I am looking for a nice pair of trail runner shoes. I'm tired of my boots. Size 13 usually. Ready go.
I am looking for a nice pair of trail runner shoes. I'm tired of my boots. Size 13 usually. Ready go.
Pretty open ended question. Are you wanting them for backpacking or actual trail running? Do you need/like support or do you like the "barefoot" feel?
I've had great luck with Merrell and they have a pretty full line depending on your needs.
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Backpacking. Yes I like the barefoot feel. I was actually leaning towards the Merrells .
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The trail glove is a very nice shoe. For my road shoes I've been wearing New Balance Minimus, but I'm just starting trail running and I'm pretty set on the Trail Glove as my next pair.
I have a couple of more standard Merrell, and I must say these things take a beating and still look new except for the worn soles.
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You don't need Five Fingers to get the "barefoot" feel, really, though my wife has backpacked in hers. Any zero drop or minimal drop shoe (2mm or 4mm drop from heel to toe) that is very flexible when you twist it will feel that way. Inov8 makes a bunch of shoes like this, and you can find many other brands in a place like REI or a running store that has off road running shoes.
That said, after wearing really light and flexible Inov8's on the Long Trail, I came home and got La Sportiva Wildcats, which are still fairly low drop but have a lot more torsional rigidity and a good rock plate. Still way lighter than boots or hiking shoes, but a little more protection and support.
EDIT: If you're coming from boots, I'd recommend not going straight to minimalist super flexible trail runners. Try something light, low cut, mesh, etc., but with more support.
Thanks for the suggestions so far. I like the wildcats. Need to investigate further.
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I have wildcats and like them allot, but for heavier loads, I use Salomon xa pro 3ds. The Solomons are more like a light hiking shoe.
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I liked Merrell all out peaks for my thru.
They are not as durable as I would have like but I really liked them performance wise.
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Brooks Cascadia 10, 11, or the new 12s
I started with cascadias went to wildcats and now love the Saucony peregrine.
Every foot is different of course
I got some Altra Lone Peak 3.0's for Christmas. Have been wearing them all winter and liking them a lot. Haven't had a chance to hike in them yet, but they are a very popular zero drop trail runner.
I hiked the Wonderland Trail in Altra Superior 2s. They worked well for me. I bought them because they fit very well. Choose yours for the same reason.
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I'm wearing some adidas outdoors swift-r and I am very happy with them.
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I am in my second pair of La Sportiva Ultra Raptors. Even after trying on several sizes at REI and going up to a European 43, I lost a toenail on a 3 mile downhill section of trail in Colorado. I returned the size 43 to REI for a pair of 43.5. The box is labeled 10 1/2. I wear 8 1/2 dress shoes and 9-9 1/2 trail shoes from Merrell & New Balance. Go figure. Try on La Sportive shoes in person. Buy bigger than you think you need.
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First you must define what attributes you want in a shoe.
That do help narrow things down
Although if you been wearing boots, you probably be happy with anything
Things to consider:
Tread depth and compound
Breatheability of mesh or waterproofness
Protective rand
Midsole thickness
Heel-toe drop
Rock plate
Lacing
Flatness of sole
Curve of sole
Use of orthotic or aftermarket insole with shoe
Snugness of heel
Height of upper
Height of toebox
Roominess of toes
Width of shoe to stabilize midfoot
Overall fit/feel/pressure points
Weight
My advice...try on many..and spend 30 min or more with each. You will begin to tune into your feet. Do this at home, that means mail ordering. Multiple sizes of each. Try lacing different ways to correct issues, etc. You just cant do this in a store, and stores have crap selections and limited sizes too. All of them.
It can take 6 mo or more to find shoes, seriously. Too many make their most important item an afterthought. If you want to walk 30 mpd, without blisters or probems, not 10, invest time in your footwear.
You dont realize how poorly designed most running shoes are until you really tune. into your feet. They affect your knees, ankles, hips, even back as well. This is important when walking all day every day.
Last edited by MuddyWaters; 03-07-2017 at 06:01.
You all are awesome! Thank you for getting some ideas going for me. I will be visiting a bunch of stores soon.
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I will also be mail ordering some too
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