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The North Face Ultra 102 Trail Running Shoe - Men's
The North Face Ultra 102 is a lighter variation of TNF's renowned classic, the Ultra 100, and one of the toughest trail running shoes available. The Ultra 102's offer better motion control, more protection, and additional cushioning in the heel and forefoot. A larger medial posting provides even better “roll control” to reduce the chances of rolling your ankle. The North Face refined the scree gaiter attachments so they're tighter & tougher, also switching from fabric eyelets to plastic for superior durability. The Ultra 102's Outlast footbed provides excellent thermal regulation.
$99.95 
Awesome!!!
These sneakers rock! I specialize in western ultras 50m/100m in STEEP terrain. The 102s did very well...no blister problems and they were very friendly on downhill running...any shoes can do well uphill...the difference between quality shoes and others is their ability to keep you comfortable on the downhills...these are killer. I purchased two pairs in different sizes...to account for swelling...but they have such a good adjustable range through the toebox and lace region that I didn't really have to.
Runnin'
These shoes have been very good to me. I've been running in these for about a month now, and they're construction is still holding up very strong. Great grip for running trails, or for hopping fences. I generally wear a size 8, but wish I went with an 8.5 for these - they run a little small. Bottome Line: Highly recommended.
Great Shoes
This is a great pair of shoes. They fit well and are very comfortable. Good traction in the snow.
Heavy but good
I've yet to really test them out, but the short runs I've done (5k-8mi) have been great in these shoes. My Salomon XA comps are much lighter and seem to have more return on each footfall, but these are a solid shoe that I think will take me out and back on runs I wouldn't trust the Salomons on. I noted some of the other user comments and want to comment that: a) I agree, right out of the box, these shoes are great, I didn't feel the need to "break them in" so-to-speak, and b) unlike one user who commented about the "ridiculous double tiered lacing system", or something like that, I find it tremendously helpful and use the wider plastic nubs at either end of the lacing system, while the forward arch (so the middle lacing area) prefers the standard lacing. Very happy. Will probably use these for "Rugged-man" triathlons. Alex
Trail shoes?? Gimme a break!
I've been running since 1975, & trail running since the early 90's (old joints, y'know), and these don't make it AT ALL as trail shoes. No forefoot protection in the sole- if you run on anything but smooth hardpack, the smallest rock will hurt. I don't know about anyone else, but it's not always flat where I run, and the tread pattern/material is as slippery as if you're wearing road shoes when you're going up & down hills, with NO grip at all. Heel cushioning/fit is OK, but what's with the plastic lace things on the side? Don't ya think lotsa shoes would've had 'em IF LACING UP SHOES BY PULLING UP FROM THE SIDE WORKED?? Stick to real trail shoes made AND designed for running off-road, like Asics Trabucos, Adidas Trail Response, or NB 806's.
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Training Tips
When buying a new pair of running shoes, bring your old ones with you. You will get a better fit if you know if you supinate or pronate.
Heart monitors are useful for knowing when you are in the right zone for your training efforts. If you understand what your maximum heart rate is, you can set up your monitor to beep at you when you exceed the high or low range of your heart rate for the type of workout you are doing.
Cross training gives your body a chance to recover while still exercising. If yesterday has a hard run day up and down hills, then today's bicycle ride gives your aching knees a well deserved break.
Anaeroic threshold is when lactic acid starts to build up in your body as your muscles are not getting the oxygen they require. This threshold is typically expressed as a percentage of your VO2 max - the amount of oxygen per kilogram of weight that a person can use in converting fuel to energy. Elite athletes threshold might be as high as 90% of VO2 max.
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