6 replies to this topic

[darkpromenade]

I've read most of the threads on this page about trail shoes and I have a few questions.

I have recently started running again, having run off and on for 10 years, never very seriously. I run on a grass oval for my flat work and really enjoy running on National Park trails and fire-breaks in Adelaide and the surrounding hills (and have done so since I was a kid with my Dad). I am finding that my Kayano's are getting beaten up and do not seem to be providing the cushioning or traction I need on descents, especially on long, steep or loose trails. They don't seem to have much "toe protection" either when it comes to rocks and the like.

Does anyone have any advice or does anyone care to suggest a suitable shoe?

Cheers
DP

[Running Science]

It's going to depend on your foot type. Just like regular runners, there is a huge range of running shoes on the market specifically for trail running.

The Brooks Adrenaline ASR (same shoe as the adrenaline, just a trail version) has stood up pretty well in wear-testing trials. One of our podiatrists has taken a pair with him on his current trip to Kokoda - so whilst he's not running the 10 day trek, it will still be a pretty good test of the wearability, comfort & durability of the shoe.

We're also wear-testing some salomon models at the moment - a French company that has specialised in outdoor and performance apparel and shoes for years. Will keep you posted!

[Will]

I really enjoy the Montrail shoes, especially the Hardrock model. It's really good especially if you are a heavy runner, cushioning and stabily is great.
But I don't know if you have them here in Australia.

Regarding Salomon, I really like them as well, very comfortable. But I like them maybe because I am French... :P

Just kiddin', those 2 brands are really reliable I find, and efficient for long trails in the mountains. They are very popular among the ultra-trailers in France anyway.

But you have to try anyway.Don't know if this was of any help...Good Luck!

[tank girl]

Trail specific shoes tend to have more rugged soles. I use the New Balance trail shoes but to be totally honest, I picked them because they were red and they looked cool. But I love them. I've run in rainforest and dry eucalypt forest, through water and across rocks and mud. The lacing system helps prevent grit from getting into my shoes.

But the biggest benefit I've had is that the increased traction got me to trust my footing, so that after training some serious downhills in these shoes, I switched back to my road shoes (Mizuno Wave Maverick) and found I could still do the tricky terrain in that. I wore them for the Six Foot Track marathon and went through the creek, not around it, and still didn't get any blisters, so they make okay trail shoes.

So consider your trail shoes as not necessarily a long term investment but rather a temporary measure to help you get your skills up for handling those decents. You might find that with a bit of modified technique, you don't need fancy shoes.

Good luck with the quest.

[kazz]

I've run in Asics, Nike and Mizuno trail shoes with the main benefit being traction. For my foot type the Mizuno Wave Ascend and Nike Pegasus Trail have been the best, but everyones different. I've tried waterproof trail shoes but find my feet get too hot and when I run through creeks they fill up from the top and can't drain, making the rest of the run rather slushy!
Most of my running is on firetrails in local forestery's, it's the best way to start the day :D

kazz.

[Virtual]

Montrail Leona Divide. Bit bigger than needed. Light and excellent stone protection.

inov-8 look like they have some good models but they look like the racing flats of trail shoes. Probably no good for anything over 6hrs

Brendan

[J_O_S_H]

Salomans would be my recomendation! They have great tranction and comfort. Especially in their top half of their range!