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I've signed up for the Sheffield round run in January so I need some trail shoes. Just had a look on start fitness and there are some reasonably priced goretex options. I expect the event and much of the training will be cold and wet so goretex seems to make sense. Is it a no-brainer? The event is approx 25km so the idea of having wet and frozen feet is a concern.
Cheers
Goretex can keep water in your trainers. Maybe look at getting some wool based running socks to keep feet warm regardless. Bridgedale are good.
Interested what others say, as many more qualified than me. But… for me gore-tex is a big no. Prefer light no membrane as water exits very quickly. If it’s really muddy it’s way better with out. If it’s a road race it might be ok, but not my personal choice.
I've never got on with Goretex trail running shoes that'll be used in the hills, because:
1. You will end up with 2 shoes full of bog water which doesn't drain. Proper train running shoes are designed to drain well and not hold water.
2. The liners don't last well when used in a trail running shoe exposed to the stresses of running, grit and mud
3. They will end up stinking
I like them for general walking shoes and "parkrun" kind of shoes but just never got on with them for trail running. Waterproof socks if you must.
My running shop warned me off gortex shoes for running (I've done Grindleford Gallop which I'd guess is similar - 21-22 miles in the Peaks).
As above it just hold the water in.
Go for wool socks, or waterproof socks instead. Bur defo get used to them beforehand
I have several pairs of GoreTex trainers but use them mainly for dog walking and walking more than running.
Like biking best option for running in really wet weather is nice merino wool socks. I really like the Madison ones. They keep your feet warm unless it’s really cold.
As above defo no to Gore Tex as they just hold water in
what kind of surfaces are you going to be running on ?
Interesting, thanks all. Not sure how much is road, maybe 50/50 or more. The off-road will be bridleways/footpaths which will likely be quite muddy but not open moorland or anything like that. I'll probably just go for some normal trail shoes on this advice.
I do use GoreTex shoes as runs from home involve crossing a grassy field before I hit the coast track which is mainly rocky with a few muddy patches. However, if I’m going up the hill and likely to be ankle-deep in bog I’ll wear a shoe with a free-draining mesh upper and more aggressive outsole for grip. There’s a big range of trail shoes these days, so worth knowing the likely trail conditions, from prepared trails with gravel/crushed rock all the way to fell shoes where there’s no track at all.
I’ve done the RSR many times. Apart from the odd bit in the woods particularly on the second stage it’s pretty steady trail running so don’t need anything too aggressive as a trail shoe. As above, avoid Goretex and get some decent merino running socks; done winter fell races in them and you’ll keep your feet warm unless it’s below freezing.
If you’re local to Sheffield you’ve got myRaceKit in Hunters Bar and Accelerate in Attercliffe to go and try some on. PM me if you want any more advice.
Another no for gortex trainers here, my latest running trail shoes are Saucony peregrine's which I really like. Had a few years not being able to find a trail shoe I liked and these are super nice IMO. Bonus is that runners need will stock them so you can try them on too.
Another vote for no goretex from me... I've used them before and they're only really helpful when there's heavy snow/everything frozen.
If it's on/off road then don't get anything too agressive. Peregrines would be fine, Hoka torrents or similar.
Is this a consensus? No to Gore-Tex for me either, I love it for my dog walking shoes, but it's a hard no for running shoes.
Don't be tempted some some hyper-aggressive shoe for that kind of event, you want some grip but you're not fell running. Brooks Cascadia and Saucony Peregrine are worth a look. ASICS Trabuco Max 2 if you want loads of cushion. Nike Pegasus Trail 4 if you want a good road to trail shoe.
Did anyone say not to get GoreTex ones? 😀
I got these from Decathlon when they were discounted a bit, but would be happy to pay the asking price here - they're really good...
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/men-s-trail-running-shoes-tr2/_/R-p-312120?mc=8569906&c=black
Thanks all. Current shoes are ascics cumulus something (recommended for supination) and I like the fit and cushioning of them, so I was just planning to keep it simple and go for some kind of ascics trail.
