Looking for Trail Runner advice…

People seem to really like the Montrail Hardrocks. I liked them a lot, except if I ran in them (rather than hiked) they hurt my arch. I went to a running shoe store (which I recommend if you have not been) and found out I didn't overpronate and thus do not need a stability shoe. This extra support in the arch was what was hurting my feet. They had be switch to Montrail Streaks – which are great. Very light (size 9 = 22.4 oz), very comfortable, drain water fast, and dry fast.

Yeah. You really just need to go into a running specific store and get your feet examined to see if you pronate. The store will also fit you for the best type of trail running shoe based on how long you want to run, your foot width, etc. They might fit you with an insole too…

But if you do have the type of foot that will truly accept any shoe, I would check out Brooks' new Green MoGo midsole line. Not all their shoes have it, but I think their Cascadia trail shoe will be the first to utilize it. That is, if you've got the inclination for lowering your worldly impact. I run in Brooks and think their midsoles absorb the most impact, and think that the heel to toe roll is very excellent. (I haven't tried the Cascadia though).

I also have extremely flat feet and had a similar experience with Inov8 shoes. They were just too flexible for my feet. I have had much better luck with the Montrail Hardrocks. They have tons of cushioning and a very stiff sole.

This weekend I did 30 odd miles in a new pair of Salomon XA 3D Hyper Turbo Whatevers with surprising comfort. I used to have some innov8, and I liked the "slipper" feeling for some stuff, but got sore soles if on a lot of rocky stuff.

Shoe fit is very personal, so I'd really encourage you to go to a good shop and get a lot of advice. Alternately, go to REI or a similar return friendly store, and keep taking shoes out for day hikes and returning them until you find something you like.