X-Bionic TerraSkin X00/C Evaluation | GearJunkie Examined

The path forward is rocky, steep, and lined with patches of snow and ice. I plunge ahead, dropping from the ridge as dawn crests over the Nice Plains under. My ft hop from rock to grime, and I put on a foolish grin as I careen down the country path. Sure, these wild-looking sneakers can actually grip. That is one enjoyable descent.

One look and also you’ll acknowledge that the primary path operating shoe from Swiss model X-Bionic is a departure from the norm. Referred to as the TerraSkin X00/C, this path operating shoe has a outstanding “Speedframe” wrapping the midsole, an aggressive outsole, and a shoe-specific sock. After a few weeks of testing, I agree with the model in that it is a centered device for aggressive downhill operating and exact foot placements on technical trails.

Briefly: The X-Bionic TerraSkin X00/C is a exact path operating shoe for rocky, technical, and steep terrain. It leverages a carbon plate, in addition to high-rebound EVA midsole cradled in a stiff “Speedframe” to supply a steady, very grippy shoe. Whereas it sits on the heavier finish of the path operating shoe spectrum, the TerraSkin X00/C is quick and safe, particularly on technical descents. On the draw back, it isn’t notably energetic underfoot.

Evaluate the X-Bionic TerraSkin X00/C with the greatest path trainers.

X-Bionic TerraSkin X00/C Evaluation

To be fully clear, that is an early overview. I’ve had the X-Bionic TerraSkin X00/C sneakers to overview for about 2 weeks now and have six runs in them. I’ll replace this story as soon as I’ve extra distance in them. However for now, I needed to share my impressions about this shoe because it’s a buzzing subject.

Spoiler — it’s good! However it is usually a specialised device. Let’s bounce in.

Placing on the X-Bionic for the primary time, you’ll even be placing on a brand new pair of socks. That’s as a result of X-Bionic — primarily identified for its operating, biking, and winter sports activities attire and socks — constructed the TerraSkin line from the sock out. So, every pair of sneakers ships with an included pair of TerraSkin Socks.

The socks match snugly and are comparatively skinny. The left and proper socks are asymmetrical and have thicker ribbing to help the Achilles tendon and instep. Mine are additionally completely different colours, as are the sneakers of their vivid pink and white or black. Speak about making a press release!

In the end, these socks grip the pores and skin effectively and supply a safe match contained in the sneakers. With an final purpose to supply safe footing on tough trails, the sock is an effective place to begin.

Above the foot is a stretchy but powerful higher. The center of the higher, alongside the laces, combines stretchy cloth with steady TPU on the perimeters, which then hyperlinks to the Speedframe. The result’s a reasonably comfortable higher that retains your foot from shifting contained in the shoe. I actually just like the match, which could be very comfy but safe.

In my check runs, I attempted fairly arduous to make my foot slop round within the shoe, and it merely didn’t. Although the shoe isn’t precisely tight becoming, the design hugs my foot effectively, conserving it engaged and locked throughout the shoe.

I believe that’s good as a result of the midsole’s distinctive design is each responsive and directional. It doesn’t permit the foot to roll sideways a lot, even on sharp rock edges or uneven terrain. So, the foot actually wants to remain snugly inside this higher.

Lastly, let’s discuss outsole. These are actually grippy sneakers with comparatively deep lugs. X-Bionic calls this Vibram design “Spinweave.” Mainly, rubberized nubs sit on the skin of the Speedframe. The model claims this design will increase floor space by 27% in contrast with different outsoles.

In observe, I discovered the outsole grippy on rock, grime, and frozen floor. It’s even first rate on packed snow. I haven’t examined it on moist surfaces but, however I believe it’ll carry out.

So, put all this collectively, and what do you’ve gotten? This shoe is a downhill weapon, prepared for some wild descents.

Testing the X-Bionic TerraSkin X00/C

The loop round Matthews/Winters Park and Dakota Ridge exterior Denver is a path runner’s dream. Steep climbs, quick flats, and many technical rock sections problem any path runner to maintain upright. Having run this path possibly a whole lot of occasions during the last 10 years, I’ve fairly just a few scars to memorialize some spectacular crashes. So, it appeared an awesome testing floor for the X-Bionic TerraSkin X00/C.

Let’s begin with the wins: The X-Bionic TerraSkin X00/C runs downhill like a well-balanced sports activities automotive. With quick footwork between rocks and grime patches, I discovered myself locked into the bottom.

Change course on a boulder, and the shoe locked on the location, propelling me rapidly with lots of vitality return and a superb floor really feel. My foot stayed locked into the succesful higher. And the outsole gripped effectively on every part from frozen floor to dry rock. The TerraSkin X00/C is fantastic in that sort of tough terrain, particularly on descents.

The place It’s Not So Good

The TerraSkin X00/C is much less thrilling on longer, flat sections of rolling grime trails. There, it’s a wholly succesful path operating shoe. The midsole is protecting. However whereas it does give modest rebound, and I moved alongside at a superb clip carrying them, they’re comparatively muted on the flats. To be clear, the X00/C is a little bit clunky when the highway will get clean.

I did run these on a few morning metropolis runs, and as anticipated, it’s not nice on pavement. Like a pickup truck with 35-inch tires, this shoe will not be optimized for concrete or clean trails.

This isn’t a road-to-trail shoe. Don’t count on zippy, low-impact efficiency on tarmac. The X-Bionic TerraSkin X00/C is a centered device for path and grime operating. Certain, you may run it on pavement or clean trails. However it doesn’t excel there.

Yet another necessary level on this shoe: It’s costly, retailing at $300. Nonetheless you narrow it, that’s a heavy hit for a operating shoe.

Who Ought to Run within the X-Bionic TerraSkin X00/C?

After a number of outings, I really feel like I’ve a superb sense of this very cool path operating shoe. I’m glad I’ve a pair and see it as a reasonably specialised device.

Till I check it extra, I’d advocate the X-Bionic TerraSkin X00/C as a path operating shoe for individuals who cowl a lot of technical terrain and need a exact shoe. It excels at quick descents and ought to be an awesome quick hiker, too, because the grip is completely unbelievable.

I additionally suppose it might be a superb fell runner, because it has actually aggressive lugs that ought to dig into smooth soil effectively. However in case you combine highway and path operating or need a light-weight shoe that may transition between the 2, look elsewhere. It is a specialised device.

That’s not a nasty factor. If you happen to’re on the lookout for a grippy path runner for these spicy sections, test it out. The X-Bionic TerraSkin X00/C is a compelling, enjoyable shoe that can assist flesh out the quiver of the avid path runner.