Trail Running Footwear

7lenny7

Those of you who run trails, what are you using for footwear?

I've been hiking quite a bit lately, up to 14 miles per hike. At times I feel motivated to run so I'll run for 100 yards or so then slow down and walk. I can see where I might get to the point some day where I'm doing more running than walking so I'm starting thinking about getting footwear better suited for trail running. I don't run on pavement currently.

Currently I'm wearing some Merrell Moab Ventilator hiking shoes which are in need of replacement. Options as I see it are, another pair of trail hiking shoes, trail running shoes (like the Brooks Cascadian), or road running shoes.

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7lenny7

I had never heard of Vibrams before but looked them up. I don't know if i could stand wearing something that went around each individual toe!

kpodaru

these are the BEST trail shoes - salomon speedcross 3. i wear these all the time on my trails and i've even worn them to tough mudder. i swear, it's like tires on your feet!

http://www.sportchek.ca/product/index.jsp?productId=52593696&gclid=CjwKEAjwvbGqBRCs3eH4o5C74CYSJAB3TODs49PySnhRdqfe36Rtsu7qeD9KbeC-XQiBUgt2vwDWZxoCzFfw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

road running shoes won't do much in terms of traction if your trails are technical (hills, uneven terrain etc). in fact, you'll expend more energy trying to get around/up the hills from all the slippage. to each his own but the salomon shoes are my favorite.

jacksonpt

Inov-8

//end discussion

MeanderingMammal

I use Saucony trail shoes at the moment, GTX in winter, ventilated in summer. I'm contemplating a move to Inov-8 though.

lishie_rebooted

I'm debating between the Salamon XR Mission and the Karhu Flow Trails.

I love my Karhu road shoes.
But the issue with both of those shoes above are they're neutral shoes and I wear stability shoes.
The bigger problem is I have a broken fibula and can't try either lol

LoneWolfRunner

I have the Inov-8 Ultra 270, the Merrell Trail Glove, and the Montrail Fluid-flex.

mochapygmy

kpodaru wrote: »

these are the BEST trail shoes - salomon speedcross 3. i wear these all the time on my trails and i've even worn them to tough mudder. i swear, it's like tires on your feet!

http://www.sportchek.ca/product/index.jsp?productId=52593696&gclid=CjwKEAjwvbGqBRCs3eH4o5C74CYSJAB3TODs49PySnhRdqfe36Rtsu7qeD9KbeC-XQiBUgt2vwDWZxoCzFfw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

road running shoes won't do much in terms of traction if your trails are technical (hills, uneven terrain etc). in fact, you'll expend more energy trying to get around/up the hills from all the slippage. to each his own but the salomon shoes are my favorite.

LOVE my Salomon Speedcross 3s! Quick, light, comfortable and great traction even on the road.

Check out Ginger Runner's shoe reviews on YouTube. He is a 95% trail ultra runner and reviews a lot of shoes. However all the reviews in the world won't make a difference until you go into a store and get fitted properly for a shoe to suit your foot.

MeanderingMammal

lishie_rebooted wrote: »

I'm debating between the Salamon XR Mission and the Karhu Flow Trails.

I love my Karhu road shoes.
But the issue with both of those shoes above are they're neutral shoes and I wear stability shoes.
The bigger problem is I have a broken fibula and can't try either lol

I use motion control shoes on the road, can't think of any trail shoes that are motion control, with the maximals being cushioned, so suitable for supinators.

For trail running I'm more comfortable in a neutral, low drop, than I am in higher drop control shoes. That said, beginning of the season my calves get hammered with the change in shoe.

7lenny7

Sorry, I should have been more specific in what I was asking. I wasn't looking for recommendation on a particular model, I'm looking for a recommendation on the TYPE of shoe to wear...train running shoe, road running shoe, or hiking shoe. I'm just curious about the pros & cons of each type for this application.

Once I decide which type of shoe, then I can look at a particular model, based on how a particular model fit on my feet.

I haven't googled all the different models mentioned above, but it sounds like most of you are wearing trail running shoes.

LoneWolfRunner

Yeah... if you are going to start running more, then you definitely want trail running shoes.

autumnblade75

If you like Merrell's hiking shoes, you might like their trail running shoes, too. I like the Bare Access shoes. I've got a street pair and a trail pair.

mwyvr

I love to hike but I love to run the same trails even more, so +1 for a trail running shoe.

I would not expect them to last as long as a light hiker though...

PAtinCO

I hike and run in trail running shoes. I like them light and breathable. I used to think you needed boots to hike in but I started following this guy's blog and books and his take on footwear has sunk in.

http://andrewskurka.com/2012/why-waterproof-shoes-will-not-keep-your-feet-dry/

I've used Merrel Grassbows and I have a pair of GoLite shoes now. I really like the GoLite shoes. They've got a softer sole than the Merel shoes did which helps when carrying a heavier pack.

Edit: I also have Moab Ventilators but they're mostly relegated to daily wear now.

lishie_rebooted

MeanderingMammal wrote: »

lishie_rebooted wrote: »

I'm debating between the Salamon XR Mission and the Karhu Flow Trails.

I love my Karhu road shoes.
But the issue with both of those shoes above are they're neutral shoes and I wear stability shoes.
The bigger problem is I have a broken fibula and can't try either lol

I use motion control shoes on the road, can't think of any trail shoes that are motion control, with the maximals being cushioned, so suitable for supinators.

For trail running I'm more comfortable in a neutral, low drop, than I am in higher drop control shoes. That said, beginning of the season my calves get hammered with the change in shoe.

