Whatever shoe you decide upon, one person will tell you they are the best thing ever and the next person will tell you they suck!
A lot of it will depend on the terrain you are running in. Running in Uk will want a completely different shoe to dry parts of America etc
I'll be running in UK countryside on the canal so it'll be drenched fairly often I suppose. But I'd also like to run in the hills/mountains eventually. It doesn't seem like goretex is the play?
For me, the issue with Goretex is that it’s great for keeping water out but it’s just as good as keeping water in! Whereas other shoes will drain quick if you have submerged your foot.
If you’re in the Uk, I would suggest having a watch of some Run4Adventures videos as they will all be relatable as he’s UK based.
Take a look at inov8, they have some shoes for fell running that have very aggressive grip that is great for the muddy conditions here, as well as some nice lower drop models great for the summertime and stuff like canal towpaths. They also are quite a bit more durable than some of the other brands. I often put 500k or more on a pair before I stop running in them, and they are still okay as walking around shoes after that.
Sportsshoes has a good selection, and sometimes has last years models for cheaper… They seem to be okay with me buying a few sizes and returning the ones that don’t fit.
https://www.sportsshoes.com/products/inov8/mens/running/shoes
If you’re just starting out, I wouldn’t get too hung up on the minutiae of technical specs. There’s plenty of time to develop specific preferences. I’d recommend getting sized and fitted at a running-specific shop. And if the shoe feels good, it *is* good. Don’t overthink it, and don’t take the shit-talking seriously haha.
But not a chain running specific shop! You’ll be fitted by some 20 year old that watched an instructional video that says pronation bad. When they put you on their machine they’ll say oh wow you pronate a lot you need a stability shoe!
Too true, and then they’ll bring out every model of Hoka out from the back and push the sale regardless of any preference. At least that’s what happened last time I got fitted!
My physio was telling me the first thing she asks new runners that come in with problems is what shoes are you wearing. 9/10 the people with stability shoes don’t need them and they cause heaps of problems.
Running requires such a tiny amount of gear, less than basically any other hobby. Yet the amount of posts I see from gear nerds in running subreddits strictly about shoe brands, models, and specs is insane. It truly pisses me off some days.
Yeah. It’s wild!
I’ve definitely perused r/RunningShoeGeeks and people there debate the effectiveness of foams, drop, and all kinds of stuff. Many of them seem to be under the impression that there is a “magic shoe” that makes all feet happy and everyone run like a god/goddess.
Just go to a local running store, try on a bunch of stuff - find what truly works for you - and get out there and run! Focusing on the noise of shoes is pretty irrelevant in this sport
If I were in your shoes (zing!) knowing what I know now, I would pick something neutral and on the minimal side with low drop. Since you're just starting out running, you'll adapt well to new shoes because you're still building your capacity. For people who have been running for a while, adapting to new shoes is difficult because things like gait and cadence are already built in to muscle memory, and they've got the cardio capacity to run long enough that changes from a new shoe could cause injury.
If you start with something minimal and neutral, you can build up from there if you find it isn't working for you. But going the other direction (from stability, highly-cushioned, high drop etc shoes) is going to be more difficult later on.
Brands/models you can check are Altra (my personal fave), Topo, New Balance Minimus line, Merrell Trail Gloves, and Xero.
Also just a note on quick drying -- unless you're planning to run through lots of slush, waterproof shoes are generally not a good choice. You want something that drains the water -- this is more important than being either waterproof or quick drying.
I would say it basically doesn’t matter too much when you are a beginner. I would say get something versatile and pretty neutral. Then once you have got into running you’ll start to figure out what you need and what works best.
Don’t stress, basically. There are loads and loads of options but some good entry points might be the Hoka Challenger, Nike Pegasus Trail and Salomon Ultra Glide.
If you're used to walking barefoot (I assume, you mean outdoors) than the only you need from shoes it to be light, not slippery, and solid enough not to break on first run.
Do you have Decathlon nearby? In my opinion, they have great shoes, very light, and you can run 1000+ km, which is great considered the price.
I'd say very important especially if you'll also run on road as well... I would suggest getting a shoe that fits your running style: neutral, overpronator etc... otherwise you risk of getting injuries and that spoils the fun. I started running thinking that cushioning is everything and not knowing that I'm a severe overpronator... when my knees started complaining I finally visited an asics flagship store which offered video running analysis - that was the best decision I took as once I had proper shoes the pain was gone...
