Tecnica Dragon X-Lite Trail Runner

shop.tecnicausa.com, 11 ounces
The Tecnica Dragon X-Lite is a good looking shoe that confidently offers stability and comfort on the uneven and often treacherous ride that is trail running.  As you can tell by simply glancing at the shoe, the Dragon X-Lit eschews the minimalist’s movement that’s been dominating the running scene. The resutt is a shoe with a wide base and attentive cushioning that work harmoniously to navigate challenging terrains, whether it’s steep up hills, muddy tracks, or precarious descents.  Its oversized platform and multidirectional lugs in the outsole facilitate confident footing over rocks and roots.  The TRS cushioning system, padded tongue and collar, and Ortholite insole afford ease and coalesce for an exceptionally snug ride.  Perhaps a trade off to the comfort and stability offered by the Dragon X-Lite is a lower degree of responsiveness, resulting in stiffer turnover on occasion.  And while the suede upper and padded environs lend to added comfort, this comes at the expense of some breathability, most noticeable on hot summer days.  Bottom line, this shoe achieves a balance hard to find in trail running shoes if you are willing to sacrifice some degrees of responsiveness and heat is less of a factor.
-Pawan Bhatia