Planning some 50mi trail races this fall. Not super technical. What is the hot shoe for such a thing?
Planning some 50mi trail races this fall. Not super technical. What is the hot shoe for such a thing?
There isn't a VF4% equivalent for trail, unfortunately. I'm not even sure how that would work as the carbon plate wouldn't necessarily spring in the same direction with every foot-fall.
I'm guessing you're using the Vaporfly as a way of saying that the most sought after trail shoe is these days?
If that is the case, I can't really think of one.
The new Nike Kiger 5 is getting some good reviews and I'm definitely going to pick up a pair when my current trail shoes reach their limit.
I'm currently wearing the On CloudVenture and like them a lot.
I wore the Saucony Peregrine for years, but I'm not a huge Everrun fan (too much cushioning for me). People still love them and the newest version looks pretty sweet.
I've also tried the Hoka Speedgoat (again, too much cushioning) and wasn't a fan, but HokaHeads love them.
Brooks Cascadia is a tried-and-true trail shoe, although I've never worn them.
Try a few on and see what works for you. There really isn't the VF4% kind of hype around any current trail shoe.
Like the other post said there really ins't a trail Vaporfly but as far as what are the most popular here is my take:
Hoka Speedgoat
Hoka EVO Mafate
Salomon Speedcross
Salomon SLAB Ultra
Altra (no idea what model is most popular, I see a ton of people wearing Altra's but they all look the same to me and I've never worn them myself)
Those are what I see the most of at races. I would say for ultra running the SLAB Ultra and Hoka Mafate are the closest thing to a trail Vaporfly. Both shoes are made specifically for racing and use the latest in trail shoe technology.
But there are also racing flat style trail shoes that are worth considering, namely the New Balance Summit Unknown and Salomon SLAB Sense.
trail shoes wrote:
Like the other post said there really ins't a trail Vaporfly but as far as what are the most popular here is my take:
Hoka Speedgoat
Hoka EVO Mafate
Salomon Speedcross
Salomon SLAB Ultra
Altra (no idea what model is most popular, I see a ton of people wearing Altra's but they all look the same to me and I've never worn them myself)
Those are what I see the most of at races. I would say for ultra running the SLAB Ultra and Hoka Mafate are the closest thing to a trail Vaporfly. Both shoes are made specifically for racing and use the latest in trail shoe technology.
But there are also racing flat style trail shoes that are worth considering, namely the New Balance Summit Unknown and Salomon SLAB Sense.
agree mostly with this
altras certainly aren't all the same though, although none of them would be close to a fast trail shoe unless you need the width.
the salomons are greta if you like a firm ride and a snug fit. the evo mafates are great for long distance, and not as soft as most hokas. little bit wider fit too.
the summit unknowns I just picked up but haven't tested much yet. have had pinky toe chafing every time I've worn them so that blows, but they will break in eventually. that's the shoe I'd pick for a sub-ultra trail race, or even something like a dirt road or gravel path.
I haven’t found it yet.
Tried
Terra Kiger 5
Altra superior 4 and lone peak 4
Hoka speedgoat
Saucony freedom switchback
Nothing has that bounce of the vaporfly and if you bring any of them to he road for any length, they all feel firm.
Favorite is Terra Kiger 5 or altra superior 4...
Terra Kigers are a great light trail shoe that has just enough support/stability and traction. My favorite trail shoe by far. Only drawback is some of the treading will very easily delaminate on more technical rocky surfaces. Every other trail shoe I have tried is either awkwardly clunky (Hoka) not enough stability (New Balance) or has shredded my foot to pieces (Altra). Never gotten a blister in the Nikes. The Wildhorse is also a great shoe that is built like a tank but a little heavier than the Terra Kiger.
I'm partial to the Salomon Sense Pro Max (new version is just called Sense Max 2) which has a pretty responsive ride and rides nice on pavement, any surface really. It can feel a bit clunky though. But I can hammer downhills in that shoe and barely feel it. The vibration dampening material in them really does seem to work.
Haven't tried the Kiger 5 yet, I usually prefer 6mm+ drop shoes.