. For some of these deals, you can even add a 20% coupon on top of the already reduced price if you’re a member!
La Sportiva Prodgio Pro ($168)
Perhaps the most popular and talked about shoe over the past nearly two years now. Prodigio Pro 2 is imminent for 2027, so stock up on the current Prodigio Pro at this price! Many reviews and comparisons on the channel - check them out!
La Sportiva Prodigio 2 ($127)
Compared to the Pro model, the “regular” Prodigio 2 is less bouncy, has more toebox space, and a bit more protection for training on rocky and technical trails.
Keen Seek ($138) / Keen Roam ($115)
Keen is relatively new to the performance trail running scene. For those looking for a more natural style toebox with a secure midfoot hold - Keen is the brand for you. The Seek is more energetic and perhaps race-ready, while the Roam leans towards comfort and cushion for easier cruising.
Keen Wander ($105)
Keen’s newest model, the Wander - dials up the ground feel. There’s a flexible rock plate in the mix, but this model extends the natural experience under the foot. A great option for running, hiking, and all around outdoor use. I’ll have a full review of the Wander soon!
Hoka Tecton X 3 ($169)
The new Hoka Tecton X 4 just came out, so this one is now discontinued. There are non-major changes in the X 4 (check out my full review), but if the X 3 worked for you - I’d jump on these while they last!
Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 Matryx ($124)
Kind of a classic at this point - a somewhat minimalistic ride gives you a connected feel in what I’ve called an “old school” package. They don’t make too many shoes like the MTL Long Sky 2 Matryx anymore!
Merrell MTL Adapt Matryx ($121)
I did a feature video on the MTL Adapt Matryx - specifically because it feels so supportive under the middle/rear, making it a great option for tackling long uphills. The overall ride is energetic, with a big rocker up front to move things along.
Arc’teryx Sylan 2 ($175)
The revamped Arc’teryx Sylan 2 is perhaps one of the top technical mountain shoes - if you want to run fast! A new carbon plate plus super dialed fit make this a top pick for mountain running especially with the fall/winter seasons coming up. Look out for a comparison against the new Salomon S/LAB Genesis 2 - these two are close cousins.
Arc’teryx Norvan LD 4 ($135)
Another shoe that I give the “classic” designation is the Arc’teryx Norvan LD 4. No frills, no fuss, a versatile ride for pretty much any type of trail. It’s hard to nail down any specific whiz bang feature of this shoe, but it just works! Check out this adventure run for proof!
Craft Xplor ($99)
This is the only shoe on this list that I haven’t reviewed, but I did test the Xplor Pro model (not on sale). I thought it was worth listing here due to the price, plus the extra 20% off coupon is applicable. That’s $80 for the “regular” Xplor, which has the same foam as the Pro model.
The REI Labor Day Sale & Clearance is going on now through September 7. This is a great time to stock on on some proven models before they go away to make way for updated ones. These are just a few of my picks - let me know if you see anything else awesome in the sale.
Products provided at no cost for test and review by the various brands. Please see my support page for disclaimers regarding my testing and review process.