I've decided that I'd like to try running round the trails that I usually walk round, and maybe shed some of the lard that has accumulated. Based on recommendations here and elsewhere it seemed that Asics Trabuco Max were the ideal shoes for me, having a lot of cushioning and aggressive-ish tread, but unfortunately the sizes just don't accommodate my feet - 10 is a bit too small and 10.5 is too loose. Where should I go next? I've realised that trying to buy shoes by internet is a bit of a mug's game unless you're confident about the fit, so my choices will be limited to what is available locally.
Hokas are well cushioned and work well if you over pronate. I tend to get on well with Innov8 trail shoes too but some of them are a bit narrow for me so as you say, need to try them on ideally.
Inov8 wide are my go to
Got the trail fly speed, trail fly max, and the none wide rocllites
Plus the roadfly
Love my inov8 shoes but all depends on foot shape and sizing
Roclites are 10.5 and for sale for 40 quid plus post used for less than 50 miles
In contrast i hate Inov8 shoes, or rather they do not work for me at all.
Whwre yiu go next is a shop to find out what does fit
Two pairs of altra olymp 5s in this house, very impressive comfort and grip. Longevity is woeful though and previous hokas were the same and knackered pretty quickly.
There are a few models like la sportiva that I think I might check out next purely as I suspect they may be more robust albeit a bit heavier.
Something I've found with the massive wide soles is that they can feel a bit cumbersome on narrow rough trails, as they catch on boulders and ruts a bit more
Tricky to recommend what will suit others, but I have run in Nike Pegasus Trail for some years now (short road runs up to trail Ultras) and just get on really well with them for everything other than trying to run super fast on tarmac, which I decided to combat by not doing that anymore!
I have recommended them to 4/5 friends over the years of different heights/weights/fitness levels and they've all loved them too, so seem to be a fairly safe universal option unless it's really muddy.
As a slow, old, overweight old duffer, I have switched to Vivo Barefoot shoes. They're very different but I quite like mine, mainly because since switching to them, I've stopped ending up injured. They're slower to run in, but since I spend less time hobbling around after having fubard yet another muscle/tendon/whatever, overall they're faster.
I've been doing some research on this for a while - here and other places - cause as a long-term Asics (roadshoe) fan my Brooks Caldera just don't do it for me. I've gone with Trabuco, should turn up next week. But this website has some other recommendations - and a pretty robust testing process: https://runrepeat.com/guides/best-trail-running-shoes#best-shoes-list
The issue, as you've highlighted, is "best" is less useful than "best for you". Is there a brand of walking shoe you find particularly comfortable when walking round those trails - that could be another place to look
Another household who swears by Hoka’s. I have the Speedgoats and my wife is a fan of the Stinson OG’s You do need to have some understanding of how you run so you get the correct based on how your foot hits the ground
Normally run in hoka speedgoats of various nomclature normally get 800ish k out of them.
This time round I went for altra olympus 6 on account of anything in my size In hokas being 130+ quid time time round and these were 90 quid.
So far so good. They ain't hokas sure but they also feel good. - more important for me was that they played well with my plantar facitus insoles. Anything cushioned let's me run till that becomes an issue. When I use my vapor gloves my feet let me know long before it's an issue.
I converted to Hokas a few years back and now have a collection of them for various trail conditions (included studded Speedgoats). There's been a few in the running club also converted over the years, and a handful who just didn't get on with them too.
Hoka Speedgoats are a good start. Buy direct from Hoka and you can use them and send them back if you don’t like them, even if they’re covered in mud.
Brooks have the same returns policy and the Cascadia is a good shoe. The Ghost Trail is good for tamer stuff.
Back on sportivA. Just picked up some lycan 2’s in the go outdoors sale for £80. Mutant sold on a slightly lighter shoe, two muddy runs so far and pretty happy with them. Size up half a size.
TOPO Athletic for those in the know. Pursuit 2 has been good for 10k slop fests as well as summer hikes at elevation.
