[Closed] Fell running shoes

Please don't advise Inov8 - they destroy my feet!

OK, I won't, although I do like Inov-8 shoes...!

Thought about La Sportiva Crosslites? That's what I've got at the moment, very good tread pattern, not as low a drop sole as Inov-8s but certainly not big, foamy road running soles. I find them very grippy across a range of conditions - my fell running regularly takes me across the Dark Peak bogs, rocky Lake District trails and gravelly Cairngorms paths, very stable and a good intermediate drop helping me develop my mid/fore-foot strike running. The cover across the laces also does a good job of keeping the crud out, especially when combined with a pair of debris gaiters.

Thought about La Sportiva Crosslites?

I bought them form PB, but I would normally get half a size up but not left in stock. I 'think' they are just about ok - might chance it, seeing as you think they are ok, and try a run this weekend.

[url= http://www.peteblandsports.co.uk/products/la-sportiva-crosslite-xc-sale.htm ]La Sportiva Crosslite XC[/url] are pretty good at this price, although they are a slight compromise in terms of sole flexibility, and longevity (uppers), and grip next to Inov8 X-talon...they are slightly lighter though but with a similar heel height.

But if you're looking at Speedcross then grip isn't your priority?;0)
I genuinely dislike the Speedcross and just can't understand why so many people wear then, apart from that they are very comfy. I'd love to try the Fellcross but it seems like it has a similar sole, albeit lower, than the Fellcross and at a premium.

I have a pair of Speedcross - got them going cheap - and no way would I go fell running in them. In fact I've only ever run in them once and probably won't again. Far too high and broad in the heel. No idea about the Fellcross.

How exactly do Inov-8s destroy your feet? I now cut a hole in the heel padding of new ones rather than wait for it to wear there, and they're then far more comfy than any other proper fell shoe I've tried. You may well find that the fit of the Fellcross isn't quite what you're expecting if you're used to broad fitting Salomon trail shoes (I've had some Salomon racers in the past and their fit was rather more like Inov-8s than standard Salomons). Fell racing shoes tend to fit a certain way for a reason.

Though the more pertinent question is what have you used before for fell running, and what have you been training in? Why not a pair of those - or are you planning on wearing new shoes for the SLMM?

Mate who does the 24 marathons uses both speed cross and fell cross, fell cross for rough terrain and speed cross for smoother stuff.
He prefers the fellcross's.
I use speed cross on local wooded trails that's all, no idea what I'd be like on t'fells so lets leave my impressions there eh.. 😆

Pretty sure there should be something useful about this on the FRA forum.

I run around in adidas xt work they work for me.

I thought all fell runners wore Walshes?

Not all Inov8s are created equally. The mudclaw 333s are too tight around my outer, yet the lighter weight ones have less material there and flex, however their longevity leaves a lot to be desired.

The More Mile chviots are a bargain but I think the Mk2s are seriously lacking in reinforcing around the toe box (alot of mesh) and will invariably wear a hole there.

My next shoes would be the yellow Mudclaws - the (near) lightness of an x-talon with the grip of the mudclaw.

Crosslites are good, but a bit clumpy and fragile around the toe box.

The Adizero XT is a nice trail shoe, the sole is not aggressive enough for muddy slopes.

I'm training locally in trail shoes including Adidas xt's; planning to use new shoes for last month. I'm having major pf issues so have not trained in fell shoes.

I've used Walshes in the past but thought newer shoes might be better. Adidas xt' are ok but I've found the grip rubbish (although different terrain to lakes).

I have a major heel spur and the heel cup on Inov8s gives me massive blisters. I used them when they first came out, again a few years later, and more recently their road shoes. The road shoes made my pf go, but became unusable due to constant blisters on heel. And ye sI tried all the moulding heel cup techniques that Inov8 used to suggest!

The height of the Speedcross has worried me - Fellcross look better in that respect.

