Whether you prefer to evolve in small steps or giants leaps TrekSta has a shoe for you. The Evolution II is the latest progression from TrekSta and a great find for anyone on the trail. The Evolution II is part of TrekSta’s Mountain Trail Line and is a great addition for anyone who wears trail runners. The Evolution II comes in both men’s and women’s and multiple color options available. The Evolution II comes with two sets of laces. One set of laces are conservative in color while the other offer more flare. For example I received the black/lime color of the men’s Evolution II. I can go with grey laces which blend in with the rest of the upper part of the shoe or I can use the neon green laces.

The Evolution II Features TrekSta’s NestFIT technology incorporated into the design. When developing the NestFIT system TrekSta measured over 20,000 different feet and measured the curves, contours and contact points on them all. This gives TrekSta a good basis of where feet need more cushion and support and where to remove gaps and pressure points. They used this data to make a shoe last (solid form which is used in molding the shape and size of shoes) that actually looks like a human foot as opposed to an elliptical blob. This means the shoe is asymmetrical and accounts for things like big toes. For example the TrekSta NestFIT system has the tips of the shoe and the tallest section of the toebox at the big toe sloping down smaller towards the pinkie toe. Traditional symmetrical shoes have their high points and tips in the center of the shoe. This technology transfers all the way down from the upper through the insole and midsole to the outsole. The NestFIT system is designed so that the footwear acts and feels more like an extension of your foot rather than shoes. These are all great things for users whether they are taking small steps or giant leaps on the trail.

The Evolution II also have TrekSta’s IceLock and HYPERgrip soles. The IceLock system is designed to provide users with optimal traction on slick surfaces such as snow and ice. IceLock uses electrostatically aligned micro-glass filaments in the sole to create a slip-stopping surface tension. You can really see this in the soles of the shoes. The soles have these triangular shaped rubber knobs that feel much different from the rest of the sole. They have black and grey stripes and look similar to large candy-corn. IceLock was initially developed to deal with black ice. HYPERGrip helps provide good traction on both wet and dry surfaces. It’s wear resistant, very durable and will not discolor or degrade.

When I first tried on the TrekSta Evolution II I could immediately tell that they felt different than other trail runners I have used. The insole is contoured, not flat and I can really feel it. It is not uncomfortable at all and I quickly got used to it. They are comfortable to wear both on and off the trail and like the way they fit my feet. I’ve never had any blisters or hot spots so I can feel comfortable about getting another pair and not having to break them in before a trip.

I definitely feel that the Evolution II have good traction. I’ve walked across wet rocks and slick wood and never had my feet slipped. I have even hiked on trails covered in snow while wearing the Treksta and not had an issue.  The Treksta Evolution II breathe really well which is nice when I’m exerting myself. It’s also great as it allows my feet to dry faster if they do get wet. This is really appreciated after hiking on snowfields all day or along wet trails during spring runoff. 

The Treksta Evolution II trail runners are not your typical footwear. They are designed to fit and perform better than average trail shoes. They fit and feel very comfortable on my feet, are well ventilated and provide great traction. I foresee myself purchasing more Treksta shoes in the future I feel confident about wearing these shoes on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), the Appalachian Trail (AT) and anywhere in between.