Running shoes don't have straps....... right? Running shoes are designed to allow your foot to move efficiently from foot strike to toe off in a straight line while running on a flat surface.
Straight line? Flat surface? What trail is that? In an XTERRA trail run you are jumping over roots and rocks, slogging through soft sand and mud, drowning in water, and clawing your way up mountains, then sliding back down. Generally you are just abusing yourself for fun and fitness.
There is nothing straight or flat about trail running. So what is "normal" for a running shoe does not apply to trail running. The XT1.0 is designed for XTERRA trail running.
If you'll indulge us for a minute, here's a little story you may have heard before: you're running on a great trail, happy as can be. You plant your foot on what appears to be solid, reasonably steady surface. However you're on one of those XTERRA quality trails so when you land your shoe grips the "surface" and the ball of your foot slides across the sock-liner inside your shoe. What happens next? You roll off the sole and loose traction, then maybe fall down, possibly roll your ankle, or stumble around trying to get your rhythm back.
Our solution is that strap. We call it the NARRGuard stabilizer strap. This piece of lightweight synthetic works together with the forefoot webbing to secure your foot for trail running. It's not a ratchet, just an overlay with a Velcro close. Providing just the right amount of structure to keep your foot anchored over the sole so you can keep on running.
NOTE: We offer an 100% absolute guarantee on any purchase of our shoes!!! Run, race or simply walk in what we feel is the best multi surface trail running shoe on the market with our 30-day guarantee and if you are not completely satisfied please return them for a full refund or a size exchange. For more information on our incredible fit guarantee please click here.
