Hiking shoes / trail running trainers

[Square Leg]

I’m finding myself doing more walking - I have a good pair of Scarpa boots, well worn but good for the wet and muddy stuff.
Just been for a 6 miler this evening in them and the ground is so hard (90% fields) they actually felt too hot, heavy and probably unnecessary in these conditions.
Does anyone use trail running trainers for summer walking?

I don’t particularly like the look of hiking shoes - look too clumpy.

Pros / cons of trainers?
And what are a decent brand? (La Sportiva seem to pop up often)
Seem to be so many that I’ve never really heard of.

Cheers

[595Heaven]

Have a look at the Adidas Terrex range

[S100HP]

I've exclusively used trail running shoes for years. Wouldn't consider anything else these days. Particular fan of inov8 but there are many good brands. Just get the ones you like the look of at the right price. Vinted is great for hardly worn ones.

[gazza285]

Don't expect longevity though, most trail running shoes are designed for running fast, not for lasting.

[Square Leg]

595Heaven said:

Have a look at the Adidas Terrex range

I’ve always found Adidas quite narrow in the toe box for my abnormal feet (a botched bunion removal hasn’t helped) are Terrex a wider fit?

[barryrs]

I purchased some adidas Terrex Agravic 3 from Start Fitness for £65 inc postage recently and find them comfortable for trail runs.

All I would say is that if you haven’t tried trail shoes, you might be surprised to find they don’t offer as much cushioning as a road running shoe. As such might not be a good walking option.

[LRDefender]

I buy La Sportiva as they fit the shape of my foot very well, never any discomfort straight out the box.

Try some different brands and find which brand fits your foot the best.

And socks, decent socks are important IMO.

[W99KSY]

I have a pair of Dynafit trail runners/hiking shoes with a vibram sole - so far they’ve held up pretty well on gravel/light mountain paths.

Water can get in though depending on what kind of terrain you’re in - think they do a GTX version but I prioritized something more breathable and light for their intended use

[RustyNissanPrairie]

I use big heavy goretex boots during winter then switch to Approach shoes when it dries out a bit in spring.

I have Scarpa and LaSportiva’s. The Sportivas especially feel like ballet shoes after the heavy winter boots. They have soft sticky vibram soles, good insteps so rocks don’t hurt your footbed and the laces go down to the toe box like climbing shoes. I often end up running certain local sections as it feels like I’m a French parkour expert all of a sudden!

I had some Adidas terrex and didn’t rate them at all, not durable enough, wouldn’t bother again.

[595Heaven]

Square Leg said:

595Heaven said:

Have a look at the Adidas Terrex range

I ve always found Adidas quite narrow in the toe box for my abnormal feet (a botched bunion removal hasn't helped) are Terrex a wider fit?

I've got quite wide feet and have found them comfortable - I walk 15-16,000 steps a day mostly on road and have had 5 pairs of the Terrex Swift Solo 2 which are great, but I tend to get through a pair every 6-8 months.

Was in Go Outdoors on Saturday and bought a pair of these https://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/products/adidas-terre... - Wore them yesterday and they seem very comfortable as well.

[thetapeworm]

gazza285 said:

Don't expect longevity though, most trail running shoes are designed for running fast, not for lasting.

Absolutely this, even with Vibram soles.

I've been through several pairs of Terrex, a pair of Merrell Moab Speed have been my comfiest so far but wore out in about 12 months and I'm currently in some Mammut Sapuen low GTX which are very solid but not like slippers like the Merrells were.

Edited by thetapeworm on Monday 20th April 21:21

[Lefty]

Yep Merrel Moabs here too, I have the low and mid ones (on my third pair of those). Fit me really well, super comfy but, again, they wear out in a year or two.

[Ryyy]

I've done miles in various air maxes and just recently been wearing some sheild quest running things. I think as long as they're comfortable your fine, I've worn everything from shox to 90s

I actually like the silhouette of merrell moabs but they felt odd on foot.

[sawman]

Brooks make some excellent shoes for trail walking or running, alot of their models come in narrow, regular and wide options.
As a starting point glycerin are a great shoe, also a gore tex option if you need waterproof.

[Square Leg]

Thanks all.
Will have a look around and see what’s available locally, although I reckon I’ll have more success with on-line shops
Think it’ll be easy enough to find Terrex locally but would also like to try some La Sportive…think they’ll have to be an internet jobby.

[spikeyhead]

I use various Merrel's for hill walking, Hoka Speedgoats for trail running where it's likely to be rough and Asics Gel-sonoma when the trail is lilely to be reasonably smooth

[Bill]

I have some Scarpa Rapid LT shoes. The soles are a bit more solid than running shoes so better on rocky ground.

[xx99xx]

Salomon gortex with the quick lace system. Excellent all rounder. Been my default outdoors shoe for over 20 years.

[oddman]

Trail running shoes definitely suitable for what you describe and I know what you mean about walking shoes. Who wants to look like a retired geography teacher or social worker?

If you're walking in them, chances are they will last longer than if you were running. This will expose the weaknesses of the less durable brands. Hoka shoes look quite flimsy and are light and cushioned like carpet slippers but IME they last well. Inov8 are also really tough and long lasting but I find the sizing inconsistent between two iterations of the same shoe. La Sportiva fit me well, are grippy and really suited to more technical terrain and are very well made. You can tell they are first and foremost a mountaineering and climbing boot manufacturer.

[Don Veloci]

Always had the opinion that a hiking boot isn't required for most terrain and conditions in the UK outside extreme winter. Trail runners or approach shoes being the lighter and cooler adequate alternative.

I think anything termed as an approach shoe is a bit heavier and chunkier than an outright trail runner.

Had Berghaus and Innov8, both been fine until I killed them/got leaky. Currently using a pair of Mizuno which are still doing well at two years use.