Everyone has different feet, different running styles etc. So a great shoe for me, may be awful for you.
Do you have a running shop you can go to and try some shoes on and try them out. I can recommend Run Forrest in Matlock if you're anywhere near there.
And trail running covers a lot of different things
I use to like Salomon but they started to make narrow toe box which hurt my feet so stopped using them. Moved over to Nike that fits a lot better. Tried Hoka but I found the sizing wrong for me so went back to Nike. As others have said it is individual and you may have to try a few pairs before you find ones you like.
Is it purely trails you'll be on? I find if there is much road running the tread wears out very fast on some of them. I'm yet to find a good proper running shoe that lasts on mixed terrain. I've been using hiking style trainers (from Adidas and Merrell) and they aren't as cushioned but seem to work ok. Last on the tarmac and have grip in the mud
Everyone has different feet, different running styles etc. So a great shoe for me, may be awful for you.
Do you have a running shop you can go to and try some shoes on and try them out.
Very true. The nearest "running" shop to me has only a limited range of shoes and sizes, which is why I resorted to the internet. Maybe I'm unduly cynical but in the past, when I've bought from more specialised shops with analysis machines and whatnot I've not really felt that the advice given was much different from what I'd have chosen myself. The next stop is to go and try on some shoes to at least get an idea of the sizing of different brands. I thought I was on safe grounds with the Trabucos because in the past I've worn Asics Gel Kayano. Also Saucony shoes have fitted me well, but there are none to be seen near me. Thanks to all for your advice - it's appreciated.
I've realised that trying to buy shoes by internet is a bit of a mug's game
Based on this and everyone recommending what they have, I'd say spend the money to get fitted in a proper running shop. I've just done the same for ski boots after 25+ years of skiing boots I've chanced across thinking they fit me - 5 minutes with a boot fitter undid all of that. He went on to say, in his opinion, all sports shoes should be properly fitted. He's probably not wrong. He looked after me price wise too - budget is part of the conversation - and found my new boots in the "sale cupboard".
Speedgoats here but I find the later incarnations not as long lasting as earlier ones. I buy 3 pairs when on offer and rotate. If they are all the same colour you can salvage a pair if individual ones wear out.
I buy direct or sports shoes, latter restock every few days.
If they are a bit out fitwise, double sock or new insoles
Maybe I'm unduly cynical but in the past, when I've bought from more specialised shops with analysis machines and whatnot I've not really felt that the advice given was much different from what I'd have chosen myself.
I completely agree with this. That’s why I suggested buying direct from Brooks or Hoka as you can try them, use them and send them back if they’re not right.
Fit isn't necessarily consistent within a brand so some variation has to be expected and dealt with regardless. Even the ubiquitous Speedgoats have changed over the years - I find the tongue on the newer version to be a bit thin and short.
I rate my Inov-8 Roclites, but they change them quite radically between versions, which is frustrating when you find a set you really gel with
Also had a good time with La Sportiva running shoes in the past
The nearest "running" shop to me has only a limited range of shoes and sizes, which is why I resorted to the internet. Maybe I'm unduly cynical but in the past, when I've bought from more specialised shops with analysis machines and whatnot I've not really felt that the advice given was much different from what I'd have chosen myself. The next stop is to go and try on some shoes to at least get an idea of the sizing of different brands.
I think you've hit the nail on the head. All the local running shops to me have a small selection, generally dominated by one brand (Asics, or Brooks or whatever) so there's naff-all ability to actually try on different shoes at the same time and get a sense of how they feel. I'm chancing my arm on Trabucos as someone on here said they found the sizing identical to Nimbuses (which I loved). So fingers crossed; and if they don't fit they're going back to Asics and I'll be trying to find something else
Is it purely trails you'll be on? I find if there is much road running the tread wears out very fast on some of them. I'm yet to find a good proper running shoe that lasts on mixed terrain. I've been using hiking style trainers (from Adidas and Merrell) and they aren't as cushioned but seem to work ok. Last on the tarmac and have grip in the mud
I find the previous gen Trail Talon ok for some road, and will grip there, the blocks are closer spaced than an X Talon or Mudclaw. A fairly straightforward progression like Ground Control, Eliminator and Hillbilly. What grips/lasts on tarmac won't be much good on steep wet grass.