Asics has a trail version of their GT-2000 3 model.
There's a Brooks Adrenaline trail version as well.
(I love the shoe finder on Running Warehouse)

I'm holding off on buying trails for 2 reasons - 1, that pesky broken fib. 2, my mom wears the Soloman XR Missions and has a spare pair I can test when I'm able to run.

I'm not a huge trail runner but I was planning on getting more into it, plus I have a trail 25k later this year...

jacksonpt

7lenny7 wrote: »

Sorry, I should have been more specific in what I was asking. I wasn't looking for recommendation on a particular model, I'm looking for a recommendation on the TYPE of shoe to wear...train running shoe, road running shoe, or hiking shoe. I'm just curious about the pros & cons of each type for this application.

Once I decide which type of shoe, then I can look at a particular model, based on how a particular model fit on my feet.

I haven't googled all the different models mentioned above, but it sounds like most of you are wearing trail running shoes.

Speaking VERRRY generally...

The only pro to road running sneakers I can think of is the greater variety/selection. Potential cons are less protection and less traction. How problematic those things are will depend on your trails and, to some extent, your running style.

Trail running sneakers have come a long way, and can be as light, flexible, nimble as you want them to be. Traction can also be as aggressive as you want, depending on your needs, and some will offer more protection from things like sharp rocks, roots, sticks, etc. IMO, there is no real con to this group if you select a shoe that is well suited to your needs/trails (i.e. a lighter, faster shoes for more groomed trails, a more robust, aggressive shoe for more technical trails).

Trail hikers will generally be a bit heavier and less flexible, but offer more protection and potentially more support.


IMO, a trail running sneaker can be incredibly versatile. I've used them for everything from 8 hr day hikes to racing off-road triathlons.

kindrabbit

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Nike-Pegasus-Trail-Running-Shoes/dp/B0077WHGQK
Sorry, just seen that you wanted recommendations of the type of shoe. These are the shoes that I wear for all walking, trail running and road running. Love them. They have good ankle support and good tread without being too heavy. I have a neutral gait.

rileyes

My trail-running shoes have the same fit as my street-running shoes. The difference is stiffness and tread. My trail is hard dirt, sand and gravel.

Curtruns

shoes are a very personal thing.....I myself am an absolute shoe *kitten* and do not have a "favorite," only some that I like more than others. I would consider what type of terrain you will be using it in. I have some Salomon's that I will use if it is particularly muddy but otherwise I run in something with a less aggressive sole. If you will be running a lot of hills, you may want to size up a bit to allow your toes some room on the downhills.

LoneWolfRunner

Curt911 wrote: »

.....I myself am an absolute shoe *kitten* and do not have a "favorite," only some that I like more than others.

^^^ Yep... 12 pairs here and I still feel the need to get more...

jacksonpt

LoneWolfRunner wrote: »

Curt911 wrote: »

.....I myself am an absolute shoe *kitten* and do not have a "favorite," only some that I like more than others.

^^^ Yep... 12 pairs here and I still feel the need to get more...

Dam... I'm only at 9 pairs. #amateur

MeanderingMammal

If you're talking about going out for a trail run, then I'd advocate trail shoes, although for hard packed trail a road shoe would be reasonable. For walking, I'd probably avoid running shoes, particularly if carrying a load.

For a patrol pack, then I'd be comfortable enough in approach shoes, for an all up bergan, I'd be going for boots.

7lenny7

Thank you, guys and gals! Looks like the trail runners are the way to go. I plan on going to a local running store to help me select the exact model based on my physical attributes and the trails I'll likely be on.

Hopefully I'll find a good pair that are not all decked out in neon colors. Give me earth tones!!

LoneWolfRunner

7lenny7 wrote: »

Hopefully I'll find a good pair that are not all decked out in neon colors. Give me earth tones!!

What?? There's no fun in that.... lol

7lenny7

I almost bought a pair of trail shoes two weeks ago but the one that I liked, they only had in a very obnoxious color scheme. Nope, not going to wear this:

lishie_rebooted

7lenny7 wrote: »

I almost bought a pair of trail shoes two weeks ago but the one that I liked, they only had in a very obnoxious color scheme. Nope, not going to wear this:

That's not bad at all!



Salomon XR Missions.
I want.


ETA: Newton Running has some pretty bold colors as well.

esjones12

jacksonpt wrote: »

Speaking VERRRY generally...

The only pro to road running sneakers I can think of is the greater variety/selection. Potential cons are less protection and less traction. How problematic those things are will depend on your trails and, to some extent, your running style.

Trail running sneakers have come a long way, and can be as light, flexible, nimble as you want them to be. Traction can also be as aggressive as you want, depending on your needs, and some will offer more protection from things like sharp rocks, roots, sticks, etc. IMO, there is no real con to this group if you select a shoe that is well suited to your needs/trails (i.e. a lighter, faster shoes for more groomed trails, a more robust, aggressive shoe for more technical trails).

Trail hikers will generally be a bit heavier and less flexible, but offer more protection and potentially more support.

IMO, a trail running sneaker can be incredibly versatile. I've used them for everything from 8 hr day hikes to racing off-road triathlons.

Solid info there. You have to evaluate what your needs are. From the info given by OP I would opt for a decent trail running shoe that offers protection for long day hikes, but also supports running. I have a pair like that and love them. But I also have a pair of OCR (obstacle course racing) trail running shoes that offer much less support (quicker/lighter) and crazy amount of traction. I wouldn't wear those on a long hike. I can't wear either shoe on the road because it is too "sticky" with the traction. So I also have a pair of road/gym sneakers.....

And then I have dress shoes and boots for work and barn/riding boots....too many shoes

LoneWolfRunner

Just picked these up...

LoneWolfRunner

The rest of my non-earthtone collection...