Running shoes for off-road

Aetheldreda
Aetheldreda Posts: 241 Member
edited November 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
I have recently started the C210K programme ( start week 3 tomorrow) and I am already starting to think about investing in some more suitable footwear.
I currently use a 9km circuit around my local reservoir which is quite undulating and has varied ground surfaces (short areas of tarmac, lots of stony forestry trails and some gravel/muddy parts).
My current running shoes are very comfortable but lack grip on some of the muddier sections.
I was wondering if I should be looking for footwear more suited to fell running or cross country running to aid with the ground conditions?
My local outdoors store sells running shoes with aggressive tread patterns which I thought might be what I need, but I just wondered if I might need to get them from a proper running store?
Any off-road runners out there able to offer any advice? I would be most grateful.

Replies

  • MeanderingMammal
    MeanderingMammal Posts: 7,866 Member
    Trail shoes tend to be neutral and low cushioning, so the whole mantra about gait analysis breaks down somewhat.

    The main thing you're looking at is how deep the tread is, my shoes that are designed for muddy trails are very uncomfortable on road as they've got a deep and aggressive tread, my mid range shoes have a less aggressive tread but are less suitable for sustained mud.

    Personally I like Inov-8 trail shoes, they have a huge range of options, but from what you describe you'll need a reasonably mid range multi-purpose; TrailRoc or RocLite.
  • jagodfrey08
    jagodfrey08 Posts: 425 Member
    I have found the Reeboks endorsed by Spartan Race are some awesome shoes for off road running. They have great tread and are lightweight. Quite comfortable.

    Another brand I really love are Merrells. Worth the price.
  • EauRouge1
    EauRouge1 Posts: 265 Member
    Yes, as Meandering said you don't need to worry so much about support shoes. I overpronate so wear support shoes for road running but on a trail you are not landing on a flat, hard surface so you don't have to worry so much.

    I have Adidas Kanadia trail shoes, they are good budget shoe- nice and grippy with just enough cushioning. They come up small though. I usually wear a 6 in every day shoes, 7 in road running shoes but my Kanadias are a size 8.
  • Aetheldreda
    Aetheldreda Posts: 241 Member
    @MeanderingMammal thanks for your reply and advice, it was very helpful. I will look into the range.
  • Aetheldreda
    Aetheldreda Posts: 241 Member
    @jagodfrey08 thanks for your reply. I love Merrell's, I have a pair which do have better grip than my current running shoe, but I am ashamed to admit I like them so much I cannot bear to get them dirty so I just wear them for every day stuff :o thanks for reminding me about the brand.
  • jagodfrey08
    jagodfrey08 Posts: 425 Member
    Don't worry. I felt the same about mine! Haha!!!
  • Aetheldreda
    Aetheldreda Posts: 241 Member
    @EauRouge1 thanks for your reply too! I am relieved to hear that I don't need to worry so much about the support of the shoe.

    Thanks to everyone for your advice so far, it has helped a great deal and I shall look forward to doing a bit of Internet searching before hitting the stores to try on a selection.
  • cgvet37
    cgvet37 Posts: 1,189 Member
    Solomon
This discussion has been closed.

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