–start with lighter, faster, less cushioned shoe since you are fresh and have precise steps and transition to a more cushioned stable shoe later in the race when you get tired.
–start with a cuchioned, stable shoe and switch to a lighter, faster more minimal shoe as you begin to get tired.
What are some key shoe characteristics for someone to look for when running a 50 mile trail ultra on dry, single track with minimal rocks and roots and approximately 80ft elevation per mile? Not necessarily a specific shoe but just some characteristics.
Well I havent run 50 miles before. One of my friends did a 24 hour run and mentioned something about how he brings more than one pair of shoes so he can switch them if his feet start to hurt. I didnt really ask him for details as he was just about to start running. I wear my montrail rogue racers for anything over 14 miles. I wear my new balance mt110 for anything less than 14 miles. I thought maybe there would be some benefit to switching shoes at some point during the run.
I wouldn’t/don’t switch shoes at all. Especially not to completely different types of shoes like you’re describing. You need to find a shoe you can comfortably run in for that length of time.
Well I havent run 50 miles before. One of my friends did a 24 hour run and mentioned something about how he brings more than one pair of shoes so he can switch them if his feet start to hurt. I didnt really ask him for details as he was just about to start running. I wear my montrail rogue racers for anything over 14 miles. I wear my new balance mt110 for anything less than 14 miles. I thought maybe there would be some benefit to switching shoes at some point during the run.
Running 50 miles is a whoooooooooooooooooooole lot different than running a 24 hour race.
Wear whatever you wear for “anything over 14 miles” and you’ll be fine.
Most people who do 50 milers (or even 100 milers) will only switch shoes if things get too weighted down (i.e. mud, crud, white mud, etc).
Having done two 50 mile races in the past, I don’t necessarily think there is any need to switch shoes unless:
The terrain really does change significantly (25 miles of road followed by 25 miles of rolling trails with rocky patches)You really really hate running in muddy/wet/dirty shoesAccidentally tear the upper of your shoe (not quite sure how this would happen…)You want to make a fashion statement
The only reason I would change my shoes during a 50 miler (or any ultra for that matter) is if they got too wet and/or muddy. Just stick to the shoes you use in training and you’ll be fine.
Take your shoes & socks off as close to the finish as possible (but out of sight of spectators) and run it in barefoot. People will think you’re a badass.
Put skin sake or similar on your known hot spots before the race. Carry an extra pair of socks or put them in your drop bag and switch them out if needed. Carry a tube of vaseline lip therapy on you so you can lube up any blisters. Don’t worry about an extra pair of shoes. It’s only a 50, not a 100.
I’ve not done a 50 miler, but a R2R2R run (46ish miles) on rocky/sandy trails.
I wore the same shoes and changed socks at the 33-34 mile mark. Changing shoes was not a real option unsupported.
I’m not sure I see the benefit in having a heavier shoe at any point in the event.
I’d go with the shoe that fits you well (in size- with some room for swelling- and shoe characteristics) for all running. For me it would be lightweight with some cushioning, low heel to toe drop, and neutral. Lots of good options in the thread about trail shoes eariler this week.
I have not changed shoes in any of my 50 milers (or my 100 milers either). However, I do always keep at least 1 pair of shoes in a drop bag along the way in case I run into problems. While it never happened in a 50 or 100, it did happen once in a 50K. At mile 17 the shoes (which I had been training in) started to hurt and I considered running barefoot. Thankfully I had stashed an extra pair of shoes at mile 22 so I was able to change and finish without too much discomfort. I still haven’t figured out what the issue was that cause them to hurt. I also usually stash a couple of pair of socks in case I have a stream crossing or get rained on - 1 pair in my pack and 1 pair in a drop bag.