8 replies to this topic

[redgreg]

Hi all,

I apologies up front if similar posts have been done elsewhere and the long personal history, but I thought it may help in seeking some answers on selecting the best trail runner (or normal runner) for me.

I'm attempting the Sydney 100km Oxfam in 4 weeks and need some new shoes. I was looking at a trail runner due to the greater amount of protection they seem to provide over runners (currently wearing Asics 2130 (and I know there for pronators and probably wrong for me – poor initial advice) without compromising too much on the weight. I am hoping to do this in no more than 24hours with 20% jogging the rest a fast walk. I would like to get into more trail runner and adventure based racing. My stats are size = 9US with a narrow heal, but a broad front foot and I've been told that I'm neutral foot (mind you I've previously been told that I pronate and supinate as well).

My issues are I've got dodgy knees in particular my left knee has tendonitis with moderate proximal tendonosis and oedema in the Hoffea's fat pad. And mildly shallow trochlear groove evident. I’ve seen a knee and tendon specialist however I’ve noticed a pain associated with the medial side of the knee associated with non-impact sport such as cycling to work which conflicts with the diagnosis from the knee and tendon specialist. Today I saw a Pod and he said that with the uncertainty of the knee diagnosis he can not recommend an appropriate shoe or orthopaedics without analysis pronation or supination orthopaedics over a period of time and the associated pain thresholds. As such he has recommended going with a neutral shoe. Another side issue that I have to address is that I have one leg shorter than the other which could be causing some of my problems but can’t be addresses before the Oxfam 100km event.

So the simple question is, if you are a neutral shoe type with a narrow heal and broad front foot what type of shoe fits you best? If you have this and also have knee issues, can recommend a shoe that works for you?

Thanks for your time.

Greg

[Bomber]

None of these are trail shoes, Nike Vomero $240, Asics Numbus $240, Nike Pegasus $160.
I personally run in Vomero and think they are one of the best shoes around.

All are Neutral, generous forefoot and tons of cushioning for your knee issues.
Make sure you go somewhere that will let you have a little trot and not just walk around the store as you try them on.
Every brand is different and fits differently.

[Phoenix]

If you do a bit of a search around there are a number og good threads on trail running shows that may have some insights.

[redgreg]

Bomber, on Aug 2 2008, 03:09 PM, said:

None of these are trail shoes, Nike Vomero $240, Asics Numbus $240, Nike Pegasus $160.
I personally run in Vomero and think they are one of the best shoes around.

All are Neutral, generous forefoot and tons of cushioning for your knee issues.
Make sure you go somewhere that will let you have a little trot and not just walk around the store as you try them on.
Every brand is different and fits differently.

Thanks for your input Bomber.

Cheers,

[redgreg]

Phoenix, on Aug 2 2008, 03:53 PM, said:

If you do a bit of a search around there are a number og good threads on trail running shows that may have some insights.

Thanks Phoenix. Yes I've been doing lots of searches and going to stores, but I haven't had that much success. I've just tried on a Cascadia in a 9.5 they felt quite good (in the 0.5 size bigger) but still a little narrow in the forefoot. The other ones that seam to suit my foot are the North Face Rucky Chucky - not sure how good a shoe these are. One retailer recommended the Saucony ProGrid Xodus but I don't know anything about these. Also some have recommended the Salomon XT Wings - even though they're not a neutral shoe they say that they behave like one, which I'm not sure about. Again the Addias AdiZero XT might work being a neutral shoe with a narrow heal and wis=de forefoot. Merrell's Overdrive could work but have a wider heal.

None of them I can tell by trying on high the behave with my dodgy knees.

Cheers

[DontStop]

I'm a neutral, reasonably broad forefoot and reasonably narrow heel. Voms work really well for me: plenty of room in the toe box, which I really like. Good cushioning too - which I imagine would be nice if you're on your feet for a hundred kay.

[runbike]

i like air zoom elite. pegasus are made in a 4e which are wider up front . personally i prefer a racer even on trails .

[redgreg]

DontStop, on Aug 2 2008, 07:01 PM, said:

I'm a neutral, reasonably broad forefoot and reasonably narrow heel. Voms work really well for me: plenty of room in the toe box, which I really like. Good cushioning too - which I imagine would be nice if you're on your feet for a hundred kay.

Hi DontStop, which model Voms do you have?

Cheers

runbike, on Aug 2 2008, 07:53 PM, said:

i like air zoom elite. pegasus are made in a 4e which are wider up front . personally i prefer a racer even on trails .

Thanks runbike.

[DontStop]

At the moment, I'm running in both Vom2 and 3. Bugger-all difference really. (I think there's a thread on this very topic)

cheers