Craft Pure Trail: Tested Review

Four days a week, I get up around 6:30 a.m. Before the three other people in my house stir, I put on my running gear, still lying where I left them the day before: a running shirt and cropped running tights. I quietly make my way downstairs, avoiding the second step down that creaks, and strap on my running watch and tie my shoes. Then, I head out to meet my running partner, who's eagerly waiting for me by the barn outside the kitchen.

Chase, my one-year-old working cocker spaniel, knows what time it is and judging by the speed of his wagging tail, is ready for our run. I, too, am excited to head out, especially because I've been testing a new pair of trail-running shoes: the Pure Trail (women's and men's) from Craft, a Swedish sportswear brand that has more recently begun to build its profile in road- and trail-running footwear.

I open the front door, put Chase's harness on, and we step outside. I'm used to running alone, but since I started bringing him along this fall, I've noticed that my runs have felt more joyful. Maybe it's the way his ears flap in the wind or his enthusiasm as he bounds ahead that makes me smile. Today, my outlook is even sunnier as I'm excited to see what my new gear can do. I'm wearing the Pure Trail in Concrete Blaze, a more transparent and subdued colorway compared to the Vibrant Tart (yellow/orange) option also available at REI. I've always loved running, but whenever I get to try a new pair of shoes my eagerness revs up.

Shop: Cold-Weather Running Gear and Warm-Weather Trail-Running Gear

Setting off on our five-miler, Chase and I head toward our local trail route where we don't have to worry about traffic. Once we get to our normal starting point, my legs have sufficiently woken up. Chase, of course, has already taken off. As I speed up to catch him, he goes straight up the hill while I turn left. He darts after me, living up to his name. I hope the game will tire him out by the time we return home.

Last year, I often felt discomfort in my feet when pounding the pavement before reaching the trail. In the last few months, I've noticed less to complain about and more bounce in my gait. I don't think it's a coincidence that these changes have coincided with my introduction to the Pure Trail. According to Craft, the shoes are designed as a highly responsive daily trainer that delivers stability for "a wide variety of off-road use." As someone who's used to a stiffer trail shoe, I was pleasantly surprised by the Pure Trail. Unlike many runners today, I'm not used to wearing shoes that have a thick, plush midsole (I'm looking at you, HOKA lovers), so I wasn't expecting the lightweight, low-profile Pure Trail to feel so bouncy. Despite weighing in at just over one-pound for the pair, the shoes were supportive and comfy, helping my runs feel smoother.

Getting the Fit Right

Slipping my feet into my Pure Trail shoes for the first time, I noticed there was little wiggle room for my toes. I'm usually a size 8, but in hindsight, I could have easily gone up in size to create space for socks on colder days. To prevent unwanted blisters on my first run with the Pure Trail shoes, I wore them around the house to stretch them out, which I found helped. However, if you want to avoid this step, I'd recommend sizing up a half-size.

Another tester, Sarah, who regularly runs three to four times a week up to 10 kilometers (about 6.2 miles) per run, felt the same way about fit. For her, a size 6 is usually fine; however, she found that the Pure Trail was tight on her toes. Yet, despite both of us foregoing our socks to maximize space, neither of us suffered from blisters.

My go-to trail runners have ranged from Salomons to Saucony models. Both brands excel in delivering stability on a variety of terrain. They kept me feeling good during my first trail marathon, the Glencoe Marathon Gathering in Scotland, and when I raced the XTERRA Snowdonia Trail Marathon in Wales. Running in the Pure Trail has felt completely different, although the ride has also been enjoyable. Maybe it's the Cr Foam™ midsole, which provides extra cushioning and stability, or the Ortholite™ high rebound recycled insole that molds to my foot size, but the initial fit issues weren't a problem when I took the shoes for their first run. Plus, it was a fun bonus to look down and see my toes through the clear front of the shoe.

The best way I can describe the ride of the Pure Trail is airy, effortless, light, and comfortable. I feel confident running over everything from paths covered in wet leaves to trails packed with squelchy mud that has little chance of drying out between rains. Even when running on sections of pavement to get to the trail, my gait has felt smooth and my feet have felt light while hitting the ground. Sarah agrees, saying the Pure Trail shoes have been supportive for her high arches. As someone who feels pain in her right hip if she's not wearing the right shoes, Sarah says she's converted from her normal brand to the Pure Trail. "My chiropractor husband confirms this too," Sarah adds. "I've needed less realignment from my usual runs whilst using these shoes."

Ready for All Conditions

After a few months of running in the Pure Trail, I'm still excited to wear them as I run with Chase. After continued use for six weeks through mud and puddles, the shoes have retained plenty of bounce and remain in good overall condition. The rubber outsole, paired with the rock plate, delivers the security I want on multiple surfaces and allows me to speed up without worrying that I will bruise my foot on something sharp. The rock plate curves in front of the toe box and provides enough thickness to deliver extra protection; the outsole's grippy lug pattern is sufficient for technical trails both crumbly and wet.

Similarly, the Cr Foam midsole, infused with nitrogen to reduce weight and enhance rebound, along with the heel stack height of 34mm, and the heel-to-toe drop of 6mm, provides enough of a squish factor to increase the comfort rating. Breathability with the Pure Trail shoe doesn't appear to be an issue, thanks to a single-layer TPU mesh upper that, with a transparent design, displays stylish socks or bare feet beneath. Meanwhile, the Pure Trail relies on a traditional lacing system to help you get a good lockdown.

Unfortunately, while the clear upper is a fun departure from other trail shoes I've tried, my feet began to feel cold on some of my runs. However, sizing up and wearing thicker socks would likely mitigate this problem. It'll be interesting to see how these shoes fare in the months to come, as I increase my mileage in preparation for a 2024 trail race. So far, I'm confident that the Pure Trail will easily withstand 300 miles as I continue to use them through varied terrain and weather conditions.

The Takeaway

As a brand that has more recently branched out into running footwear, Craft impresses with the Pure Trail. The shoes are comfortable, deliver ample cushioning and stability, and provide plenty of bounce while remaining lightweight. Whether you're searching for a shoe you can run long in or blast a few quick miles in at the end of a workout, the Pure Trail is worth considering. At $169.95, this daily trail runner is on the pricier end, but makes up for it with versatility. Most trail-focused runners won't need another shoe. As for me, I've finally found the perfect pair to chase my dog in.