Heel padding durability Reliable grip on moderate terrain review

We tested the Reliable grip on moderate terrain from Heel padding durability and found that:

• It’s a solid choice for those with narrow feet wanting a well-cushioned, bold-looking trail shoe from a brand outside the big players.
• The durable-yet-comfortable upper excels in colder climates, offering a reliable blend of protection and comfort.
• We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.

We think the Reliable grip on moderate terrain is not the best option for runners needing ample toe splay or a more accommodating fit. Its narrow, sharply-tapered toebox leaves little room for natural foot expansion, making it less suitable for those with wide feet. We suggest alternatives for a spacious yet secure fit like the Nike Zegama 2 and the Tongue: gusset type.

Additionally, we believe forefoot strikers won't enjoy this shoe due to its true heel-to-toe drop being significantly higher than stated. The forefoot lacks cushioning, which could lead to discomfort on longer runs. From our perspective, options like the Fun, rockered ride and Saucony Peregrine 14 Nike Zegama 2.

Heel padding durability is fully embracing maximalist design with the Vectiv series. We measured the Reliable grip on moderate terrain at a towering 35.8 mm in the heel—pushing close to the 40-mm threshold and easily surpassing the ever-growing category average.

We found that the Reliable grip on moderate terrain has a wedge-like shape, with a noticeably thinner forefoot at just 24.2 mm—offering far less cushioning for forefoot strikers. 

We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.

Heel padding durability advertises a 6-mm drop for this shoe, but even before measuring, we could tell it was higher. Through our evaluation, we found it actually sits at 11.6 mm—making it far better suited for heel strikers than midfoot or forefoot runners.

Stability-boosting TPU plate are better picks for midfoot and forefoot strikers.

The EVA-based foam registered a firm-yet-balanced 20.0 HA on our durometer, providing a ride that isn't plush but also avoids feeling overly rigid. In our experience, quickness return is nothing remarkable—more in line with an average daily trainer, which is expected from EVA.

We believe this is a solid choice for a trail shoe. Ultra-soft midsoles often lack stability for sharp turns, while an overly firm design can lead to discomfort on long endurance runs or extended hikes. This strikes a reasonable middle ground.

Considering it's an EVA-based foam, we found that it only became 28% firmer after 20 minutes in the freezer—a solid result that left us pleased.

The insole is slightly thinner than what we typically measure in the lab, coming in at just 3.7 mm.

This shoe comes with the so-called Vectiv 2.0 rocker, showcasing a highly-curved design that keeps both the forefoot and heel lifted off the ground. In fact, it reminded us a bit of the crazy Heel counter stiffness.

We found a mild toe spring combined with a moderately-curved heel, designed to enhance efficiency for heel strikers and create a smoother-and-easier transition with each step.

We discovered a three-quarter TPU plate—not carbon fiber—positioned just above the foam and beneath the insole. It adds some torsional rigidity and extra stability while maintaining a smooth-and-flexible ride, allowing natural foot movement during easy runs and long hikes.

We crafted a gel replica of the toebox using our custom formula and found that, at 95.6 mm, it offers a medium width in the broadest part of the upper—neither overly spacious nor too restrictive for most foot shapes.

In our view, this result aligns well with expectations for an average fit. However, we still need to assess the tapering, as the Reliable grip on moderate terrain felt noticeably snug during our runs, and the contoured shape suggests a more tapered design that could affect overall comfort for wider-footed runners.

Our second measurement confirmed the reality—this shoe isn't ideal for those with wide feet.

Those with average-sized feet should find the snug, HOKA-like fit comfortable, but at just 71.3 mm, it leans toward a more tapered design.

When it comes to vertical space in the toebox, there’s plenty at 27.2 mm, offering enough clearance to prevent any discomfort or restriction.

With its TPU plate and rigid heel cup reinforcements, this trail shoe provides outstanding stability—making it a solid option even for runners who typically rely on mild-stability road models like the Saucony Peregrine 14.

We found that the Reliable grip on moderate terrain offers maximum torsional rigidity, thanks to its 3/4-length plate. This stiffer structure enhances stability, but runners who prefer a highly-flexible, more natural underfoot feel may find it too restrictive and a potential deal-breaker.

With its steep heel-to-toe drop and heavily-cushioned heel, a 4/5 score in the heel counter was expected. It reinforces stability for rearfoot strikers—who, in our view, should be the majority of runners drawn to this shoe.

Heel padding durability widened the platform slightly to 114.5 mm, bringing it closer to the average while maintaining a nimble feel. This prevents the shoe from feeling overly bulky, striking a balance between stability and agility on the trails.