Everyone has different feet, different running styles etc. So a great shoe for me, may be awful for you.
Do you have a running shop you can go to and try some shoes on and try them out. I can recommend Run Forrest in Matlock if you're anywhere near there.
This /\/\
I've tried Hokas (admittedly not for a long time now) and they were genuinely awful for the terrain I like to run, the stack height is just too much.
I'm currently in Inov8 Mudtalon Zero drop (wide) which I think are superb, but have to admit for many they'd probably be a rubbish choice. Although still not as harsh on tarmac as a pair of Walsh PBs....
I hated the Speedgoats I had - loads of friends swear by them, but for me there was just no way to get that perfect balance between holding your foot in place and tightness. I'm sure for loads of people they're the perfect shoe, but I found them a nightmare.
So recommending what I've used and liked: La Sportiva Akyras, and Decathlon MT03s. Both are fairly tanklike - I do a lot of running on technical trails with lots of rock/scree, loose sand, and steep. Snow in winter, but not much mud. If your trails are more grassy/muddy/slimy I don't know how they'd do. Better than road shoes clearly, but other options might be better...
I hated the Speedgoats I had - loads of friends swear by them, but for me there was just no way to get that perfect balance between holding your foot in place and tightness. I'm sure for loads of people they're the perfect shoe, but I found them a nightmare.
I'm the same, I never got on with road or trail Hokas. They would feel lovely initially but anything over 5km and I ended up with blisters on my instep. The grip on Speedgoats was poor if ever needing to run on wet grass or mud, always surprises me they are so popular in the UK.
I've tried loads of different trail shoes, the two I'd recommend are:
Saucony Peregrine - Comfortable and great grip, though sole is a little soft so you do feel it if you're running lots of rocky trails.
Nort Face Vectiv Enduris - My favourite all rounder. Not as grippy as the Peregine but very good on less slippery surface. Feels as efficient as a road shoe on firm trail.
Some people swear by Altra but the zero drop isn't for everyone and can cause achilles issues so be wary.
I'm very much a casual runner, couple of 5k's a week at most. I'm currently in Hoka's after a few pairs of Saucony due to plenty of recommendations but will be going back to Saucony as I find them much more comfortable. Don't get me wrong, the sole of my Hoka's are great (unlike my wife's which didn't last) but the overall build and comfort are't up to Saucony in my experience.
I would travel a bit further to a decent running shop who does have a choice of shoes to try on personally.
Im not much of a runner (hate it but it keeps my weight down when I’m running once a week at least), and have dabbled in various running shoes over the years. Previously I’ve been to a running shop that has a treadmill and do gait analysis that way - the focus there was on how the foot was landing and then rolling inwards (I over pronate). They started you running in a neutral shoe and then gave a few options to compare.
This time I tried a different running shop and they had an area to run up and down the shop with a pressure pad in the middle. They spent time checking pressure when standing / walking / running - again starting in a relatively neutral shoe (Brooks Ghost) and trying out another loads of shoes to compare.
Interstingly I was always told previously I over pronate a lot and had things like the old Saucony Guide / Nike something - were really heavy structured shoes / Brokks Adrenaline GTS proper to them moving to guide rails.
The guy this time said I do have slightly flat feet but he didn’t think I needed to go fully into the heaviest / most supportive stability shoes.l and provided a selection of stable shoes with bigger heels as I’m quite prone to calf strains when running.
After running there in Brooks / Saucony / True Motion / New Balance / Karhu trainers I concluded the Karhus felt the best although I probably could have gone for the New Balance and been alright. I’d never have ended up even finding the Karhu brand online so was glad I went to the shop as they feel awesome so far over a few short runs.
