5 of the best TRAIL SHOES
Whether you’re a mud-runner or prefer to dash up and down rocks, a well-fitting, sport-specific shoe is key to make sure you stay safe and have fun. Osteopath and avid trail runner NICK COWAN put some of the most popular to the test…
1 inov-8 Terraclaw 250 £119.99, ellis-brigham.com
‘This shoe is best for when you run on hard, dry surfaces. The wide toe box fit and flexible outsole translates to a good feel for the turf beneath your feet. The upper is light, with relatively minimal support, which is good if you are a neutral runner – meaning your foot doesn’t turn inward or outward. My toes and mid-foot had room to spread, allowing my feet to work, which was vital for the miles of mixed surface I put them through.’
2 Nike Air Zoom Wildhorse £100, nike.com
‘This is the best all-rounder out of the lot, a great shoe taking you from tarmac to trail. With good forefoot support, and ample grip in the mud, grit and loose shale, this one covers a wide array of terrain with little fuss, but comfort for the runner. I had to take these over a few paved areas to reach the trail and I never broke stride or felt any impairment to my gait during the transition.’
3 Vibram Five Fingers Spyridon £114, primallifestyle.com
‘For those ready to experience the sense of barefoot running, this shoe provides maximum feedback from the trail. There’s no cushioning but excellent grip due to its tyre-like tread. They’re for the primal mud runner… but I was surprised by them. The finger design encouraged my feet to grip the mud – hard work but an incredible feeling once I was conditioned to it.’
4 Hoka One One Speed Instinct £90, runnersneed.com
‘Speed Instinct is best suited to a long run – as this is a cushioned shoe for the serious mileage-stacking runner. With substantial heel support and propulsive change up in the forefoot, to drive the runner over technical terrain, this one will go and go over the hard-packed trails. Beyond 12-mile runs, these made me feel I was running on cushions.’
5 Salomon S-Lab Wings 8 SG £145, salomon.com
‘Look to this one for race day when you are determined to set your new personal best. With a stiff but responsive feel, this shoe, with its Salomon trademark lace system, provides a superior and secure fit, and will take you over stone and light mud with nimble ease. They felt like a pair of sports cars on my feet.’