So I've had the Helly Hansen Trail Cutter shoes for 3 weeks now, plenty of time for them to break in so I can give a good review on them. At www.levelninesports.com for $29.
First thing I noticed about them is how cushioned the heel is. Its like walking on a dense sponge, which has its advantages and disadvantages. Advantages: cushions very well when running and walking, less fatigue on my knees, I don't feel every little pebble under my foot. Disadvantages: Seems like it will get less and less effective faster than other shoes I've had, greater chance of the ankle rolling (which I don't have a problem with, but weak ankle people probably won't like that), feels squishy.
That being said, the fit of the shoe is great for my feet. I have a little wider than average, with medium arch, and they work great. It usually takes me a few days of dealing with hot spots and making my foot almost mould to new shoes, but the Trail Cutter had no break in time. I have noticed that the toebox has stretched in width since they were new though (which I like). I got these with the intent to use them for actual running and working out, but they are so comfortable I wear them pretty much everyday. That's probably bad for a running shoe to do that, but they are stylish, comfortable, and I don't have any issues with the fit.
While walking and running with them attached to my feet, there is plenty of cushion on the heel, and in the toe, they have adequate cushion as well. Helly Hansen calls this C-Zone and C-Zone+. I feel that it rolls from heel to toe pretty quickly and with fluidity. I don't feel a big flat spot with harsh transition like more blocky and rigid shoes.
I guess my only complaint is that while running off trail, the aggressive tread pattern can pickup little twigs and pebbles. I don't notice it until I get back on the pavement when I hear a click, click. I don't run with an ipod, so any little sound bothers me. The good side of the tread is that it grips anything and in any direction. I feel connected with the earth on every step.
Summary: The Helly Hansen Trail Cutter is a great shoe for trail running with a lot of cushion, and comfortable enough for everyday use.
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