View Full Version : Help With Trail Runners
Rex Clifton
03-18-2016, 15:01
Hi:
I need help finding a pair of trail runners. I currently have La Sportiva Wildcats and, while these are great shoes, they are too narrow for my feet. Suggestions would be greatly appreciated concerning similar shoes with a wider fit. I generally section hike typically hiking around 10 miles a day with a load of 25-30 lbs.
Thanks all.
Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk
If you can, find a local running store that "fits" runners. They will take a look at your feet, your stride, etc... and find a great fitting shoe for you.
That being said, New Balance tend to fit a lot of my trail running friends who have wide feet pretty well.
I have wider feet, but narrower heels. Soloman Mission XR has been a phenomenal shoe for me - little break in/ no blisters for a 110 mile A.T. section last year!
Traveler
03-19-2016, 05:32
Hard to get the opinion of others who have different foot parameters. Best option is to find a store like Runners World or New Balance that has some technology to help assess your feet, stride, and footfall impacts as a front end solution. Back end solution is to literally try on every shoe that comes close to your size to find the right one. There is only one "best shoe", which is the one that fits you.
MuddyWaters
03-19-2016, 14:52
La sportiva is too narrow for everyones feet, which is why you size up extra half size in them.
Seriously order from either Zappos or running Warehouse. Both have free shipping and free return shipping. Try as many as you can to find the shoes that you like best.
I too find shoes usually too narrow. I love my Altra Superior 2.0
Going to try out their new Lone Peak 2.5, they are supposed to be more durable for long trips.
mortonjl
04-02-2016, 06:02
I believe in Altra, wide toe box and zero drop.
garlic08
04-02-2016, 08:06
Ditto New Balance widths--several options. But some say my favorite shoes feel like the box they came in.
Slo-go'en
04-02-2016, 11:25
If your hiking with a 25-30 pound load, I'd think you'd want something a bit more sturdy then a trail running shoe. But I'm old school.
Feral Bill
04-02-2016, 11:52
I believe in Altra, wide toe box and zero drop.
I recently bought these, and they are great for me. Could be awful for the OP. Or not.
Another Kevin
04-02-2016, 14:42
If your hiking with a 25-30 pound load, I'd think you'd want something a bit more sturdy then a trail running shoe. But I'm old school.
I broke down a few years ago and made the switch. New Balance 610 with green Superfeet worked for me. They have the disadvantage that after 4-500 miles they're totally shot. Still, they're cheap enough that I can buy a couple or three pair for the price of a pair of sturdier shoes. I do need the Superfeet, the insoles on the New Balance are worthless. The shoes fit me well enough that it's worth it to me. Life is full of tradeoffs.
I still go back to the big heavy boots in shoulder season, when I might need to put on spikes. (And of course, I go to even bigger and heavier boots for full-on winter, because snowshoe and crampon bindings need a stiff boot.)
I find that as long as I've waxed my feet (I use Gurney Goo, since Hydropel isn't being made any more), I'm ok with wet feet in warm weather.
I recently bought Altra Lone Peaks 2.5 and tested them out on some shorter distance hikes. They are AWESOME. Super comfortable, super lightweight, but also supportive. I got them pretty wet and they dry out quickly. I also have a wider foot, and the wide toe-box is accommodating for that. I also know of a lot of people who have used them for thru-hiking with great success (see here: http://yelling-stop.blogspot.com/2013/09/pacific-crest-trail-fkt-in-altra-lone.html ; http://alicehikes.com/2015/01/pct-clothing-review/ ). I have a bias for trail runners since I am short and weigh about 115 lbs, so I don't like heavy shoes and these are a great alternative to boots for me.
I finally made it out to try the Altra Lone Peak 2.5. I really like everything about them except they are too squishy for my taste. I am sticking to the Superior 2.0 with hopes Altra changes the fabric as they do not dry very quickly.
I hike with a pack 30-35 lbs, either of the Altras were fine.
If your hiking with a 25-30 pound load, I'd think you'd want something a bit more sturdy then a trail running shoe. But I'm old school.
I was old school too until i switched to runners and hiking poles. Never going back to boots unless it's the dead of winter.
Rather than create a new thread, I thought I'd ask here. I just finished a section hike from Bears' Den Hostel to Harper's Ferry. There were a couple of pretty steep downhills, and the shoes I thought were a perfect fit didn't work. My right foot especially started jamming in the toe area, and my big toe is now numb on my right foot.
I wear an 11 most of the time, and my foot is right on the edge of measuring wide. I believe it is an E width on the Brannock Device, but barely. Interestingly, my length on the Brannock measures a 10, but 10's never fit!
