Currently splitting time between Nike Free 5.0 and Nike Lunarfly. I love the Lunarfly, any issues using that shoe for a trail ultra? I have ran an ultra on the road, but I am curious if I should run a different shoe for the trail. Thanks for all input.
Short answer: It depends.
What kind of trail is it? The Lunarfly might not offer the protection that you want, if the trail has lots of sharp rocks. I have run non-technical ultras in road shoes (JFK 50). I tend to believe that most trails shoes are overkill for the majority of the trail races that people do, but every runner is different. I’d take a lighter shoe that I was comfortable in over a heavy trail shoe that I don’t use much, 9 times out of 10.
La Sportiva makes the best trail running shoes PERIOD. Go to the Western States or any other Ultra Trail Race and look around. La Sportiva’s are KING.
x2 for “it depends”.
I did a trail 50-miler a few weeks ago in Nike Zoom Streak XC, a cross country flat. It has virtually no cushioning but it worked out extremely well for me. Especially after creek crossings; they do not retain water at all. However, the trail we were running was mostly single-track and while roots were prevalent, rocks of any significant size were not.
I second the above poster’s comments. Unless you are running a trail with lots of rocks or scree (or it’s going to be super muddy), dedicated trail shoes aren’t really necessary. I’d stick with what you know.
Also, (even though you didn’t ask) I slathered BodyGlide all over my feet, toes, and ankles, then put on some Injinji toe socks and after 50 miles my feet felt and looked as good as they did before the race. Not a single blister, rub mark, or hot spot anywhere. Nothing. I was beyond happy… might work for you too.
Thanks for the replies. This is the description of the course, “soft, forgiving course is 80% singletrack, with slightly wider, equestrian sections sprinkled in between”, so I probably stick to the Lunarflys. Thanks also for the heads up with the tips for foot protection. I used Teva trail shoes for my last 50 mile race along with smartwool socks and had no issues with blisters or hot spots but did lose some toenails.
Look at Inov-8 “technical off road running shoes” too. Very popular amongst the trail runners around San Diego. The models are numbered according to use & weight. I use the Roclite 315.
I ran my last 50miler, in pretty ragged Arizona desert trails, in the Pearl Izumi Peak XC. Low to the ground, a slight forefoot rock plate, but very, very flexible. Very durable rubber for its light weight, as well. Tough, light shoe.
Very nice shoes! How true to size have you found them to be. I read one site that said they run 1/2 size small and another that they are true to size. Thanks!
Jay
My wife is running in this shoe currently and loves it. It is a pretty minimal shoe but comfortable with some lugs. I am considering this shoe as well.
I actually had to go 1/2 size up to 11 1/2, usually wear size 11 Asics DS Trainers.
Looking closer, it seems to depend on the actual model. Inov-8 says some fit to size and to size up 1/2 size on others.
Look for the Hoka One One…if you can find it. You’ll never go back to an “ordinary” shoe again. IT’s looks are deceiving…clunky looking, but the lightest most supportive shoe out there. MADE for rough trails, feels like flying, not running.