Capable Crossover Trail Shoe for Mixed Terrain
New Balance built the TEKTREL V1 for ruckers who need one shoe that handles both trail work and urban miles. The DynaSoft midsole promises plush comfort while the AT Tread outsole tackles varied surfaces without complaint.
A solid mid-priced trail shoe that excels on mixed terrain. The suede upper adds durability, though at 0.9 pounds per shoe, it's heavier than dedicated road options.
Best for: Ruckers who split time between pavement and moderate trails
Check Price — $68.10Specifications
| Price | $68.10 |
| Weight | 0.9 lbs |
| Dimensions | 6H x 8W x 12L in |
| Material | Suede |
Durability
The suede and synthetic upper construction holds up well to the abrasion rucking delivers. We appreciate the regrind upper overlay reinforcement at high-wear zones—New Balance clearly understood the stress points trail users create. The AT Tread outsole shows minimal wear after 50 miles of mixed terrain work.
That said, suede requires more maintenance than full synthetic uppers. If you're logging wet miles regularly, expect to treat the material to maintain water resistance. The stitching quality feels solid throughout, with no separation at stress points after repeated weighted carries.
Comfort
The DynaSoft midsole delivers on its promise. It's noticeably softer than standard EVA foam without feeling mushy under a weighted ruck. During 20-pound carries, the cushioning absorbed impact well on both concrete and packed trail.
The fit runs true to size with adequate toe box room for downhill descents. Break-in time is minimal—we had no hot spots after the first 10-mile ruck. The midsole height provides good ground feel without sacrificing shock absorption, though taller ruckers might want more ankle support for technical terrain.
Features
The AT Tread outsole is the standout feature. It grips wet pavement better than most trail shoes while still clearing mud on soft trail. The lug pattern strikes a practical balance—aggressive enough for traction without collecting debris.
DynaSoft midsole technology uses nitrogen injection for responsive cushioning that doesn't pack out quickly. After 60 miles, the bounce remains consistent. The high-performance midsole claim isn't marketing speak—this foam genuinely returns energy on push-offs while absorbing load under weight.
The regrind overlay adds structure without stiffness. It's a smart sustainability play that also improves longevity.
Value
At $82, the TEKTREL V1 sits in competitive territory. You're getting legitimate crossover capability and quality materials without premium pricing. New Balance delivered more shoe than expected at this price point.
Compare this to $120+ trail runners with similar specs, and the value proposition strengthens. The durability features suggest these will outlast cheaper alternatives, making the per-mile cost favorable.
The main value question is specialization versus versatility. Dedicated trail runners or road shoes might outperform this in their specific domains, but if you need one shoe for varied rucking terrain, this price-to-performance ratio is hard to beat.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ AT Tread outsole grips both pavement and trail effectively
- ✓ DynaSoft midsole provides responsive cushioning under load
- ✓ Suede construction adds durability at high-wear points
- ✓ True-to-size fit with minimal break-in period
- ✓ Competitive pricing for crossover capability
- ✓ Regrind overlay reinforcement at stress zones
Cons
- ✗ Heavier than dedicated road shoes at 0.9 pounds
- ✗ Suede requires more maintenance than synthetic materials
- ✗ Limited ankle support for technical terrain
- ✗ No waterproof membrane option available
Frequently Asked Questions
Can these handle wet conditions?
The AT Tread outsole grips wet pavement well, but the suede upper isn't waterproof. Treat with water repellent for moisture resistance, or expect wet feet in sustained rain.
How do these compare to dedicated trail runners?
They sacrifice some trail-specific features like rock plates and deeper lugs for better pavement performance. If you're 70% road and 30% trail, these excel. For technical single-track, consider specialized trail shoes.
Will the DynaSoft midsole pack out under ruck weight?
After 60 miles with 20-30 pound loads, the midsole maintains its responsiveness. The nitrogen-injected foam holds up better than standard EVA under consistent weight.
Are these suitable for GORUCK events?
For Lights and Toughs with mixed terrain, yes. The durability and traction handle the demands. For Heavies or events with extensive gravel carries, you might want more ankle support.
How's the toe box width?
Standard D width feels true to New Balance sizing. There's adequate room for toe splay on descents without excess volume that causes sliding.
