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There has never been a better time to swap the boredom of the tarmac for the miles of leafy, muddy and gravelly trails that intersect UK towns and villages, or escape civilization altogether and tackle the awe-inspiring forest, mountain and coastal paths.
However, when tackling technical terrain it is essential that you are equipped with a confidence-inspiring trainer that can provide you with grip on the surface of your choice and offer you cushioning and stability in the face of the inevitable rocky obstacles you encounter. meet.
What to look for in a trail running shoe?
There is no single shoe – it’s about finding the right outfit for you.
“It depends on where you run,” says Get Active Running trainer Donnie Campbell.
A trail shoe is made up of three key elements: an outsole (the grippy bit); a midsole (the padded area); and the upper (the lacing system and the mesh that protects the foot) – Campbell explains that you may need to “sacrifice performance in certain parts of the shoe”.
For example: “In winter, you can look for a shoe with more aggressive studs on the outsole.
“If you’re running on a harder surface, you can use a less aggressive shoe with more emphasis on cushioning.
“Personally, I have three or four pairs of shoes depending on where I run. “
Ultimately, Campbell says it’s about “finding a shoe that you are confident and comfortable in.”
How much should I spend?
Trail running shoes often use advanced technology to provide runners with maximum protection, and that comes at a cost.
Runners may be tempted to don a pair of used running shoes suitable for the gym or a neighborhood run when tackling a mountain ridge or muddy sloping terrain, but it comes down to run into battle without shield or armor – protecting yourself is a worthy investment.
All of the following shoes cost between £ 100 and £ 150 and this price is comparable to newly released trail shoes.
Merrell MTL Long Sky Trail
Key specs – Material: mesh and TPU upper, EVA foam midsole, Vibram MegaGrip outsole; Weight: 560g Color options: 5
American brand Merrell has teamed up with Ragna Debats and Anna Frost to produce this versatile trail shoe, suitable for all kinds of terrain, from muddy British forest soils to rocky ridges.
The Vibram MegaGrip sole combined with the molded TPU heel counter gave our reviewer peace of mind when tackling steep inclines. Despite the stabilization technology, the shoe remains lightweight and competitive, making it suitable for racing days.
We especially liked the tight fit of the internal liner, which gave a locked-in feel, providing comfort and protection no matter the distance.
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inov-8 Terraultra G 270
Key specs – Material: breathable mesh, Powerflow Max midsole, graphene outsole; Weight: 540g Color options: 4
When Cotswolds ultra-runner Damian Hall set a new 268 mile Pennine Way record, he was wearing a pair of inov8 Terraultra G 270s, but there is no reason why these shoes from trail pushing the limits are reserved only for the pros.
The British brand has teamed up with the University of Manchester to use graphene – the toughest material on the planet – producing an ultra-grippy and durable outsole that thrives on gritty trails.
Some may be hesitant about the price of the product, but the strength and durability of the shoe makes it a worthwhile investment.
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Hoka Speedgoat 4
Key Specs – Material: Mesh with 3D printed overlay, GORE-TEX, EVA foam midsole, Vibram MegaGrip outsole; Weight: 610g; Color options: 8
Our mood was not eased when we tested the Hoka Speedgoat 4 in unresponsive conditions.
The brand has developed a lightweight waterproof GORE-TEX liner that ensures our reviewer’s feet stay dry, while the Vibram Megagrip rubber outsole provides grip on dry and wet rock.
Despite their prominent horns, the Speedgoat did well on the road, which was a pleasant surprise.
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Salomon Sense Ride 3
Key specs – Material: synthetic textile upper, Optivibe midsole, Contagrip MA outsole; Weight: 560; Color options: 4
Those wary of the tarmac-to-trail transition would do well to find a better option than the Salomon Sense Ride 3 – the contractrip outsole works well on both surfaces, making it ideal for city dwellers prone to dirty weekends. .
Like its predecessors, the Sense Ride 3 uses an Optivibe midsole which reduces vibration and provides our reviewer with comfort on varied terrain.
While style shouldn’t be a priority when choosing a trainer, we love the look of the Sense Ride 3 which eschews the garish fluorescent colors preferred by the majority of brands.
Runners looking to stay on trend might be tempted to fork out for the Sense Ride 4 which will be released in March.
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Saucony Peregrine 11
Key specs – Material: mesh upper, PWRRUN midsole, PWRTRAC outsole Weight: 620g; Color options: 2
Agile and adaptable, the Saucony Peregrine range has long been a popular choice with trail runners looking for a reliable trail shoe.
The main change to the 11 is the reinforced top design which ensures a durable and secure companion on most terrains.
Other than that, it’s a matter of whether it’s not broken, don’t fix it with the PWRRUN midsole, which allows for a comfortable ride and at the limit of the rebound, while the aggressive studs provide good sitting on uncertain ground.
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Brooks Cascadia 15
Key Specs – Material: 3D printed mesh and overlay, BioMoGo DNA midsole, TrailTack rubber outsole; Weight: 620g Color options: 3
The Cascadia 15 is a rugged option, which provides additional protection to the ankle rollers among us.
A built-in rock slab will allow the Cascadia to protect you from anything the trail throws at you, from sharp boulders to protruding tree roots.
Monoloop mesh and 3D Fit printing saw the Cascadia become one of the more breathable options in our testing, meaning runners can focus on the track without any sweaty distractions.
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Source: www.bedfordtoday.co.uk
This notice was published: 2021-04-23 18:45:01