I know you should go up a half to full size in your backpacking shoes, but if I did that with my current shoes, they'd be way too lose on the flat and uphill sections. Could it be that I just need a wider toe box, and not just a larger size?
I'd like to try some Altra's, but I can't find anyone who carries them.
MuddyWaters
05-09-2016, 15:39
I'd like to try some Altra's, but I can't find anyone who carries them.
Zappos
Running warehouse
Free shipping and return shipping
Try all you want
Good idea! But was thinking more along the lines of REI. If I had bought my current shoes there, I could take them back since it's only been a short time.
What else is bad is our local running store carries Altra, but only the road running ones. This is because we have no trails around here, so the store has no demand for trail runners! lol Straight from the clerks mouth.
aaronthebugbuffet
05-09-2016, 17:31
Picked up a pair of Topo Athletic MT last summer. They have been my favorite shoe of all time. Just ordered pair of the new MT 2.
MuddyWaters
05-09-2016, 21:23
Good idea! But was thinking more along the lines of REI. If I had bought my current shoes there, I could take them back since it's only been a short time.
What else is bad is our local running store carries Altra, but only the road running ones. This is because we have no trails around here, so the store has no demand for trail runners! lol Straight from the clerks mouth.
If you had worn them around your house for an hour , directly comparing to other sizes and models you might have realized they werent the best fit.
Did you know you can return used shoes to running warehouse for store credit if they dont work out for you? Why do you think runners buy from them?
Nobody, NOBODY, can tell you what fits YOUR foot best but you. All anyone else is doing is looking and guessing and offering psychological support to facilitate a sale so they can pocket a commission.
Actually, I wore them on two other 15 mile backpacking trips, and thought they were awesome...the issue only came out when I went on a trip with long, steep descents. But in any case, point taken!! :)
I will take a look at the running warehouse, and also take a trip to the REI here that just opened. It sounds like either place would be a good choice since you can return used shoes to them!
DuneElliot
05-10-2016, 10:08
Try different lacing techniques first. I have a couple of pairs of awesomely fitting trail runners, but still find on super steep descents that my toes hit the end a little. I don't know if this is just me (this doesn't just happen with trail runners) or if this is a issue everyone just has to deal with.
Try different lacing techniques first. I have a couple of pairs of awesomely fitting trail runners, but still find on super steep descents that my toes hit the end a little. I don't know if this is just me (this doesn't just happen with trail runners) or if this is a issue everyone just has to deal with.
Unfortunately these shoes do not have traditional laces...they have that elastic stuff, I think they call it speed laces. I also think on the day of the descent, my feet had swollen as well, so the toe jamming was unavoidable. :(
MuddyWaters
05-10-2016, 12:51
I believe wildcats have conventional laces. Or at least the ones in my closet do.
Nonetheless they are narrow, so everyone sizes up 1/2 size for that. Running warehouse size comparison software shows you that. Toebox is ridiculously shallow. Toes rub the roof, is what I dont like about la sportiva. Basically, its a race fit.
I will take a look at the running warehouse, and also take a trip to the REI here that just opened. It sounds like either place would be a good choice since you can return used shoes to them!
Running warehouse gives 90 days to return . and may refuse if you abuse it and return too many pr of used shoes in a year.
DuneElliot
05-10-2016, 15:16
Unfortunately these shoes do not have traditional laces...they have that elastic stuff, I think they call it speed laces. I also think on the day of the descent, my feet had swollen as well, so the toe jamming was unavoidable. :(
My Salomons have kevlar speed laces too...hope you find a solution. I still think it's kind of inevitable on really steep descents
I believe wildcats have conventional laces. Or at least the ones in my closet do.
Nonetheless they are narrow, so everyone sizes up 1/2 size for that. Running warehouse size comparison software shows you that. Toebox is ridiculously shallow. Toes rub the roof, is what I dont like about la sportiva. Basically, its a race fit.
Running warehouse gives 90 days to return . and may refuse if you abuse it and return too many pr of used shoes in a year.
Is it just a coincidence you mentioned Wildcats? I am considering Wildcats, but I l looked back and don't remember mentioning it lol I had read that the original Wildcats had a wider toebox than the 3.0 ones that came out about a year ago. Again, like you said, only you can tell if the shoe fits. It's all over the board when you read individual reviews on any shoe. Some people say x model runs narrow, some say it runs true, and some say it runs wide....the reason I was going to try the original Wildcat was because REI here carries it, so I can at least rule it out right off the bat if it's not right. If it's a good fit at the store, I can try and return if it doesn't work in the field. If it doesn't fit, I can move on to other options like Running Warehouse.
My Salomons have kevlar speed laces too...hope you find a solution. I still think it's kind of inevitable on really steep descents
That could be the answer too, really may not be anything I can do. I don't mind losing an occasional toenail, but the neuropathy I get in my toes is a little concerning. Last time I had this happen, it took almost a year for the feeling to come all the way back!
