13 replies to this topic

[whoa42]

I've been running in the VFFs and am absolutely loving them - I cannot sing their praises loud enough!

My question: I'm hoping to register for the Oxfam Trailwalker this year.  Will my Sprints be OK for the Trailwalker terrain or should I get a pair of KSO Treks?

After I got a stone bruise in my Sprints, I ran in my hubby's Treks (a touch big so I got a few blisters but still generally OK) and the Trek sole is a LOT more forgiving when stepping on the pointy end of individual stones.  

[Huff]

whoa42, on Feb 26 2010, 03:00 PM, said:

I've been running in the VFFs and am absolutely loving them - I cannot sing their praises loud enough!

My question: I'm hoping to register for the Oxfam Trailwalker this year.  Will my Sprints be OK for the Trailwalker terrain or should I get a pair of KSO Treks?

After I got a stone bruise in my Sprints, I ran in my hubby's Treks (a touch big so I got a few blisters but still generally OK) and the Trek sole is a LOT more forgiving when stepping on the pointy end of individual stones.  

You've probably answered your own question there

[Nickelass]

The other problem with the sprints is that they let dust and other debris in on trails.  This leads to abrasion if you're not careful.

With KSOs and Treks they are more enclosed and can also be used with gaiters (for particularly dusty tracks).

[whoa42]

Huff, on Feb 26 2010, 03:11 PM, said:

You've probably answered your own question there

Yeah, you're probably right...
I was going to get a pair of Treks anyway but was wondering if anyone had done similar terrain with the standard VFF sole and what their experience was.  I completed the Trailwalker last year in my Asics trail runners but 4hrs in and I'd already rolled an ankle! AGAIN!

Edited by whoa42, 26 February 2010 - 02:55 PM.

[Paul Every]

whoa42, on Feb 26 2010, 03:00 PM, said:

After I got a stone bruise in my Sprints ...

Can't imagine how you would pick up a stone bruise on the Trailwalker course. You'll be fine. It's only 100km of rocky bush trails, with a good amount of rugged single track, long climbs and big descents that will take you 15 to 24 hours with a significant portion covered in darkness.  

[blair]

I've generally avoided trails in my VFF Sprints because it hurts my feet to much. Are the Treks much more suited for this? If so, I might try them out

[Nickelass]

Ive done up to 80km on trails in sprints.  They're alright, but you definitely have to take it easy on the rough sections.  

The Treks are MUCH better for long trail ultras as they help protect you from bruising - particularly in the dark.  

For shorter trail runs, I still prefer the sprints (or barefoot).  

If you're not used to it you will need to build up.  In my experience barefoot trail running is great for this - although difficult to start with. You'll quickly learn to lift your feet, improve cadence, improve foot flexibility and have a softer landing

Edited by Nickelass, 26 February 2010 - 04:24 PM.

[peersy]

Nickelass, on 26 February 2010 - 04:23 PM, said:

Ive done up to 80km on trails in sprints.  They're alright, but you definitely have to take it easy on the rough sections.  

The Treks are MUCH better for long trail ultras as they help protect you from bruising - particularly in the dark.  

For shorter trail runs, I still prefer the sprints (or barefoot).  

If you're not used to it you will need to build up.  In my experience barefoot trail running is great for this - although difficult to start with. You'll quickly learn to lift your feet, improve cadence, improve foot flexibility and have a softer landing

Hi there,

Some great info there, by the sounds of it - with enough training you could use the Treks for long distance trails.
But what happens if the trails are muddy and it's raining?
Will your feet be wet and would this quickly cause blisters etc?

I currently own the classics and have used them for around 5km in the dry with no worries.

I'm just asking for advice and experience prior to me purchasing another pair of vibrams for use in the 2012 Melbourne Trailwalker.

Thanks!
Peersy

[rohan]

TW is a team game, where you have to protect yourself, and thus not be a burden to the team, if you can at all help it.
That means footwear that offers protection even if it's not minimalist uber cool.

[KevM]

I now do all my road running (everything off the trails) in my VFF KSO's (in training) and love them BUT on the trails (once or twice a week) I always wear my NB 101's. Very light, no big heel, comfortable and enough protection/grip.
Will get the NB Minimus next for the trails, give them a go. They look great.
I find the VFF's very difficult when going down steep descents and rocky terrain. You can do it but letting loose or getting up some pace is risky to say the least. Bruising and slipping the main problems.

Edited by KevM, 31 October 2011 - 09:19 PM.

[KevM]

rohan, on 31 October 2011 - 09:04 PM, said:

TW is a team game, where you have to protect yourself, and thus not be a burden to the team, if you can at all help it.
That means footwear that offers protection even if it's not minimalist uber cool.

NB 101's with Rohan. Otherwise I can hear those words imminent - "Kev, you are the weakest link......good bye!"

[peersy]

KevM, on 31 October 2011 - 09:09 PM, said:

NB 101's with Rohan. Otherwise I can hear those words imminent - "Kev, you are the weakest link......good bye!"

lol thanks guys.
Originally I was thinking of some type of shoe/boot with decent lace up towards the ankle for support/lock (like Crestone Mid GTX XCR Hiking Boot) but lately thinking they will be too heavy & hence the major change to vibrams :/
My other thoughts were:

New Balance MT10GY MT10
http://www.amazon.co...19788724&sr=8-1
Or
Merrell True Glove
http://www.amazon.co...19788698&sr=8-1

Or would something like The North Face Ultra/Hedgehog shoes be the go.

I'll be heading into a proper shop soon to try them all on, that will probably be the best way to pick the right shoe.

[Supersam1979]

This thread is not that active anymore, but I thought it worth mentioning that LindyK was awarded (most deservedly) the 'Against all odds' Award. Lindy is way to humble to advertise this herself, but I think that if anyone ever looks for motivation to tackle this event, or indeed for motivation for any challenge in life, then they need look no further than LindyK's story in the recent Oxfam emails.

Lindy is an absolute champion, not only of running, but more importantly in life!

[beebeejaybee]

I'm a bit interested in this, Ive been training for tough mudder, and My trainer has asked if I'm interested in joining the Gym's team for trail walker

I recently threw out my last pair of regular joggers, last time I used them they caused some serious pain so I only have my KSOs and Sprints, so shoes become a bit of a dilemma, do I just train in what i have and I already know, I'm planning to start some trail running in the next couple of weeks for tough mudder anyway mostly because its the only way I can figure to build up my distance locally

or should I look into some KSO trek or treksport or should I try out the Minimus, or even just bite teh bullet and go get some hiking boots???