MegaSack DRAW - This year's winner is user - rgwb
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Been thinking about it for ages but never got around to it, but with the lighter mornings and better weather I think now is the time to start.
I live right on the edge of a town with access to miles and miles of footpaths and bridleways but I don't have the correct footwear. Looking through the interweb has not helped me at all with the info I need.
So tell me STW, what's a good running shoe for trail orientated running with the possibility of some linking tarmac sections. No budget yet, just interested in valued experiences of your footwear.
I've used inov8's for the last 3 years for fields and woods running. It's a personal thing you should try a few pairs on and see which feel the best fit.
MM try and get yourself down to a decent runnig shop, I went for a shoe fitting at my local run4it (scottish based chain) and was amazed at the difference between shoes. They had a video camera to record the way you run on a treadmill and then compared it with different shoes on.
I spent over an hour trying on different shoes and have been very happy with the ones i was recommended.
I'd second iDave's suggestion (I have to add the disclaimer that I used to be sponsored by inov8 - I have spent my own money on some pairs more recently though). My favourite for that sort of use has always been the RocLite 315 (the orange ones) - awesome on bare rock in the mountains - though in theory the newer RocLite 319 may be slightly better for use on road, having a little more cushioning (check out the number of arrows on the inov-8 website, 315 has 3, 319 has 4). Of course inov8 shoes are pricey and other brands are available, but they just work very well at promoting a natural running style in a shoe which doesn't force you into a barefoot running style (let's not go there...)
When the trails are dry it doesn't really matter, comfy for you is the most important thing I think. I've tried flat soled and cushioned and cheap trainers, and they all have good and bad points.
I don't think there's one answer that is 'correct'
But, I wouldn't pay for expensive ultra grippy special waterproof off road trainers at this time of year.
innov 8 Roclite 295's here.
Have about 1 mile of tarmac to run on until I get to the woods or moor. But equally I run the 12km home from work on tarmac lanes in them on Wednesdays.
They are far far better for my (used to be dodgy) knees that the 'supportive' Asics that were recommended to me by a proper good running shop. Much lighter too. And being so flexible and with sticky tread they really offer security when running of road.
Think of them like the elusive one tyre for all conditions, grippy, tough light and fast.
Only thing to watch out for is the lack of heel cushioning / height. if you are used to heel strike running, then innov8's push you onto your toes more. So for the 1st month take it easy and allow your calf muscles time to rest/recover. My calf were a little bit sore for the 1st few weeks of switching from said Asics to the innov8's.
Good pair of normal road shoes will work as long as they have some grip on the soles. I'm running a half-marathon on trails next week, and I'll be doing it in some Asics road shoes.
All good advice.
I need to get myself to a shop that does gait analysis. Anyone used [url= http://www.upandrunning.co.uk ]up and running[/url] before or know anything about them? They look like a good place to start and have stores near me too.
How do you all find mixing it with bike training? I'm currently doing 5 days a week all bike specific so I guess fitting it in will mean a bike time compromise unless I run in the morning and bike in the evening. Also, how long did it take to get up to a decent time running, say 1 hour plus?
Saucony do some good road shoes with soles that can handle a bit of off road. Have a look at Sportshoes unlimited's website for bargains ...
I have been a Saucony user for over 10 years. They don't spend a fortune on sales and marketing like most of the other brands so you get a lot of shoe for your money. Plus I always buy last years model at a huge discount.