trail shoe recommendations (Read 989 times)

I'm repeating an earlier thread, but very little specific information (brands, models, etc.) was given: http://www.runningahead.com/forums/topic/f9a964509bb34f15bbb281aa9732eae0 Let's try again: 1) Do you all have any favorite trail shoes? 2) Is there such a thing as a trail racing flat--traction of a trail shoe, but lightweight like a racer? 3) Are trail shoes worth the money or should I just run the trails in my road trainers?

I know Teva makes a pretty lightweight trail racer (X-1, http://www.teva.com/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=6745N&model=X-1&mnu=mens)

That is one ugly shoe.

Good thread. Hope to see some more info on this, since I'm 100% clue-free on the topic. (Since I just tossed up that softball, feel free to insert the obvious joke here). I may be in the market soon; hope to hear from some of the ultra runners (where is Lynn, anyway?) How much running on pavement can you do with trail shoes? In other words - can I run the 2 miles to the park in them?

Another question is Gortex or mesh? If you are going to end up with wet feet from creek crossings wouldn't it be better to have a mesh top? Mesh would also seem better for sweaty feet. Ewa

1) Do you all have any favorite trail shoes? 2) Is there such a thing as a trail racing flat--traction of a trail shoe, but lightweight like a racer? 3) Are trail shoes worth the money or should I just run the trails in my road trainers?

I just bought a pair of Brooks Cascadia online (http://www.runningwarehouse.com/trailshoesmen.html) - haven't gotten them yet, but anxious to try them out. Puma makes a racing trail shoe called the Trailfox (although the Cascadias are lighter). I decided on trail shoes after wasting my road shoes in the mud and slop of the local parks.

Thanks for all the input. Check these out: http://www.sneakerhead.com/18121201.html Pretty sweet.

I'm repeating an earlier thread, but very little specific information (brands, models, etc.) was given: http://www.runningahead.com/forums/topic/f9a964509bb34f15bbb281aa9732eae0 Let's try again: 1) Do you all have any favorite trail shoes? 2) Is there such a thing as a trail racing flat--traction of a trail shoe, but lightweight like a racer? 3) Are trail shoes worth the money or should I just run the trails in my road trainers?

My favorites are built by Montrail, but I have a concern that the recent buyout of Montrail by Columbia may lead to an inferior product. In the Montrail line, I have run in the Hurricane (Gore-Tex), the Hardrock, the Leona Divide, and the Masai. I have logged the most miles in the Hardrock model, and it is my favorite by far. For more tame trails, the Masai (no longer in production, I believe) is great, very light weight but with a decent protection plate for sticky-uppy thingies and a fair toe bumper for trippy thingies. The Hardrock is a tank, providing quite good protection for my feet. I did over 100 miles in a pair of Hardrocks on an asphalt course (UltraCentric 48 hour run) recently with no issues (other than the obvious), so I am fine with them on the road. A note on Gore-Tex - for me, here in North Texas, I find very little reason to wear this fabric. First, I sweat a lot and it all runs right down my legs into my shoes. The gore-tex just collects the sweat and squish, squish...not a good thing. If dealing with water crossings on trails, I prefer a good draining shoe that allows my socks to do their thing - wick moisture away from my skin so I can have a worry-free run (or race). I have had good success with Brooks shoes, although it has been a couple of years since I ran in them. The Trespass line was good for me, I am not sure if they still make them. I agree with the previous poster that the biggest driver of whether you need trail shoes is the terrain. Trail shoes are heavier, stiffer and lower to the ground than road shoes. If the terrain is "technical", meaning lots of rocks, roots, poor footing...then trail shoes are great. If you are running on dirt paths, I would think that your favorite roadie would be sufficient. For me, trail shoes are definitely worth it. New Balance makes a lot of crossover models that I hear my trail buddies brag about. I believe Asics also makes some good crossovers. I don't have any advice about racing flats for trails. Good luck with it! Lynn B

Well holy iguana poop, Batman. Lynn is still breathing. I was starting to wonder. Where ya been?

Hadta ski....did watch part of Batman Begins while out...didn't see any iguana poop, just some husky poop on the Bull o'the Woods trail at 9,200 feet while tryin' to get a couple o'miles in...I seriously think they should put more oxygen in their air there in Taos Ski Valley! Lynn B