Adventure racing/trail running shoes

[kolaval]

I y have done a few of these adventure races now and the mud murders my normal running shoes and my feet in them.it clumps underneath the bridge of my foot whilst running which hurts.

Does anyone have any experience with more minimalist shoes with better drainage?

Maybe something like these:



http://www.merrell.com/UK/en-GB/Mobile/Product.mvc.aspx/31594M/76946

 

[Inviter]

Have a look at the salomon range.... Expensive but really good stuff

 

[AfricanTech]

Have a look at the salomon range.... Expensive but really good stuff

Expensive is understatement - saw a pair of salamon trail runners for 2k at cape union mart - very comfy mind you

 

[OrbitalDawn]

Merrell & Salomon is pretty much what you're looking for.

 

[diabolus]

I run in merrel trail gloves, but that is minimalist bordering on barefoot,so beware though. Minimalist will solve the water and mud stuff,but if you are not used to the running style it can be very painful. You will feel every rock.

You shouldnt have to pay more than 1.5k for shoes.i paid r800 for mine at like tekkie town.

I run in these

https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/...GDIIdDdLQA0ddK_1zmIf51WGnAq1q6THU6xDfzSMUHFvQ
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pEADhcSTYTU/T...Trail Glove Side View_thumb[1].jpg?imgmax=800

Other options to look at, is the Innov8 series of shoes. http://www.inov-8.com/new/
Very popular with some trail runners.

 

[srothman]

Merrell & Salomon is pretty much what you're looking for.

+1 for Merrells.

As mentioned, don't go too thin unless you have to. In my opinion, the advantage of having such a snug fit just for the sake of not getting too much dirt and what not in your shoe isn't worth the compromise of a more comfortable run. A minimalistic fit doesn't always equal a better fit.

I have a pair of Mix Master Aeroblocks that I ordered from Sportsdirect.com and all-in came to around R1100-, which is a bloody good price. A little bit thicker and fuller than what you can get, but a hell of a comfortable run.

You can have a look at these as well, which are great for the money you pay for them:
http://www.sportsmanswarehouse.co.za/new-balance-mens-1010-trail-running-shoes.html#.UgedxLEaKUk

Also, don't go too cheap. Rather spend properly on a pair that will last you a while. This sport, by its nature, is rugged. Make sure you get something that'll last for more than a couple of runs.

 

[diabolus]

I upgraded my shoes to the Merrell Ascend Gloves which has a thicker sole. This one : http://www.merrell.com/US/en-US/Product.mvc.aspx/32155M/78577/Racer/J41763?dimensions=0

R1300 at Cape Union Mart.

The Merrell Trail Glove is R600 at Tekkie Town, so if you want cheap there is that, a great shoe , but if you got softy/sensitive feet then it gets painful over longer distances, hence the Ascend above seems to be exactly the solution to this problem hehe.

But again, these shoes are 0mm Heel Drop shoes (the height difference between the front and the heel) , which implies you run more on your forefoot (like you would if you were running barefoot). Traditional shoes lifts the heel and add all kinds of cushioning/supports , which allows you to run more on your heels to absorb the shock. This is "easier" on the calves/ankles, but debatable long term (still alot of disagreements with all of this, in my case, i had ITB/Knee probs and going 0mm heel drop/minimalist solved it. So i guess it's a personal thing to work out) .

Most minimalist shoes tend to be aiming for a 0mm - 4mm heel drop and very little padding/support . Where traditional shoes have all these arch support (pronation stuff) and tons of padding.