When it comes to trail running, the right shoe can make all the difference. Alpenglow Sports has quietly built one of the most impressive trail running footwear selections in the country, blending household names like Nike and Hoka with niche innovators such as Norda.
This season, the sales numbers crown the Mount to Coast T1 as the top performer. But inside the shop, staff and customers alike know there’s always more to the story than statistics. To get the full picture, the Alpenglow team nominated their own “shoe of the season,” highlighting both customer success and personal experience on the trail.
By the Numbers: Top 5 Bestsellers of the Summer
Mount to Coast T1
Salomon S/Lab Genesis
Topo Traverse
Hoka Speedgoat 6
La Sportiva Prodigio Pro
Staff Picks: The Real Standouts
Nike Wildhorse 10
Staff praised the Wildhorse 10 as one of the most versatile shoes on the wall. With ample cushioning, nimble stability, and reliable rock protection, it has quickly become a favorite among a wide range of runners. While its 9.5mm drop may not appeal to everyone, the staff notes that the higher drop works like a heel riser on long climbs—reducing strain on the calves and Achilles.
La Sportiva Prodigio Pro
Known for pushing the boundaries of shoe design, La Sportiva’s Prodigio Pro earned recognition for blending the brand’s tech-forward DNA with modern super-shoe innovation. Staff described it as a shoe built for rugged, unpredictable descents and long days in the mountains. Despite being hard to keep in stock, it left a lasting impression this season.
Arc’Teryx Sylan Pro
The Sylan Pro also stood out, particularly for runners with wider feet. Staff found it delivered impressive performance across traction, stability, and propulsion. And, of course, the sleek Arc’Teryx design didn’t go unnoticed. Watch Alpenglow’s in-depth video review here.
Salomon S/Lab Genesis
Both staff and customers gravitated toward the S/Lab Genesis, especially the Courtney edition, which became a shop favorite this summer. The shoe combined Salomon’s hallmark precision with the durability needed for extended trail miles.
Hoka Mafate X
Alpenglow’s owner, Brendan Madigan, weighed in with a technical deep dive on the Hoka Mafate X. Designed as a “fast-ish” 100-mile racer, the shoe features PEBA foam underfoot, a carbon-forked plate, and Vibram Megagrip outsole for a balance of propulsion, stability, and durability. With a 49mm stack height and 8mm drop, it is massive yet surprisingly stable. Staff also highlighted its versatility as an ultralight backpacking or hiking option.
Fun fact: The name “Mafate” comes from Cirque de Mafate on Réunion Island, derived from the Malagasy word mahafaty—meaning “the one who kills,” a nod to the terrain’s notorious difficulty.
The Verdict
While the Mount to Coast T1 may have been the numerical bestseller, the true “shoe of the season” depends on who’s asked. For some, it was the all-around reliability of the Nike Wildhorse 10. For others, the quirky innovation of the Prodigio Pro, the precision of the S/Lab Genesis, or the maximalist innovation of the Mafate X stood out.
Ultimately, Alpenglow Sports’ strength lies in its ability to pair each runner with the shoe that best fits their unique trail goals. For anyone in search of their own “shoe of the season,” a visit to Alpenglow Sports in Tahoe City—or a browse through their online shop—is the perfect place to start.
