I've been doing quite a bit of Trail running lately, partly to cross-train for my mountainbike racing but more because I really enjoy it and lets face it, it's just faaaar less cumborsome to do a workout - just put your shoes on and go !
So I had to get some proper shoes and went to some specialist shops and general shoe shops, looking at all the brands available. I tried on what I could and with my flat feet I ended up with a choice between some Montrail Rockridges (http://montrail.com/product.aspx?cat=110&prod=153&top=1) and New Balance 875's (http://www.shopnewbalance.com/newbalanceMT875OR.htm) I ended up going with the Montrails from my local running shop 'The Running Inn' (as a side note - really cool shop and the guys are really knowledgeable so give them a try if you can - http://www.runninginn.com/ )
My basic reasons for my choice was the grip of the outsoles and the durability of the upper of the shoe. The Montrail had better lugs and a softer rubber compound (called 'Gryptonite') and the upper is made from a sort of PVC material with less mesh than the 875's which should avoid scuffing damage better than the New Balance shoe. The Rockridge also won the US Trail Runner Magazine's Editor's Choice award, which I'd be lying if I said that did not influence my choice ;)
So far I've used the shoes for a few runs from 4 to 17km and also did my first 10km race in them and I must say I'm really happy with my choice. They run at a good hight - not so high as to strain one's ankles but not so low that it does not provide sufficient padding for longer distances. The padding is great(especially in the heel) and is ample for off-road conditions, which are generally softer than tar/asphalt surfaces. On the forefoot there is a 'Trail Shield' plate that I've found to be really effective at stopping bruised feet from rocks and roots on the trail that one may inadvertantly step upon. The good thing is that it is still minimal enough to keep the shoe light and flexible in the forefoot and also allows a bit of trail feel underfoot so you can feel changes in the terrain and grip and adjust accordingly. Heelcup fit is good so there is no excess slipping going on there, with the upper synthetic material keeping the shoe stable on top. The outsole is great with the 'Gryptonite' rubber compound being nice and soft on the inner diamond shaped lugs so they grip really well on a variety of surfaces from grass to hardpack to rocks especially, these are like gecko's feet on any stony ground !
There are however some drawbacks to the shoes, depending on how you look at it. They are very comfy but gave me blisters on my 1st race on the side of my right big toe and left small toe, but I put that down to socks that were too thin, the toe box for me with wide feet is slightly narrow so I need a bit thicker sock to prevent blisters. I guess that as many have told me my feet should however 'harden up' as they get used to the rigors of trail running and that it will then become a non-issue. The shoes are also made for running on proper technical trails, so if you have some tar or gravel/dirt road in your runs I'd advise against these shoes as there is not enough cushioning for such hard surfaces and the sticky outsole makes you feel very slow and 'stuck to the ground'. That is my other gripe - on one side the tacky rubber is great for providing grip - but on the other hand my soles are showing considerable wear already and I don't think I've done more than 80km in them, all of that being off-road.
So initial impressions as far as my first trail running shoes go, the Montrail Rockridge has really impressed me. It's comfy, stable and has excellent grip in all situations I've come across. I would definitely recommend them if you are looking for a neutral cushioned trail runner that runs fairly low and is not too heavy and cumbersome, just remember to keep it off the tar and on the dirt ;)
Springs is starting here in RSA so this will give me time to try it in warmer conditions as well and maybe even some mud or rain, you never know, so look out for a full review on these kicks once I've tried them in a wider variety of conditions.
Here's some images of the shoes- you'll see the wear on the outer sole and how the upper is resisting damage from rock scuffing.
Get out there !
Luan.
