Every year, the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc turns Chamonix into the epicentre of the global trail running scene. But in 2025, it was what the runners were wearing on their feet that really caught the eye, beyond the records and emotions. Running shoes took centre stage, with prototypes becoming objects of desire.
ASICS storms into the premier event
Tom Evans and Ben Dhiman achieved a historic double victory at the UTMB wearing an ASICS prototype that does not yet have a commercial name. Internally, the brand refers to it as the Pinnacle Speed Innovation: a shoe developed in collaboration with the ASICS Trail Team. It is lightweight with a composite plate and an aggressive rocker to facilitate transition on runnable terrain. Evans made it clear that it is the best trail shoe he has ever tried and that it deserved to win the UTMB.
adidas Terrex consolidates its dominance in women's footwear
Ruth Croft was crowned champion in Chamonix wearing the Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra v2 (here is the version available for purchase), an evolution that reinforces the upper and improves stability without losing the responsiveness of the Lightstrike Pro foam. The Continental sole continues to guarantee traction on alpine terrain. This model will be available in stores at the end of the year, but it has already proven itself ready for the top of the podium.
HOKA, Salomon, On and Altra: each for a different terrain
Jim Walmsley returned to the top of the OCC wearing a customised version of the HOKA Tecton X3, which features a double carbon plate and PEBA foam. At the CCC and TDS events, other athletes opted for the Mafate X and Speedgoat 6 models, demonstrating that HOKA offers shoes to suit all types of runners.
Joyline Chepngeno, the winner of the women's OCC race, wore the ultra-lightweight Salomon S/Lab Pulsar 3 shoe, which is designed for pure speed. Antoine Charvolin won the TDS in the On Cloudultra Pro and Careth Arnold won in the Altra Mont Blanc Carbon. These results consolidate the presence of both brands in the ultra-trail running market, with their own technologies and increasingly competitive designs.
Chamonix: where shoes also compete
During the UTMB week, Chamonix became a showcase for innovation. Brands put their athletes and their most advanced products to the test. Prototypes, limited editions and unreleased models circulated on the Mont Blanc trails, generating excitement among runners, the media and retailers alike. You can find all the participants' results here.
For those of us who work in the sector, this week is pivotal. It enables us to anticipate trends, understand the needs of the elite and lay the groundwork for what our customers will want to try tomorrow. Because in Chamonix, every step counts. And every shoe counts, too.