As I understand it with trail shoes you don’t want too much thickness of sole / too much specific support for overpronation as you are running on uneven surfaces a lot and need to be stable / feel the trail a little more.
A side note. It occurred to me today that my favourite trails shoes aren't actually trail shoes. They're a pair of Puma road shoes that I found a little firm so got an aggressive Vibram outsole put on them. They have been brilliant.
This is a bit rich coming from me but I wouldn't over think it. If you are just going to start with a few miles on local trails then any half decent trail shoe will get you started and the only way to find out what really works for you and where/how you run is through experience. If you do get into it you'll almost certainly end up with a range of shoes to suit different trails, conditions and length of run anyway. A high stack is lovely for bashing out long miles on not too challenging terrain, for example, but for more technical rocky stuff you'll probably want more ground feel.
Chatting to someone in a proper running shop can be a decent way to start but they can only recommend what they stock and a few minutes on a treadmill wont tell you that much about how the shoe feels out on the trails or how if feels after many hours of running.
Personally I have found that Salamon shoes suit my feet quite well and I like their speed lace system as I do a fair bit of running through heather that can undo most laces in no time. But that's very specific to my feet and where I run.
To make things harder the manufacturers will keep messing with things. I found the Salamon Pulsar Trail the perfect shoe for long dry days on rocky/sandy trails, but they don't make it anymore. I also found the narrow fit of Salamon shoes suited my feet, but others didn't and now they are tending to go for a wider fit (with a higher arch) that doesn't suit me as well 🙁 So, even if you find a shoe that works, chances are that you'll have to go through the whole process again when it neds replacing.
Here I was all excited to come into the thread to recommend the Trabuco Max 4s. It's a shame the sizing hasn't worked out for you; I got some end of November and have put 100Km or so on them (only an intermittent runner so that's a huge amount for me); I absolutely love them, took me on some lovely adventures in the Malverns over Christmas. Great on road sections as well, if not noisy.
Alas, that's all to pot if they don't fit:
My brother really likes a brand called Mount to Coast. They seem to have a loyal if small following and he raves about his. They do a higher cushioned model as well.
Don't get Nikes is all I will say otherwise. They're great in the dry, but any model I have ever had is deadly in the wet, especially on rocks.
Also had a good time with La Sportiva running shoes in the past
I absolutely love La Sportiva Mutants, they're at the aggressive end of the trail-running spectrum - verging on fell-ish shoes - but with pretty medium wide, medium volume feet a great, close fit for me, no slipping around inside the shmoe, I find they have a great balance of all-round grip, enough cushioning for harder surfaces, but low enough to be really stable, the high cuff helps keep stones and gravel out an as a bonus, they're really tough ime. Great Peak District running shoes. Very not cheap though.
But ideally you need to try different options and be clear on what your particular brand of 'trail running' looks like.
Don't get Nikes is all I will say otherwise. They're great in the dry, but any model I have ever had is deadly in the wet, especially on rocks.
Depends on the Nike's. The Zegama 2 has a really good Vibram outsole, in fact they're worth a look for the OP. They're a big shoe but super comfy.
Some people swear by Altra but the zero drop isn't for everyone and can cause achilles issues so be wary.
yes if your achilies has been weakened by years of running and walking in toe drop shoes then you will have issues if you try to do your regular milage off the bat in zero drop or barefoot shoes.
rotate them in gradually and youll have more luck.
I wear vapor gloves almost all the time unless the weather warrents hiking boots ( such as now) so was confident they would rotate in nicely with my decathlon mt02s and what ever the less agressive trail versions are (both with cushioning and drop) ..... i may even pick up another pair of hokas for hard surfaces if i see them cheap.
I also found the narrow fit of Salamon shoes suited my feet, but others didn't and now they are tending to go for a wider fit (with a higher arch) that doesn't suit me as well
Thanks again to everyone who has contributed advice. I often try on Salomon shoes because they have them in Decathlon and they look cool 🙂 but they almost always have a high arch that doesn't suit my pancake feet. I did once get a pair that were comfortable for general leisure wear but I never found them again.