Features besides fit?
feel for the ground
.
Depends on the kind of trail?
feel for the ground
For me, that’s not important. I run in Hokas, and I can run over sharp rocks/shale, etc. and it feels like running on pillows. Kinda nice if you’re doing long-distance trail running.
x2 it depends on the trail. On dry trails smooth trails, you could wear anything. On muddy, rocky trails, I like shoes that protect me from rocks. I don’t bother with waterproof or Gore-tex. But, I like a shoe that drains well. Something with a little wider platform is nice if you tend to roll your ankles a lot. I also like a tongue that’s attached to the shoe and not free. I think they call that a gussetted tongue. It helps keep rocks and crap from getting in. Some trail shoes don’t have it. I really like my Brooks Cascadias. But, they’re big. I crush small mountains instead of running over them ;).
Depends on the trail, but I like to have a rockplate.
Arch support…the last thing you want is to cross a root or rock with your arch and have our foot flex the wrong way. Been there, done that.
I have been running in HOKAs for a couple months now and am amazed by them. I bought them for long runs 13+ miles. I am a big guy 6’2" 212lbs. These let me run 15 miles and go again the next day if I want to. Hokas are showing up all over the Ultra running world. Only negative is they are too expensive! Even with that said I’ll buy them again. $170.00
Toe_box and grip are the two most important things. Anything else in my experience is plain marketing. Remember running trails require different skills than road: ability to see way ahead and adjust gait, know where (and angle) to land your foot, spot poison ivy, etc. No shoe will protect you from stepping on roots, rocks, etc (indeed,if you lack foot/ankle/leg strength then the trail may offer some unexpected surprises). Getting wet is a given some times and I’ve seen models offering insulation and other neat features (in my case I don’t like hem since trail runningis about getting in contact with nature and mud and water are part of it. The inov8 is very popular in the gang and I know is very popular in Europe. Take a look on sierratradingpost or the clymb and you may find really good deals on last years model. Hope it helps
Rock plate
Drainage
Low to the ground for stability
Ventalation vs. protection
Grip
Toe box shape (room to splay out)
Secure fit (for very steep downhills)
Keeps out debris
Weight
Low heal to toe drop (at least for me)
I wear la sportive ultra raptors
Rock plate. Must have
Toe guard. Every time you kick a rock/root, you’ll be thankful
After that, I’d find one that fits well. Try as many as you can. You’ll be able to spot the winner after trying a few culls.
Love my Kinvara!
I will second the recommendation for the Hoka trail running shoes. They look like they will be clunky, but they really grip the trail and (knock on wood), I actually don’t sprain my ankles when running in them, even on pretty technical stuff.
ROck plates are nice for really rough trails, for trails that are smoother, I actually prefer the lightes most low profile shoe I can get. Nike WAffle racers are one of my go to shoes for trails.
The new Inov8s are great too.
I like shoes that hug the foot under the laces and let the toes splay out.
My 3 trail shoes are:
hoka mafate 2: long trail runs, also awesome in snow
Brooks pure grit: middle length, great in mud/dry dirt
merrell trail gloves: short runs or on smooth surfaces (pine needle beds/packed dirt)
The industry of trail running has evolved for the last 5-10 yrs dramatically. I was trained and specialized for fitting trail shoes in the SE U.S. but we were fitting shoes for endurance athletes who competed in everything from the Leadville 100 to 5k’s on all different terrain. I’m no pro but important aspects will be the types of trails you’ll engage and your current running style. I know there are many schools of thought and I’m only offering my own. What areas will you be running and how many miles per day/week?