Sylan Pro Shoe Women's

I waited until I retired my first pair of the Sylan Pro shoes to leave this review. Capping out for me at about 630 miles, I can confidently say that the Sylan Pros surpass the durability test against varied and rugged mountain terrain! The mid-sole is what gave in on this shoe first and the reason I retired it. The Vibram Megagrip tread is fantastic and the sock-like neck of the shoe makes it super comfortable and easy to slip on and off. My personal favorite detail? The position of the tongue pocket for the laces! I've experienced poorly-designed versions of this with other shoe brands so I was very happy with the design of this one! These shoes carried me on trails all over Southern California, the Eastern Sierra and Yosemite, as well as a double-crossing of the Grand Canyon (after which I had not a single blister on my feet!). I would love to see a nylon-plated version of this shoe! The only thing that's weird to get used to with Arc'teryx shoes is the sizing difference. For example, I am typically a size 9.5W in most other shoe brands but for these I am a size 8.5W.

I have been using this shoe for more performance oriented trail runs. For example, going out to do a hill repeat or when I try to push it on the trail. The rocker profile makes you really feel like it pushes you up the hill. I also love the sock-like ankle area, which keeps small rocks out. I usually wear 9.5 size in other brands and have to size down to 8.5 for this shoe.

In a nutshell the SYLAN is a faster Norvan Long Distance (LD) 3 shoe. The SYLAN and LD are a similar shoes in many ways, yet different in key area that make the SYLAN a rocket of a trail running shoe. Allow me to explain and compare. My original SYLAN impression was mixed, a bit stiff, little narrower toe box and skeptical on new rocker sole. But after an initial run the SYLAN definitely settled into its grove in a positive way. SYLAN rocker sole is something to get use too that can feel forward rocking variance which is quite different to spring like effect from carbon insert. Outsole fully covers midsole and lug design with tread pattern is quite grippy that’s confidence inspiring. SYLAN midsole multi density foam is well applied, no need for rock plate with stack height and drop are about similar to LD. SYLAN upper is fully synthetic that’s reinforced in key areas with overlays, roomy toe box and protective toe guard similar to LD. SYLAN small heel collar surprisingly keeps out debris. Minimal yet sufficient padding in the heel counter, less than LD. As with the LD the SYLAN also has the shoelace garage. SYLAN durability is better than the LD 1, 2 and 3 or any other trail shoe I’ve used. East and west coast training with racing combined over 600 miles, upper has not rips or tears, outsole has plenty or lug live left. Just replaced insole insert. One negative: Lateral plane instability due to outsole undercut? Not sure why the undercut on the outsole was applied. Suspect for precision foot placement or too cut weight. But the consistent feedback I receive and have experienced is the side-to-side instability. Especially during a heal strike (avoidable or not) the SYLAN tends to feel unstable. I like the outsole undercut at the fore and mid foot, not so much in the heel. Overall, SYLAN is a great addition to the Arc’teryx mountain trail running product line that I tend to reach for more often than not. Also, US sizing is a bit off, recommend following EU model. Cheers- @almostalpine

I used to just wear road running shoes for trail runs, but these make such a difference. The height keeps you above tripping hazards like roots etc, while the outsole prevents slipping. I like these for warmer weather trail runs in the spring summer when I want something more breathable versus the Goretex version for colder/wetter weather. I normally purchase a size Women’s 8.5 Wide in road running shoes, and these fit great in a size 8.