If its dry I just used 'retired' Road running shoes but if it was muddy I used PB Walshes. Not that they've seen the light of day in many years now!

speedcross arnt that bad grip wise, certainly not much better or worse than many other shoes ive worn. never tried a proper fellcross shoe though and no doubt the inov mudclaw etc are better.

i used to rate my speedcross but the more i wear them the more i think my old inov shoes were more comfy (forgot the model) although they did fall to pieces, anoyingly the speedcross are lasting well. they are too high in the heel and also not too comfy on off cambre and steep downhill. could be a bit wider up front too.

my quest for perfect shoes continues, maybe xtalons next

I wore a pair of Speedcross in the Highlander MM back in April. they were well worn-in and had the benefit of being very comfy but they didn't inspire confidence going down. Grip was poor on wet, grassy slopes and they were hard work on traverses (heel is just too high).

I've always run in Walshes in the past which are the opposite extreme - low and stable with great grip BUT very uncomfortable on my feet.

I've just started running in a pair of Mudclaw 265s and so far they seem to be the perfect compromise - stable, great grip and supremely comfortable [i]for my feet[/i]. I know this doesn't help the OP since Inov-8 are off the table, but I wasn't impressed with the Speedcross as a FELL shoe (fine for trail running though).

I have a major heel spur and the heel cup on Inov8s gives me massive blisters.

I'll bet it's not bigger than mine. See my comment above about cutting holes in the padding on the heel - far more effective than any moulding you can do. Looks like it should be really uncomfortable with a great big hole, but it's not. Given at the time I came up with that idea I was sponsored by Inov-8 I guess I really should have passed that back in feedback as a suggestion for other people with heel spurs.

I'll bet it's not bigger than mine. See my comment above about cutting holes in the padding on the heel - far more effective than any moulding you can do. Looks like it should be really uncomfortable with a great big hole, but it's not. Given at the time I came up with that idea I was sponsored by Inov-8 I guess I really should have passed that back in feedback as a suggestion for other people with heel spurs.

Thanks for the tip; if I could get a pair dead cheap I might try it, but I'm not prepared to do it on something costing ££££.

Wot Pieface said. The original Mudclaws tore my heels to shreds, no matter what I tried (moulding the heel cup after warming it up over a steaming kettle etc).

It was a real shame as I have never used fell shoes that were so grippy before. Prior to them I had used Walshes and Adidas Swoops. Both pretty good, but not sure if you can buy Swoops any more? I swapped back to Swoops for a while, but while they grip fairly well on wet grass and dry trails, they are awful on wet rock, just lethal.

There seems to be a smaller and smaller market for fell shoes now. Maybe because Inov-8 are taking over? When looking for a new set, I found some Inov-8s on special offer, and took a punt on the Bare-Grips. They probably aren't for everyone as they are extremely minimalist, but they've been a revelation... all the grip that I remember from the Mudclaw, slipper like comfort and light weight. I can't vouch for other models, but it might be worth trying some on again?

Personally wouldn't wear Salomons for running anything in - heels are too high for me. Mostly personal preference, but when fell running they are asking for turned ankles.

Clink - Member

I'll bet it's not bigger than mine. See my comment above about cutting holes in the padding on the heel - far more effective than any moulding you can do. Looks like it should be really uncomfortable with a great big hole, but it's not. Given at the time I came up with that idea I was sponsored by Inov-8 I guess I really should have passed that back in feedback as a suggestion for other people with heel spurs.

Thanks for the tip; if I could get a pair dead cheap I might try it, but I'm not prepared to do it on something costing ££££.

Shame you're about a week late posting as Sportpursuit were doing a massive Inov-8 sale... But yhou could also try Sportsshoes.com.

Crosslites are good, but a bit clumpy and fragile around the toe box.

Can't say I've found mine clumpy, and the toe box is holding up to being bashed around the rock of Peak and Lake Districts with no problems.

MrSparkle - Member
Pretty sure there should be something useful about this on the FRA forum.

You're right, but (as I'm sure you'll know, recognising the same username...!) if the OP doesn't do his homework first there'll be a few usual FRA faces who'll berate him (bit like STW really...)...

The original Mudclaws tore my heels to shreds, no matter what I tried (moulding the heel cup after warming it up over a steaming kettle etc).

