Unlike many outdoor pursuits, trail running allows a minimalist approach to alpine adventure. You get a phenomenal outdoor workout without having to invest a lot of time or money to get started. There's no comparison to being in the woods versus inhaling toxic fumes while dodging traffic in road running.

Outside of a good pair of trail runners to protect your feet from rocks and obstacles, not much is needed to get out and enjoy the backcountry. The Five Ten Dome trail running shoes address this in style. At first glance, the Dome appears sturdy yet supple with streamlined features including breathable all-leather uppers, reinforced double stitching and eyelets, and a burly protective toe rand. The Dome is a hybrid shoe that combines hiking and trail running features geared for light and fast alpine adventures, and would be suitable for thru-hikes as well.

Five Tenʻs unique slingshot heel and heel wedge features work together to anchor your foot in place to avoid rubbing and painful blisters, while the compression molded EVA midsole enhances comfort without weighing (or slowing) you down. The Stealth S1 outsole is comprised of Five Tenʼs signature sticky rubber and noticeably improves traction, stability and protection from the rigors of the trail. The trails around Durango offer ample bouldering problems and the Dome performed nicely on the occasional sandstone problem mid-run.

After two-and-a-half months of running and hiking around Southwest Colorado, the Dome trail runners have proven to be a dependable companion and remain reasonably intact. They are both versatile and durable, making them the perfect choice for cross-training and the multi-sport athlete. And can be expected to last for repeated seasons. (MSRP $145)