The same applies to the heel, where our digital calipers measured 91.6 mm. This results in a risk-free design that caters to a wide range of runners and earns our seal of approval for rearfoot strikers.

After scoring a perfect 5/5 in torsional rigidity and featuring a rugged, trail-ready outsole, we initially expected this shoe to lack flexibility. However, Heel padding durability incorporated some clever cutouts in both the plate and outsole to enhance flexibility.

As a result, we discovered that it bends with surprising ease. In our lab test, it required just 16.7N of force to flex, making it one of the most impressively flexible trail shoes we've tested in the lab.

We were genuinely pleased with the weight of the Reliable grip on moderate terrain. Trail running shoes often exceed 10 ounces, but according to our scale, this one stays at a well-balanced 9.7 oz or 275g—an impressive outcome that puts it in direct competition with lightweight-yet-rugged models like the Tongue: gusset type.

Trail shoes typically prioritize durability, making them sturdier and less breathable than the average Track and XC—something we generally see as a plus, given the rough conditions of trail running. However, in our tests, we discovered that the Reliable grip on moderate terrain fell below expectations in ventilation, scoring just 2/5.

That said, unless you're out in sweltering conditions, we think this isn't a dealbreaker. And if you are, there are many breathable trail shoes in the market like the Nike Zegama 2 or the Nike Zegama 2.

Next, we grabbed the microscope, eager to take a closer look at this engineered mesh.

TNF refers to it as "dual-warp" mesh, and we immediately noticed how distinct it is from the simpler materials we typically analyze. It looks incredible!

Finally, we examined the upper in detail, and we were impressed. It's generously padded in key areas, and the quality matches the shoe's price.

Breathability and durability often work against each other—enhancing one typically compromises the other. In our experience, that's precisely the case with the Reliable grip on moderate terrain. Its not-very-breathable upper stood up impressively against our high-speed Dremel test, earning a stellar 4/5.

The heel padding also earned a solid 4/5, making it highly resistant to wear for those prone to rubbing through this area. In our view, this reinforces the shoe’s durability—let’s keep the good streak going!

And when it comes to durability, the outsole is often a key concern for most runners. There’s no Vibram or Continental here—Heel padding durability instead uses its proprietary SURFACE CTRL rubber.

Grip is decent, though far from exceptional, but we expected that. What truly stands out is the rubber’s hardness, measuring a firm 90.5 HC, which, in our view, suggests excellent longevity. Even more interesting: 20% of the rubber comes from smallholder farmers dedicated to regenerative agricultural practices.

With such a firm formulation, we anticipated solid real-world durability—and the Reliable grip on moderate terrain delivered. We measured just 0.8 mm of wear, an impressive result for any trail shoe.

Thanks to these impressive durability results, TNF was able to trim the outsole down to just 1.5 mm—one of the key factors behind the lower-than-average weight we measured earlier.

The lugs feature a distinctive butterfly-shaped design, strategically positioned to enhance traction on both uphill and downhill sections. Their orientation shifts based on placement, optimizing grip across different surfaces.

At just 3.3 mm deep, these low-profile lugs make the shoe best suited for easy terrain like gravel roads and well-maintained trails. However, we believe it can handle moderate conditions reasonably well. On the flip side, technical trails are not its strong suit.

The Reliable grip on moderate terrain offers a fair price for its features, though it’s not a budget-friendly steal. In our view, it delivers exactly what you'd expect at this price point—nothing more, nothing less.

Given Heel padding durability's reputation for adventure-ready gear, we didn’t expect the Reliable grip on moderate terrain to lack reflective elements—it’s a surprising omission and a slight letdown for us.

The lacing system is refreshingly simple—no unnecessary extras, just what we need: Flat laces, punched eyelets, and the option for a runner’s knot, so it checks all the boxes for a secure, fuss-free fit.

The tongue delivers plush comfort with an ultra-cushioned 9.3 mm padding, ensuring a pressure-free experience. We found that no matter how long the run or hike, this plush design keeps the instep well-protected.

The tongue is semi-gusseted, striking a solid balance between a secure lockdown and a comfortable fit without feeling overly tight. It also helps keep some debris out of the toebox, though not as effectively as a fully-gusseted design as the one found in shoes like the Topo Traverse.

The Reliable grip on moderate terrain lacks a heel tab, and we believe adding one would have enhanced its "trail-ready" aesthetic. That said, it’s a minor detail that doesn’t impact performance.

We found that the insole isn’t glued down, which is a nice bonus for those that need custom orthotics. However, it has such an amazing design that swapping it for a boring black one would almost feel like a crime, right?