Trail Running Shoes

As I do more trail running, I notice that my regular running shoes are probably not enough for me - especially for trails that aren't just packed dirt. Do trail running shoes really make a difference for a beginner? I've a shoe in mind, the Brooks Cascadia, just wondering how important they really are at my level. This might be like asking if the right saddle matters on the bike, but it seemed a good question :) I've a neutral foot strike and my LRS strongly recommends these for me - they've not steered me wrong yet. They are the ones who showed me that I've been wearing FAR too small a running shoe in the past...

Yes, they do make a difference. I am probably in the same running status as you, so I think it's a good comparison. I bought them years ago, when I was in Boulder doing college visits with my son. I bought them for light hiking, but I also have run my local trails in them several times. Better ankle support and the bottoms are going to help you with the terrain, like rocks, etc. I have found myself splayed out on the trail more than once, even with these shoes, so anything helps. I would compare it to smooth vs. knobby tires on a bike. It's possible mine are light hikers and not real trail running shoes, but for what I do, they are fine. I find myself wearing them even for more technical hiking, as my feet are happier (I just read an article about this. Apparently, it's a trend for hikers to wear trail runners). I would buy them, as you can also use them for walking on trails and hiking.

Yes! I use trail running shoes more than any others since my preference is off road running. I use Pearl Izumi's since I like their trail and road shoes -- the fit is perfect for me and minimal/neutral. I don't need extra weight and padding on my feet!

Thanks Crankin and TrekDiana - that is what I was thinking and the confirmation is quite helpful. My assumption was that they would provide better support on the trail especially on more rough surfaces. I TRIED to trail run on a slightly rougher terrain in my regular running shoes and wound up hiking - even hiking in them left me with sore feet and that isn't normal for me.

I suck at running but I love my Brooks Cascadias. :-)

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Originally Posted by thekarens

I suck at running but I love my Brooks Cascadias. :-)

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I don't pretend to be very good either- just trying to prevent falls and to get back in the woods, I miss that...

Do you find the Cascadia running large? Not that I won't try them on again before pulling the trigger.

I agree, they do help especially if the trails are rocky. I run in Brooks Trail runners. LOVE them. They run true to size for me. I have the Adrenaline. LOVE them. Will get another pair when these go.

Yes, you really do need to try them on - too bad you can't rent shoes for the weekend - there's an idea!

The Brooks Cascadia has great traction (like other trail shoes they make), but way too much padding for me -- if I could be a barefoot runner I would. I don't like not feeling the ground with my foot. I am one of those people who never wear shoes unless they have to.

"Yes, you really do need to try them on - too bad you can't rent shoes for the weekend - there's an idea!"

My local running store guy just switched me into Brooks Ghosts and said that I had 30 days to run the crap outta them and to bring them back if they weren't working. So although I'm not recommending that you abuse the policy, you may be able to exchange them after a week or two. So far I'm still as slow as ever, but I kinda don't think I can blame the shoes.

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Originally Posted by Catrin

I don't pretend to be very good either- just trying to prevent falls and to get back in the woods, I miss that...

Do you find the Cascadia running large? Not that I won't try them on again before pulling the trigger.

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Now you're going to make me go look at my other Brooks (I have 3 pairs.)

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Originally Posted by Catrin

I don't pretend to be very good either- just trying to prevent falls and to get back in the woods, I miss that...

Do you find the Cascadia running large? Not that I won't try them on again before pulling the trigger.

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I have last year's model and apparently they ran small because my Glycerin and Pures are a 9 and my Cascadias are a 9.5. I only wear the Pures in the gym.

I would say it's not more support you want on the trails, it's more traction - deeper lugs and more separation between them. Not that I do any trail running, but I've tried hiking in street running shoes (on the advice of some Colorado people who wear street running shoes for everything :p) and it wasn't pretty.

