Not sure where to start with trail running shoes
pobalita
Posts: 741 Member
I've been doing trail runs lately at distances from 10K to half marathon. I've been using my road shoes, but want to get some trail shoes for better grip after I fell off the trail this weekend. (Slipped in the mud and slid face first into a log....of course, both arms and knees landed in nettles, too. :laugh: )
Does anyone have advice on where to start? I run in stability road shoes (new balance or saucony) and my Saucony Guides have been comfortable on the trails - except for the slipping in mud. I went to a running shop this weekend and was a little overwhelmed at the choices and not sure I was getting great advice from the salesperson. I got the impression that they don't know as much about trail shoes as they do about road shoes.
If I need a stability shoe on the road, would it be the same for trail shoes? Any brand favorites? I know that it will come down to "whatever works best", but since I can't really simulate a trail run in the store or outside the store before buying the shoe, I'd love some advice from people already using them.
Does anyone have advice on where to start? I run in stability road shoes (new balance or saucony) and my Saucony Guides have been comfortable on the trails - except for the slipping in mud. I went to a running shop this weekend and was a little overwhelmed at the choices and not sure I was getting great advice from the salesperson. I got the impression that they don't know as much about trail shoes as they do about road shoes.
If I need a stability shoe on the road, would it be the same for trail shoes? Any brand favorites? I know that it will come down to "whatever works best", but since I can't really simulate a trail run in the store or outside the store before buying the shoe, I'd love some advice from people already using them.
0
Replies
-
I need help with the same issue: what shoes work best for running trails? running a trail 50k (25 miles on gravel/limestone, rest on pavement) in October and I'm not even a trail runner officially yet). Rotating Mizuno Wave Runner 17s and Brooks Pure Flow 3 now. I know Five Fingers are not always ideal for trail situations based on trying it a few times. I don't have answers to your questions but I'm listening for the answers, too.0
-
I wear sayanoras on the road and pearl izumi N2 for the trail. They have the same feel. if youre wearing pure flows, the PIs might be worth a try0
-
Our local REI has a little fake boulder in the shoe section so that you can see how your shoes will move at different angles. Obviously simulates hiking and not running, but still might help a little if they have any you're looking at.0
-
I have the Brooks Cascadias.
The grips are great! I ran my entire Off-Road Series (3K/5K/8K/10K) in those shoes, and 3 out of 4 races were muddy as hell. And the 8K was exceptionally muddy, and I only slightly slipped around the corners were it was basically cow paddy mud (they weren't really cow paddies, but that is best way for me to explain it lol). Hill climbs up slick, muddy trails were extremely easy, and I am a novice when it comes to trail running.
And as some reviews state, the shoe dries super fast. I ran a small "training" run a day before one of the races and the shoes were dry in time for the race.
It isn't a minimalist shoe though, it a neutral shoe.0 -
Pronation control is typically less of an issue on trails due to the uneven surface. And you won't find a lot of support trail shoes, most are neutral. Pearl Izumi makes a trail shoe with light stability - model is the Trail M2. I've had the opportunity to test-drive these shoes on a couple of trail runs and loved them. But I had already purchased the Montrail Bahada based on an earlier test drive, so I'm stuck with those for a while. Otherwise I would have purchased the M2 in a second.
I need moderate pronation control for my road running shoes but so far I have had no issues wearing neutral shoes on trails. And I run a lot of miles on trails and run a lot of trail races. My Montrail Bahada's are my workhorse for training and more technical trails. For most races I wear the ASICS Fuji Racer, unless there are lots of rocks/roots. The Fuji's are light and responsive, but not much cushioning.0 -
Saucony makes a fantastic trail shoe in the Guide lineup. If you like that shoe, look up the trail equivalent. Many manufactures do this.0
-
I'd get a different pair for different terrains/conditions. Lugged, water resistant, soft/hard trail, etc. You can find nearly anything depending on how far into the weeds you want to go with trail shoes. I have Salomon Speedcross and the bottoms look like mountain bike tires, but they are not appropriate for a hard-packed, dry trail.0
-
Thanks everyone - I didn't know Saucony made a Guide trail shoe! I think I'll try on those, the Brooks Cascadia, and the SpeedCross to start with. I know we all have different gear needs, but I really value everyone's help in getting me started.0
-
Pronation control is typically less of an issue on trails due to the uneven surface. And you won't find a lot of support trail shoes, most are neutral.
This - and you might find that after you start running a lot of miles on trails (and strengthening all those little muscle groups that keep you upright), that you need less stability on the road as well.0 -
I'd get a different pair for different terrains/conditions. Lugged, water resistant, soft/hard trail, etc. You can find nearly anything depending on how far into the weeds you want to go with trail shoes. I have Salomon Speedcross and the bottoms look like mountain bike tires, but they are not appropriate for a hard-packed, dry trail.
You are such a girl..."These shoes are appropriate for informal work parties, but the heels are not high enough for a more formal after 5 event."0 -
I wear sayanoras on the road and pearl izumi N2 for the trail. They have the same feel. if youre wearing pure flows, the PIs might be worth a try
I've got the same pearls for trail as well. Freaking love them but they really are trail shoes only. They kinda suck if you have to run a mile or two to get to the trail but once you get offroad those things feel/grip amazing. Lugs do a really REALLY good job self cleaning as you go as well.0 -
I love my Inov-8 Bare Grips, but they might be a little minimalist for you, and very uncomfortable on pavement. I've heard great things about the IceBugs, and the Salomon SpeedCross. And the new Reebok Spartan shoes look really good.0
-
My take is that for most trails, your road shoes work just fine. Many want to look more like a trail runner run so get trail running shoes when not strictly necessary. However, in your case it seems appropriate. Nothing fun about slipping around in mud, etc. As far as to what to wear, that's such a personal thing. You are doing it right by asking others. Get some opinions, read some reviews, etc. I like buying from Roadrunner because you can send them back if you end up not liking them or find you need a different size. Pretty nice. I finally landed on a pair of Brooks Cascadia's I really like, but I'm casting my lecherous eye at a pair of Hoka's.
)
Oh, and let me add (even though you didn't ask): don't forget the gaitors. I have a pair and almost never wear them. But when the conditions warrant they are a godsend. And even if conditions don't warrant, if it's long trail run or race, I always wear them. You hate to have to stop to pull something out of your shoe. Now if they would invent something from the dirt migrated through my shoes and socks that would be great.
0 -
I'd get a different pair for different terrains/conditions. Lugged, water resistant, soft/hard trail, etc. You can find nearly anything depending on how far into the weeds you want to go with trail shoes. I have Salomon Speedcross and the bottoms look like mountain bike tires, but they are not appropriate for a hard-packed, dry trail.
You are such a girl..."These shoes are appropriate for informal work parties, but the heels are not high enough for a more formal after 5 event."
I like to be prepared! And I like shoes
0
