Three Rules for Buying Trail Running Shoes

I'll admit it, I am wholly guilty of buying far, far too many shoes, often wastefully when it turns out they don't quite work for me.

Over my impromptu off season I've had a bit of time to think about what I've found works in the shoes I do like, with a view to making it easier to choose which shoes to focus on for races.

Here's what I've come up with, hopefully it helps others when they are picking out trail shoes.

Rule 1: Solid Lockdown

A little different from "the shoe fits well", more specific. I've found many shoes that are the correct length, with good space for your feet, still end up causing issues whilst running, especially on steep descents.

The secret I've found is that a shoe gives you a secure lock down across the midfoot. This prevents your foot sliding forward on descents.

In addition, a good wide toe box allowing your toes to splay then helps avoid toe damage over longer races.

A great example of this is the Merrell Long Sky 2 Matryx. The upper fits like a glove and holds your foot securely, whilst still having a nice bit of wiggle room in the toes. This means the shoe is perfect for its intended purpose: fast technical running over steep ground.

A bad example of this from the same company is the Merrell Agility Peak 5. The shoe fits long with plenty of space, it's generously sized. However it doesn't hold your foot well at all, meaning all that space leads to a sloppy feel as your foot slides forward in the shoe.

Please note these examples are subjective: everyone's feet are different and what may be a sloppy fit for me may be the perfect shape for you.

Good examples: Altra Experience Wild 3+, Brooks Cascadia 19, Merrell Long Sky 2 Matryx, Topo Mtn Racer 4

Bad examples: Altra Lone Peak 9+, Altra Mont Blanc Carbon, Altra Mont Blanc Speed, Merrell Agility Peak 5

Rule 2: Bullet Proof Durability

I've got these Altra Mont Blanc Speed shoes, and I adore them. Light, grippy, fast feeling with a road shoe like upper that gives all day comfort.

But the outsole is 3.5mm of Vibram Litebase, a lighter but less durable version of the Vibram Megagrip you find on many premium shoes.

Due to that by ~300 km usage the lugs are already starting to run flat, and you begin losing traction especially in slippy conditions. It sucks.

For me, someone who takes pride in high volume training and long races, I want shoes that are as hard as the miles I'm putting into them.

Eschew race day carbon plates shoes made of tissue paper. I value durability over speed, shoes where the outsole lasts and lasts, where the midsole stays comfortable after many miles.

For a good example we can look at the Altra Lone Peak 9+. Same lug depth as the speeds, but with this solid, admittedly heavy Vibram Megagrip outsole that absorbs mile after mile. I've got 800 km on one pair and the sole still looks new.

Good examples: Altra Experience Wild 3+, Altra Lone Peak 9+, Brooks Cascadia 19, Merrell Agility Peak 5, Merrell Long Sky 2 Matryx, Topo Mtn Racer 4

Bad examples: Altra Mont Blanc Speed, Altra Mont Blanc Carbon

Rule 3: Joyful Cruising

I added this one specifically to ensure that, ultimately, I enjoy running in the shoes that have a good lockdown and great durability. Otherwise we may end up with a shoe that fulfils the other rules but is far too slow and ploddy feeling to bring joy.

The shoes must feel good and fun to cruise in, when running at a steady ultra pace I want to feel like I'm moving well. I don't want a clumpy, slow feeling shoe that's holding me back.

A great example of this is the Brooks Cascadia 19. These have excellent durability, a good form fitting lockdown and fairly well sized toe box. They are also on the heavier side, yet due to the drop and rocker, feel joyous to cruise along in.

A poor example is the Altra Lone Peak 9+, and admittedly the main reason for this rule. These shoes are built like tanks, yet feel very "flat" and slow to run in. Something about the weight and geometry prevents me from properly enjoying running in them, even if on paper they are a good workhorse shoe for long distances.

Good examples: Altra Experience Wild 3+, Altra Mont Blanc Carbon, Altra Mont Blanc Speed, Brooks Cascadia 19, Merrell Agility Peak 5, Merrell Long Sky 2 Matryx, Topo Mtn Racer 4,

Bad examples: Altra Lone Peak 9+

Venn Diagram

Yes I made a venn diagram, yes I appreciate how nerdy that is.

This is the breakdown of where my most recent shoe choices sit against the 3 rules.

Tap to enlarge