Ahnu wasn't a company we were familiar with in January. But after testing two pairs of their trail shoes, we feel like this is a company you should get to know.
PT365 gear tester Bob Gaylord quickly put 100 miles on Ahnu's Woodacre Hydrophobic this spring. This multiterrain trainer is built on a "dual density evaq midsole for shock absorption and cushioning" and boasts a hydrophobic, breathable mesh upper that will keep your feet dry(ish) even in the wettest conditions.
Ahnu says it also features their "Numentum™ Traverse Technology, which is designed to center and guide the foot for an efficient, stable and balanced stride through variable speed, impact and motion."
So what did Bob think about it?
This is a great shoe for wet, muddy conditions. I tested these shoes at three wet, muddy 50k trail races. They performed as one would expect of a trail shoe with a hydrophobic, water-repellent mesh upper. The shoe maintained excellent traction on extremely muddy trails, some with significant cant. The water-repellent mesh upper kept the water out, but amazingly allowed my socks and feet to dry when they did get wet inside (obviously they don't protect against water coming in when the mud -- or a stream crossing -- is up to your knees!).
The wide toe box allowed for plenty of movement and [had] enough room for double-layer socks on one cold, windy run. I did get a small blister during the first 50k, but -- to be fair -- I wore them straight out of the box without a break-in period.
[Brand new shoes at a 50k? Bob, you should know better.]
The light canvas-like mesh upper is a bit stiffer than normal mesh, so during the next two 50ks I was still a bit concerned with the possibility of more blisters. Verdict on the next two runs: no blisters and an excellent ride. My only concern is that they may get too hot during summer runs based on how warm they were in the car.
I felt the ride was very comfortable and stable, and took the rocks and rough trail easily, though they were a bit uncomfortable on the few dirt road sections. But let's be honest, who would buy trail shoes for dirt roads or asphalt?
Our take? The Woodacre Hydrophic is a great, warm shoe sticky enough to keep you on your feet over winter and early spring, but will likely be too hot for summer scorchers.
I'm one run and 22 miles into Ahnu's Rockridge II and will have more on these after another 200 or so miles.
Buy the Woodacre Hydrophobic trail shoes on Ahnu's website for $125. Sorry, ladies -- there isn't a women's version.
Retired Army Brig. Gen. Bob Gaylord lives in Washington, D.C., and is training for his tenth 100-mile race.