+1 the original ones were a disaster. Tried on several occasions to mould them and persevere because the rest of the fit and the grip was very good. Threw them in the bin eventually. Walshes are very grippy and low but a bit too narrow for me.

just bought a pair of innov8 x talon..( forget deep price cutting .. many sizes are literally not available due to an oversight in taiwan or where ever..) they grip there light the sizing is a little wiffy ie my 43's ( my normal size) 'feel' to long but i tried two half sizes either side andthey were the best compromise, with that in mind i'd 100% reccomend buying from a shop so you can try on all those half sizes as i'd have spent weeks and cash sending stuff backward and forward to some warehouse.. complete runner in burnley.. very friendley spent loads of time helping me get what I wanted..

my old walsh's are loverly stuff but too narrow and i couldnt wear them for more than an hour without getting pins and needles..

doing some of the shorter ( but steeper) bofra races this year especially the burnsall sports..( my daughter won her race last year and the gauntlet was thrown down in no uncertain style.. my aim is to beat someone.. anyone.

Speedcross are great shoes but they are at the upper end of the trail shoes. They've got a relatively aggressive tread pattern and reasonably good in mud - certainly no mudclaw mind.

For generally off road running and longer distance stuff they are my go to shoe, however the main problem with the Speedcross to my mind is the ankle cut - its high.

On the SLMM you'll tend to find a lot of contouring is required for the fastest lines and therefore the Speedcross' ankle cut doesn't necessarily lend itself to this very well.

If you're limited to Salomon, Fellcross would be where I'd be going. Just make sure you get plenty of miles in you've only got 3 weeks to get them broken in and no nasty suprises!

If you're limited to Salomon, Fellcross would be where I'd be going. Just make sure you get plenty of miles in you've only got 3 weeks to get them broken in and no nasty suprises!

Plus one, Fellcross are pricey but tough as old boots. So long as they fit.

Out of interest, what's the difference between fell running and trail running? Marketing? Fell is a subset of trail?

Fell involves off path running.

To varying degrees.

Trail is just on trail.

But yes, a bit of a grey area. I don't think there's a clear cut line between the two. Unless you go completely off path from start to finish. Also, there is (for race purposes) a minimum ascent requirement for Fell which there isn't for trail.

Fell is gnar.

Basically trail running is easier sort of stuff, not very muddy / steep / rocky, mainly sticking to trails as the name implies.

Fell is generally following any lines that you like (peat bogs, heather bashing) and taking steeper lines up and down. Generally in the mountains too so the paths followed are rockier and not very 'groomed'.

Its like trail centre over hike-a-bike (maybe)

In general my running involves 25-50% off path.

The original Mudclaws tore my heels to shreds, no matter what I tried

Actually I'm with you on that - I had similar problems. To be honest I tend to use ones which Inov-8 wouldn't really class full on fell shoes, but they're still lot better than most of the offerings from other companies.

I reckon the distinction is pretty clear - trail is sticking to marked paths, generally not very steep ones, just stuff which isn't flat tarmac and might be a bit muddy. Nothing much in the way of cross camber putting strain on your ankles. Fell is going anywhere (I suppose that would include off-track through forests, but for that you want orienteering shoes with metal studs - a subset of fell shoes!)

pieface +1 that sums up what i was going to say.

Any one racing Buckden pike on sunday? 🙂

If salomon stuck a mudclaw/Talon sole on to their uppers we would have a clear winner.
IMO Speedcross is too high off road. Tried it, didnt like it. Not tried the fellcross but would love to.

You see a lot of Salomon out there but they terrify me - as someone with glass ankles and numerous sprains I like to be really close to the ground. Salomons felt like I was on stilts 🙂

Currently running in F-Lite 230, NB101 and XTalon in ascending order of gnarr. Trailrocs look a good if expensive crossover.

