[quaker02]

So I bought a pair of north face trail shoes months ago and I hate them. I need a trail shoe that is going to offer 1) proper support 2) protection from pointy rocks etc 3) some toe protection and 4) certain amount of flexibility and comfortable.<br><br>
Any recommendations? I have looked online but I am going to head to REI and see what they have at lunch. Their selection isnt great but it is so hard to buy shoes online because I cant see or touch them...<br>
any other stores I should check out, especially in the Philadelphia area.

 

[crunningman]

I agree with you. North Face does not have a shoe that fits me properly for trail running.<br><br>
I am partial to the Inov8 Flyroc and Terroc<br><a href="http://www.inov-8.com/" target="_blank">http://www.inov-8.com/</a><br><br>
The Flyroc is my overall favorite. It feels like a road shoe, but gives that added extra protection. The first time I wore a pair was two days out of the box at the 2005 White River 50M. Not one problem with them as far as blisters, etc. And they are the best "draining" shoes I've found.<br><br>
By the way, REI sells them as well.

 

[Durt]

Too funny! Shows how everyone is different. I just got my first pair of TNF Arnuva 50's and tried them out last weekend. I fell in love with them! They will be my light trail shoe of choice! Now, OTOH, I wasn't all that impressed with the Arnuva 100's.

 

[KC1125]

My first pair of trail shoes were Montrail Hardrocks that I bought at REI. They're pretty heavy and ideal for really rocky, technical trails, but they've never given me issues and I need a pretty free, non-stability ride. They drain great too and since then I've bought another pair, plus I wear the Montrail Continental Divides for smoother trails.

 

[DEturtle]

I recently tried the Puma trail fox and actually love them. They work for me (neutral foot, semi narrow), although if you have a wider foot, they might not be that comfortable. I liked them better than other shoes because they were lightweight and the "rock guarding" on the bottom isn't so stiff as to make my soles hurt. I know it seems strange, Puma making a trail shoe, but I like them so far. I have also run in cascadias, but after about 20 miles, the rock guard makes me feel like I am slapping concrete, very painful.<br><br>
I have looked at the Innov8s and NF shoes, but haven't commited to trying any yet.

 

[JJJessee]

KC and I are just about eye to eye on this one.<br>
I gave up on the Hardrocks<br>
And use the Divides for everything.<br>
I find them so much more comfortable.<br>
I agree the, Hardrocks are probably better on the harder stuff<br>
if you can do without the cushy feel.<br>
I confess.<br>
I'm a trail weenie.<br>
jjj

 

[quaker02]

I ended up getting a pair of Merrell Continuum's. They seem really comfortable and they also seemd to have the right amount of support. Fortunately they also look like they will let water out...so I will wear them around and do a few trail runs with them. Hopefully, these will work out better than the Northface shoes I had...<br><br>
Thanks for all of the advice!

 

[JJJessee]

GL, keep us posted<br>
jjj

 

[corrade]

Just ordered some Crosslites, new Sportiva shoe. Gnarly moutain bike tire soles, nifty and durable wrapped up thing. They're a new company but their stuff just keeps getting better. Will be my 3rd pair of Sportivas. Their underfoot rock protection is good, they're comfy. Raceblades fell apart at 250 miles, torn eyelets and burst sides but they felt awesome. Won a pair of Fireblades that seem bulletproof, still going past 300 miles. Rolled the dice tonight with a coupon on their new model. They're italians, and only on the <a href="http://www.lasportiva.com/catalogue/catalogo.php?cat=3&cod3=531&Language=EN" target="_blank">italian site</a> can you zoom in and see the details

 

[roly]

Shopping at a local dicount store (Winners) this week. Found a pair of Montrail Hardrocks in my size 10.5 and almost fell over when I saw the price $19.00 Cdn. I checked out 3 other stores but coundn't find another pair. I've always wanted to try Montrail but with 5 pairs (2 pr. Vasque, 2 pr. Keen, and one pr. Solomon) still usable trail shoes I couldn't convince the wife I needed another pair. so at 19 bucks no convincing was nesessary. <img alt="biggrin.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/biggrin.gif">

 

[Robo]

If you're looking for an uncoventional shoe, check out Go-Lites. They are super comfortable, have a large toebox, and with the knobs on the bottom of the shoe you never feel a thing when running on rocky terrain. They're my only trail shoe and I am just about to retire my first pair, which must have close to 1000 miles on them.