Didn’t see a shoes thread, so let’s talk shoes, particularly trail runners.
I badly need a new pair but it’s been a while since I’ve really looked into what the meta is these days. What do guys wear? I’m thinking of trying one of these high-stack ultra cushion styles like pic related but I’m a little concerned about stability on uneven surfaces with my foot being higher up like that.
Your best bet is a pair of Altra Lone Peaks. They're almost the perfect trail runner, just enough cushion/low heel/wide toebox. Comes in high top too. Big stack cushion is only acceptable on the road or really easy flat trails.
I can't wear lone peaks. My foots like a wedge and they have a surprisingly narrow midfoot. It's really only the toes that are wide, which makes kinda a weird shape actually.
I feel like shoes are one of those things where you need to find what works for you. I was an idiot and tried a pair of Saucony Peregrine 14's on an 11 mile hike without really trying them and discovered that they bit the hell out of my heels on uphills (regardless of lacing) and left juicy blisters on both of my feet.
I returned those and then spent about three hours trying on stuff and wandering through the store. I eventually landed on Hoka Speedgoats which appear to agree with my feet. I've really enjoyed them but I can't say they'll work for you.
Don't you need to spend a lot of time adjusting to zero drop shoes like the lone peaks? I liked them when I tried them but I have a long section hike coming up in May and I didn't want to risk it.
https://a.co/d/hG3XWPA
Now these guys in a wide are very comfortable for me. They're cheap, and they only last maybe 9 months before the plastic shank in the heel wears through and starts rubbing on your Achilles if you use them a lot. But they're the best trail shoes I've found for comfort.
Yes I will continue to wear sandals
Yes I will continue to walk through water without stopping to change my footwear
Yes I will continue to not worry about socks
Yes my feet will breathe naturally and feel the wind and sunlight
Yes I will continue to post about it
I play both basketball and walk outdoors. I have noticed a big problem after many years of using cushioned shoes. When I play basketball and jump I can feel imminently that the soles of my feet can’t take a high impact anymore.
I am going to buy a pair of trail shoes or trail running shoes to use every day with minimal cushioning so that my feet can get used to it. Shoes with a lot of cushioning don’t encourage you to walk properly, you don’t do the natural midfoot strike.
I watched a video a couple weeks ago of a guy saying the same shit as you. It's not true for me at least. I wear Red Wing boots and New Balance shoes. I always midfoot strike. You fans must simply be moronic.
>Red Wing boots
Those boots are probably the thing that is encouraging you to do it. If you only wore running shoes you would probably switch to a heel strike.
Something like this. I walk every day for at least 30m in the woods. These will probably strengthen the soles of my feet.
Wide feet option with minimal cushioning.
Topo is the best.
So. Word of advice. Flat shoes are great for flat or erratic terrain. But a heel is really nice when trying to scale a lot of elevation, especially with a pack. It reduces the heel angle on the climb and can make the difference between some bad achilles tendonitis and just a normal strenuous hike.
I have vibrams toe shoes (wore through first pair and have a second) and xero trail sandals. I also have three pairs of redwings and mostly wear 875s. I have been midstriking since my first pair of vibrams toe shoes. I will give an honorable mention to onisuka tiger serranos for a flexible low profile sneaker that you can wear with business casual clothes. My old pair were $65 on a nordstrom sale but they have gone up to fricking $130 now which is ridiculous.
I have really wide feet and topos are the ones that fit me the best.
It's what made me such a strong swimmer
Also have these, they're great. And compared to the Altra Lone Peak they have a vibranium sole
This may be more of a PrepHole question, but any recommendations for trail runners that are good for ice? It's winter 6 months of the year here.
JJD4HN
I saw some trail runners specifically marketed for running on ice. Myself been running this winter with a pair of speedgoats, which were fine, I assume every trail running shoe will be good for winter, and none will be good for running on pure ice