ActiveRunningColumbia Montrail Trinity MX Trail Running Shoe review: turning headsEye-catching, max-cushioned trail shoes with asymmetrical lacing and excellent midfoot lockdown and stabilityWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)T3 VerdictWell-cushioned and pretty, the Columbia Montrail Trinity MX Trail Running Shoes are sure to turn some heads on the trail. The Techlite PLUSH midsole and rocker geometry help you move forward efficiently, and the 5 mm lugs provide enough traction on dry and wet surfaces to keep your footing stable.Reasons to buy+Super-soft cushioning system+Eye-catching design+Secure yet non-restrictive midfoot lockdown+Smooth heel-to-toe transitionReasons to avoid-A bit bulky and wide-I’m sure some hardcore trail runners won’t like the look of the shoesWhy you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
ActiveRunningColumbia Montrail Trinity MX Trail Running Shoe review: turning headsEye-catching, max-cushioned trail shoes with asymmetrical lacing and excellent midfoot lockdown and stabilityWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)T3 VerdictWell-cushioned and pretty, the Columbia Montrail Trinity MX Trail Running Shoes are sure to turn some heads on the trail. The Techlite PLUSH midsole and rocker geometry help you move forward efficiently, and the 5 mm lugs provide enough traction on dry and wet surfaces to keep your footing stable.Reasons to buy+Super-soft cushioning system+Eye-catching design+Secure yet non-restrictive midfoot lockdown+Smooth heel-to-toe transitionReasons to avoid-A bit bulky and wide-I’m sure some hardcore trail runners won’t like the look of the shoesWhy you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
Eye-catching, max-cushioned trail shoes with asymmetrical lacing and excellent midfoot lockdown and stability
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)T3 VerdictWell-cushioned and pretty, the Columbia Montrail Trinity MX Trail Running Shoes are sure to turn some heads on the trail. The Techlite PLUSH midsole and rocker geometry help you move forward efficiently, and the 5 mm lugs provide enough traction on dry and wet surfaces to keep your footing stable.Reasons to buy+Super-soft cushioning system+Eye-catching design+Secure yet non-restrictive midfoot lockdown+Smooth heel-to-toe transitionReasons to avoid-A bit bulky and wide-I’m sure some hardcore trail runners won’t like the look of the shoes
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
T3 VerdictWell-cushioned and pretty, the Columbia Montrail Trinity MX Trail Running Shoes are sure to turn some heads on the trail. The Techlite PLUSH midsole and rocker geometry help you move forward efficiently, and the 5 mm lugs provide enough traction on dry and wet surfaces to keep your footing stable.Reasons to buy+Super-soft cushioning system+Eye-catching design+Secure yet non-restrictive midfoot lockdown+Smooth heel-to-toe transitionReasons to avoid-A bit bulky and wide-I’m sure some hardcore trail runners won’t like the look of the shoes
T3 VerdictWell-cushioned and pretty, the Columbia Montrail Trinity MX Trail Running Shoes are sure to turn some heads on the trail. The Techlite PLUSH midsole and rocker geometry help you move forward efficiently, and the 5 mm lugs provide enough traction on dry and wet surfaces to keep your footing stable.
T3 Verdict
Well-cushioned and pretty, the Columbia Montrail Trinity MX Trail Running Shoes are sure to turn some heads on the trail. The Techlite PLUSH midsole and rocker geometry help you move forward efficiently, and the 5 mm lugs provide enough traction on dry and wet surfaces to keep your footing stable.
Reasons to buy+Super-soft cushioning system+Eye-catching design+Secure yet non-restrictive midfoot lockdown+Smooth heel-to-toe transitionReasons to avoid-A bit bulky and wide-I’m sure some hardcore trail runners won’t like the look of the shoes
Reasons to buy+Super-soft cushioning system+Eye-catching design+Secure yet non-restrictive midfoot lockdown+Smooth heel-to-toe transition
Super-soft cushioning system
Eye-catching design
Secure yet non-restrictive midfoot lockdown
Smooth heel-to-toe transition
Reasons to avoid-A bit bulky and wide-I’m sure some hardcore trail runners won’t like the look of the shoes
A bit bulky and wide
I’m sure some hardcore trail runners won’t like the look of the shoes
Why you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
Why you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
Columbia Montrail Trinity MX Trail Running Shoe deals
$160View$160ViewNo price informationCheck Amazon
$160View
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$160View
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Columbia Montrail Trinity MX Trail Running Shoe review in a nutshell: if you’re looking for a handsome, max-cushion trail running shoe with a secure upper and a lovely, plush midsole, look no further than the Montrail Trinity MX.
For some reason, Columbia is one of those brands I use continuously, yet I hardly ever get around to writing about it. For example, I’ve been using the Facet 75, the hiking boots thatturn you into a goat, for months with great pleasure, but I keep putting off writing about it because there are always new deadlines and other products to write about.
