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In a Nutshell
I wanted to love this shoe mostly due to brand loyalty to Naked Sports Innovations, as I’ve consistently gravitated toward their minimalist hydration packs/belts. I was initially excited by the company’s promise of a slim-fitting, responsive, carbon plated racing shoe with its sleek look and light weight. And compared to other carbon-plated trail shoes (Speedland HSV, Saucony Endorphin Edge, The North Face Vectiv, etc.) the Naked T/r is more affordable ($180). But if I’m honest, I won’t put many additional trail miles into this shoe for a few reasons:
Energy Return: Initially, I was absolutely floored by this shoe in the trial workouts I ran in them on the treadmill. On an incline greater than 7%, these shoes really give back more than what you’re putting into them. They feel light, springy, and stiff thanks to the carbon fiber plate and snappy EVA midsole. I’ve put in two uphill treadmill interval workouts into these shoes and one outdoor trail run on variable terrain with technical switchbacks and rolling, smooth single track.
Stability: Outdoors, the Naked T/r still propels you up the steep slopes effortlessly, but the lack of security I felt as I descended both mellow switchbacks and steep, straight trail was unnerving. I tape my ankles for a technical trail, but still felt as though I was going to sprain both ankles in these shoes. The carbon fiber plate’s rigidity paired with a poor fit on my narrow feet has relegated this shoe to the back of my rotation.
Underfoot Protection: While I didn’t feel any sharp rocks through the outsole of the Naked T/r, the plate seems to defeat the shock absorption of the EVA foam and substantial stack height. Since this shoe is clearly a racing shoe intended for sub-ultra distances, the design choices seem aligned with the shoe’s purpose.
Traction: The Vibram Megagrip rubber with Litebase makes for a respectable amount of traction on dry, gravelly trails. This shoe is clearly not designed for wet, sloppy terrain as it lacks drainage and the lugs are broad and relatively flat. The outsole shows no sign of wear despite being run in on the treadmill, so the durability factor of this shoe is promising.
Upper: As much as I love the way the Naked T/r looks with its black, white, and yellow colorway, that’s about the only good thing I can say about the laceless upper. The limited ventilation in the ripstop nylon makes for a hot and sweaty experience–potentially the perfect recipe for a collection of blisters underfoot given enough time? Perhaps due to the poor fit I have, the tongue digs into my extensor tendons, and with repetitive motion, is abrasive.
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