If you run you might have a progression of shoes like this too. You know, current favourites, the old stand by’s and the ones that you now use to walk the dog, or garden, or something. They aren’t good for running anymore, but they aren’t ready for recycling. Recycling? My running shoes?
Yes, many running stores have some type of recycling program, whether they donate your old shoes to a charity or elsewhere ask at your local running store, you might be surprised what can be done with your shoes.
The three trail shoes I am reviewing all came from Ski Uphill/RunUphill in Canmore, AB. They are a great resource for trails, gear and coffee! If you are in Canmore stop by for a coffee and gear that you won’t find everywhere. All the staff is really knowledgeable and they believe in choosing gear that is not only good for the customer but the environment too.
I am really lucky to live in a place that offers a lot of options when it comes to trail running. Except if you want an easy, flat run. Then you have one option, but at least there is one!
This river loop is also fairly smooth. It is mostly crushed gravel and not too many obstacles in the way of roots and rocks. This type of terrain doesn’t require heavy-duty trail shoes. For this type of trail, my favourite is Brooks Caldera.
Brooks Caldera
Top 3 things I like:
Great cushioning, nice soft feel on the trail.
Easy transition from tough trails to road or gravel.
Lightweight doesn’t feel like a heavy trail shoe.
Anything I don’t like? They aren’t great in the mud.
Scott Supertrac
These are the shoes you want for rugged terrain. They are perfect for technical terrain and high alpine running where you want to go fast and feel secure.
Top 3 things I like:
These are grippy! They make you feel like you can run up anything and you (almost) can in these shoes.
Stiff and supportive, you don’t feel every root or rock underfoot.
Good for all kinds of rough terrain. I went on a run last week that started on smooth gravel, transitioned to mud and finally ended up in ice and snow.
Anything I didn’t like? If you have to run on the road to get to your trail these will feel stiff and grippy.
Full disclosure I didn’t choose these shoes the awesome guys, Gavin and Joel, at my favourite trail running store RunUphill gave me a pair to try and I am so glad! I am sorry that they aren’t available on their website, yet…
Sportiva Bushido
I like these shoes, but I have to confess I only ran in them once. If you wear orthotics they aren’t deep enough, at least not for mine. I did run on a trail that also started dry, got muddier and finally ended in snow and ice and these shoes were grippy for the entire run.
Top 3 things I liked:
They look good. Because, really, why wear ugly shoes? Or maybe that’s just my childhood trauma.
Great traction on all types of terrain.
Super stable without feeling heavy or unresponsive.
The one thing I didn’t like? Not deep enough for my orthotics, so my heel rubbed on the back of the shoes.
You may be wondering why bother buying trail shoes when your road shoes work fine? If you run on a combination of road, gravel and maintained trails a hybrid shoe could be all you need. They are a good performance shoe with some trail features. However, if you want to feel secure while jumping over roots and rocks, have more support while climbing steep terrain and maybe most importantly get the protection from rough, unforgiving surfaces than a trail shoe is worth the price.
If you are new to trail running stay tuned for more tips to make getting off-road more fun and isn’t having more fun the best reason to get outside?
Change your mind, change your health,
Shayla
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