Actually, I'm thinking about taking to the trails to experiment with minimal shoes (i.e. zero support). No way could I ever run minimal on gravel roads! I hate driving to run when it's so beautiful if I just walk out my front door, but some trail running would probably be good for me. Just this afternoon I was blueberry picking in my Lems and had to go back to the car for bug spray, maybe 6/10 mile round trip, and just to save time and for the heck of it I jogged there and back in the grass, and it felt really good. :) Of course my Achilles are a little bit sore now :rolleyes: but that's why you start the minimal thing a very little bit at a time, and I think you're supposed to start with a tenth of a mile, not a half ...

Oakleaf, I couldn't figure out how to put it. I did buy the shoes after work today, and MAN do they feel good! I didn't realize how broken down my regular running shoes are, and they are just 10 months old. I wear Crossfit shoes for most of my group training, I generally only wear my running shoes there when I suspect we will do some running - my Nano 2's are fantastic for things like box jumps, lifting, monster ropes, pretty much everything...except running.

TK, I got the 8's, which is the newest version of the Cascadias, and my usual 10 fits like a dream. The guy at the LRS commented that I've a "very neutral" stride, I THINK I know what that means but will look it up - I think it means I simply have a normal stride and don't pronate or suponate...supponate? However that is spelled! The Cascadias were the only neutral trail shoe they had - so it is good I already had my eye on them :) Thankfully my fitness center membership provides a discount...

These are my first pair of Brooks, we will see how it goes. I will probably have to replace the road running shoes this fall after my move but we will see. Nothing says that trail shoes can't run on the inside track as well :) Hopefully I can break them in tomorrow.

OMG - my feet LOVE the Brooks! These are the best things my feet have felt in many years...hoping to get them dirty tonight after dinner. I tried them at the gym today and of course they were fine on the track. Unsure if Brooks are THAT good, or if my Waverunners were THAT broken down. Or both. Probably good that running shoes aren't so good for the group training I do or I would wear them out in a month :eek:

Probably both :-) Glad they are working for you.

Mizunos definitely aren't for everyone. Some love them, some (me!) hate them, but across the line their sole is SUPER stiff. I mean, that hard plastic plate...

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Originally Posted by OakLeaf

Mizunos definitely aren't for everyone. Some love them, some (me!) hate them, but across the line their sole is SUPER stiff. I mean, that hard plastic plate...

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I didn't find them very stiff - and now they are almost as twistable as a noodle...but they WERE my first running shoe that were the proper size :o They seemed fine for indoor running, but I was never really comfortable in them outside. The Brooks, on the other hand, are a very different story. Of course they ARE trail shoes, and likely I was using the Waverunners for broader applications than they were designed.

I *love* my Mizunos. But, they are not for trail running. I love them because they are flexy and loose in the toe box (mesh?) and don't annoy my bunion. But, I like and need the support in the heel. They are perfect for me. I wear them at the gym for boot camp and for any outdoor/indoor running I do.
My trail runners are acutally Merrell light hikers. I've thought about getting trail runners, but they work.

I do like my Mizunos, they are great for inside work. Too soft for even light walking on anything other than pavement. I don't know what I will eventually replace them with. My LRS says they might last 2 more months- but of course they are in the business of selling shoes :)

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Originally Posted by OakLeaf

Mizunos definitely aren't for everyone. Some love them, some (me!) hate them, but across the line their sole is SUPER stiff. I mean, that hard plastic plate...

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I loved Mizuno trail shoes...until I badly sprained my ankle wearing a pair. At the time I thought that really blocky, hard heel was a good thing, but in hindsight I realize that it caused my foot to teeter-totter off of roots and stumps, instead of absorbing them some. In hindsight I wish I'd had a MUCH more minimal shoe--better sore feet from lumpy bumpy terrain than a permanently FUBARd ankle. I'd love to get back to off-road running, but I may try doing more in something similar to my Nike Frees. I wish they'd make a trail version with some grippier, more lugged outsole.