Trail Shoes...do I need them?

GoingPostal

Getting Faster!!!

posted: 2/12/2010 at 9:42 PM

I posted this in the Trail Running User Group but thought this post would get more exposure here. I started running on trails once a week for my long runs. The route is 99% flat and the surface is crushed granite with no roots and a few obstacles. I get dirt and gravel in my shoes. I have to stop sometimes to dump out the debris. My feet get wet when I run around a puddle and go through hidden puddles in the grass. Are trail shoes water and dirt proof? I haven't researched. I think my normal road shoes will suffice. But, I could be wrong. What a good shoe for trails? I prefer a trail shoe that's close to the same support as Asics Gel-DS or 2150 and keep debris out. Any ideas?

2011 Races
Houston Aramco Half Marathon 1/30/11 - 1:32:45 (PR)
Buffalo Wallow Cross Country 6K 2/19/11 - 26:25
Bayou City Classic 10K 3/12/111 - 51:06 (Ran in a centipede of 8)
Eikenburg Law Week 8K 3/26/11 - 32:54 (PR)

Bellaire Trolley 5k 4/9/11 - 19:33 (PR)
LP Run (# of laps in 33 1/3 minutes) 4/27 - 19 3/4 Laps
4x2 Bayou Bash Relay 4/30 - TBD

srlopez

No offense.

posted: 2/12/2010 at 9:46 PM
modified: 2/12/2010 at 9:47 PM

Heh. No, trail shoes are not dirt proof. You will get just as much dirt in them... unless you invest in something called 'gaiters'.

Some trail shoes are waterproof or have goretex uppers which can help. Many other trail shoes are not BUT they drain water more efficiently than road shoes.

For a crushed granite trail that isn't technical, you do not need trail shoes. Just get some gaiters (dirtygirl gaiters are cool) and use your regular shoes.

Edited to add: I guess there are a few trail shoes that have tried to design built-in booty-like things to help with crud getting in... but not many. They seem like they'd just cook my feet.

Ultima tastes like failure.

wannaberunner

I look my best blurry!

posted: 2/13/2010 at 8:09 AM

I love my trail shoes. The gortex is great when there is a thin layer of fresh snow, slush or mud. Better traction and I like my feet dry when it is cold. Of course, I love any excuse to buy another pair of shoes. For example when my hormone levels change. Now I am not talking about my feet having different needs at different times of the month. I'm just more in the mood to shop than run when my hormones fluctuate. You know what I'm talking about, right?

wanderlost

Get Lost :)

posted: 2/13/2010 at 8:17 AM

For the dirt and stuff getting inside the shoe, gaiters are the way to go. I've had trouble finding them locally, but you could try Zombie Runner or equivalent.

SkBunny

posted: 2/13/2010 at 8:52 AM

Part of the fun of trail running is getting wet and dirty.

Waterproof shoes don't work for me since they don't allow my feet to breathe so they end up wet anyway.

Haven't figured out little stone and gravel problem but maybe because I haven't had major issues with that yet.

I would rather wear out than rust out.
- Helen Klein
You create your own universe as you go along.
- Winston Churchill

DgRosen

posted: 2/13/2010 at 9:08 AM

It doesn't sound like you need them for the type of running you are descrbing. I have a pair of Monotrail Mountain Masochist GTXs that I love. The reason I love them is primarily the protective plate that is built into the sole to keep sharp rocks and roots from stabbing my feet, they are much more protective than normal road shoes. The heavier tread pattern is really nice for some extra traction in steeper / slippery situations, and I also like the waterproof upper for running in snow and ice. The do not keep out dirt etc, but no shoe really does. Trail shoes are great, but their advantages are really targeted to things that are a little more rough than what you sound like you are describing.

Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul.

T1dawk

Runner

posted: 2/13/2010 at 11:26 AM

Quote from GoingPostal on 2/12/2010 at 9:42 PM:

I posted this in the Trail Running User Group but thought this post would get more exposure here. I started running on trails once a week for my long runs. The route is 99% flat and the surface is crushed granite with no roots and a few obstacles. I get dirt and gravel in my shoes. I have to stop sometimes to dump out the debris. My feet get wet when I run around a puddle and go through hidden puddles in the grass. Are trail shoes water and dirt proof? I haven't researched. I think my normal road shoes will suffice. But, I could be wrong. What a good shoe for trails? I prefer a trail shoe that's close to the same support as Asics Gel-DS or 2150 and keep debris out. Any ideas?

There is a trail version of the 2150. It features reverse lugs and stickier rubber as well as a more water/debris resistant upper.

If you are only going to run on this gravel "trail" I don't see why you would anything other than a road shoe however. If you run trails more often however you should invest in some trail shoes, and find if it is for you.

2010 Races: Snicker's Marathon(2:58:38), Scenic City Trail Marathon(3:26:36), Laurel Highlands Ultra 77(19:13:44), Ironman Louisville(13:07:07) 2011 Races: Mount Cheaha 50k 5:22:47, Tobacco Road Marathon, Mohican 100 Miler

Trail Shoes...do I need them? (Read 616 times)