I'm taking my training for this coming fall a bit more serious this year and decided to get back into the trail running game. been out of it for way to long, due to some bad knees. I always passed on leg day at the gym and I'm positive that's what lead to the bad knees. been working hard at building hams and quads and been hitting the trail a little to test it out. knees feel great and I think are ready to up my game. my question.... what trail shoes are recommended? I always like the LA Soprtiva shoes and Solomon shoes. are these still good trail shoes and are there other brands that have jumped in to the line that I should check out?
trail running shoes
- Thread starter ivorytip
- Start date
Finsandtines
Very Active Member
Work2hunt
Veteran member
Do you have a higher end running store by you like a Fleet Feet? These types of stores do a great job at checking you out and getting you a shoe that fits your running and foot Style. Plus they will usually have a bunch of mid to higher-end shoes for both Road and trail running.
Go to the store first and have them fit you. Try all the shoes, and then search online for a deal.yeah there are a few, but they tend to push the highest end shoe. I was gonna find a good deal on line, and then go to store to try on shoe
I use Hokas and love them.
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jjenness
Very Active Member
A few years agoni went to this shoe store, said I Need a good trail shoe, for running on mountain trails. They had me run on treadmill and measured my stride and arch and all that. Then the guy come back with a pair of $185 brooks track shoes. Very flimsy shoe. I know my shoes, I love the LA sportiva raptors. Was curious to anything newer that's come along. Thanks for replies, I'll check out the hokas, haven't heard of them.
Bearlodge10
New Member
Good advice so far. I will add to it... I have run the brands you mentioned and they are good shoes. I would ask what kind of terrain you plan to run on as each trail/area is different. Both of the brands you mentioned as well as some of the brooks, asics and others have noticeable lugs on the sole. Although these are great for muddy/snowy conditions, if you are running a lot on rocks or the terrain is granite like the lugs will wear or break off sooner making the life of the shoe shorter. The La sportivas do seem to last a little longer so food for thought there. My problem has been the mesh on the uppers wearing through. The Hokas are a good shoe especially if you are looking for one that has stability and cushion. I ran the Hoka Challenger ATR last summer and liked them for the most part. They do take a little getting used to so I would suggest running on the treadmill at the store for quite a while and vary the incline as that is where you will feel the difference.
I do agree with the statement of trying in store and then shopping online. However, I always ask if the store can match or get close to the online "deal." I figure that it lets them know competition and most times they will get close enough in price to buy from them. That keeps them in business so that I can go back and get friendly help in selecting a different pair.
I do agree with the statement of trying in store and then shopping online. However, I always ask if the store can match or get close to the online "deal." I figure that it lets them know competition and most times they will get close enough in price to buy from them. That keeps them in business so that I can go back and get friendly help in selecting a different pair.
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will be a lot of mixed terrain. old logging rds, hiking trails, gravel rds... ect. those hokas are worth a better look I guess. thanks again! so look for shorter lugs?
Arrowslinger
Member
Just remember that those local running stores support your community, employee locals and actual care about repeat customers and you as a person. Plus their return policies are typically incredible. That should be your first and last stop.
Sorry for the rant.
Running store manager
To answer your question, the best shoe is the one that fits your foot and feels the best. To find that you need to try shoes on in the correct size and a last that matches your foot shape/type.
Sorry for the rant.
Running store manager
To answer your question, the best shoe is the one that fits your foot and feels the best. To find that you need to try shoes on in the correct size and a last that matches your foot shape/type.
Sorry, I have been busy and just saw this thread. I have tried a number of different brands the last few yew years for training and racing in Spartan and other OCR races. I focus more on the mountainous races that cover 10-15 miles over all sorts of terrain in the mtns. The shoes that have worked for my needs and held up best over several races is the innov8 x talons. They have been across every type of terrain........through water, snow and mud. My current pair is now reaching close to 450+ miles and still in decent shape. They are light, drain water fairly well, have good grip and overall comfort is good for me. With that being said, everyone's feet and needs are different. It will more than likely take you a few pairs to figure what works for you best.