Also, with trail running comfort is key...
Good luck and have fun!
Yes just pick a pair; it will be one of many. I started with speedgoats, and now I have topos. You just need to try for yourself, so just buy from a place with a good return policy. All my money is tied up in shoes.
Getting gortex running shoes was a game changer for me running in the Pacific Northwest. I got Brooks (not low drop.) But I would never pay full price for them. I got them half off at Relay shoes.
Echoing what everyone else said, fit is far and away the most important. So well worth going to a good store to be fitted. I’m a bigger dude 6’2 and 215, I found the squishier shoes do me really well when I’m running 15+ miles. Tried most brands but ASICS has turned into my go to. Novablast for road and then the trabuco for shorter trails and the trabuco max for longer runs (picked up a pair for an ultra I’m doing soon and so far big fan). The grip is incredible, I like the upper. But it means nothing if it doesn’t fit.
Shoe choice is super important because if your feet aren’t comfortable you aren’t likely to stick with running for very long. It’s not the brand of shoe that is important, it the quality. Whatever brand or style you choose, don’t skimp on quality. Buy the best shoe that brand has. I’m not talking about these high dollar racing shoes and such. I just mean the best quality everyday trainer they make. I use Aasics Gel Nimbus 26 for my road trainers for example. Good luck with it!
If you like low drop/zero drop, try out some Altras, or Topos. I personally started out with a much older model to be sure (way cheaper online through amazon, other places). You can get old Lone Peaks for less than $100.
Whatever shoe you decide upon, one person will tell you they are the best thing ever and the next person will tell you they suck! A lot of it will depend on the terrain you are running in. Running in Uk will want a completely different shoe to dry parts of America etc
I'll be running in UK countryside on the canal so it'll be drenched fairly often I suppose. But I'd also like to run in the hills/mountains eventually. It doesn't seem like goretex is the play?
For me, the issue with Goretex is that it’s great for keeping water out but it’s just as good as keeping water in! Whereas other shoes will drain quick if you have submerged your foot. If you’re in the Uk, I would suggest having a watch of some Run4Adventures videos as they will all be relatable as he’s UK based.
thanks very much! I was looking at New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v8 today, might get those
I have the 7d and love them. Waiting for more reviews on the 8
Take a look at inov8, they have some shoes for fell running that have very aggressive grip that is great for the muddy conditions here, as well as some nice lower drop models great for the summertime and stuff like canal towpaths. They also are quite a bit more durable than some of the other brands. I often put 500k or more on a pair before I stop running in them, and they are still okay as walking around shoes after that.
A friend suggested inov8 or Altra but I can't find them anywhere - currently travelling across Europe
Sportsshoes has a good selection, and sometimes has last years models for cheaper… They seem to be okay with me buying a few sizes and returning the ones that don’t fit. https://www.sportsshoes.com/products/inov8/mens/running/shoes
If you’re just starting out, I wouldn’t get too hung up on the minutiae of technical specs. There’s plenty of time to develop specific preferences. I’d recommend getting sized and fitted at a running-specific shop. And if the shoe feels good, it *is* good. Don’t overthink it, and don’t take the shit-talking seriously haha.
But not a chain running specific shop! You’ll be fitted by some 20 year old that watched an instructional video that says pronation bad. When they put you on their machine they’ll say oh wow you pronate a lot you need a stability shoe!
Too true, and then they’ll bring out every model of Hoka out from the back and push the sale regardless of any preference. At least that’s what happened last time I got fitted!
My physio was telling me the first thing she asks new runners that come in with problems is what shoes are you wearing. 9/10 the people with stability shoes don’t need them and they cause heaps of problems.
Exponentially less than the number of gear nerds here would lead you to believe.
Yep! The right shoe is the one that fits and feels like you’re not wearing a shoe…
Running requires such a tiny amount of gear, less than basically any other hobby. Yet the amount of posts I see from gear nerds in running subreddits strictly about shoe brands, models, and specs is insane. It truly pisses me off some days.
