Atlanta Outdoor Club

i'm doing an adventure race in a couple of months (biking, trail running/hiking, paddling, mystery events), and i think my hiking boots just aren't going to cut it for the trail sections.

can anybody suggest some decent trail running shoes that can be worn for 5+ hours without becoming insanely uncomfortable?

I wear Merrell Pulse II. I like them so much that they are also my everyday shoes. Unfortunately, they have been discontinued as of last fall.
But you need to find something that fits you as everyone has different shaped feet. All I can say is go to REI and start trying different ones on. Even walk around the store for 15 minutes in them.

Good Luck!

Tom

I'm a big fan of Montrail shoes, because they tend to be made a bit narrower than the typical D size width and fit my foot better. Good luck!

tcollins wrote:But you need to find something that fits you as everyone has different shaped feet.

my feet especially. unfortunately, walking round REI doesn't tell me if a shoe has a worthwhile grip or how well it will hold up.

i'll see if i can't find the shoes you mentioned online somewhere for a decent price.

bob: i need those wide shoes! have you not seen the toe?

I cannot stress this enough! Do not buy running shoes online or at a large chain store!!!!!!!!!!! You need expert advice if you are going to be doing any long runs or races!!!!! The only option is to go to a specialty store. They can examine your feet/footprint to determine the best shoe for you. A shoe that fits one person great, WILL NOT fit you good. It is also best to bring several pairs of your used up shoes so they can look at the wear patterns and give you even better advice. Here is a few in the Atlanta Area

http://www.bigpeachrunningco.com/
www.fleetfeetatlanta.com
www.phidippides.com
www.spikesrunning.com

Definitely get fitted at a running store!!

It also depends on what the trail is like. I can easily run for 5+ hours along something like the trails at Kennesaw with just my road shoes.

I like light trail shoes and use the Mizuno Ascends trail shoes for long distances -- they have great cushioning and feel almost like my road shoe. I also use La Sportiva Fireblades which are a bit stiffer and can feel the rocks more with these.

Big Peach Running especially should be able to help you. They're the specialists in this area for trail running and have a great selection of shoes.

Depending on the type of race, you should investigate your pack requirements as well.

I'm a neutral runner with a slight over-pronation, and I used to buy trail-runners for traction, stability, and ankle support.

I used to have a terrible problem with blisters when I'd do long trail runs in traditional/hybrid 'trail runners' (Merrell, Keen, Montrail, etc.) but since I started running in ASICS trail shoes, I haven't had any problems. I don't really miss the extra ankle support I thought the trail runners would provide. The ASICS have plenty of cushioning, and their soles are as grippy and durable as any trail shoe I've ever worn. I'd recommend their Gel Trabuco line, as well as the GT-2120 and GT-2130 trail editions.