Trail Runners

I'm finally trying to make the swtich to trail runners. I have moisture management issues with my feet that I theorize will be at least partially fixed by shoes with quick drying uppers. So, with that said what are some shoe brands I should look at? I am basically looking for something with a stiffer sole that will shield me from feeling every little pebble on the trail. I have already tried some of the Salomons, and the New Balance 909s. I am also planning on trying on some Inov-8s. Any other suggestions?

I really like my Solomons. I have had them for about 4 years now and they are still going strong. They haven't leaked yet either, and I have been in some pretty good downpours. The soles are tough. Made in such a way that rocks wont penetrate. I would certainly buy another pair.

Howie

I like the solomons as well, but only in wet conditions during short runs. Once they're wet, they stay wet.

I tried a pair of golite trail fly 2 weeks ago on a 16mi run that I ended up in the water about 1/2 through, they dried within the next 15 minutes. Unfortunately, like others who reviewed this shoe, I don't think the uppers will wear well, I've already ripped the top.

Check out Oboz footwear.
I am very happy with my Ignitions.
I am also trying a pair of Oboz Tetons. These have a very stiff sole that I am enjoying.

TV

I have been sold on Montrail Continental Divides, or Hardrocks.
The Divides are a little cooler in summer.....the Hardrocks warmer in winter months. Unbeatable comfort/durability.
Just make sure to go a size up, as they run a little small!

I have used several generations of Asics Gel Trabucos. I've tried on a lot of others but these continue to fit me best, and they work well for me, both on trail and off. If I could fit them, I'd try some Montrails, as I like their designs, but they just don't fit my wacky feet.

A lot of trail runners are made with extra motion control. Go to a running store that can analyze your gait and make sure that you need that motion control.

I bought a pair of Hardrocks which have served me well on a 5 day trip to the Colorado high country. But I feel very disjointed because they offer me little protection from wet feet. I did buy a pair of gortex socks but that only works if the water doesn't come over the top. I don't mind crossing a creek without the socks but I do mind multiple crossings and/or slogging thru wet trails and meadows.

I've tried wrapping the top of socks a couple of times to seal with a light bungee cord to keep out water, but in tests in my bath tub, that is only marginally successful.

I could go back to the old gortex boot solution with crocks for wading, but I was hoping for someething lighter. How have other's solved this problem?

My Montrail Hardrocks are great--I just tested them on a backpacking trip that, while aborted, had me carrying over 30 lbs. to spare my sick dog. I never once missed my boots! The Hardrocks control my pronation problems much better than the boots ever did.

My one complaint is that, once wet, they stay wet for a long time. Not nearly as bad as my Goretex lined boots, but enough to keep my feet wet most of the day. Lighter trail runners would dry faster, but would they give me the support I need?

Well it would depend on what kind of support your looking for to tell the truth. A good many issues can be solved by finding a new insole, whether it be flat footedness, higher arches, orthodpedics, or just the need for more heel cushioning. Of course if you're talking about say the stiffness of the outter sole of the show and not wanting something too stiff or too flexible, that'll probably depend upon the shoe itself.

Well, since this thread became "active" again I thought I would give an update of what I've done thus far. I bought a bunch of different shoes from Zappos to try out. So far I really like the NB 909s. The Montrail Hardrocks fit me fairly well and I have been using them to train in, but am not sure if I would be comfortable hiking in them. I got a pair of Merrell Moab Ventilators that I haven't really decided what I think about them yet. And finally, I got a pair of Asics Gel Khanas (at a local Kohls for like $50) that I am going to test out.

With all that said, the 909s are the only shoes that have been out on an actual trip so far. I did 33.5 miles on the AT, and it went really well. I developed no blisters, and my feet didn't get nearly as damp as they normally do. I still need to get them out in the rain though. That should get resolved this weekend.

As far as my comment on the stiffness of the soles, I have decided from this experiment in trying a bunch of shoes that I actually like more flexible les stiff soles. It took me a while to get my feet used to trail runners (i.e. carrying a load on actual trails), but once I got there I don't mind a thinner more flexible sole. I really like the soles on the 909s. They are very flexible, but have something in them (a plastic shank?) that effectively keeps sharp things (like pointed rocks) from being painful to step on.

One thing of note is that I do use inserts in my shoes. I used to use Superfeet (green), but I tried out some of the moldable Sole inserts. I bought the slim sport version, and I love them.

I really like my Hard Rocks, but have been using the Oboz Ignitions for the last year. Good shoes, but the sole is not as stiff as I like.
Great for running though. Love the bootie design. Keeps stuff out and keeps it on my feet even if it comes untied on the move.

TV