WORDS: DAMIAN HALL
Really, comfort is the most important factor to consider when buying new off-road shoes; any running shoes, or indeed any shoes. Some trail shoes are narrower, some broader. Some claim to be size six, but are more roomy than another brand’s six. So, do they fit well? If not, you might be asking for blisters. Don’t necessarily buy the best bargain online (unless you’re happy to post them back). For off-road or trail shoes (a popular term but a bit of a misnomer as shoes good for trails aren’t usually much cop for fell/ mountain running, for example), it can be worth shopping for them the old-fashioned way.
The next most important consideration is grip. Road shoes tend to have more cushioning than most trail shoes, but the grip is often inadequate for most types of terrain bar perhaps good trails when dry. A bit of mud will often send the wearer flying. Shoes that grip well in squelchy mud aren’t necessary comfortable on hard trails in summer – the bigger the lugs, the less comfortable they can be on hard flat stuff. Shoes that make you feel like you’re flying on trails won’t usually grip well on wet rock – in fact few shoes can, yet it’s the worst place to lack faith in your footwear.