Our reviews are 100% organic. We do not accept payment for reviews or bundle with advertising budgets. In most cases, the brand is providing the product to our reviewers free of charge. With all the emphasis on road running super shoes and advanced technology trail shoes, the often-overlooked reality is that most of us travel on both surfaces, usually throughout the same run. It’s with that in mind that Craft created a specific line of hybrid running shoes which deliver similar ride quality and performance on road or trail. Their goal is to combine the best attributes of road and trail running footwear in products that provide stability, durability and traction along with a comfortable ride on varied terrain.
The CTM Ultra 3 is geared toward higher mileage athletes, with a large volume platform to create smooth ride quality and comfort with extended time on your feet. It’s impressively lightweight given the size of its midsole, thanks in part to a minimalist upper and just enough outsole coverage to do the job without making the shoe excessively bulky.
Medial view
Similar to road super shoes, the uppers of the CTM Ultra 3 are sleek and thin, with very little overlay. This is effective at providing a flexible, sock-like fit, but the primary downside is that it doesn’t provide a lot of stability on irregular terrain. Combined with the high stack heights of the midsole, it’s easier than you think to lose lateral stability, so runners have to be very deliberate about picking a line if the trail gets too technical. The rounded forefoot has a lot of volume, so runners with narrow feet may find themselves cinching the laces together more than usual. Despite being super thin, the engineered mesh did a better job than we anticipated of keeping grit out, as well as ventilating extremely well in warmer weather.
Among Craft’s midsole compounds, the EVA-based Ud Foam used in the CTM Ultra 3 is their most durable and second lightest in the lineup, designed for enhanced energy return and consistent propulsion over a long lifespan. The entire platform of the CTM Ultra 3 utilizes this foam, aside from a Pebax high-rebound insole layer directly underfoot. The shoe’s overall ride quality is relatively firm, with very little cushioning which, over long distances, is likely more amenable to faster runners than mid-pack plodders. The 10mm drop is designed to absorb most of the ground contact through the rearfoot, but steep rocker geometry in both the heel and forefoot help propel the body forward after ground contact. Combined with impressive energy return from the Ud compound, it’s easy to accelerate and maintain speed for long distances in these shoes as long as you have the engine to propel them.
Minimalist uppers, steep rearfoot rocker
As described before, the outsoles here are “just enough”—they provide adequate coverage in all the key impact areas (including the medial rearfoot, which often gets overlooked). The 3mm lugs are effective at rolling smoothly on asphalt while grabbing dirt on trails. Overall coverage is enough to provide protection and durability without adding significant overall weight, and the rubber compound’s durability held up well for over 100 miles.
Three-section outsole with aggressive forefoot lugs
The Craft CTM Ultra 3 is available in men’s and women’s versions at www.craftsports.us in the United States, and www.craftsportswear.com to choose your country.
Features and Specs:
- Weight (oz): 9.3 men’s / 8.1 women’s
- Stack Height (heel/toe, in mm) 40/30 men’s, 38/28 women’s
- Heel-toe drop (mm): 10mm
- Upper: one-piece engineered mesh with asymmetrical lacing
- Ultra-rebound insole
- Midsole: Lightweight Ud foam
- Outsole: 3-pieced lugged traction rubber
- MSRP: $165