HELP! I'm spoilt for choice.

[Lizcanrun]

Hello all, I wonder if you can help me. I've spent the last few days perusing the internet looking at trail running shoes and I'm completely confused! Waterproof or not waterproof? Thick sole/light sole? I also really don't know what I'm talking about when it comes to shoe construction. I want to be able to run on grass and tracks, probably some mud (!), without breaking my neck, but would inevitably do at least some of the run on roads/paths. Any recommendations? My brain hurts...

Thank you

[K8nno Graduate10]

I’m no expert, but I did a lot of research before buying my trail shoes.... I didn’t need full on massive grip monster trail shoes, just something that could cope with the odd run along a soggy trail. I went with the Brooks Caldera 4...... and I think they’re brilliant! Enough grip to cope with slippy, muddy trails but still comfortable on the road. They’re not waterproof, but I’ve heard that most waterproof shoes still don’t keep you dry. Just stick ‘em on the radiator when I get back and I’m ready for next time.

[Lizcanrun Graduate10 in reply to K8nno]

I've heard that Brooks are good for wide feet. How have you found their sizing?

[K8nno Graduate10 in reply to Lizcanrun]

I have wide feet and Brooks suit me perfectly.... I use their Ghost 12 and Glycerin 18s alongside the Caldera 4s.... all of them are as comfortable as the next.

[Lizcanrun Graduate10 in reply to K8nno]

Thanks, that's good to know!

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate10]

I bought new trail shoes recently and they are excellent but not waterproof, go to your local specialist sports shop and ask about Brooks Cascadia 15 trail shoes, but first of all get a gait analysis and buy the recommended shoes and socks to match.

[Lizcanrun Graduate10 in reply to AlMorr]

I thought gait wasn't such an issue with trail shoes, because your feet move around in them?

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate10 in reply to Lizcanrun]

That's new to me, I got a gait analysis before I bought my first pair of running shoes and a gait analysis before I bought my trail shoes as well.

[Lizcanrun Graduate10 in reply to AlMorr]

OK, thanks. I know what my gait is, so should be OK.

[Frizzbomb67 Graduate10]

I run mainly on a disused railway track (that doesn’t sound great but it’s lovely 🌳) the path starts off fairly solid but then gets softer and muddier as you go on. I wear Brookes Cascadia 14 (got the last model 1/2 price in the sale 😊) and they are great. I don’t slip and slide but they are not too bulky. They are not waterproof but dry quite quickly. Last week they were soaking and caked in mud but they have brushed up well. I went on the Brookes website and did the little quiz to find their recommended shoe and went with that. Hope that helps.

[Lizcanrun Graduate10 in reply to Frizzbomb67]

Thank you!

[Roxdog Graduate10]

I bought some Brooks Cascadia. Not waterproof and I actually ran through a river which had burst it's banks in them! However, they didn't feel wet, all the water just drained out quickly.

I bought an older model as it was cheaper. I don't have wide feet, in fact they're quite narrow, but live Brooks as I love lots of room for my toes and these work. For wider feet you can just adjust the lacing.

If you have a neutral gait, then they would be fine.

[Lizcanrun Graduate10 in reply to Roxdog]

I overpronate, do you think that works be OK?

[Roxdog Graduate10 in reply to Lizcanrun]

I don't know really. I think trail shoes are mainly neutral. It's probably best to get advice. Realise that's difficult At the moment. The Brooks website allows you to put in some details about ypur gait and then it pops up with suggested shoes.

[Lizcanrun Graduate10 in reply to Roxdog]

Thank you