Not sure if these would be overly aggressive for my needs? I will be doing some training in the hills to keep it interesting but doubt I'll be running through full on bogs.
Any other ascics recommendations?
Edit. There is a cumulus trail which looks far less aggressive in the tread. Twice the price though.
@davros, they'll be fine, no issues.
I suspect those Cumulus will be the worst of both worlds, the Trabuco are a much better option.
If you like ASICS, have a look at their outlet store, some good prices there too.
https://outlet.asics.com/gb/en-gb/mens-trail/c/ao10209000/?srule=price-low-to-high
Not sure if these would be overly aggressive for my needs? I will be doing some training in the hills to keep it interesting but doubt I’ll be running through full on bogs.
It all depends. The places where aggressive tread helps aren't necessarily 'full-on bogs', more soft-ish, grassy stuff generally where you need a bit of tooth to avoid sliding around.
On harder surfaces, rocks in particular, it's more about rubber compound, but it's all relative and depends on your local trails. You can run on harder stuff with more aggressive tread just fine, though you may get a bit of squirm and maybe a little less plantedness/trail feel, but not so much the other way round. It's quite personal though, some people are better on their feet than others.
Personally I'd rather have slightly too much grip than too little.
A big no on gore-tex trail runing shoes. That said, I own 3 pairs (Salomon and 2 x Inov8) but more for general walking, light hiking, camping, school run etc. They are great for that, but absolutely hopeless for running. Too hot and if it is anything other than lightly damp they fill up from the outside (via the ankle) and then just retain water.
Best to go with a lighter trail show that drains and make sure you run hard enough (or wear the right gear) so your extremities don't get cold.
My OH is a keen ultra fell-runner and sometimes wears knee length waterproof socks in the depths of winter, but we're talking sub-zero with lots of standing bogs/puddles. Otherwise, it's just the same as summer and 'crack on'.
I used to wear Gel Trabucos they're a nice shoe, be fine for a trail race. I wear Hoka Speedgoats now. I always go to a running shop and try them on first tho. Which is what I'd strongly recommend.
No to Gore-tex.
Something like Saucony peregrines will be good, as although there's a bit of road and most of the trails are firm packed, there will be some bits around Gleadless / Meersbrook allotments that will be very slidey in January.
Get yersen down to Decathlon - their Evadict trail shoes look like they'd do the trick if they fit.
I've recently got a pair of Asics Gel-Venture 8 off sportshoes.com which are pretty cheap and decent mixed terrain shoes. Another no to goretex from me, that'll just be a heavy wet lump in no time (or a heavy dry lump if conditions are good).
Asics Trabuco’s are ideal for RSR, just enough tread but also comfy on the road and hard pack bits in between. I used to run in them a lot but moved on to Inov-8 shoes eventually. Just need to get them bought and get some miles in now!
As an aside, if RSR winter is like the summer edition, the gaps between feed stations aren’t great, one at the top of stage two (so really close to the start) and then not one until after Graves Park bit (I forget which stage it is between). Definitely plan on taking a gel or a few jelly babies with you as I needed them well before the second feed stop.
I don't bother with goretex anymore- your feet will get sweaty and water will get down your ankles if it's that wet, and you'll be stuck with wet feet.
I find lightweight shoes that dry quickly better. Personally, I like my Altra's, the shape is far more comfy than the salomon ones I used to run in.
First run on the trabucos over redmires and stanage. Perfect fit and very comfortable over 12km a variety of terrain. Grip was good on the muddy sections. Thanks all for the advice 👍
whilst this threads still live. Heavy flat footed oaf always wear brooks beast on road and off. When very wet and muddy I wear peregrines which most on here feel are middle ground shoe. I feel they are an aggressive tread with little cushioning, but I absolutely love them. What’s the recommendation for similar with more cushioning.
To go slightly against the grain I'll give a shout out to altra all weathers. The older ones you should still be able to pick up for about 70 or 80 quid. They won't last forever due to a design flaw where they crease, but they're eVent lined and don't overheat at all. I love mine.