Absolutely my last purchase for a while (I think!)

After my fiasco the other week sliding around in ankle deep mud, I have changed my mind about using my road shoes for off road as well and thought I had better get some trail shoes.

These are Asics Fuji Attack 5. They were heavily discounted as a later model is out. The reason I chose them is that the soles are apparently harder wearing than many trail shoes, so can be used partly on the road as well, which is essential for me as I have to negotiate quite a bit of road to get to off road areas. They are also lightweight, have lugs facing backwards and forwards for going both up and down rough terrain without slipping. They have a rock plate too; and although I don't expect to navigate many boulders round here, there are some very deep ruts that are rock hard in summer, plus lots of tree roots.

Oh, and a neat little pocket on the tongues for tucking in your lace ends.

[HeleneCorsa Graduate]

Oh good for you, a nice little graduation present to yourself!

Apart from looking lovely, I am sure you'll enjoy them. I love my Asics shoes - they are super comfortable.

I am having a bit of a moment in terms of new gear as well. I plan to go to the running shop to ask for recommendations for a pair of shoes for longer distances, so I can rotate them. Plus I am tired of all my running gear being dark and dull and think it's time to revitalize

[Hidden in reply to HeleneCorsa]

Yes, a graduation present, that’s what I told myself! 😉

I have two pairs of road shoes which I rotate, Brooks Ghosts and Mizuno Wave Riders. It’s essential for me because of my permanent leg injuries, since it puts stress on slightly different areas and muscles, thus resting the other bits. A bit of an expense, but then they last longer.

As for revitalising your lycra, you definitely need to check out Hidden tikiboo link. Who wouldnt want unicorn leggings and butterfly sports bras 😊😊😊. I’m laughing at myself here because there isnt a single item of running gear I would have ventured out of the house in three months ago! That’s addiction for you.

Enjoy your search for gear and post some photos when you get it.

[HeleneCorsa Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Ooh, Tikiboo have an Italian site too, and I have found the leggings I will use as a bribe to get my daughter out running with me! Thank you for the heads-up.

Both models of running shoe you mention get rave reviews. I know that each runner is different and shoes need to be fitted on the basis of gait analysis, but do you have any thoughts on them? Do you prefer one over the other, and why?

I was told my gait is neutral but I really feel I could benefit from more stability especially on longer runs. I definitely need to go back for another analysis and more info.

[Hidden in reply to HeleneCorsa]

I had my gait tested and Im neutral too. We narrowed it down to the wave riders and the ghosts. I preferred the wave riders as they seemed to just not be there. It was as if I had nothing on my feet. I didnt like the Ghosts as much. Then, when I was advised to get a second pair of different make, I got the Ghosts online. I still prefer the wave riders as they are more responsive and feel lighter. But the ghosts are very comfortable. The wave riders are a little stiff in the midsole, though they are cushioned as well. The ghosts feel a bit too cushioned for me, and they needed to be a half size bigger I think: when I run any distance, they press my toes a bit. The wave riders are the same size but more roomy. the ghosts have a slight tendency to make me heel strike, and I think Im more of a mid foot striker.

When these wear out, I will go back and have another test. I think I would like a slightly lower drop as I walk around in bare feet or flat shoes a lot, but the ones I have are fine.

[HeleneCorsa Graduate in reply to Hidden]

That's really useful, thank you! I have heard others mention that they are more encouraged to heel strike with the Ghosts and that's something I definitely want to avoid. I'll be trying on all types but I think that you don't really get a good feel for them until you've run a bit in them. They all seem pretty comfortable at the beginning, to me at least. My Asics are a joy to wear - again, like they're not really there, as if they have just organically grown onto my feet - and I definitely noticed an improvement in my slightly niggle-prone knees, but I think they are better for shorter distances.

I get what you mean about wanting a lower drop. I'm a flat shoe/barefoot person too and some running shoes almost make me feel as if I'm wearing heels!

[Hidden in reply to HeleneCorsa]

Crikey, just gone back and corrected all my typos. Sorry about that. Im a menace on a digital keyboard!

Thats interesting that others have found the gjosts make them heel strike. The wave riders have continued to be a joy, and those are the ones I was fitted to. The bloke who tested my gait was incredibly knowledgable, so I shall go back to him in due course.

I have a dilemma too as I prefer the weight and feel of road shoes, but I definitely need trail shoes here part of the time. It’s quite a small town, so I often run out of pavements. I wish I drove, then I would go back into Oxford sometimes and give my road shoe legs a long stretch. Didnt get much out if breath and hardly sweated at all there last night either!

[davelinks Graduate]

Nice shoes! No stars though, go get em dirty! You are wise to wear trail shoes in the muddy slippy conditions, a bit of damp grass is OK for road shoes, otherwise it's trail shoes, I know people to get injury through not wearing the right shoes for the conditions...😊

[Hidden in reply to davelinks]

I think I learned my lesson sliding through mud and having to walk and still sliding. I hope these do the trick. My Mizunos are still mud stained from that experience.

[Hidden]

Very nice 😊

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Hopefully they will do the job 😊

[Sandraj39 Graduate]

Lovely! I have a pair of these and also the Fujitrabuco's for my off road running. Love them, love trails, love running!❤️🏃🏽‍♀️

[Hidden in reply to Sandraj39]

That’s good to hear. One of the reviews Imread said the attack 5s are the bettwr shoeHow do you find they compare? I will still be wearing road shoes a lot, but these will be perfect for the paths and foelds around here.

[Sandraj39 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Prior to a nerve injury last summer, the Fujitrabuco suited me best actually (more supportive). But my gait has been a little different since recovering and now I am torn between the two! Hope you get on well with them. ☺

[Hidden in reply to Sandraj39]

I wore them walking around town for an hour today and they seem very comfortable. My gait is neutral, so am hoping they will suit.

[skysue16 Graduate]

Same shoe as me! I've had mine a year and they are great for road and off road, and very comfortable 😊 Where did you get them because I need some new ones!

Happy running in your new shoes!

[Hidden in reply to skysue16]

That's good to know. thanks. i think i tracked them down on Amazon in the end. I would move quickly as they are going fast, especially if you want a choice of colour. I did a cheapest search. I needed an 8 (I played safe, am 7 but take 7 1/2 in running shoes, and reviews were saying these are quite close fitting), and it was hard to find any.