The ZODIAC RECON ATX running shoes are great in more ways than I thought possible for a running shoe. They have more than average cushioning for long runs on trail whilst still maintaining plenty of control when you are running or hiking on uneven or rocky terrain. They have a non nonsense ‘normal’ fit across the toes so your feet enjoy a more natural foot shape and your toes don’t get squeezed. The grip meets the demands of a multitude of terrain by being good in the wet and the dry and the shoe has been designed to be used on sections of tarmac too because in the real world we all have to run to the trails or do sections of sidewalk as well. I love the drain features and quick drying fabric too which repels water on its outer coating.

The new addition of the sock liner that goes above the shoe and round the ankle is what sets it apart from the standard Zodiac Recon ATs. I’ve found I love the sock liner/built in gaiter for two reasons in testing. Firstly it gives you extra protection when running off road from dirt and stones etc that can get in your socks without compromising breathability. Secondly You can set the laces ‘just right’ and be lazy and simply pull the shoes on and off putting your feet through the gaiters.

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In Depth Review

I review a lot of running shoes from a lot of companies and have piles of shoes to choose from but the Zodiac AT family of shoes is now basically my favourite shoe for trails in the USA in all weather conditions.

The LALO Tactical Athletic line is a direct result of briefings Lalo received from their Special Operations Forces. The need was to build a lightweight, packable, breathable shoe they could cross train and run in – a shoe they could count on, whether training or deployed. The tactical athletic designs put an emphasis on noise reduction, support and game day performance; gear that hits the mark time after time. What surprised me with these shoes straight out of the box was that the guys that could make a supremely rugged military spec ( and used) tactical boot had also nailed a decent long distance trail running shoe. These two types of footwear (tactical boot and running trainer) couldn’t be further apart and yet I knew the The Zodiac Recon ATX shoe would be great on the trails just by looking at the features and based on my past use of the Recon AT shoes.

Wet and Dry

So the upper fabric has a very breathable mesh that keeps your feet and socks dry from sweat and moisture. What I also noticed was that the outer coating seems to have a DWR like water repellent coating on it because light splashes of water beaded and fell off the fabric rather than soaked in. When your feet do get fully wet these running shoes have special drain holes along the base to help water escape quickly and the material was also quick to dry when I ran through stream crossings and brooks on trail. The built in sock/gaiter keeps a wider range of gravel and dirt out of your sock too prolonging the periods between stopping and emptying your shoes of debris.

Foot Shaped

Sounds like a weird thing to talk about…a shoe being foot shaped but very few running shoes actually are. Most are too narrow and pointy. These ZODIAC Recon ATXs have a wide comfortable toe box so your toes don’t get squished and so you are less likely to get blisters. On long distance runs your feet swell so these shoes give you the room for your feet to remain comfortable all the way beyond marathon trail distance.

Lacing

The laces aren’t too long and the shoe avoids metal lugs by using reinforced holes and straps instead.

Soft and Tough

The ride on these shoes is like nothing I’ve really run in before. They are extremely well cushioned for long distance running and trail hiking, but somehow they have a dual layer in them that means they are also very stiff and rigid lengthways. What this means is you get a sturdy supporting shoe that will not allow rocks to bash through and bruise your feet, but beneath this solid shield is a soft and comfortable ride. Its like an armored hovercraft on your foot. I also like the piece of grip right on the toe point which gives you grip on walls and vertical obstacles too. Its a nice added touch.

Burn Rubber

The grip is designed to work in a wide range of conditions. I found it was good on wet rock, excellent on sidewalk ( we run to and from trails right ?) and they also don’t clog easily in mud and loose dirt. Overall these shoes have a rugged ugly/pretty unapologetic design that reminds me of classic military gear like the Hummer or an Apache Helicopter.

Great for Spikes

The flat overall grip on the underside of the shoe means they are great in winter when you attached ice running spikes to them. I find that other shoes with a raised higher section before the heel tend to make spikes slip.

Gripes

None. I wouldn’t change anything on these shoes. I’ve literally never written this in any review before. If you wanted a bit more ankle support you might want to opt for the equally great Rapid Assault Boots and if you want to go for a sleeker gaiter free set up then the Zodiac Recon ATs are probably right for you.

Size Up

I suggest buying half a size up to your normal shoe size as the fit tends to be very snug otherwise, especially with thicker socks in the winter, or swollen feet from the heat of the summer.

Verdict

These shoes are great in so many ways. They have more than average cushioning for long runs on trail whilst still maintaining plenty of control when you are running or hiking on uneven or rocky terrain. They have a non nonsense ‘normal’ fit across the toes so your feet enjoy a more natural foot shape and your toes don’t get squeezed. The grip meets the demands of a multitude of terrain by being good in the wet and the dry and the shoe has been designed to be used on sections of tarmac too because in the real world we all have to run to the trails or do sections of sidewalk as well. I love the drain features and quick drying fabric too which repels water on its outer coating and the built in gaiters / sock liners are a new added feature that isn’t just a gimmick. I would describe these shoes as like mini military hovercrafts, but they handle more like a dirt bike! These will not disappoint.

Specs

• Unique ankle length sock like insert
• Carbonized heat transfer toe cap
• Drainage ports for a two-way passive drainage system
• EVA heel counter for maximum stability and a secure fit
• Lightweight, breathable woven upper for second skin-like fit
• Multi-density EVA construction designed to cushion at foot-strike and propel during toe-off
• Signature LALO Off Road Traction Pods (ORTP)
• Lightweight
• Breathable
• Drainable

About Lalo Tactical

The company was founded to serve the needs of Special Operations Forces and NSW Operators. Their award-winning designers and developers have been creating innovative footwear for some of the world’s most popular brands for over 30 years. They use top tier materials to create some of the best and hardest working tactical boots and athletic footwear for those that rise to the toughest occasions. LALO was created for the best of the best but why shouldn’t every day athletes, busy parents and weekend warriors also benefit? Every pair of shoes they create is for the end user who refuses to settle for the status quo. Whether your path leads you to a career in the military, competing in an adventure race, cross training, tackling an urban athletic workout, or running a 5K, we’ve got the shoe for you.