Comparative review
Fiona Russell and Pete Macfarlane put the latest footwear for walking and running through its paces in time for warmer weather
TRAIL SHOES are an increasingly specialist piece of kit, and the designs and range of features available have evolved swiftly, leading to a bewildering range of choice. Knowing what you want to do in your trail runners will help your search for the correct model. To start with, think about your activity, the time of year and the terrain you plan to visit most often.
The current trend is for thickly cushioned soles, which are excellent for long days on rocky hill paths, but the uppers can be very vulnerable to abrasion. Many models have strengthening overlays to enhance longevity, although you may find in time that making more careful foot placements will avoid some wear and tear – there is a good case to be made for trail shoes aiding more nimble movement in the hills.
Good grip is a must, so look for a sole designed for the trails you’ll use, as some shoes will have designed-in compatibility with street or park running and thus may have less aggressive sole patterns. Lugs of 4mm (or deeper) will bite better into uneven terrain. The low-cut ankle can let in water and dirt so ankle gaiters are worth thinking about, as is a waterproof membrane, but a liner comes with its own pros and cons. With unlined mesh shoes, any water coming in gets squeezed straight back out through the fabric. If you wear good socks and it’s warm enough, it’s rarely a problem. With membrane-lined shoes, the water gets trapped and dries more slowly through the membrane or leaves by capillary action up the leg of your sock – again a good reason to wear quality socks. Lined runners are often chosen for more wintery conditions.
Most important of all is fit. Try as many models as you can, as the shape, flex, drop and lacing all vary greatly between shoes and brands. All of these impact on comfort, performance and of course your enjoyment in the hills.
