Happy
Does anyone here run in the Montrail Hardrock? Or the Inov-8 roclite? (female)
I currently run trails in the Brooks Cascadia but I am not 100% thrilled with the support it provides. Need a little more protection for the toes (bumping into roots and rocks) and perhaps a tad more cushion or support for the longer runs on single track. One of the things I like about the Brooks Cascadia is how low the heel is - I don't twist my ankles in them. However, I also feel the lowness of the heel puts a lot of stress on the achilles and heel. Perhaps I will develop a stronger more recilient heel/achilles over time? What do you think?
I am relatively new to running trails. I would appreciat any advice.
Imminent Catastrophe
"Able to function despite imminent catastrophe"
"To obtain the air that angels breathe you must come to Tahoe"--Mark Twain
"The most common question from potential entrants is 'I do not know if I can do this' to which I usually answer, 'that's the whole point'.--Paul Charteris, Tarawera Ultramarathon RD.
√ Javelina Jundred Jalloween 2015
Cruel Jewel 50 mile May 2016
Western States 100 June 2016
I run in Inov-8 Terrocs. The low heel, good toe and foot protection are all good for trailrunning. Heel cushioning is not as big a deal in a trail shoe, if you're pounding your heels hard you might be overstriding. Developing your achilles and calf muscles would be a good thing!
Yes, developing the achilles and calf muscles would be a good thing - working on it!
Thanks for the thumbs up on the Inov-8 shoes. Had I not run Lynch's Wood I would not have known that I need a shoe with better toe protection. I kicked both feet into roots and other hidden obstacles on several occasions - nearly tripped many times and took a tumble once. I think I might loose a nail on one toe - it was/is bruised.
I just purchased my first pair of Inov-8 roclites and am in the breaking in phase. I've worn Mizumo and Vasque up 'til now and wanted another pair of Vasquez, but the style has changed, and I had a hard time finding the right size without constantly having to send it back.
Leslie Living and Running Behind the Redwood Curtain -------------
Trail Runner Nation
Sally McCrae-Choose Strong
Bare Performance
Florida
Keep in mind I'm not a real serious trail runner. I do love the trails though.
My shoe brand of choice has been New Balance for many years. So I have a pair of 809 trail shoes that have served well during trail races up to 50K. Cool or hot, doesn't matter much to me - I haven't noticed a difference. I suspect gaiters make more of a difference when it comes to grit and sand but would like to hear others' thoughts on that as I'm considering purchasing some. When I ran gaiterless during last year's Moab Ultimate XC 50K, I had to remove my socks on two occasions as the sand packed in and became uncomfortable.
On the other hand, at Jay, I ran in whatever my current road NB's were because I wanted the additional contact area what with all of the creek running...and at Black Mountain I did the same because early portions of the course were on road. In both cases I had no difficulty with the trails that I could blame on my road shoes - which is not to say I had no difficulty!
Ultrachick
Ultrachick, thanks for the positive review of the Hardrocks - makes me want to run out and buy a pair. Are they very warm? I get hot feet and I live in the South so I like shoes that are well ventilated - I run in lite/thin socks too. What is the Brooks ASR? I thought their only trail shoe was the Cascadia?
PerfessorR, does your Inov Terroc have a roomy toe box? Maybe you can lace the shoe a little tighter in the front to prevent sliding forward in them while on steep descends?
Decision on Roclites - I don't like them. I did the last 7 miles of my run in them, and after about 3-4 miles, my ankles and feet were killing me. I feel like I can feel every single rock I step on. The base of the shoe isn't as wide as my Mizunos, and they feel less stable, and I could tell that the areas of my feet where I'm blister-prone, these shoes are going to create real problems.
My running buddy, who has been running in last year's model, is gonna give 'em a shot (they're 1/2 a size larger than she normally wears), and if she likes them, she'll buy them from me. I'm going back to my Mizunos. If ain't broke, don't fix it, right?