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I've just moved to a new area and the Parkrun is equal amounts of tarmac, gravel path and muddy rugby fields. I'd like a fast shoe as I'm getting closer to breaking 20mins for a 5k.
I'll be tripping over in a road shoe, this time of year I think so need a light and fast trail shoe. Obviously need something that I won't be sliding all over the mud with but would prefer something that doesn't feel like I'm running with studs over the tarmac.
Any ideas? Thanks.
Hoka Speedgoat 5
I use the ASICS Trabuco 9, works well for the mud, a little bit skittery on smooth paths but totally doable.
I’m on the cusp of 20mins too, tbf my plan for running fast is to go to the next nearest parkrun!
I got some Altra Superiors with this kind of thing in mind but I am finding they are quite compromised on wet tarmac, especially the smoothest bits where they are a little slippery on sharp cornering.
Perhaps not relevant if you're not into low drop type shoes. I really liked the Altra Escalante Racers for fast road running hence trying the Superiors, however I'd definitely not recommend the Escalante for anything muddy.
Inov8 parkclaw sounds like it might be worth looking at 🙂
I generally use an old pair of rocklite for mixed parkruns but they are a bit worn and sketchy now.
Nike Pegasus Trail 4 - It's brilliant
I was also going to suggest Speedgoats
Inov8 parkclaw sounds like it might be worth looking at
i have a pair of the parkclaw 260's, really comfy, but the sole material seems to magically not grip onto anything including the midsole. I won't be buying another pair.
Nike Pegasus Trail 4 – It’s brilliant
Came to suggest these. Really good mixed surface shoe.
Saucony Peregrine have quite a deep lug on them and are quite a cushioned shoe.
I hate them for fell running as they are too squidgy but would work on what you are wanting although they will feel slightly draggy on tarmac. You cant win though, you need to decide where you want to compromise and will loose most speed.
Something like a Parkclaw will not have enough lug for the really crappy muddy grass days...if you are having to change direction/pushing on
When it dries out from the sounds of it you could use road shoes.
Hoka Speedgoat 5
These are very good, and I use them a lot for trail running, but only last night I was out on muddy grass paths and they were terrible. Gravel and routes they are brilliant just not muddy grass
Someone should make AXS driven retractable lugs -"The dropper post for runners".
Alas my sub 20 parkrun is but an (ever fading) memory 🙁
Whichever trail shoe you find comfortable. I wouldn't go for massive lugs, just something moderate like the aforementioned Speedgoat.
Speed doesn't come from the shoe it comes from the body, so get out and do lots of training then you can smash out sub 20 with ease. I'd suggest seeing if there's a local running club you can join. Nothing like group training sessions to move you forward.
I'd gor the Pegasus as well. Speedgoats are too heavy, clunky and not great on the road , or gravel tracks really. I'd have probably raced that sort of thing in a road racing shoe as everything will be compromised somewhere
And when it's been dry for a few weeks really go for it. Or go to another course with less mud
I like my On Cloud Ultras for mixed terrain. Not good on slippery grass, but decent everywhere else.
My Parkrun sounds a fairly similar route. I use Hoka ATR Challengers. They are pretty useful in most conditions. They get me sub 20 too!
Sounds like you may want something a bit more upmarket but I've been using some Kalenji Active Grips from Decathlon for my mixed running (pavement, woodland paths and grit paths). On my second set, really need to buy a new pair as the tread is wearing down.
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/run-active-grip-men-s-running-shoes/_/R-p-100428