I’m looking for a trail running shoe for semi technical trail running and winter running. On the road, I run exclusively on Adidas Adios Boost 3s, which I absolutely love for their responsive forefoot and forgiving heel. Off season running mileage is around 30 miles per week.
Any recommendations? Feedback from Adios boost users would be awesome!
I like the pear izumi trail runners… I think it’s the EM2 or something like that
Edit. Just looked 'em up. I have the EM N2 version 2. I think they are on version 3 now though so I don’t know if any changes
I just bought Saucony Peregrine 6 to use for a Ragnar trail relay. I normally wear Saucony Kinvaras, so fit is similar. But the shoe is obviously heavier and more rugged / durable. So far I like them. The tread has a ton of traction.
I have run most of my miles in the last year in the Adios Boston, so similar to the Adios Boost. Current favorite trail shoe is the NewBalance Vazee Summit. They seem pretty similar in terms of fit and stance. If I only owned one pair of trail shoes (instead of 5?) it would be the Vazee Summit.
Here is a review (not mine): http://www.irunfar.com/2016/05/new-balance-vazee-summit-review.html
I currently use Boston Boost on the road. For semi-technical trails, I’d suggest looking at the Inov-8 line. Maybe the Trail Talon 250s.
Nothing will beat the reebok spartan ahoes for trail running! 25 ocr races and never found a better one!
I’ve had a few pairs of Inov-8s, currently using the Terraclaw 250 for both hiking and trail running and it’s my new favourite off road shoe. The Inov-8s all have treads that give me confidence across all sorts of trail surfaces.
I’ve had a few pairs of Inov-8s, currently using the Terraclaw 250 for both hiking and trail running and it’s my new favourite off road shoe. The Inov-8s all have treads that give me confidence across all sorts of trail surfaces.
+1 on the Inov-8’s
Many different options depending on preferred drop and how aggressive you wish the lug pattern to be.
Those Reebok Spartan shoes mentioned earlier aren’t exactly known for their longevity.
I’ve had a few pairs of Inov-8s, currently using the Terraclaw 250 for both hiking and trail running and it’s my new favourite off road shoe. The Inov-8s all have treads that give me confidence across all sorts of trail surfaces.
+1 on the Inov-8’s
Many different options depending on preferred drop and how aggressive you wish the lug pattern to be.
Those Reebok Spartan shoes mentioned earlier aren’t exactly known for their longevity.
+2 on Inov-8.
Their Trailroc 245 was my favorite shoe ever, on trail or road. I Just wish more stores would carry them in stock. Thankfully there are often good deals online.
I also took a chance on some Scott trail shoes recently and have been liking them. Similar to Inov-8 they have several options for preferred drop and lugs.
I run in the Asics Fuji Lyte. As the name implies, it’s light weight but remarkably stable. Minimal drop. Drains well if you have to go through streams or other bodies of water.
I like the pear izumi trail runners… I think it’s the EM2 or something like that
Edit. Just looked 'em up. I have the EM N2 version 2. I think they are on version 3 now though so I don’t know if any changes
I’ll second the PI’s for a great trail shoe. But keep in mind Pearl Izumi is shutting down their running line. If you can find a pair and like them, too bad. Also the PI’s suck in size 10.5 so if you see any really good deals on closeout or something don’t bother getting them and just PM me instead.
If you’re prone to, or worried about, ankle sprains, I’d suggest looking into minimalist shoes that have a low heel-to-toe drop of around 4mm. What you lose in cushioning you more than make up in a lower risk of rolling over and better feel for the ground. I wear the New Balance MT10v4.
Thanks for the feedback everyone! I’ll go try some Inov8s over the weekend. I hope they work for my feet. I really need the traction, I nearly fell off a cliff last week while wearing flats.
Doesn’t Adidas make a trail version of the Boost? Also, you may want to try the trails in your regular shoes. “Semi technical” means different things to different people but I find that regular running work pretty well on most trails. Just use a pair that you don’t mind getting dirty.
+3 for Inov-8s. We picked up a pair for my wife for SwimRun NC. They are her new favorite trail shoe. I was very impressed with the Inov-8s construction.
I am currently in Solomon Speedcorss 3s, which can be had on Amazon for ~65. They have been great shoes. That said, I will probably look to Inov-8s for my next pair.
Have been really happy with Altras
I just scored another pair of Inov-8 trail talon 250’s from Zappos. If you guys sign up for rewards at Zappos, they send you instant $15 gift card…just FYI. Cheers and happy training!
+1 on the salomon speedcross. Great for technical terrain, and cold weather. They can get hot on longer warm/hot summer runs. I love mine. I will say that I’m not a huge fan of the drop in them. Like a 9 or 10mm. Feels like high heels compared to my other shoes! Great, long lasting shoes for technical terrain.
I’ll go with my reebok Spartans for shorter/warmer runs. No issues with durability so far. (And they’re great for tread grip and drainage)
For 50k+ I go with my hoka rap nui 2s. Less midsole than the road counterparts for a better feel. (A full hoka midsole, and I’d roll an ankle on the trail!) The speedgoats have a little more midsole, and a great tread. For longer runs, but for cold weather, it’s hard to beat the speedcross! (Those Chicago winters had nothing on the speedcross!)
I hear they have a similar problem in a size 10…
My experience with Inov-8s (given you mention moderately technical trails):
Race Ultra 270s - great on buffed out singletrack and Boulder, CO low level mountains. Useless in the English Lake District on scree or loose descents. Probably cost me 10-15 minutes over the course of a 60km race this summer. I think these are discontinued and replaced by the Trailtalons, which look to have a deeper lug and I’d like to tryRoclite 295s - my favourite all-round trail shoes. I’ve run road 10kms, trail marathons, fell races and XC in them. They’re not as good as the Mudclaws (see below) on super steep, super loose or super soft ground but for 80% of the time, if not more, they’re excellent. Only problem I’ve had is that I’ve blown the toe box next to my little toe in both pairs I’ve owned after about 250 miles.Mudclaw 300s (original yellow version, I haven’t tried the newer version which is marginally different) - if I didn’t think I’d wear the studs off in no time, I’d pick these over the Roclites as my favourites. Unrivalled grip, and I’ve done a lot of fell races in them, everything from sandstone trails to a SkyRunning event.
I’d try the Trailtalon 250s if possible, then the Roclites for your stated application - in northern England on the Atlantic coast of Ireland I’d be looking at Trailtalons, X-Talons or Mudclaws