Craft Pure Trail X: Built for Tackling Technical Terrain with Confidence

The Craft Pure Trail X is the second iteration of Craft’s popular Pure Trail series, and it’s clear that this shoe is designed for those who want to push their limits on the trails. Maybe your 2025 has you making plans to challenge yourself with some rugged terrain or take on more mountain adventures. Either way the Pure Trail X, developed together with Craft’s Elite Run Team, may check all the boxes.

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A note right off the bat—I’m not a technical trail runner. While I put in a few solid efforts every few months, I mostly find myself on more casual trails out of necessity with my schedule. That being said, I know the Craft Pure Trail X is designed by Craft’s elite team with technical terrain in mind. So, I’m offering my perspective from the lens of a casual trail runner.

The Pure Trail X is engineered to tackle diverse and rugged terrains, but I’m here to see how it holds up on the less technical trails I frequent. Here’s what I found, keeping my experience in mind.

Looks:

Right off the bat, the Pure Trail X impresses with its sleek and stylish design. The three colorways are diverse, with my personal favorite being a fun yet muted combination (called Creme | Cliff) that strikes a perfect balance between eye-catching and accessible.

It looks like a shoe that could easily be worn for casual outings, but don’t be fooled—this is a serious trail runner. There’s also a primarily black version and a bold neon red option for those who like to stand out.

The upper is both breathable and tough, crafted to handle whatever the trail throws at it. Reinforced with durable TPU at areas exposed to tear and scratch, the upper is made of a recycled polyester ripstop for excellent tear strength. It also drains water efficiently, making it a solid choice for trail running in wetter conditions. While the upper’s breathability is decent, I wonder if it might get a little warm in summer conditions.

Obviously, this wasn’t an issue during my winter testing and time will tell. Either way, it performed well in cool to moderate temperatures, providing a good mix of protection and comfort.

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Midsole:

The Pure Trail X features a full CR Foam midsole made from 100% EVA. This midsole strikes a nice balance between cushioning and ground feel. For me, it felt firm enough to provide stability but still cushioned enough for longer trail runs.

There’s definitely more ground feedback than some other trail shoes, which I appreciate, though it could feel a little firmer for those who prefer a softer ride. An exposed rock plate under the midfoot offers added protection and stability when navigating rocky or uneven terrain.

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Outsole:

Craft has a strong reputation for its outsoles, and the Pure Trail X is no exception. The full 100% rubber outsole with deep lugs provides excellent traction on most trail conditions. I found the grip to be solid on everything from muddy paths to rocky ascents.

It’s definitely up to the task for most trail running, though I can’t speak to how it performs on technical alpine terrain. For casual runners looking for a reliable shoe that can handle a variety of conditions, the outsole should provide you exactly what you need.

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Overall:

The Craft Pure Trail X is a reliable, well-built trail shoe that balances comfort, durability, and performance. It’s a great option for runners who want a versatile shoe that can handle diverse terrains, from rugged paths to moderate elevations. While it may not be as plush as some other models, its stability, grip, and rock plate protection make it a solid choice for anyone looking to push their limits on the trails.

If you are someone aiming for a bit more adventure, this shoe is worth considering.