I took these Columbia trail shoes on a weekend of road and trail runs - and I've recommended them to (almost) anyone who'll listen ever since

There's little that's more clunky than having to run on pavement or road in trail running shoes. The thick lugs on the soles and stable design mean they thrive on shifting, rocky, and unstable terrain in forests, parks, hills, and even mountains, but you'll feel uncomfortable on anything flatter.

At least, that's what I thought until I tried the Columbia Konos Speed Trail for a weekend of road and trail running around the leafier parts of Surrey and Sussex. I liked them so much that when I came home, my running group was the first to hear about them.

You can also wear this pick of running shoes for short hikes across wet and dry conditions, making them a brilliant all-rounder whatever the season.

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Columbia Konos Speed Trail ATR Running Shoe review

Specifications

• Size range: 3 - 10
• Weight: 202g per shoe
• Heel to toe drop: 6 mm
• Lug depth: 3mm
• Waterproof version available: No
• Materials: 

What are the Columbia Konos Speed Trail ATR trail shoes like for running?

Sliding my foot into the Columbia Konos Speed Trail ATR trail shoes for the first time, I could tell they were going to be a great pair of running shoes. They were easy to pull on, and the laces locked in snugly over the padded tongue, offering a real feel of security and comfort across the top of my foot.

My first run out in them was a gentle out-and-back 10km route along the Sussex Downs, a path known for its rolling hills, and I felt validated in my first impression. These trail shoes don't have a particularly thick sole, which meant I could really feel the ground under my feet on the uphill, which gave me confidence in every (even slightly slippery) step, and I felt stable moving quickly on the way down.

Much like other speed shoes, these have a rocker in the sole that helps propel you along. This, along with the lightweight feel and minimal-but-responsive cushioning, meant I was flying along comfortably faster than my lungs could keep up with, and I had to stop and catch my breath. In that moment, I made a note to wear these the next time I did a trail race to see if they could get me a new personal best.

The toe on these shoes is firmer than most running trainers, so I easily avoided hitting my toes on any firmer ground or rocks throughout the run, but especially on the downhill. However, if it wasn't for the firm lock in the midfoot, provided by the laces and snug fit, I think I would have had some toe-bashing at the end of the shoe as it tapers inwards. This design feature makes them more stable when you're moving quickly, but for those with wider feet, it'll be a challenge from the start.

My second time running in the Columbia Konos Speed Trail ATR trail shoes was a riverside run for 12km, where the sun was beating down through the trees, and I resented forgetting my running sunglasses at every gap in the foliage. The lightweight, breathable mesh on the upper saved my feet from sweating too much.

What are the Columbia Konos Speed Trail ATR trail shoes like for walking?

Over my weekend, I had a mixture of weather and had to do some walking to get to or get off the trails, so I got to see what the Konos Speed Trail ATR trail shoes were like at a slower pace. Thanks to the adaptive rocker (which isn't rigid underfoot) and light cushioning, they feel comfortable and stable enough to walk in.

Are these the best walking shoes you'll find? No. As these trail shoes are designed for speed, they wouldn't be the best option for long, leisurely hikes or afternoon walks. If you want to improve your speed walking, then the features will certainly help you as much as any runner. However, there are better options for walkers.

Who are the Columbia Konos Speed Trail ATR trail shoes shoes made for?

Whether you're a seasoned runner or you're just lacing up for your first hike, these are a great pair of running shoes for anyone who wants to move with some speed, both on the trails and on regular roads and pavements.

They feel stable to wear with plenty of support for distances of up to about 20km (I've found). After that, I feel like I'd need a little more support around my ankle and underfoot. Shoes that prioritise this stability better are the Hoka Speedgoat 7 or the Merrell Morphlite trail shoes. But you won't be able to run as fast in those as you could in these.

The Columbia Konos Speed Trail ATR trail shoes have 3mm lugs, which are considerably smaller than the Brooks Cascadia 19s' 4.5mm lugs (for example). This is the reason why they are so comfortable on different terrains. The smaller lugs make them ideal for hard-packed trails in the summer when the terrain is drier, which isn't worlds away from pavement texture.

That's not to say you couldn't wear them for trail running across looser terrains or wetter trails, but I'd say that, given the sole texture and the lack of waterproofing, these are summer trail shoes and suited best to drier days.

The w&h verdict

The Columbia Konos Speed Trail ATR trail shoes certainly deserve a spot on my list of the best trail shoes. They are versatile enough to smoothly transition from road and pavement to trails and grass with ease - something that shoes double the price can struggle to do.

The rocker design, tapered toe, and basic cushioning mean they are designed for speed over stability, so if a 5km personal best is on your mind or you have a trail race coming up, then I'd certainly recommend them. However, they also help to provide a little propulsion underfoot for slower runners, too.

For those with no want for speed at all or those who prefer to walk, better options are available.