Columbia Montrail Trinity FKT

The truth is that I had long wanted to try a trainer that I had never worn before, especially from a brand that stands out for its textile and outdoor equipment segment. In fact, it's a very well-known brand, but not so much for its trail running shoes.

The Columbia Montrail Trinity FKT is a trail running shoe that is designed for running and even walking on mountain terrains, including more challenging and technically difficult ones, although it is comfortable in any mountain terrain, even those that aren't excessively complicated.

First impressions and features of the Columbia Montrail Trinity FKT

During the weeks of summer vacation, we have taken advantage of the greater availability of free time to enjoy training both trail and road running. In the mountains we used the Columbia Montrail Trinity FKT on different types of terrain, from forest trails and easier and runnable paths to  some that were steeper, more technical and with a greater presence of stones.

The Columbia Montrail Trinity FKT is a trail running shoe that stands out its sole, which allows for confident running on even the most technical mountain terrains.

Although these weren't high-altitude training sessions, they did involve continuous ups and downs, providing a good amount of positive and negative elevation gain.

Main features of the Columbia Montrail Trinity FKT

From the first metres of running, we had positive impressions and felt comfortable with the trainer. We didn't experience any discomfort or chafing in our feet, and despite having some structure, the trainers were comfortable. They are not particularly lightweight, weighing 317 grams, but they are still quite versatile.

We had our doubts about the upper of the Columbia Montrail Trinity FKT but we were pleasantly surprised, both in terms of fit and breathability. The vast majority (if not all) of our workouts have been done early in the morning and with temperatures already above 20-22 degrees and with high humidity levels, but the truth is that we have had no problems with breathability during all these weeks.

The small holes distributed in the upper are well-designed and function effectively without compromising protection.

The cushioning is reasonable, it may not match the level of cushioning found in trail running shoes like the HOKA Speedgoat 5, but it was comfortable for our runs. For longer distances, additional cushioning might be preferred, but for medium distances, it is more than enough.

The most outstanding aspect of the Columbia Montrail Trinity FKT is its Adapt Trax outsole, which works like a charm. We felt confident and comfortable running on various mountain terrains, and the sole provided excellent grip and traction throughout.

Columbia's expertise in hiking shoes and walking boots, where it has an extensive catalogue, is evident in the compound of the sole. It has two distinct parts and a multidirectional lug design, the front half for greater traction and the rear half to provide a great grip.

Due to its anti-rock plate, the trainerprovides excellent security when running on rocky terrains or uneven surfaces with plenty of stones. In such conditions, they perform remarkably well.

Unfortunately we have not been able to run many kilometres in rainy and/or muddy conditions as it hasn't rained during the whole month. However, during the one session when we encountered rain, the sole performed decently. On the downside, the trainer's breathability features, due to the holes on the upper, may negatively affect its waterproofness, which is lacking.

What type of runners is the Columbia Montrail Trinity FKT for?

The Columbia Montrail Trinity FKT is ideal for running on technical terrain with greater technical difficulties, so it's well-suited for more experienced runners or those with some experience in mountain running, especially if they're not aiming for top speeds. 

Runners of average weight with good running technique can get the most out of these shoes during mountain training.

Additionally, this model is perfectly suitable for mountain hiking or trekking on various terrains due to its comfort, good cushioning, and protection.

What distances do we recommend the Columbia Montrail Trinity FKT for?

Taking into account its characteristics, the ideal distance for using the Columbia Montrail Trinity FKT is the middle distance, but the specific distance may depend on the type of terrain you're running on.

For more challenging and technically complex terrains that prevent very fast running, these trail running shoes can be used for longer distances. However, for simple terrains or forest trails over shorter distances, a lighter trainer may be more suitable, depending on the runner's weight.

What we liked best about the Columbia Montrail Trinity FKT

Above all, we would like to highlight the great sole of the trainer, as we felt really safe from the first moment running with it, regardless of the type of terrain.

The trainer has interesting details such as the increasingly common pull-tab in the upper area to collect the laces and thus avoid problems with branches or other external elements when running on the narrowest trails. Additionally, it offers the option to incorporate gaiters if needed. The small holes in the front of the upper contribute to excellent breathability.

Opportunities for improvement in the Columbia Montrail Trinity FKT

As we have previously mentioned, this model is designed especially for technical terrain, so we miss a little more protection, especially in the front, around the toe for example, where the protections could be extended to offer more security to the runner.

For other aspects, the materials and performance are good. Offering more colour combinations could make the trainer more appealing to runners.

What models can we compare the Columbia Montrail Trinity FKT to?

New Balance Fuelcell Summit Unknow v4

Scarpa Ribelle Run Kalibra HT

La Sportiva Cyklon

Salomon Speedcross 6

Saucony Peregrine 13

Final conclusions about the Columbia Montrail Trinity FKT

Columbia takes another step forward in its commitment to trail running by offering trail running shoes that stand out for the quality of their materials and finishes and which offer greater versatility than the vast majority of its hiking models.

The Columbia Montrail Trinity FKT can easily adapt to a wide range of runners. It offers good cushioning, necessary protections for mountain running, and an outsole that provides the required security for running in the mountains.