Craft Running Shoes: A Comprehensive Guide for 2025

Curious about Craft Sportswear, the Swedish innovator in running shoes? Wondering which are the best Craft running shoes for your next run? Dive into this guide to see why Craft stands out in performance footwear and explore their top running shoe models.

Founded in Sweden in 1973, Craft Sportswear first conquered Nordic ski and cycling gear before stepping into running shoes. With a passion for innovation and premium materials, they’ve crafted a lineup packed with cutting-edge tech like advanced foams and carbon plates, designed to boost every stride—whether you’re a casual jogger or an elite athlete. 

Craft organizes its running shoes into three primary categories: road running, trail running, and hybrid shoes, each designed for specific terrains and performance needs.

Craft’s road running models prioritize cushioning, energy return, and speed, making them ideal for pavement and urban environments.

• Pacer (daily trainer) – A versatile daily trainer with balanced cushioning, ideal for various paces and distances.
• Endurance 2 (daily trainer) – Featuring Px Foam for a responsive yet cushioned ride, perfect for long runs.
• PRO Endur Distance (tempo/daily training) – Lightweight and designed for high energy return, catering to performance-focused runners.
• Nordlite Tempo (tempo runs/racing) – The latest Nordlite series with a Cr Foam Pro™ midsole and 15% Peba, offering lightweight rebound and cushioning for advanced runners.
• Kype Pro (marathon/racing) – Craft’s fastest road shoe yet, engineered for elite marathon and half-marathon runners, featuring Xx Foam™ with Pebax™, a lightweight Arris carbon fiber plate, and a unique split heel design for maximum propulsion and efficiency.

Related: Craft Endurance 2 Review

For runners tackling rugged off-road terrain, Craft’s trail shoes offer durability, traction, and protection.

• Pure Trail – Built for rough terrain, featuring a low-profile outsole and cushioned midsole for stability.
• CTM Ultra Carbon Trail – An elite trail shoe featuring Vault Foam and a carbon plate for efficiency on rugged surfaces.
• Endurance Trail – Designed for long-distance off-road running, balancing comfort and durability.
• Hydro Mid – All-terrain, waterproof option suitable for wet and challenging conditions.

Related: For an insider’s take, check out Craft Running Shoes: An Insider’s Look. We chat with Nick Siino, Craft’s Northern California sales rep, who shares what makes these shoes special—from their meticulous design to real-world performance on pavement and trails alike.

Craft’s hybrid models are built for mixed terrain, providing the versatility to transition between road and trail running effortlessly.

• Xplor – A flexible all-terrain option, ideal for both trails and light road use. 
• Nordlite Ultra – A highly cushioned shoe offering excellent grip, perfect for roads, gravel, and light trails.
• CTM Ultra 3 (long runs) – The third-generation CTM with a lightweight Ud Foam™ midsole and one-piece engineered mesh upper.
• ADV Nordic Trail – An all-terrain shoe with a durable nylon mesh upper and TPU toe guard, offering protection and flexibility for rough off-road surfaces without sacrificing comfort on roads.

Craft has integrated several advanced materials and design features into its footwear to enhance performance. Technologies like Px Foam, Ud Foam, and Vault Foam provide varying levels of cushioning and responsiveness, while carbon plates are strategically implemented in certain models to maximize propulsion. Their Scandinavian design philosophy ensures a balance of functionality and aesthetics, making Craft’s running shoes both high-performing and visually appealing.

Craft’s commitment to performance extends beyond product design to supporting elite athletes. The brand sponsors a growing roster of runners who compete at the highest levels, embodying Craft’s ethos of innovation and endurance. Notable athletes include:

• Tommy Rivs – An ultramarathoner and Craft ambassador known for his resilience and long-distance prowess, often seen wearing the Endurance Trail in grueling races.
• Ida Nilsson – A Swedish trail running star and former mountain running champion, who relies on the Pure Trail and CTM Ultra Trail for their lightweight durability on rugged courses.
• EmKay Sullivan – An American ultrarunner with standout performances like a runner-up finish at the Canyons 100K, favoring the Endurance Trail for its versatility and durability.
• Tim Tollefson – A top American ultrarunner with wins at races like Javelina 100 Mile, often racing in the CTM Ultra Trail for its energy return on tough terrain.

These athletes not only test Craft’s footwear in real-world conditions but also provide feedback to refine future designs.

Anecdotal feedback from users and expert reviews highlight the strengths of various Craft running shoe models:

• Nordlite Ultra – Praised for its adaptability to different surfaces, making it an excellent choice for runners who transition between roads and trails frequently.
• CTM Ultra – Highly rated for marathon training, with runners noting its outstanding energy return and cushioned feel.
• Endurance Trail – A favorite among ultramarathon runners, offering sustained comfort and durability over long distances.

Selecting the best Craft running shoe depends on your running style, terrain, and goals. Road runners looking for speed might gravitate toward the Nordlite Tempo or Kype Pro, while those seeking a high-performance trail shoe could consider the Endurance Trail. For those who frequently switch between surfaces, the CTM Ultra 3 provides an excellent balance of road and trail capabilities.

Craft continues to push the boundaries of innovation, and its growing presence in the running shoe market makes it a compelling choice for runners of all levels. With a focus on performance-driven design and high-quality materials, Craft running shoes are quickly becoming a go-to option for those looking for premium footwear solutions.