Trialling the Trails…A guide to off-road shoes

Hi everyone, Global Greaves calling to talk about something pretty important for runners: Dem Shoos.

So last year I took this running ting off road and headed for some pretty awesome hills around and about in the UK. Footwear massively became an issue and before long I was knee deep in conflicting opinions about which shoes to buy. With off road shoes ranging from £20 all the way up to £120 and beyond I knew I needed to invest some time in the right ones.

Here’s my tips on getting the right shoe for you.

The type of shoe you need is totally dependant on what terrain you’ll be trotting on. So a few questions to ask yourself first:

1. Where will I be using them? What is the terrain like? (open fell? soft pack? cross country?)
2. How much/often will I be using them? (is it worth me forking out $$$$?)
3. What conditions will I be running in? (bog? ice? soggy grassroots? wet tree roots?)
4. What’s my gait like? (do I need a lot of support when I run?)

The questions should determine: what kind of shoe you are aiming for, what the grip needs to be like, and your budget. Remember shoes need replacing on average every few hundred miles (or less on tough terrain) so think about it, is it worth cadging out extra $$$ if they will last longer?

Go make friends with your local running shop. These guys know their shit. As a road runner I felt pretty overwhelmed and intimidated by the concept of talking to proper “off road” gurus in a shop, but after taking some heavy duty tumbles in my Nike Kiger’s I knew it was time to change tracks and get asking. To my delight it was pretty awesome and most stores I tried they were keen passionate, and eager to find out what races you were doing.

After shopping around, trying, chatting, and trialling. Here’s my top 3 off road shoesies.

Inov8 Talon X

Great all rounder. Super comfy. Light weight minimal. good grip. And not the most visually offensive of the off the road shoes. And apparently more off road races winners wear these than any other shoe. Though I’m sure most winners would like to think it’s down to skill! (RRP £85 ish)… Buy here >

Salomon Fell Raiser

I ran 4 races in these bad boys and they didn’t let me down. These babies are lean, mean and offensive to be seen. Yes they are ugly. It made me wince buying something I didn’t actually like, but when you get on those hills it’s substance over style every time. The grip is amazing, works well on mud, uphill and downhill. Felt nice and secure and very supportive of the ankle which I need! (RRP £60+)… Buy here >

Inov8 Roclites

Good at making you feel confident. Nice and huggy on the feet. good on paths, stoney areas, and mud. Bad on wet rock You have been warned! (RRP £60+)… Buy here >