[url= http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/the-running-blog/video/2013/jun/11/fell-running-introduction-guide-video ]Might be of interest. Morgan knows a thing or 2.[/url]

only fags wear plimsolls, run naked or stay at home and play with your dollys missis frillyknickers!

mogrim - Member

Out of interest, what's the difference between fell running and trail running? Marketing? Fell is a subset of trail?

they're sort of the same thing.

'trail' running is an American term, used by good looking people to describe this kind of thing:

[img] [/img]

'fell' running is a British term, used by gnarly old nutters to describe this kind of thing:

[img] [/img]

they're sort of the same thing.

'trail' running is an American term, used by good looking people to describe this kind of thing:
'fell' running is a British term, used by gnarly old nutters to describe this kind of thing:

So given a lot of "trail runs" are pretty grim/tough it's basically a tomato/tomayto thing, with a dash of marketing thrown in.

Neither of those pictures reflect what I think of as Fell Running.

Despite the second one being Edale Skyline race. That section is without a doubt trail.

I'm running Buckden on saturday, but I'm sure it'll be a nice quiet run on Sunday too.

http://teacake-kate.blogspot.co.uk/2011/04/highlander-mountain-marathon.html

Fell running is middle aged men in tiny shorts and vest carrying a tatty bumbag out of regulatory need over rough ground.

Trail runners are generally pepsi max types wearing salomon / North face and with camelbak type things and crossover shoes (grippy road shoes). They spend a lot of money on compression wear, HRMs, personal trainers, magazine and are suckers for marketing. Tend to be all the gear, no idea.

Inov8 destroy my heels, I wear Salomon Speedcross for fell and MM's, done 2 SLMM, 2 LAMM and 1 OMM, they are fine, its the only thing that fits my feet

Fell running is middle aged men in tiny shorts and vest [b]carrying a tatty bumbag out of regulatory need[/b] over rough ground.

I had always wondered why those strange lean bearded wild eyed folks I see on the moor all had them, I'd assumed they were just lost & malnourished american tourists!

I recently picked up some of the new innov8 mud claws, baptised them at a horrifyingly muddy Stuc a'Chroin 5000 and they're ace.

I guess it depends on terrain though. Probably wouldn't be much use for the Lairig Ghru race or other path-based sort of stuff.

I am continually puzzled by people wearing Mudclaws on dry summer MM's such as the SLMM, but i suppose if they are comfy then that's all that matters.

Because whatever terrain may be thrown at you you'll never regret having too much grip.

Its a psychology thats difficult to un-learn

dry summer MM's

Hmmm - not always dry!

Cheers for all the advice chaps.

I am continually puzzled by people wearing Mudclaws on dry summer MM's such as the SLMM, but i suppose if they are comfy then that's all that matters.

As Clink says... "Summer" hasn't been that dry in recent years. Even damp grass on the kind of slope you can be asked to run down on a typical MM can be lethally slippy. Inov- 8 rubber is also superbly grippy on rock. Best of both worlds, really.

I'm doing the SLMM this year too and have just bought (2 weeks ago) a pair of Mizuna trail shoes (can't remember the model name). They fit like my road shoes and feel like a pair of (very fast and grippy) slippers, lovely 🙂

Ran the SLMM in 2011 in a pair of Inov8 Terrocs and found that whilst they gripped very well the soles were too flexible and my feet were in agony for about a week afterwards.

Whatever you choose, do NOT get goretex uppers. your feet will get wet anyway and ypu're much better having shoes that'll let the wet out quickly rather than hold it in (IMO & IME)

As tragically1969 says (sort of), fit is everything

Mudclaws work for everything except long road sections (where they're a little unforgiving) and wet rock, for which nothing works.

3P this year was dry as a bone and mudclaws did the job for me.

Anonymouse - I think running style might make a difference. I use minimalist stuff on the road anyway, and don't have any probs using Baregrips for prolonged road or hard trail sections. Accept I'm probably in the minority though!

