Trail shoes

[jessmarimba]

After an hour at the LRS, I'm sympathizing with those of you who have difficult times finding bikes that fit.

I prefer shoes with a low heel-toe drop. I have a pretty low volume foot, that's narrow at the arch and heel but too wide in the toes to fit narrow shoes. On the road I run in Kinvaras, which are ok but not the best (especially on steeper downhills) - they're too wide at the base of the arch.

I have given up on finding trail shoes that fit. My Brooks PureGrit fit okay, but they're causing lots of pain and I don't particularly know why. My only other option, it seems, is the New Balance WT 10, which is a really really skimpy shoe. I might just go for it, since my trail runs are generally shorter than 10 miles and trails are softer (mostly) anyway.

I guess I'm not particularly asking for advice, I just want to whine. I don't know what to do at this point, except wait (again) for something new to come out. I tried on probably 15 pairs of shoes today and had a very understanding salesperson. I almost wanted to buy something just to thank the guy for his patience.

I'm going to remember this experience the next time I'm having trouble at a clothing store. At least I can get clothes tailored to fit!

[Tri Girl]

I can commisserate with you on this one. I have no problem with road shoes, but with trail shoes...oy vay!

My latest trail shoes are and Salomons, and while I do love them and they fit me well... the soles are too soft/forgiving and my arches hurt after an hour or more out there. It seems all trail shoes are soft (I've tried Brooks, Asics, and Montrails). I put my stiff orthotics in them, but they are still not stiff enough for me. I'm tempted to run in my road shoes, but they allow too much grit/sand in and then it causes blisters.

I hope you can find something that works for you...

[jessmarimba]

I hope you can find something that works for you...

You too! I did just read that NB is coming out with a thicker-soled 4mm drop trail shoe next month (WT 1010). AND the Kinvara TR for women should be out soon. I can be patient for a few more weeks, I guess.

[Tri Girl]

You too! I did just read that NB is coming out with a thicker-soled 4mm drop trail shoe next month (WT 1010). AND the Kinvara TR for women should be out soon. I can be patient for a few more weeks, I guess.

Once these new shoes wear out, I might try the Kinvara or the NB. I haven't had luck with NB road shoes fitting right, but maybe the trail shoe will.

Crossing fingers they work for you!!

[emily_in_nc]

I don't know anything about low-drop (or even what that means), but I have narrow, low-volume feet and was fitted in Vasque Blur trail-running shoes at REI. I use the Green Superfeet in them, and they work really well for me. They are not a narrow size but run narrower than other trail-runners, so said the fitter. Don't know if you've tried them or if they are even made anymore (mine are 2-3 years old), but I've been really happy with these shoes. Wear them for running, walking, and hiking.

[jessmarimba]

Thanks, Emily. I've used some of the Vasque shoes for hiking in the past and they were great, but I've been looking for trail shoes with less structure (and less heel bulk) for running. Shoe weight is about the equivalent of wheel weight and I'm definitely hooked on the lighter road shoes. Just not having much luck with off-road!