An Expert Explains the 5 Best New Shoe Releases for September

As the summer heat winds down and the trail running world recovers from UTMB, September brings some excellent trail running shoes to enhance your autumn miles—whether on speedy gravel paths or twisty mountain switchbacks.

Salomon’s New Aero Blaze 4 GRVL, Dropping September 1, Is the Best Value of the Year at $140

As the gravel category of running shoes becomes more popular, Salomon is releasing a light trail and gravel version of its fun, responsive Aero Blaze road runner. A few of our testers have been wearing this shoe, and initial impressions are all positive. At 8 ounces for a men’s 9 and women’s 10.5, it’s incredibly lightweight, and combined with Salomon’s new snappy TPU-based midsole foam, it’s a daily trainer that feels energetic, springy, and ideal for tempo runs and speedwork.

Mellow 2.5-millimeter lugs provide a durable tread that doesn’t trap gravel bits and stones, and isn’t too luggy on the roads. The upper features a new thick-laced lacing system that’s an offshoot of Salomon’s signature Quicklace technology. But the best part is the price: At $140, these are no doubt one of the best dollar-for-dollar shoes you can buy.

Salomon Aero Blaze 4 GRVL

Weight: 8 oz (men’s 9, women’s 10.5)
Stack: 37–29 mm
Drop: 10 mm
Release Date: September 1

Teva Trailpeak, a Legit Trail Running Shoe, Drops September 1

Last year, when Teva launched its first trail running sandal, the Teva Aventrail, I was one of the first to test it. I was surprised by how smooth and responsive the midsole was, but making a successful trail running shoe takes more than a good midsole. On the trails, the sandal felt insecure, and rocks got stuck under my foot. One runner I know likes the Aventrail for carrying and launching his canoe—but not for running.

Teva brushed that off and is now dropping a legit trail shoe (with a full upper) called the Trailpeak. I have the shoe, and it’s impressive. It’s low profile, nimble, and rips when you need precise footwork. The midsole is a bouncy A-TPU blend that allows excellent ground feel. The upper uses a 12-point integrated fit system to keep the midfoot secure. If you’re looking for a sensitive-yet-responsive shoe for technical terrain, don’t sleep on this one.

Teva Trailpeak

Weight: 8.3 oz (men’s 9); 6.5 oz (women’s 7)
Stack: 30.5–24.5mm (M), 29.5–23.5mm (W)
Drop: 6 mm
Release Date: September 1

Speedland GS:TAM 2 Launches September 7 With a Better Fit and a New Foam

The updated version of the Speedland GS:TAM arrives in early September. Inspired by the Mt. Tam trails in Northern California, the GS:TAM 2 receives significant upper updates to improve comfort and fit, while the midsole gets a fresh foam for better ride and performance.

A reworked knit pattern accommodates a wider range of instep heights, and the dual Boa upper straps get a new geometry that sits more flush on the top of the foot for a cleaner fit. The ankle collar moves to a stitch-and-turn construction with added foam to prevent it from rubbing.

Underfoot, Speedland’s signature drop-in midsole uses a new proprietary blend built around ATPU beaded foam. The brand won’t disclose the rest of the mix, but if history holds, the ride will be cutting-edge. The removable carbon plate and the Michelin Fiberlite outsole with toothy 6.5-millimeter lugs will carry over from the original GS:TAM.

Speedland GS:TAM 2

Weight: 10.3 oz (men’s 9, women’s 10.5)
Stack: 41–34mm
Drop: 7 mm
Release Date: September 7

Other Notable September Launches

Black Diamond x Norda Collaboration

Norda has teamed up with Black Diamond on a collab they are calling “BD x norda 001.” Alongside the shoes are a special edition pack, duffel, poles, and hoody, all in exclusive colors and branding. Trail Runner’s managing editor Abby Levene used much of this equipment when she tackled the full Tour du Mont Blanc last week.

Nike ACG Zegama Trail GTX and Nike ACG Pegasus Trail GTX

As summer turns to fall and fall turns to winter, wet, cold runs increase. In preparation, Nike is launching Gore-Tex versions of the Zegama Trail and Peg Trail.