Trail Shoes

[SkiMonday]

The things I have planned for this year are likely to require a pair of trail shoes so I thought I'd ask on here for some suggestions. I'm likely to be running and walking on a mix of tarmac, mud and hills. My budget is reasonably flexible but I don't think I'll be flexing it enough for this particular pair.

[Katnap Graduate10]

😅😂🤣 I suggest avoiding waterproof models as the water / mud gets in around your ankles and then can't get out!

I have some hybrid off/on road shoes. Okay in transition and mixed surfaces but have trouble getting traction in heavy mud and also on wet pavement.

🐱 Katnap 🐱

[SkiMonday Graduate10 in reply to Katnap]

Thanks Katnap. Can't help thinking you've got the worst of both worlds there! What model is that?

There are long sections on road and off road so one option would be to take two pairs with me and change enroute but I'd like to avoid that if I can.

[Katnap Graduate10 in reply to SkiMonday]

ASICS GEL Venture. I have an old pair '6' and a newer version '7'

[Katnap Graduate10 in reply to Katnap]

They were also okay to good in the snow 😊

[Grannyhugs Graduate10]

Aw go for it, did you not read the small print, these shoes do the running for you while you sit inside watching the snow fall🤣 happy running 🤗

[linda9389 Graduate10 in reply to Grannyhugs]

I would hate that!!! 😀

[Grannyhugs Graduate10 in reply to linda9389]

Actually me too, sitting watching the 1st snow of the year and wondering if I can manage even a short 5k run to get me to 130km for January, I do have tomorrow but I really hate to miss a day 🤣

[linda9389 Graduate10 in reply to Grannyhugs]

When it snowed here last weekend I had a lovely slow 5k on grass. The pavements were too slippy, but grass was OK.

[Grannyhugs Graduate10 in reply to linda9389]

Got out on snow free roads for a lovely 7k to end January

[linda9389 Graduate10 in reply to Grannyhugs]

Fabulous!!! I should be walking today but it's wet, windy and miserable (so I'm going to sneak a run instead - don't tell anyone 🙊)

[SkiMonday Graduate10 in reply to Grannyhugs]

😂 yes, they ought to at that price. Somehow, though, I don't think I'd get the same feeling of accomplishment if only my shoes completed the course. 😀👍

[Grannyhugs Graduate10 in reply to SkiMonday]

I agree, but well spotted post. I need to investigate trail shoes having had so much ice this winter young neighbours have run happily through it, they swear by their shoes so I need to ask them a few questions. Realise I get through 2 pairs a year so 1 pair may as well be trail shoes.

[Frizzbomb67 Graduate10]

I’d recommend Brooks Cascadia. Mine are great on trails! But I’d recommend getting last years model in the sale for half the price! 🙄😲

[SkiMonday Graduate10 in reply to Frizzbomb67]

Thanks Frizzbomb, that's definitely a model that's going on my list. Do you use them on road as well?

I'm hoping that I can do better than half the price of those in the photo 😀

[Frizzbomb67 Graduate10 in reply to SkiMonday]

I don’t run on the roads as I live in a very built up area with lots of main roads. I do use them on my treadmill though and they are nice and supportive and cushioned

[linda9389 Graduate10]

I have Hoka Challengers. I like them because they fit (made on the same last as the Cliftons which I normally wear) and definitely have better traction. They are still slippy in thick mud though. I did my marathon in them (road, gravel path, grassy field mix) in mud and puddles - water between the toes, mud between the toes, but it came and went with ease! My feet were in no worse condition at the end of the run than I would've expected had it been dry which was pretty good I thought 😀

[SkiMonday Graduate10 in reply to linda9389]

Thanks Linda. The event's in August so it might be dry by then. There again, l need to do a fair bit of training beforehand so I think I need to be prepared for mud!

[GoogleMe Graduate10]

I'm afraid me and Brooks Cascadia haven't got on - the heel is too high and too stiff... and the sole is stiff too. When it comes to trail running shoes I'm minimalist all the way. Current shoes Merrell Bare Arc and Vivobarefoot Primus. I almost never do tarmac or pavements but neither of these have massively chunky lugs so don't feel 'wrong' on hard surfaces.

[Tasha99 Graduate10 in reply to GoogleMe]

I didn’t like them either! Stiff as boards!

[Cmoi Graduate10]

My new shoes, bought yesterday, are Brooks Cascadia 15 Women's. After this morning's 5k, 91m elevation gain, mostly muddy paths and tracks but a bit of road (not smooth tarmac, it's a bit rougher on the country lanes round here) I absolutely love them!

That said, I went to the shop with absolutely no brand or model in mind. Didn't even know what I'd bought until after I'd left the shop! And even with 20% off they were 112€.

Service in shop - local independent, not a chain - was utterly brilliant. Spent almost an hour with me, did a detailed assessment with everything from watching me walk and do knee bends on one leg, to analysis using computerised gizmos. Once they'd settled on possibilities they sent me outside to run for 2-3 minutes in all the shoes I was considering.

Never felt pushed into buying - in fact when I mentioned maybe getting Yaktrax too, I was told that I probably didn't need them, go away and try these shoes and see if you need more!

Maybe check reviews if the last year's model you're considering is the Cascadia 14? Apparently Brooks made some changes, not just to colourways.

Says she who didn't even know of the existence of the Cascadia 15 at midday yesterday... 😜

😂

[Tasha99 Graduate10]

😶🤣

I thoroughly recommend Hoka Speedgoats. So bouncy! I love them so much. Size up 👍🏽 I had cascadia but they’re not comfortable at all. Very stiff. Wouldn’t recommend.

[RunWillie Graduate10]

I’m another Hoka fan. I’ve got Evo Mafate 2 for trail. I’m keen to try Stinson ATR 6 next for both road and trail slow slow running. Brooks always hurt my knees. Must be the drop 👍🏻