My first pair of trail running shoes are about ready for retirement, soon to become my coolest pair of knockabout leisure shoes.

I love my Salomon XA 3D Pros. Despite the ungainly name, they are one sweet, swift set of sneaks. They carried me through the Greylock and Stone Cat marathons, the Presi Traverse and plenty of multi-hour training runs without injury. They fit like a good sock from the get-go, and never raised a blister. They could stand a little more cushion in the forefoot; otherwise, they're perfect.

So why am I looking elsewhere? Curiousity, I suppose. Besides, gear porn is part of the fun in any sport.

I've heard good things about Vasque and Lafuma trail shoes. The latter look especially cool, but don't seem to be available near Nashua. I like to try before I buy.

I'm intrigued by the new Timberland/Go Lite trail shoes. They're funny looking, and designed, I gather, to absorb shock and bumps at the outside lugs, where the sole hits the trail, rather than provide cushioning between the foot and a stiffer bottom. The idea sounds sensible, it might just work. Softer materials might wear out quicker, though. Their web site is obnoxious, all flash and sass, but they don't tell you where to find the shoes, or how much they might cost.

In fairness, the Salomon web site is pretty well over the top, too, but I still like their shoe. The new XA 3D comes in spiffy new colors (black and something they call "autobahn," with all irony intended I hope), but otherwise appears unchanged from last year. I could pick up a pair just like the ones I have now for about $75.

Anyone want to recommend a better shoe for the money, please do.