North face Ultra 109 trail runners waterproof. I have a narrpw foot but they r a little too much volume but by far the best hiking shor i have found. Minimal blisters compared to tons on other shors. I am a hard to fit foot. Worth a shot. Im gonna try the La Sport sport
You can purchase Altras on Amazon with free return. I did this so I could try different sizes and generally make sure they were a good fit. The return was easy - they give you labels to print out, or if you don't have a printer pay them $1 to send return labels, take them into a UPS store. I beelieve pickup is also posssible. You can't return them worn but it is at least a viable option for getting a good initial fit. I got the Altra Lone Peaks and they are truely the nicest shoes I've had on my feet, ever. I have narrow heels and a very wide toe area and my feet are held by them in the heel area with all my toes free to stretch and my feet able to move the way they need.
Ended up getting La Sportiva Wildcats in an 11 1/2. The 11's also fit, but I went up a 1/2 size to account for feet swelling on the trail. My big toe when standing doesn't reach the black kick plate, so I hope I didn't get too long of a shoe. Just for kicks I got the Brannock Device out at the store and put my foot in, and the length measures exactly a 10, so I am not sure why I always have to get at least an 11.
The good thing is I bought them at REI, so I can take them on a trip and find out, and return for a size 11 if I need to. I can also wear a thicker sock to see how that does.
so the Wildcats feel great width-wise, but they bother my arches. Back to REI they will go. Not sure, but am thinking it's because the shoe is too long for my foot, so the arch in the shoe is in the wrong place for my foot's arch. I wonder if that's a common problem when we all size up a half or full size for backpacking shoes?
Ended up going back to REI in Richmond, where they have a better selection. I returned the Wildcats, size 11.5, and ended up buying Altra Lone Peak 2.5, size 10.5. You don't realize how badly shoes fit until you try a pair on that actually fits!!
southernfire97
05-28-2016, 11:23
Has anyone tried the Saucony Peregrine 6? I am looking at those due to the arch support and tread pattern. I have a jacked up left foot (dislocated all of my metatarsals, and had to have them reduced and fixated), so I have some pain issues with that hoof. I have Saucony road running shoes, and they have been great.
rocketsocks
05-28-2016, 11:54
I'm runnin' (though I'm not really running) a pair of Brooks Cascades 11's right now w/metatarsal ballistics rock plate, I like em.
Took my Altra's slogging through Dolly Sods this weekend. They fit great and I think I finally found a winner for my feet! It was nice not caring if you got your feet wet or not. I just walked through the creeks instead of rock hopping.
SteelCut
05-31-2016, 09:20
I'm runnin' (though I'm not really running) a pair of Brooks Cascades 11's right now w/metatarsal ballistics rock plate, I like em.
I stocked up on the Cascade 8's when everyone was phasing them out and they were on sale everywhere. The reviews that I've read have seemed disappointed in the Cascade models after the 8's especially in terms of durability. How have yours been holding up ??
After another trip (Carver's Gap to US 19E) a couple of weeks ago, I really have to say my Altra Lone Peak 2.5's are the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn, hiking, dress, or casual.
Sarcasm the elf
07-05-2016, 15:48
Ended up going back to REI in Richmond, where they have a better selection. I returned the Wildcats, size 11.5, and ended up buying Altra Lone Peak 2.5, size 10.5. You don't realize how badly shoes fit until you try a pair on that actually fits!!
Wait, did you find the Altra's in stock at REI? I'm really hoping the one near my house starts stock them soon, but they told me that Altras were online only at the moment.
Wait, did you find the Altra's in stock at REI? I'm really hoping the one near my house starts stock them soon, but they told me that Altras were online only at the moment.
They did not have them in the Va Beach store, but you can look online at an item and see if it's in stock at a specific store. We did that, and it showed the Richmond store carrying them, so we took a two hour drive and got them!!
The other option is to order some Altra's online and return them to the store nearest you if they don't fit.
Ankle Bone
07-06-2016, 13:02
Hard to get the opinion of others who have different foot parameters. Best option is to find a store like Runners World or New Balance that has some technology to help assess your feet, stride, and footfall impacts as a front end solution.
There is only one "best shoe", which is the one that fits you.
Amen. Ignore any other advice and let an expert fit you up.
frontovik193
07-18-2016, 17:34
I just picked up a pair of New Balance leadville v3s. They are freaking awesome. New balance works best for me as I have wide feet and they go up to extra wide sizes.
