new to trail shoes (Read 960 times)

This past Wed to shake things up a bit I hit the Appalachian Trail, which I’m very fortunate to have running basically behind my backyard. Climbing over and under trees, scrambling up rocks, jumping creeks, legs bloodied by thorns – it was really fun, and something I want to add more of.  I know I probably don’t “need” trail shoes, but my Kinvaras just about got sucked off by mud, and I don’t want to trash good road shoes in the woods…and Santa asked what I wanted, so I would like to add some trail shoes.

I did search, and notice there hasn’t been a trail shoe thread in a while, so…is there anything special I should look for, or just go for whichever basic NB, Asics or Saucony neutral trail shoe is most comfortable? Or do the trail shoe companies (Inov8, Soloman, etc.) add something new?

This section of AT is relatively difficult (steep, rocky, wet, switchbacky, fun).

Welcome to trail running! It is really hard for me to do long runs on the road after falling in love with trail running.  I worked as a fit expert for road runner sports in Denver, Co for 2.5 years and as far as trail shoes go, the biggest differences are color and how aggressive the tread is.  Some have water resistant features (I would stay away from water proof...water will get in, where will it go?) and some type of rock protection.  I wouldn't get too caught up in those features.  It is all about fit.  I love the kinvara so my feedback will probably work for your foot as well.  My picks for you would be the

Brooks Cascadia (listed as a stability shoe but it is neutral, i assure you, I run in it myself, there is no medial post.) 

Saucony Ride trail

Nike pegasus trail (non gore tex)

I can't say enough about the cascadia, I love love love that shoe, it is so versatile, flexible enough to be comfortable but has the structure to hang in there for the miles.  I did a 50k in mine that had over 8000 ft of elevation gain and there were 4 water crossings in the first 3 miles.  Good dry max socks and great shoes, no blisters in soaked shoes for 27 miles! 

Hope that helps. 
Nate 

Thanks all for the feedback.

spam

 Some have water resistant features (I would stay away from water proof...water will get in, where will it go?)

+1

I have to chime in because it took me years of trying different shoes and different brands to discover one that I liked.  I am in love with LaSportivas.  I run in the Raptor, but most people I know have the Crosslite.  They use the same material in the bottom of their shoes that they use on their rock climbing shoes.  It is sticky like glue.  You could cling to the side of a building with this stuff.  It is great for rocky trails because you don't slide once planting your foot.

I have discovered that a lot of the big companies that make road shoes make some pretty meh trail shoes.  They are just heavy, grey running shoes.  The Brooks Cascadia is supposed to be great, though.  I haven't tried it yet, but I hear nothing but good things about it.

Enjoy the trails.