Adventure Racing News
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Poll: Adventure Racing Shoes
posted Wednesday, August 27, 2008 by Yak @ 11:51 AM - 10 comments

What can I say...it's a slow news day :-)

Great time for a poll.

I know there's data out there on sales of trail running shoes but trail running is just one of the many disciplines you'll find in a typical adventure race.

It may be that the distribution of shoes that athletes choose for adventure racing is similar to trail running...but I'm not so sure.

The abuse your feet take while adventure racing goes way beyond what they have to withstand while trail running alone. Your shoes have to provide a comfortable, stable platform for running, but they also have to stay in one piece while bushwhacking, drain repeatedly when you get soaked, be easy to get on and off when your feet turn into hamburger, grip the mud, fend off the skree, accommodate gaiters if that's how you roll.


Is there enough of a difference between trail running and adventure racing that people pick shoes for reasons beyond running alone?

Lets find out.

After you answer our poll question please post a comment and tell us why you love your AR shoes.

10 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

I like the Brooks trail shoe - the red one - as it has a wide toebox for swelling feet. I use the Montrail moldable insole to add a little cushioning (the weakness of the Brooks shoe) and to make teh shoes fit like a glove. Best shoe ever...

August 27, 2008 at 4:56 PM  
Blogger ard00d said...

Recommendations from ultra runners, plus my own research and personal experience have convinced me that switching to more minimalist footwear is the way to go. I've been doing everything up to 24hrs in Brooks Racer ST3's - basically road racing flats. My longest trail run in these was over 72 miles of technical singletrack, and I felt better at the end than a previous time wearing my once-loved Montrails. It can take some time for your feet to adjust and they need to be replaced more often, but I'm not going back to "trail" shoes unless it is a multi-day.

August 27, 2008 at 8:42 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I do everything, AR's, ultras, and o-meets in Asics or Muzuno road shoes.I think most trail and AR specific shoes are over built.

August 27, 2008 at 8:43 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Brooks Cascadia. Lightweight, drain well, enough protection

August 27, 2008 at 9:37 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I've been doing ultras/endurance ARs for 6 years. Only racing in Salomons now. I tried others but once I bought Salomons, there was no going back. They are lightweight, have good traction, drains well and are ready to race in from the box (don't need a long break in period). Never been dissatified. Wearing the XA Pro Ultra now and love them.

August 28, 2008 at 7:47 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I race in Salomons because I got them for free. But I will continue to race in them because of how well they work. No matter what I have put them through, they have always taken care of my feet. A little rinsing after the murkiest of races brings tham back to life and ready fo rthe next race.

September 3, 2008 at 1:51 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I race Salomons due to the large toe box yet they fit somewhat narrow feet.

I tried others but didn't work; Nike happened to be one of those. The Nike toe box is narrow and pointed even, alas.

I can't recall which others I've tried but there weren't many due to price. I can't run around wasting my money. Salomons are tried and proven.

September 4, 2008 at 5:35 PM  
Blogger Mike Bitton said...

Montrail Hardrocks are the only shoes sturdy enough to keep my feet in working order during endless hours on the adventure racing course. Have tried lighter Vasque, Merrell, GoLite shoes and always go back to the Montrails. Also, I always use SOLE Custom footbeds, no matter which shoes I use. Helps with my flat flat feet.

September 11, 2008 at 12:46 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I run in the Teva x-1 controls which are super light and breath well. I even have room to use with defeet inserts. I tried solomon and just got blisters.

September 18, 2008 at 11:07 PM  
Blogger Joe said...

I'm another fan of the the Brooks Cascadia. I have run a couple of races in the 2's and with my endorsement my wife just ordered some 3's. Love the toe box and I haven't hurt my ankle yet. I may have to try the Montrail insole though since on the rocker trails it's a little harsh.

This after years of running in Solomons and La Sportivas.

September 22, 2008 at 11:44 AM  

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