New Balance Summit Unknown

The upper of the New Balance Summit Unknown is made from lightweight, breathable mesh, which ensures good ventilation and comfort. It features the Fantom Fit technology, a skeletonized upper that provides ultra-lightweight support and fit. This design is achieved by fusing two thin materials in a seamless process, ensuring a snug fit without adding extra weight. The upper also includes a rubberized toe box for added protection against rocks and debris, making it suitable for rugged trails.

The midsole of the New Balance Summit Unknown is constructed with REVlite foam, a lightweight compound that offers the same level of performance and durability as traditional New Balance materials but is 30% lighter. This midsole provides a good balance of cushioning and responsiveness, making it ideal for long runs on varied terrains. The shoe also features a Rockstop plate in the forefoot, which offers additional protection against sharp rocks and debris, ensuring a comfortable and safe run.

The outsole of the New Balance Summit Unknown is made from Hydrohesion rubber, which provides excellent grip on wet surfaces. The outsole features multi-directional lugs that offer good traction on soft dirt, grass, and dry talus (rocky debris). The design of the outsole ensures durability and longevity, making it suitable for various trail conditions. The Hydrohesion rubber compound is particularly effective in wet conditions, making the shoe a reliable choice for trail runners who frequently encounter water or mud.

The New Balance Summit Unknown fits true to size and is available in both regular and wide sizing. The shoe is designed to accommodate narrow to medium-width feet, with a snug fit that ensures stability on technical trails. The upper's flexible mesh material adapts to the foot's shape, providing a comfortable and secure fit. However, runners with wider feet may find the shoe a bit constricting, and they might want to consider the wide sizing option for a better fit.

The New Balance Summit Unknown offers a comfortable fit with its lightweight and breathable upper. The REVlite midsole provides adequate cushioning without feeling too soft, making it suitable for long runs on varied terrains. The shoe's design ensures a snug fit, reducing the risk of blisters and hot spots. However, some users noted that the tongue might slip during runs, which could be a minor annoyance. Overall, the shoe provides a comfortable and secure fit for most trail runners.

The cushioning in the New Balance Summit Unknown is provided by the REVlite midsole, which offers a good balance of comfort and responsiveness. The midsole is lightweight yet durable, ensuring a comfortable ride without adding extra weight. The shoe also features a Rockstop plate in the forefoot, which provides additional protection against sharp rocks and debris. While the shoe is not as cushioned as some other trail running models, it offers enough cushioning for most trail running conditions.

The New Balance Summit Unknown features a breathable mesh upper that ensures good ventilation during runs. This design helps keep the feet cool and dry, reducing the risk of blisters and discomfort. The mesh material is lightweight and flexible, allowing for a comfortable fit without compromising on breathability. The shoe's design ensures that it drains well in wet conditions, making it suitable for trail runners who frequently encounter water or mud.

The New Balance Summit Unknown offers good stability, thanks to its snug fit and supportive design. The shoe features a 10 mm heel-to-toe drop (the difference in height between the heel and the forefoot), which provides a stable platform for heel strikers (runners who land on their heels). The Rockstop plate in the forefoot adds to the shoe's stability by protecting the foot from sharp rocks and debris. However, some users noted that the shoe might feel a bit unstable on steep descents or side-hilling due to the higher heel-to-toe drop. Overall, the shoe provides adequate stability for most trail running conditions.

The New Balance Summit Unknown is designed to withstand the rigors of trail running, with a durable construction that ensures longevity. The Hydrohesion rubber outsole provides excellent grip and durability, while the Rockstop plate in the forefoot offers additional protection against sharp rocks and debris. The upper is made from lightweight, breathable mesh that holds up well against wear and tear. Reviewers noted that the shoe performed well even after extensive use on rugged trails, making it a reliable choice for trail runners.

The grip of the New Balance Summit Unknown is one of its standout features, thanks to the Hydrohesion rubber outsole. The multi-directional lugs provide excellent traction on various surfaces, including soft dirt, grass, and dry talus. The Hydrohesion rubber compound is particularly effective in wet conditions, ensuring a secure grip on wet rocks and muddy trails. This makes the shoe a reliable choice for trail runners who frequently encounter water or mud during their runs.

The New Balance Summit Unknown offers a good balance of flexibility and support, thanks to its lightweight and breathable upper. The shoe features a Rockstop plate in the forefoot, which provides protection against sharp rocks and debris while maintaining flexibility. The upper's mesh material is flexible and adapts to the foot's shape, ensuring a comfortable fit. While the shoe is not as flexible as some other trail running models, it offers enough flexibility for most trail running conditions.

Yes, the New Balance Summit Unknown is suitable for wet conditions. It features a Hydrohesion rubber outsole that provides excellent grip on wet surfaces, making it a reliable choice for trail runners who frequently encounter water or mud.

Yes, the New Balance Summit Unknown fits true to size. It is available in both regular and wide sizing, accommodating narrow to medium-width feet. Runners with wider feet may want to consider the wide sizing option for a better fit.

The New Balance Summit Unknown is best suited for various trail terrains, including dirt trails, grassy sections, rocky areas, and technical trails. Its lightweight design and protective features make it suitable for a wide range of trail running conditions.

The New Balance Summit Unknown offers a lightweight and protective design, while the Altra Lone Peak 3.5 provides a more cushioned ride. The Lone Peak 3.5 also features a wider toe box, which may be more comfortable for runners with wider feet. However, the Summit Unknown excels in wet conditions with its Hydrohesion rubber outsole, offering better grip on wet surfaces.

The New Balance Summit Unknown is suitable for short to medium-distance trail runs. While it offers good protection and cushioning, some runners may find it less ideal for longer runs due to its firmer ride and less cushioned midsole.