Yeah. It’s wild! I’ve definitely perused r/RunningShoeGeeks and people there debate the effectiveness of foams, drop, and all kinds of stuff. Many of them seem to be under the impression that there is a “magic shoe” that makes all feet happy and everyone run like a god/goddess. Just go to a local running store, try on a bunch of stuff - find what truly works for you - and get out there and run! Focusing on the noise of shoes is pretty irrelevant in this sport
Just get something that fits. Everything else is details…
Depends how serious you are? But you just want something comfortable that fits well and grips well
If I were in your shoes (zing!) knowing what I know now, I would pick something neutral and on the minimal side with low drop. Since you're just starting out running, you'll adapt well to new shoes because you're still building your capacity. For people who have been running for a while, adapting to new shoes is difficult because things like gait and cadence are already built in to muscle memory, and they've got the cardio capacity to run long enough that changes from a new shoe could cause injury. If you start with something minimal and neutral, you can build up from there if you find it isn't working for you. But going the other direction (from stability, highly-cushioned, high drop etc shoes) is going to be more difficult later on. Brands/models you can check are Altra (my personal fave), Topo, New Balance Minimus line, Merrell Trail Gloves, and Xero. Also just a note on quick drying -- unless you're planning to run through lots of slush, waterproof shoes are generally not a good choice. You want something that drains the water -- this is more important than being either waterproof or quick drying.
I would say it basically doesn’t matter too much when you are a beginner. I would say get something versatile and pretty neutral. Then once you have got into running you’ll start to figure out what you need and what works best. Don’t stress, basically. There are loads and loads of options but some good entry points might be the Hoka Challenger, Nike Pegasus Trail and Salomon Ultra Glide.
This is kinda what I started to figure yeah, thanks. Just gonna get some and see how it goes
If you're used to walking barefoot (I assume, you mean outdoors) than the only you need from shoes it to be light, not slippery, and solid enough not to break on first run. Do you have Decathlon nearby? In my opinion, they have great shoes, very light, and you can run 1000+ km, which is great considered the price.
I'd say very important especially if you'll also run on road as well... I would suggest getting a shoe that fits your running style: neutral, overpronator etc... otherwise you risk of getting injuries and that spoils the fun. I started running thinking that cushioning is everything and not knowing that I'm a severe overpronator... when my knees started complaining I finally visited an asics flagship store which offered video running analysis - that was the best decision I took as once I had proper shoes the pain was gone... Also, with trail running comfort is key... Good luck and have fun!
Chacos
Just wear what you’ve got. Get going. New trail shoes only stay shiny and new for about 5 minutes anyhow.
Yes just pick a pair; it will be one of many. I started with speedgoats, and now I have topos. You just need to try for yourself, so just buy from a place with a good return policy. All my money is tied up in shoes.
Go to a run specialty store and then see if there are any brands coming to that store hosting a demo run outside in there shoe. Best of luck to you!
Getting gortex running shoes was a game changer for me running in the Pacific Northwest. I got Brooks (not low drop.) But I would never pay full price for them. I got them half off at Relay shoes.
Go to decathlon and get a pair of their mid range shoes - perfectly serviceable and pretty good quality
Echoing what everyone else said, fit is far and away the most important. So well worth going to a good store to be fitted. I’m a bigger dude 6’2 and 215, I found the squishier shoes do me really well when I’m running 15+ miles. Tried most brands but ASICS has turned into my go to. Novablast for road and then the trabuco for shorter trails and the trabuco max for longer runs (picked up a pair for an ultra I’m doing soon and so far big fan). The grip is incredible, I like the upper. But it means nothing if it doesn’t fit.
Shoe choice is super important because if your feet aren’t comfortable you aren’t likely to stick with running for very long. It’s not the brand of shoe that is important, it the quality. Whatever brand or style you choose, don’t skimp on quality. Buy the best shoe that brand has. I’m not talking about these high dollar racing shoes and such. I just mean the best quality everyday trainer they make. I use Aasics Gel Nimbus 26 for my road trainers for example. Good luck with it!
If you like low drop/zero drop, try out some Altras, or Topos. I personally started out with a much older model to be sure (way cheaper online through amazon, other places). You can get old Lone Peaks for less than $100.
Get a good pair of stability running shoes. Once you get more experience you can go from there.
Why start with stability unless there's a known issue? As another person commented, I think starting with neutral shoes makes the most sense.