Trail runner with approach shoe grip?

Used the old inov roclite 295s for this approach to the climb today ;)

I recently did back to back days running up and down a local mountain trail that is about as steep as can be "run" uphill. Trail is a mix of rock steps, boulders, and large rock slabs. I used my inov-8 f-lite 195 one day and la Sportiva Helios SR the next. Conditions were wet. I had zero issues running down in the inov8's whereas I felt like I was constantly on the verge of slipping in the Sportiva's. In fact I did slip and banged myself up a bit in the Sportiva's. My conclusion was that given both companies stickiest rubber compounds – the inov8 felt significantly more grippy on wet rock. This result surprised me as I was expecting the Sportiva rubber to be superior There are other differences between the shoes that could explain why the inov8s gripped the rock so much better. The inov8s are more flexible and have less tread/more contact area. They're also lower to the ground and have less cushion and more "feel" Thought this was worth adding to the discussion even if it's very shoe-model-specific in the comparison.

Good info :). Funny I find the LaSportivas a bit "hard" compared to my N2's and they are by LS standards relatively cushioned , the 195's would likely be too hard for me- would probably have to go with 255s or something along those lines an outsole with lots of contact area probably is better on rock (given similar compounds), the trade off would be in looser rock, mud, etc the Mutants have deep lugs and have proven useful in small loose rock on some speedy descents

I’ve finally gotten some longer runs (20-ish miles) in with the Mutants and as far as fit they are going to be good to go- they could be a little more roomy in the toe box, but not they aren’t bad. The deep lugs are nice- had a few days with muddy/slippery conditions, the lugs helped; ditto on loose gravelly stuff. I got into some good rocky stuff and I found them very sticky. This was dry rock, so still haven’t been able to give them a thorough test in wet rock.

Nice to read some feedback. There is another option coming out, the La Sportive Akasha. Seemingly a roomier toe box than the Mutant even, more cushioning but less of a drop, a more general outer sole: "While we are on the subject of protective all terrain trail shoes LaSportiva introduced the Akasha, a shoe "designed for long runs in challenging terrain with stacks of protection and a roomy fit". In many ways similar to the LaSportiva Mutant, it has a more cushioned 26mm/20mm stack especially in the forefoot, 6mm drop vs. the Mutant's 24/14 and 10mm drop, somewhat less aggressive less "toothy" lugs, a more conventional upper than the Mutant's great around ski boot type mid foot wrap. Akaska definitely has a roomier, softer toe box for those who found the Mutant's tight and snug, I found the Akasha a touch stiffer to flex upfront due to the additional stack. The Akasha weighs about half an ounce more than the Mutant at 11.35oz/330g Men's, 9.8oz/278g Women largely due to its higher more cushioned midsole. Available Spring 2016. http://www.roadtrailrun.com/2015/08/outdoor-retailer-summer-15-previews.html?m=1

thanks! I'll definitely have to check them out- more room in the toe box would be welcomed, a little more cushioning wouldn't hurt my feelings either a little shorter lugs would be fine as long as the compound remains the same- no mention of it so guessing it is

I’m looking forward to Scarpa’s newest Alpine Running line, which will hopefully hit US retailers soon: SCARPA News – Alpine Running. Good pictures on Hendrik’s blog here: OutDoor News 2015.

interesting- good to have choices :) as luck would have it, I won yet another pair of LaSportivas- unfortunately the expiration is the end of next month before the debut of their Akashas- oh well

I've product tested the Akashas and like them a lot. They definitely feel beefier than the Mutants, with a stiffer flex and more under-foot protection. The traction is very good on a variety of surfaces. I've used both models extensively for backpacking (usually run in a lighter shoe such as Helios or Bushido). Did 500 miles on Te Araroa in the Mutants & 160 on the Colo Trail in the Akashas – no issues with either. Both are also excellent for Mtn running, no doubt. The OP was about approach shoe rubber on running shoes. If you really want that wait for the LS TX2 or TX3. The TX2 runs like a fairly minimalist trail shoe, while the TX3 is more like a replacement for the old Exum Ridge. Both use MegaGrip rubber – really sticky stuff. I routinely scramble 5th class in them. BUT, approach shoe rubber is often not ideal for running because of the very limited tread / lugging. These shoes a rough on snow or pine needles or other surfaces where a lugged sole like the Mutant works well. NFI!

they sound good-thanks :) the TX2 or 3 aren't on their site yet, but found some announcements- sounds like a nice shoe for something like the SHR