I'll be at Saunders too. Sounds like there'll be a good sized STW contingent. Just doing Carrock, got fingers crossed for good weather for some mid-camp sunbathing 🙂

How about these?
[url] http://www.fieldandtrek.com/adidas-kanadia-xc-mens-trail-running-shoes-213202 [/url]

Captain - Member

"Summer" hasn't been that dry [s]in recent years.[/s] ever

(apart from 1976)

Can't help with the Kanadias I'm afraid, but I've been through a couple of pairs of La Sportiva Crosslites and get on well with them over mixed Lakes terrain. You can get cosmetic seconds at a reasonable price from Pete Bland:
http://www.peteblandsports.co.uk/products/la-sportiva-crosslite-cosmetic-seconds.htm?brand=1

Will be at the Saunders too - see you there!

Edit - woops, just read the bit where you said you'd already tried these but couldn't get the right size from PB. Sorry!

The Kanadia's are my everyday training shoe on paths and they're OK, however the grip is a bit lacking and they're quite cushioned / unbalanced due to their height for rough stuff IMO

I wouldn't touch the Kanadias for an MM, great all round training shoe but lack any beef in the sole and are a bit high.

My mate used them when we did the OMM on Dartmoor but I wouldn't fancy them on steep ground.

Mizuno Wave Harriers aren't too bad, but again lack the sort of bite I prefer.

You'll see all sorts of shoes used on an MM, you'll have Mudclaws all the way through to cockneys using road shoes 😯

Fell running

[url= http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8142/7593005698_e3a8a29002.jp g" target="_blank">http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8142/7593005698_e3a8a29002.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/wharfee/7593005698/ ]Wasdale Fell Race[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/wharfee/ ]Andy Holden[/url], on Flickr

Trail running:
[img] [/img]

You're right, it's fell running's glamorous cousin.

You get fat old blokes trail running too.

And Im still scarred from seeing Frenchies near Cauterets out running in nowt but tight Speedos.

Fell running is middle aged men in tiny shorts and vest carrying a tatty bumbag out of regulatory need over rough ground.

Oi, I'm not middle-aged! Least, I like to think not - 37 is mid-30's, which means young... Although I do wear small shorts and a vest. And my bumbag's not particulalry tatty...

You get fat old blokes trail running too.

And Im still scarred from seeing Frenchies near Cauterets out running in nowt but tight Speedos.

Not doing a google image search for that!

Oi, I'm not middle-aged! Least, I like to think not - 37 is mid-30's, which means young

Only in Fell Running circles does 37 = young

And have you seen what Killian Jornet usually runs in.

Looks like a bony semi all wrapped up in his shiny white lycra

Glamorous my ****

Google images on Killian is a bit more revealing 😯

And have you seen what Killian Jornet usually runs in.

Looks like a bony semi all wrapped up in his shiny white lycra

Glamorous my ****

lol did find some slightly dodgy videos, great locations though...

Edit: white-lycra-tastic:

His traverse of the Pyrenees is worth a watch

Pieface say hello then. I will be in a Ripon runner shirt. Have a good race!

To update Pete Bland have more stock of the cheap Crosslites so I've ordered a pair of those.

Once again thanks for all the help.

Only in Fell Running circles does 37 = young

The first time the wife came to watch me race her comment as I staggered over the line gasping for breath was "it's not really a young man's sport, is it?"

I'm 40.

Blimey, that makes 3 of us of here doing the Saunders this year, I'd assumed I'd be the only one

I'd normally be doing it as its normally the weekend before my birthday. This time I'm doing something a bit different.

I'll be at Buckden in a DP vest (Brown with purple and yellow stripe).

Hoping to improve on my 56th place at Fairfield.

To update Pete Bland have more stock of the cheap Crosslites so I've ordered a pair of those.

Once again thanks for all the help.

Turns out they don't have stock in my size, but they have been helpful and sorted me out something else with discount. Great service as usual. 😀

Trail runners are generally pepsi max types wearing salomon / North face and with camelbak type things and crossover shoes (grippy road shoes). They spend a lot of money on compression wear, HRMs, personal trainers, magazine and are suckers for marketing. Tend to be all the gear, no idea.

There's a (light-hearted, I think anyway) disparaging article in the current issue of The Fellrunner taking the mickey out of, and looking down on, trail-, mountain- and sky-running...