I am looking at a new pair of trail runners. I currently have La Sportiva Wildcats which have worked great for me backpacking and hiking. But they are starting to get worn out. I am looking at the Salomon (http://www.sierratradingpost.com/salomon~b~19510/) XA Pro 3D ClimashieldŽ Trail Running Shoe. It says they are waterproof but I know that a trail runner cant be waterproof like a real hiking shoe, just wondering if any of you have tried the waterproof trail runners. Do they keep some of the dampness out from early morning wet bushes and stuff like that? I have tried on the Solomon speed cross 3 and they fit me really good so hoping these Solomons would fit to
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/salomon-xa-pro-3d-climashield-trail-running-shoes-waterproof-for-women~p~108av/?filterString=womens-trail-running-shoes~d~9316%2F
I have Salomons in both WP and non-WP versions. I like the non-WP versions better. My feet stay drier, overall, through the day. I typically carry a 30lbs-ish pack.
I recently bought Altra Lone Peaks 2.5 and tested them out on some shorter distance hikes. They are AWESOME. Super comfortable, super lightweight, but also supportive. I got them pretty wet and they dry out quickly. I also have a wider foot, and the wide toe-box is accommodating for that. I also know of a lot of people who have used them for thru-hiking with great success (see here: http://yelling-stop.blogspot.com/2013/09/pacific-crest-trail-fkt-in-altra-lone.html ; http://alicehikes.com/2015/01/pct-clothing-review/ ...
I finally made it out to try the Altra Lone Peak 2.5. I really like everything about them except they are too squishy for my taste. I am sticking to the Superior 2.0 with hopes Altra changes the fabric as they do not dry very quickly.
I hike with a pack 30-35 lbs, either of the Altras were fine.
Were you both using the LP WP versions? I'm wondering why the discrepancies in evaluating dry times? I'm not so utterly impressed with the Altra uppers non WP versions dry times either. Took a full two days in 90* hot sunny conditions to dry Altra Superiors in TX and AR while wearing them with merino ankle socks. Anyone else wish to offer their opinions on Altra upper dry times?
Hi:
I need help finding a pair of trail runners. I currently have La Sportiva Wildcats and, while these are great shoes, they are too narrow for my feet. Suggestions would be greatly appreciated concerning similar shoes with a wider fit. I generally section hike typically hiking around 10 miles a day with a load of 25-30 lbs.
Thanks all.
Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk
I have wider feet, but narrower heels. Soloman Mission XR has been a phenomenal shoe for me - little break in/ no blisters for a 110 mile A.T. section last year!
As Shelb is offering it depends partly on where you have narrow feet. Some folks have a narrow heel but wide forefoot. Others may have a narrow foot overall, etc. It also depends on the version of the Wildcats you have experienced. For example, the 3.0 has a slightly wider forefoot/toebox than previous versions. Also note LaSportiva shoes tend to run narrow to begin but the Wildcats were one of the wider forefoot models. Note also the Wildcats came in a WIDE version. Rex, you don't include any of these important details.
In previous to the 3.0 version I personally saw high wear areas right behind the small toe bumper and since having wide forefeet with my feet hanging slightly over the width of the sole despite having the WIDE 3.0's experienced abnormally high wear in this area as well admittedly on rocky tread. The cush I so desired also resulted in flattening out rather quickly. The narrowish heel did cup my heel well which was increased by removing the stock foot bed adding SOLE Karneze's high arch orthotics/foot beds. I had some rolling issues as well using the Wildcat 3.0's on a LT thru-hike. The LT has very rocky trail segments though so experienced high wear. Those 3.0 Wildcats were done after only a 300 mile LT thru-hike. These were the last Wildcats are owned.
I am looking at a new pair of trail runners. I currently have La Sportiva Wildcats which have worked great for me backpacking and hiking. But they are starting to get worn out. I am looking at the Salomon (http://www.sierratradingpost.com/salomon~b~19510/) XA Pro 3D ClimashieldŽ Trail Running Shoe. It says they are waterproof but I know that a trail runner cant be waterproof like a real hiking shoe, just wondering if any of you have tried the waterproof trail runners. Do they keep some of the dampness out from early morning wet bushes and stuff like that? I have tried on the Solomon speed cross 3 and they fit me really good so hoping these Solomons would fit to
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/salomon-xa-pro-3d-climashield-trail-running-shoes-waterproof-for-women~p~108av/?filterString=womens-trail-running-shoes~d~9316%2F
I forget which Salomon model it was but it was only WP in the very upper which did a very good job of keeping my feet dry from wet brush yet experiencing quick dry times on a sunny summer hike. It helps to wear WP or WR gaiters that cover the laces to meet your goal.
What I find also helps if you have non WP trail runners is to spray the very upper with a WP spray like Grangers Spray On WPing or Gear Aid ReviveX. These products can be found on line and at local outfitters like REI.