Wearing road shoes for trail run?

[miss_august]

Hello I am running a 10k trail race next weekend. Because of funds, I didn't manage to buy a pair of trail shoes until last week. They're Hoka Speedgoats. They look super cool, but I think they're a bit too tight for me. I've got them on now and the toe is not very roomy (I read other reviews making the same comment)! My plan was to try them out on a trial this morning, but I am now doubtful if trail shoes are supposed to be tight.

My road shoes are comfy and trusty and, because there's not a huge amount of time, my feeling is to just wear those next weekend because it's better to forsake the better tread for comfort and probably safety. I think the trail is just through forest, mainly, so I've practised forest running nearby with my usual shoes and it's fine, except if it's very muddy I slow down to a walk and take care.

Does this sound the best plan to others? I don't want to waste money on new shoes that aren't right. I know trail shoes are better for trails (funnily enough!) but on balance I'm thinking this is the right way to go.

As an aside the Hokas look great but I think the size up might be too big length-wise. I might try another brand. If anyone has suggestions I'd appreciate!

[Sandraj39 Graduate10]

I would go with your road shoes for the race (and hope it's not too wet🤞) - not worth risking a pair of shoes that are too tight! I have road shoes which I use on trails but also a great pair of Hoka Challenger ATR's which I use on road and trail. They are a hybrid and designed to take you from road to trail and I have to admit are my go- to running shoe at the moment! Unlike what you say about the Speedgoat, I find the toebox on them very roomy.

I used to run in Asics Fujitrabucco trail shoes which were fab until a sciatic injury (not from running) resulted in nerve damage which seemed to change what shoes suited me! Also, the Brooks Caldera trail was great on both terrains for me but we are all different so it can take a while to find your own magic "glass slipper"! 👟 Good luck in your search and with your trail run next week - which one are you doing?🙂

[Debston Graduate10]

I would return the new shoes if they are not feeling right. No point hurting your feet! I have really wide feet and my Saucony Peregrines are very comfortable and good trail shoes. I do have to slow down for the very muddies bits in my local woods (a real mud bath at this time of the year) but on less waterlogged routes the grip is great. Someone on here recommended them and I managed to find a bargain pair on ebay - unworn for about £45. At that price I thought it was worth a go and if they didn't fit, I would have sold them on. Luckily for me, they were perfect. I bought a half size up from my usual shoe size and they are plenty wide enough for my wide feet.

[SlowLoris]

Just try on as many different shoes as possible. They all have different shape lasts and what suits one person may be very different for another. There is a tendency to make trail shoes narrower to give more control on tricky surfaces. Not really a problem on forest trails.

Altra make shoes with a wide forefoot. Inov8 mostly make narrower ones but also do some wide forefoot ones. Their website shows which ones are wider. Don't be afraid to make the running shop sales assistant earn their pay.

[Tartancat Graduate10]

Wear your road shoes! All last winter I ran trails in my road shoes and had no issues- you just have to be sensible.

It took me ages to find trail shoes to fit properly (I have wide feet). I now have Hoka Ones which are hybrids, and they fit!

[damienair Administrator]

I did a 13K mountain race in my older Brooks GTS 17 road shoes and have done a few other trail runs in my road shoes too. I’ve washed them in lovely freezing cold puddles afterwards.

Damien

[Tasha99 Graduate10]

Go a size up. They're supposed to be long. I have those and love them. Full size up in all running shoes tho 👌🏽 Tie them with locking lace technique so your foot doesn't slip.

[miss_august]

I'm a bit worried as I got a big lecture from the organiser when I asked what the terrain was like (it's forest trails, which I run in a lot with road shoes, so I just wondered exactly what they were like). But I have no way of getting trail shoes now, so they'll have to do. I won't injure myself will I?! I'm not intending to run really fast and I'm mindful of the fact I don't have too great a grip!