What are the most versatile trail shoes?

Running Shoes/Running Gear Shoes

1 month ago 03/24/2024 12:37pm EDT

After my last post about shoes for a trail XC race, I was intrigued by a reply suggesting that I get a pair of nice trail shoes that can double as daily trainers.

As I consider this option, I am looking at different shoes that might work.

I would need a (very durable, I want them to last a while) shoe that can pick it up a bit, but can also feel good when going longer and easier.

So far, I've looked at a few different options(Hoka Speedgoat, Altra Lone Peak, Innov-8 Trailfly, Saucony Peregrine, Brooks Catamount/Cascadia, and others). I have no idea what to look for.

What are the best trail shoes for both racing and training?

1 month ago 03/24/2024 10:48pm EDT

re: Middle pack AF boiiii

Against the popular opinion, stay away from Salomon. Their Contagrip is good but has zero durability. Went through 3 pairs in few months. It melts down like butter on rocky trails.

1 month ago 03/24/2024 11:39pm EDT

re: Middle pack AF boiiii

Not sure why you got a down vote for a perfectly good question. People. Anyway, I had the Hoka Speedgoat 5 (I think it was the 5) and the traction is bar none. No other shoe that I've tried makes me feel as secure on rocky trails as the Goats did. Their name is a bit off for me as they aren't that speedy (not that I'm winning any races lol). I'm thinking they may have contributed to some shin splints, too. If Hoka could somehow join the grip of the Speedgoats with the speediness of the Brooks Catamount, my God. That'd be the shoe right there! Can't Hoka/Brooks do a collaboration?

Have never tried Salomons/Innov-8. Tried on a pair of Altras (can't remember the style) in a running store and even standing felt awkward and painful. Ditto for the Peregrines. They felt like a concrete slab! Pretty unfortunate considering how much people rave about them. Maybe they just have to be broken in...a lot.

Had a pair of the Catamounts last year, and will most likely get another pair. They're great for shorter/faster runs and races. For the past few months, the Cascadias have adorned my feet (wanted to try something different). Good traction, but my legs and feet feel ground up and achy. Could very well be a physical issue on my part, though.

My search continues for a more cushioned trail shoe that isn't high stack. Good luck to you!

1 month ago 03/24/2024 11:42pm EDT

re: Middle pack AF boiiii

Forgot to mention the Run Happy guarantee that Brooks offers. I think it's a 60 day return.

1 month ago 03/25/2024 10:28am EDT

re: Lisa Watson

Thank you for all of your extensive insight!

1 month ago 03/25/2024 10:43am EDT

re: Lisa Watson

Lisa Watson wrote:
Not sure why you got a down vote for a perfectly good question. People. Anyway, I had the Hoka Speedgoat 5 (I think it was the 5) and the traction is bar none. No other shoe that I've tried makes me feel as secure on rocky trails as the Goats did. Their name is a bit off for me as they aren't that speedy (not that I'm winning any races lol). I'm thinking they may have contributed to some shin splints, too. If Hoka could somehow join the grip of the Speedgoats with the speediness of the Brooks Catamount, my God. That'd be the shoe right there! Can't Hoka/Brooks do a collaboration?
Have never tried Salomons/Innov-8. Tried on a pair of Altras (can't remember the style) in a running store and even standing felt awkward and painful. Ditto for the Peregrines. They felt like a concrete slab! Pretty unfortunate considering how much people rave about them. Maybe they just have to be broken in...a lot.
Had a pair of the Catamounts last year, and will most likely get another pair. They're great for shorter/faster runs and races. For the past few months, the Cascadias have adorned my feet (wanted to try something different). Good traction, but my legs and feet feel ground up and achy. Could very well be a physical issue on my part, though.
My search continues for a more cushioned trail shoe that isn't high stack. Good luck to you!

Low stack height, cushioned trail shoe: Nnormal Kjerag (expensive though)

1 month ago 03/25/2024 10:46am EDT

re: Middle pack AF boiiii

Two I personally recommend as versatile, do-anything-decently daily trainers are TNF Vectiv Enduris and Atreyu Base Trail. Both have lugs that are good on both trail and road, relatively light for trail shoes that won't get in the way at threshold pace. I've found them decently durable with breathable uppers that provide secure midfoot lockdown. They perform well on the fire roads and jeep trails near where I live as well as further afield on mountain trails. The next shoe I'll be getting for trails will be TNF Altamesa 500. TNF Altamesa 300 would be another one to consider as a daily all-rounder.

1 month ago 03/25/2024 3:31pm EDT

re: Middle pack AF boiiii

Have a look at Nike Pegasus trail, or Kiger, I run on the road with these also. Hoka Speedgoat is also a good one.

This post was edited 37 seconds after it was posted.

1 month ago 03/26/2024 12:30am EDT

re: Steffe!!

Steffe!! wrote:
Lisa Watson wrote:
Not sure why you got a down vote for a perfectly good question. People. Anyway, I had the Hoka Speedgoat 5 (I think it was the 5) and the traction is bar none. No other shoe that I've tried makes me feel as secure on rocky trails as the Goats did. Their name is a bit off for me as they aren't that speedy (not that I'm winning any races lol). I'm thinking they may have contributed to some shin splints, too. If Hoka could somehow join the grip of the Speedgoats with the speediness of the Brooks Catamount, my God. That'd be the shoe right there! Can't Hoka/Brooks do a collaboration?
Have never tried Salomons/Innov-8. Tried on a pair of Altras (can't remember the style) in a running store and even standing felt awkward and painful. Ditto for the Peregrines. They felt like a concrete slab! Pretty unfortunate considering how much people rave about them. Maybe they just have to be broken in...a lot.
Had a pair of the Catamounts last year, and will most likely get another pair. They're great for shorter/faster runs and races. For the past few months, the Cascadias have adorned my feet (wanted to try something different). Good traction, but my legs and feet feel ground up and achy. Could very well be a physical issue on my part, though.
My search continues for a more cushioned trail shoe that isn't high stack. Good luck to you!
Low stack height, cushioned trail shoe: Nnormal Kjerag (expensive though)

They are definitely not cheap lol, but worth looking into. Thanks for the recommendation!

1 month ago 03/26/2024 12:31am EDT

re: Middle pack AF boiiii

Middle pack AF boiiii wrote:
Thank you for all of your extensive insight!

You're welcome! 😊

1 month ago 03/26/2024 4:53am EDT

re: Middle pack AF boiiii

1 month ago 03/26/2024 6:50am EDT

re: Middle pack AF boiiii

NNormal Kjerag

irunfar.com

NNormal Shares a Look at the Durability of Its Kjerag Trail Running Shoe

Craig Randall

NNormal shares results from a study on the durability of its Kjerag trail running shoe.

Link:www.irunfar.com/nnormal-kjerag-durabil...

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