Running shoes that go everywhere

An adventure-racing shoe is the Sybil of athletic footwear -- able to handle all of your multiple outdoor personalities. Designed for popular multi-sport races in the wilds -- whether four-hour “sprints” or weeklong, Eco-Challenge-like expedition races -- these shoes are ready to do it all. They’re stiff enough for mountain biking, flexible and grippy enough for trail running and scrambling up rocks, and sturdy enough to support you carrying a 40-pound backpack. And even if you don’t do any of those things, you’re likely to find them useful in other athletic endeavors too.

-- Roy M. Wallack

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Summer sprinter

Merrell Overdrive: Light, fast shoe, with no-hassle convenience features, ideal for short races.

Likes: Cool, dry and light (13.5 ounces in size 9.5). Mesh upper provides great ventilation and dries fast after river crossings. Laces never come untied with the quick-cinch Kevlar lacing system, which includes a lace-keeper pocket on the tongue to keep the device from flopping around as you move. A slot in the arch area of the sole lets you tie down a gaiter (fabric ankle shield that protects against burrs and brush stickers). Best of the test group for short events and running.

Dislikes: No waterproof technology.

Price: $90. (888) 637-7001; www.merrell.com.

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Long-haul hiker-biker

Timberland Trailscape: Solidly built, heavy duty and waterproof.

Likes: A fiberglass plate under the forefoot keeps the sole stiff during pedaling, making for good power transfer to the bike, while allowing enough flex for decent running. A thick, boot-like studded sole protects against sharp rocks. Gore-Tex XCR membrane keeps water out. Laces tuck out of the way into a “lace garage” in the tongue. Best of the group for extended trekking.

Dislikes: Heavy weight -- 19 ounces in size 9.5 -- may add leg fatigue over long courses.

Price: $110. (800) 258-0855; www.timberland.com.

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Run through rivers

Salomon Super X: These boots were made for blasting through wet, mountainous courses.

Likes: Very light (17 ounces in size 9.5) for a high-top shoe. Gore-Tex XCR waterproofing makes it ideal for courses loaded with stream crossings and high-altitude snowshoe sections. Quick-cinch laces never come untied.

Dislikes: Will be too hot in dry summer conditions.

Price: $130. (877) 272-5666; www.salomon-sports.com.

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Bargain waterproofing

Hi-Tec V-Lite Hurricane: Econo model with a bell and few whistles.

Likes: Waterproof yet well-ventilated due to use of a fine, non-Gore-Tex fabric called eVENT. Stiff sole good for hiking and mountain biking. Light at 15 ounces in size 9.5.

Dislikes: Too stiff for long trail runs. No convenient lacing system. Although it’s lighter, it’s less effective than the burlier, more feature-laden and more expensive Timberland.

Price: $100. (800) 521-1698; www.hi-tec.com.