I’ve decided that it’s worth having a pair of shoes dedicated to, and optimized for, running on trails. I’m mostly looking for something that’s got a somewhat more sturdy sole - often enough I’m landing on pretty uneven surfaces and with my normal shoes it’s a lot of pressure on that one spot.
My shoes are on the wide-side, so I’ve always gone with NB running shoes. Anyone have experience with any of their trail running shoes?
Or any other suggestions on good (and preferably not super-expensive) shoes that aren’t too narrow?
i just bought a pair of La Sportiva Fireblades. While I’ve only got one run (1hr 15min) in them, I like them a lot. I have a wider forefoot and the toe box was more than accommadating.
I can second the fireblades. I have about 50 miles on mine. While shopping for them, I found that trail runners come in two categories: 1) light hikers modified for running, 2) running shoes modified for trails. I decided on more of #2, but I think the fireblades are a pretty good mix of the two. My choice was also driven by the fact that I don’t have much mud where I run. I need grip on big rocks and protection from the smaller ones, which is outstanding with the fireblades.
I also have wide feet (EEE) and use the Montrail Hardrocks. They fit great, are comfortable, and can handle anything from scree slopes to roots to sand. I love mine.
I’ll second the LaSportiva Fireblades call, awesome shoe. Not the best though if you are going beyond about 10 miles or on and off road and hard pack. Not enough cushion.
Also, look at Vasque Blurs. Better over longer distances but not as sweet a fit/ride as the Fireblades.
check out the inov8 shoes, they only make trail shoes… so its not a running shoe turned into a trail shoe, and they are great. trail shoes for all types and conditions.
I’m on my 2nd pair of brooks cascadias and I love them.
they made the final cut.
i went back and forth btwn those and the mizuno trail ascents. the mizunos were 20% off, that made the difference.
hope they work out!
thanks to all for the advice. checked out a lot of the different models on the 'net. there’s a pretty good running shop that knows its shoes, i wanted to go there instead of to REI or EMS, which seemed to be the only option for some of the other brands.
If you can find any left look for Montrail Leona Divide shoes, they are the best trail shoes I’ve ever tried and I’ve tried tons in my adventure racing career and trail runnning. Unfortunately some genius at Montrail decided to replace them with the hard rock, not nearly the same shoe in my humble opinion. I agree that there are two classes, running shoes adapted for the trail and approach shoes adapted for the trail. InOv8 are also really well respected shoes in the ultra running community. I’ve got a nice pair of Vasque Velocity shoes I’m running in right now, as soon as they wear out I’ve just scored two pairs of Lenoa Divides that should get me through the next 6 months of more. The vasque are a pretty beefy shoe if you plan some boldering or granite hopping while running they work really well, I run them in the Tahoe National Forest and they work really well for gripping on granite.
I’m not familiar with the Fireblades but I’ve grown to love my La Sportiva Slingshots. I don’t think you can go wrong with any shoe or boot by this company. They cost less than $100 and are super durable.