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Trail Running Culture is exanding to include more personality and personalities and this is no more evident than in all the new drops from August 2025.
In the past, if you wanted run you had a few options for gear and because the target was so wide, the gear was forgettable. But as the industry grows, the drops are getting more niche and more interesting.
Hoka x J.L.A.L. Mafate X
Hoka dropped a second collaboration with London-based design label J.L.A.L., bringing two new colorways to the Mafate X. Although this is not a new footwear model (the Mafate X released early Summer), these new colorways gave me the opportunity to include this in the round up and show some love to a shoe that I didn’t think got the respect it deserved.
The Mafate X provides true maximum comfort while also managing to run quick and feel lighter than it is. I love the comfort and performance this shoe brings without feeling like it’s too clunky.
This J.L.A.L. collaboration is priced similarly to the OG model and comes in two muted purple-y colorways that look great.
Alex Zono “Have You Heard of This Hidden Gem Called Mont Blanc?” Ringer Tee
Alex Zono released a small capsule collection this August with some playful designs and a call out to Trail Running’s most celebrated event: UTMB. I love this shirt design, a tongue-in-cheek graphic that feels so fitting after watching the entire industry descend upon Chamonix for a week.
It’s 100% cotton, which, if you followed our Paris Fashion Week Coverage, you’d know seems to be a theme in some upcoming running collections.
Alex Zono is an awesome designer and someone I find pretty inspiring in the industry. I love the Ringer-style cut and commitment to his own style.
Norda 001a
Launching somewhat out of the blue, the trail running workhorse, Norda 001, gets an upgraded midsole and adds an “a” to the name.
While majority of the shoe remains the same, Norda developed their own midsole compound with Arnitel to give the 001 a softer and more responsive ride. Arnitel is the same material used in the 005. This midsole isn’t quite the 005, but should be an upgraded ride. They also gave some slight updates to the upper to help address the rough heel.
All in all, I love to see Norda improving their game. Josh and I got to see this shoe at Paris Fashion Week and loved all the new colorways. You have to credit Norda for challenging the industry and continually delivering good products.
Soar Trail Race Pack
Soar recently launched a much anticipated trail running hydration vest that features some pretty forward design details.
Most notably, this pack comes with custom, curved Hydrapak flasks and an ergonomic flask pocket that mimics the shape of your torso. The thought here is to ensure the water flasks conform to your chest instead of protruding straight out. In theory, this will reduce a lot of bounce and let the pack move more in tune with your body’s motion.
I love the idea of it. The only difficult part will be the inability to mix and match flasks. Despite the relatively minimal look, the pack features eight pockets and can pack full with a large stretch compartment in the back.
The pack sits more cropped and higher up on the rib cage. Excited for this one.
Hermanos Koumori Light Training T
We have so many nice things to say about Hermanos Koumori. Great team. Talented folks. Beautiful designs.
Simple but standout products. The brand out of Mexico City is gaining momentum and has put out some great items for their pre-Fall collection.
Among these, the long sleeve Light Training T is a standout for me as temperatures begin to cool and you look for layers that provide some extra warmth without suffocating you.
This shirt has some dynamic cuts up near the torso to encourage comfortability and fluid motion. It’s super light and breathable, but will retain some heat during your effort.
The colors, as always, work really well and accompany any kit.
Like The Wind Magazine – Issue #46
Shameless plug here as Borderlands and Josh are featured in this issue of Like the Wind, where we covered Paris Fashion Week as it pertains to running.
Like the Wind deserves all the credit here as they continue to explore meaningful stories in the running space.
This issue explores running as it approaches an inflection point, where many different sub-cultures in the space collide and how we can ensure that the runner is front and center of the movements.
Salomon S/Lab Ultra Glide 1.5
Salomon made some slight updates to their S/Lab Ultra Glide that released earlier this year.
These updates came to the upper and heel closure, ensure a more comfortable and secure closure without the rubbing that some runners were experiencing along the Achilles.
The dual-layer midsole experience in this shoe is quite a nice ride, delivering comfort with just enough pop to feel good. With an updated heel cup, I think this shoe will be super comfortable all around. I still pull my OG pair out for long days.
Bonus 2025 UTMB Favs
Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra 2
Adidas unveiled the new Agravic Speed Ultra 2 in Chamonix last week.
Although still technically a prototype, this new model looks to improve the crowd favorite Speed Ultra that has been on the feet of many major race champions over the last few years.
Josh and I got to see this model first at Paris Fashion Week, and Josh managed to nab a pair in Chamonix that the Terrex team graciously gifted to him.
This model will see some updates to the fit and midsole shape. The outsole also appears to have been slightly updated, with a bit more grip added.
I believe we may see some updates to the midsole as well. All in all, I can’t wait for these. Such a fast and fun shoe.
Nike ACG
I couldn’t just pick one item, but I wanted to highlight the whole ACG installation. ACG unveiled the Ultrafly 2 and the Radical Airflow Technology top that Caleb Olson donned in his States victory, among some other items.
I’m stoked we’ll see a wide release of the Radical Airflow line, as well as what looks like a completely revamped Ultrafly. Although it feels late to the game, Nike seems to have been meticulously crafting their unveiling of a new and improved ACG, and Nike Trail will be retired. ACG, or All Conditions Gear, is rooted in hiking and outdoor performance.
Beginning in the late 80s, ACG quickly became a cult classic among Nike enthusiasts, but lost relevance sometime in the 2010s. Although it’s made a resurgence amongst streetwear, I am stoked to see ACG be branded as a performance line again and remain true to the brand’s ethos.