I ended up in a similar situation with Columbia Montrail Trinity MX Trail Running Shoes. I was sent a sample months ago, and I used the shoes extensively, climbing the Sugar Loaf in Wales and going on bikepacking tours, but until now, I simply couldn’t find the time to share my experience. I’m here to rectify this and tell you: these are some of thebest trail running shoesout there for cushioning as well as looks. Why? Read my review to find out!
Columbia Montrail Trinity MX Trail Running Shoe review: price and availability
Launched in April 2023, the Columbia Montrail Trinity MX Trail Running Shoes are available to buy now directly fromColumbia UK,Columbia USfor a recommended retail price of £145/ $160—AU price and availability TBC. The shoes are currently available in two colourways, Ocean Blue/ Collegiate Navy and Black/ White. I tested the latter, although, from a running dynamics point of view, all colourways are the same (obviously).
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
Columbia Montrail Trinity MX Trail Running Shoe review: specifications
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
Columbia Montrail Trinity MX Trail Running Shoe review: technology
The Columbia Montrail Trinity MX Trail Running Shoes are all about stability and secure fit over uneven terrain. They feature a seamless mesh upper with asymmetrical lacing and Columbia’s own Navic Fit System that uses a lace-webbing setup that wraps the navicular bone in your midfoot and keeps your heel in place for long-term comfort.
Underfoot, the Techlite PLUSH provides plenty of cushioning – just look at that foam! – and delivers a smooth transition from heel to toe, thanks to the rocker design. Columbia claims the foam provides greater durability than any foam they’ve ever created. At the rear, you’ll find a TPU heel clip for added stability.
The outsole, admittedly an important part of any footwear designed for off-road use, features the Adapt Trax outsole. It has 5 mm lugs and can provide traction even in wet conditions. Finally, the OrthoLite Eco insole comprises 17% of ‘eco’ content and delivers ‘enhanced’ breathability and lightweight long-term cushioning.
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
Columbia Montrail Trinity MX Trail Running Shoe review: ergonomics and performance
Straight out of the box, I knew the Columbia Montrail Trinity MX Trail Running Shoes would be different. Despite the chunky midsole, the shoes feel more stable than ‘super shoes’, and thanks to the wide midsole platform, the Montrail Trinty MX performs better even on more technical trails.
I was initially concerned about the weight of the shoes and the upper’s breathability, but after running in them a couple of times, I noticed that although the shoes are definitely big, they don’t feel heavy on the foot. I went half a size up because that seems to be the perfect Columbiahiking bootssize, but I should have gone true to size, as the shoes are more than spacious enough.
Midfoot lockdown is also excellent. I never felt restricted or needed to tie the laces too hard to keep the shoes in place. My heels felt securely cupped, and I couldn’t notice any rubbing or slipping in the shoes.
What I did notice was that the Montrail Trinity MX is geared towards cushioning as opposed to energy return. This was expected, especially considering the amount of foam present underfoot. Running in the shoes is a comfortable experience, albeit not the fastest. Recommended for longer runs off-road when leg preservation and ankle stability is your primary concern.
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
Columbia Montrail Trinity MX Trail Running Shoe review: verdict
Well-cushioned and pretty, the Columbia Montrail Trinity MX Trail Running Shoes are sure to turn some heads on the trail. In fact, when I wore them recently on a trip, people commented on how cool the shoes looked, so if you like it when other runners (and hikers) comment on your footwear, the Montrail Trinity MX is a solid choice.
It’s also an excellent max-cushioned trail option when leg preservation is your primary goal. The Techlite PLUSH midsole and rocker geometry help you move forward efficiently, and the 5 mm lugs provide enough traction on dry and wet surfaces to keep your footing stable. You could probably find trail running shoes with a similar running dynamic for cheaper, but they won’t look as cool as Columbia Montrail Trinity MX.
Columbia Montrail Trinity MX Trail Running Shoe review: also consider
More functional than stylish, the inov-8 Trailfly G270 v2 retains all the excellence of the first-gen trail tamer, including its speed and agility, balanced protection, excellent grip, and robust durability. On top of that, it adds a little extra upper comfort—another winning trail shoe from inov-8. Read Kieran’s excellentInov-8 Trailfly G270 V2 review.
Another chunky option, the Hoka Speedgoat 5 is a fantastic, slightly lighter upgrade to the Speedgoat 4 with a new, sock-like mesh upper made from recycled materials, excellent midsole rebound, outstanding traction and grip from the Vibram Megagrip sole with Traction Lugs and a secure, snug fit for multi-terrain use and more muddy and technical (rocky, uneven) trails. Read Claire’s fullHoka Speedgoat 5 review.
Columbia Montrail Trinity MX Trail Running Shoe: Price Comparison
$160View$160ViewNo price informationCheck Amazon
$160View
$160View
$160View
$160
$160
$160View
$160View
$160View
$160
$160
No price informationCheck Amazon
No price informationCheck Amazon
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