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…

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.’ 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.’ 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.’ 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.’ 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.’