In 2017, PEBA foam was first introduced in a marathon shoe. Nike Vaporfly launched, and the world of road running hasn't looked back. While other brands spent years catching up, none tried to implement this tech in trail running, until now.
In the past year, trail running super shoes have appeared in competitions, with few having such an impact before launch as X 3.
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What's New?
Foam can be a geeky topic. To keep it brief; if it's PEBA, it's fast. PEBA is the foam compound with the highest energy return; it gives the biggest bounce and helps you run more efficiently.
The midsole on Tecton X 3 is 100% PEBA, playing a key role in its strengths and limits. The striking new upper adds to its unique character, though such features can make it more specialized.
You'll still find the familiar Vibram light base rubber on the outsole, but lugs now have a new direction for improved grip.
Strengths
On paper, it's incredibly easy to hype a shoe like this. It has 40 mm PEBA foam, a carbon plate (or rather two parallel plates), and a very unique design. What Tecton X 3 from does well, it does really well.
The midsole is springy and soft, tuned in a way that feels comfy on harder surfaces, but not too soft on softer terrain like grass or mud. The midsole is wider, and the platform it creates is good for a trail shoe with such high and soft foam. It definitely doesn't look like an old, narrower trail shoe.
It's an excellent long-distance trail shoe that can provide comfort on all surfaces and help you run as efficiently as possible.
The upper is extremely comfortable, with the knitted collar almost sucking your foot into the shoe, eliminating heel slip and debris. The fit is good and secure, with enough space in the forefoot for longer runs and enough support to handle some technical sections.
Overall, it's a fantastic trail shoe with so many positives, it's hard not to recommend it to any runner out there. But…
Limitations
As I mentioned before, it has some limitations beginners in trail running should be aware of.
The biggest limitation is its stability. Tecton X 3 can run on any surface and through any terrain. Proven by UTMB 2023 and Western States 2024, where Jim Walmsley used prototypes to win two of the world's most prestigious trail races.
It can handle it all, but due to the increased softness, flexible upper, and high midsole, the shoe demands greater technical skill from the runner in certain scenarios. If you want to run steep descents and very technical routes, you might seek a trail shoe made for tougher terrain.
For most, this won't be a problem. In Denmark, where I live, trails never become too technical. But in the steeper mountains of Norway or the Alps, Speedgoat 6 for sturdiness or the lighter Torrent 4 might be better choices.
The outsole is great, and so far, after about 40 km of mixed running and trails, the only downside is a physical limitation. Deeper lugs would grip better on muddy surfaces, but that's no surprise. I consider this a versatile outsole, and with its 4 mm lug height, it can also work on harder surfaces like gravel and asphalt between trails.
Who Should Buy Tecton X 3?
Though I believe everyone who loves trail running should consider buying Tecton X 3, it's a question of where and when. If you want a
, that can do a bit of everything, provide comfort through your longest runs and toughest training periods, or a little boost if you want to run fast, go for it!
If you're looking for a technical marvel that repels water and offers good grip in wet and muddy runs, consider a Speedgoat 6 or a Torrent 4.
Either way, you'll get great shoes. But the PEBA feel is only found one place. X 3 has become my favorite trail shoe for daily forest runs, and it has to be a very wet day or a technical run for it to be left at home when nature calls.
