Seeking New Heights: A Journey with the Craft Xplor Hybrid

In Oregon, particularly in the Willamette Valley and Central Oregon regions, runners are spoiled for choice when it comes to running routes. Living in the Salem area, I’m surrounded by a plethora of options, ranging from city streets and paved paths to nearby trails that offer a mix of surfaces, including dirt, bark, and pavement. The diversity of terrains available to us is truly remarkable, providing endless opportunities for exploration and training.

However, this level of versatility isn’t common in every location. In cities like New York, runners may find themselves restricted to paved settings, while rural areas can only safely experience trails due to the safety concerns of running on shoulderless roads.

This variability highlights the significance of hybrid running shoes, which are becoming increasingly popular due to their ability to adapt to different surfaces. Investing in a pair of hybrid shoes that can handle various terrains not only benefits our feet but also proves to be a wise financial decision in the long term.

See all our reviews of Craft here!

Introducing the Craft Xplor Hybrid, a cutting-edge shoe specifically engineered to excel in the hybrid terrain niche.

Looks

While not overtly flashy, the colorway we received is undeniably one of the most unique options I’ve come across. Red shoes are fairly common, but this particular shade breaks boundaries—it’s a bold, red-heavy salmon hue that manages to be striking without being overly bright.

The addition of blue-green laces and tongue, along with a subtle touch of standard blue at the bottom of the heel, might seem unconventional at first glance. However, against all odds, this combination works beautifully! Personally, I’ve developed a strong fondness for them.

In Use

The Xplor Hybrid turned out to be an excellent choice for my recent trip to Kona. Anyone who has run there understands that it’s not always the most runner-friendly destination. While road options are limited, especially outside of the resort areas, the trails offer breathtaking scenery mixed with challenging terrain, including lava rock. Having learned the hard way about the dangers of lava rock (having broken a finger during a run in 2021), I can attest to the critical importance of wearing appropriate footwear.

Taking the Xplor Hybrid with us on this trip truly transformed our experience. Not only did they provide superior protection for my feet (and fingers!) on the unforgiving lava rock—better than any other shoes I’ve tried there—but they also seamlessly transitioned between road and trail surfaces.

Additionally, their island-inspired vibe added a stylish touch, making them suitable for wearing everywhere—from the plane to the beaches. Read on for more details:

Construction

Upper:

The upper of the shoe is constructed with mesh material, providing excellent breathability. Despite a lack of excessive cushioning on the top portion, comfort isn’t compromised significantly. The heel cushioning is adequate, though not exceptionally plush, while the gusseted tongue offers some cushioning but leans more towards a lightweight design, effectively securing the foot without the typical overtly plushiness of many road shoes.

However, the absence of excessive cushioning doesn’t compromise comfort. In fact, these shoes offer remarkable comfort. While they may not suit those seeking an overly cushioned feel, they still provide a satisfyingly comfortable ride.

If there was one negative in these shoes (and as you read, you will find I really dig these), it’s the upper. It fits pretty loose and baggy overall and coupled with laces that fit a bit lower on the foot, it can lead to issues with lock down up top. I am not super susceptible to lace bite, but I really had to tie these down hard to get a lock on the top. I haven’t (and really don’t plan to) traversed super technical terrain in these, but I would imagine this looser fit in the upper will prove to be a struggle with less structural support than I would have desired.

Midsole:

The midsole of the shoe pleasantly surprised me. As soon as I took them out of the box, I was struck by the softness and cushioning, evident even on the exterior of the midsole. This tactile sensation immediately reassured me that the bounce and comfort provided by the midsole would be enjoyable.

I found this surprise notable, especially considering my positive experiences with cushioning in other Craft shoes I’ve tried [provide LINK if available]. Perhaps I had reservations because of the “hybrid” nature of the shoe, fearing that the cushioning might be compromised in attempting to accommodate various terrains.

Nevertheless, the cushioning in the midsole delivers a fun and enjoyable ride. Like a really solid ride. I love the feel in these.

Outsole:

Given its hybrid nature, it’s clear that this shoe requires an outsole capable of navigating diverse terrains. Craft has teamed up with Vittoria, a renowned manufacturer of gravel bike tires, to craft the rubber sole. Leveraging Vittoria’s expertise in tire design, this collaboration ensures the shoe offers reliable traction across various surfaces.

The decision to reduce padding in the upper likely serves a practical purpose: to maintain a low weight while accommodating the addition of a robust rubber outsole. This balance ensures the shoe remains lightweight without compromising grip or durability.

The outsole features medium-sized lugs strategically positioned around the perimeter to provide sufficient grip without being overly aggressive. A central rubber strip houses a bed of hexagonal lugs, offering additional traction while maintaining stability on non-trail surfaces. Although there’s a small amount of exposed midsole, it’s unlikely to accumulate much debris along the way.

Overall

In summary, the Xplor Hybrid proved to be a versatile and reliable companion for exploring Kona’s roads, trails, and beaches, enhancing the enjoyment of our trip. And back home, we’re confident it will continue to be a favorite for running in solid hybrid locations like Portland’s Forest Park, Salem’s Minto Brown Park, and Eugene’s Alton Baker Park.