Trail Running Shoe Question

[Lizzie_NewStart]

Most of our dog-free running is on pavements and although my running shoes get wet when it rains, unless I accidently run through a really deep puddle, they dry out by the next day.

At weekends, we are doing more running with our dogs who have finally grasped the idea of running along with us apart from the odd stop to sniff something really interesting (that's the dogs that stop to sniff, not me!). Obviously that is done across fields and along country footpaths and as the weather gets wetter, the ground is too. Even after a little rain, my running shoes are caked in mud by the time we finish. After washing them, they take an age to dry which means wet feet before I even start my run the next day. I don't think this is doing them any favors either and concerned I will ruin them.

I spent (what I thought) was a decent amount of money on my latest road running shoes because they are used every day on a hard surface so the cushioning is important.

I have been looking online and can see some places are selling trail running shoes for under £30. I can see a decent sole to protect against hard objects is important, as is a good grip, but is there anything else to consider other than the fit? If running on soft ground I would have though the cushioning less important. Is that a fair assumption?

If I am only going to use them about once a week it seems a bit silly spending 4 or 5 times that amount on a decent shoe. My road shoes do slide about a lot in the fields as they don't have a lot of grip and I am thinking a cheap shoe with a good grip may be safer anyway.

When I started the C25K I just used an old pair of trainers. After they finally gave up, I bought a pair of running shoes from a sports shop. At the time I thought of myself as a bit of a fraud buying proper running shoes just for what I was doing, but the difference was amazing. I was actually quite proud of myself that I wore them out. Me, wearing out a pair of running shoes by actual running!!! Wow!!

Has anyone any experience of cheap trail shoes? Are they false economy?

Thanks.

[Cmoi Graduate10]

I've bought good quality trail shoes cheaply in sales and on Vinted, including Decathlon own brand ones, which are already well-priced.

However, I'd suggest you try trail shoes on before you buy, because in my experience they're just as varied as road shoes, and what suits one runner won't suit another. Fit, cushioning, support, grip, drop, sole thickness, flexibility, responsiveness - for me they're all important.

I run a lot on trails, and wear different models depending on the terrain I'm running. There again I take the view that running shoes are a bit like car tyres - you need the right ones for the conditions, and the less mileage you do the longer you can expect them to last!

Fwiw I've never washed my running shoes. After every run I just wipe or brush mud off the outer and sole, take out the insole, and leave them somewhere warm. If they're really wet I might stuff them with newspaper, but I remove it once it's absorbed the dampness, so air can circulate. And no, my shoes aren't stinky, but they're certainly not pristine either, nor do I want them to be.

[nowster Graduate10]

I echo what Cmoi has said. It's a very personal thing. It also depends on what sort of surfaces you're likely to encounter.

Some trails will be very muddy and others might be very rocky or gravelly, and one sole type will not fit all situations or even seasons perfectly.

I wear trail type shoes for running on sand. (Pwllheli parkrun, but I've not done that one for about a year!)

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10]

"Washed them "! I smiled... I have never washed my shoes.. as someone said on here, years back,. they are the medals of your success!

Loads if cheap and good shoes in sales.. just scroll around and , Cmoi has given some sound advice , one size, does, not, fit all. The right ones are essential.

[Wavy-chick28 Graduate10]

I just kept to the same brand as my running shoes for Road as they were very pricey as I bought them when I went for gait analysis, so when I needed trail shoes I just searched the t internet for trail shoes in the same brand and got them so so much cheaper and the brand suits my feet . Think they were from sports shoes 🤔

Wash them 😂😂😂 no they are sitting there caked with mud until the next run, I might give them a cursory bash!

[Sandraj39 Graduate10]

One consideration is whether to choose Gortex uppers or not. This is wateroof of course but beware if (like me) you run through puddles/water, as water that goes in over the top of the shoe will not drain out as easily as in an ordinary upper trail shoe. So I avoid Gortex versions. Yes, I do get wet feet in the winter but my Hoka Speedgoats drain well, are sturdy taking me from road to trails and have great support and cushioning. They are not cheap however..

Tips for cleaning/drying (which you may already do)🙂 - I seem to buck the trend on here and like to clean my shoes….✨👟✨😁

1. Buy a Boot Buddy - we use ours so much!

bootbuddy.com

2. Take insoles out and stuff with scrunched up paper to dry.👍

🙂

[nowster Graduate10 in reply to Sandraj39]

In winter, you have to accept your feet are going to get damp whatever type of shoes you wear. Proper socks are the solution.

[Sandraj39 Graduate10 in reply to nowster]

Agreed, can’t really imagine running on trails in the winter and NOT getting wet feet!

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

I believe all trails are neutral as running on uneven surfaces it negates the requirement for support. I’m with Sandraj39 , I always clean them when I get home and stuff with newspaper to absorb the water.

Before and after the clean up

[misswobble Graduate10]

I generally run all but the most technical trails in grippy ‘winterised’ or ‘weatherised’ (depending on the brand) eg Nike or Puma road shoes

Both have water-resistant uppers, made of a coated material where mud just seems to slide off. I run a winter marathon where water getting in at the toe over 26 miles causes horrible blisters, so I opt for these. Both have fab grip. The Puma WTR models just edges it grip-wise over the Nike Pegasus Shields. I got the Puma velocity 2 WTR and the Pegasus Shield 39. Both in the sales.

Start Fitness has another sale Puma WTR shoe on offer and I’m thinking of getting it I’ve just got a fresh pair of the Pegasus Shield 39 as well

Good luck and happy shopping 🙂👍

[GoogleMe Graduate10]

I'm really pleased to hear of the shoe washers. It's something all of us who run off road should be thinking about for biosecurity reasons. (This is a message to myself as much as anyone)

I always go for minimalist trail running shoes. I stay upright better when I can feel more!

[nowster Graduate10 in reply to GoogleMe]

My Vibram Fivefingers can be washed in the washing machine.