Ultra Glide 4

Yes, for most runners it fits true to size, so order your usual trail number. The midfoot lockdown is secure thanks to the internal sleeve, and the toe box is moderate rather than wide. If you have broad or high-volume feet, or your feet swell over ultra distances, sizing up a half is worth considering for extra room. Runners wanting a genuinely wide platform may prefer the Altra Olympus 6 instead.

This is exactly what it is built for. The deep 38.6mm stack and soft, protective midsole are designed to keep your legs fresh over long, rolling miles, which is the single biggest factor in finishing an ultra comfortably. It shines on smooth to moderate trail, gravel and forest paths. On steep, highly technical courses the tall, soft stack can feel a little tippy, so match the shoe to your terrain.

Yes, it is a friendly choice for runners newer to trail. The soft cushioning is forgiving, the ride is easy-going rather than demanding, and the secure lockdown builds confidence on uneven ground. Its neutral, planted feel suits steady efforts and long, relaxed miles. Just keep early runs to smoother trails while you build skill, since the tall stack is happier on buffed paths than on gnarly, rocky descents.

Both are cushioned trail shoes aimed at long distance, but they lean slightly differently. The Speedgoat 7 offers aggressive grip built for chewed-up, technical terrain, while the Ultra Glide 4 leans towards a soft, comfortable cruise on smoother to moderate trail. If your routes are rocky and steep, the Speedgoat is the surer bet. If you want plush, protective comfort for long, rolling miles, the Ultra Glide 4 is the more relaxing ride.

It is built for the long haul. The upper carries reinforcement in the high-wear areas around the toe and medial side, and the lockdown holds up rather than loosening off over hours on the trail. The outsole is designed to cope with gravel, forest paths and moderate trail abuse. As with any soft, high-stack shoe, the midsole will gradually lose some of its plushness over many hundreds of miles, but for a cushioned trail runner at this price it represents sensible value.

You can run short road sections to link trails together without a problem, and the cushioned ride handles hard surfaces comfortably. That said, this is a dedicated trail shoe, and the lugged outsole will wear faster on tarmac than a road shoe would. If most of your running is on road with the odd trail, a door-to-trail or road shoe makes more sense. Keep the Ultra Glide 4 for when the trail is the main event.