Shoe Mania

I've worn my Inov-8 Terroc 330s and Roclite 295 in wet and muddy conditions, but not cold. For wet/muddy/cold I plan on adding a pair of gore-tex socks.

My Terrocs have about 200-some miles on them on granite, pavement and dirt. The lugs are definitely starting to wear a bit, but that's the trade off for a soft rubber grip.

The 295s are at about 125 miles over the same terrain, and showing about the same wear. Softer rubber.

Innov-8 don't provide the level of underfoot cushioning you might be used to if you normally wear boots. The soles are much more flexible, and you will feel the trail underneath your feet. I grew to like that. I feel more nimble.

When the Terrocs and the 295s reach the end of their lives, I plan on trying Roclite 315s for trail running and Flyroc 310s for hiking.

Go to a place like runningwarehouse.com that has pretty good prices and free shipping both directions, order a couple pair and try them at home. Endless.com and Zappos have the same shipping policy but higher prices.

Thanks, Jim!

I really appreciate the feedback. I'm in the process of transitioning to lighter gear, and after completing a large section of the Long Trail in September, wearing what were sold to me as "light" boots, I've decided that my top priority is to get decent, comfortable footwear that, after heavy rain, doesn't feel like I've my feet encased in concrete. I've also come to the conclusion that "ankle support" is a bit of a myth; that is to say my ankles don't need much support beyond training them up to be strong.

I'll check out that running warehouse site right now.

All the best,

Tim.

If you still want some ankle support, the Inov-8 390GTX shoes are mid-height with decent support and weigh less than a lot of trail shoes. I've got a pair in size 10.5 that weigh 30.4 oz total. That's only 25% more than a very-light trail shoe like the Montrail Streaks (24.3oz in a 10.5), which are my preference for warm/dry conditions.

For me, in cold/wet conditions like you are asking about, I think the extra height is more about staying dry than about ankle support. The extra couple of inches means that the 390GTXs never have rain come in the top, because they are protected by my pants, and I can step in a much deeper puddle or muddy area without getting any water in the shoes. That's a huge plus for me.

I agree on the Merrell's — too heavy for what you get. I've got trail shoes that I use sometimes for dayhikes, but the cost/weight/performance just isn't as good as some other brands. I know there are other folks on here with a lot more experience than I have, but I've had great success with both Inov-8 and Montrail for trail shoes.

For me the best fit has always been with Montrail. I have two shoes with the Hardrock outsole.
One is a old pair of Mountain Mist GTX I bought for day hikes in wet weather. I bought them on sale for $50. I have had them for 5 years. I still wear them when I go out and for the occasional day hike.
Another is a pair of Namches. I absolutely love these shoes. They are light, breathable, durable so far and with Montrail Thermo-Moldable insoles fit me perfectly.

I was wanting to purchase a pair of Hardrock Mid GTX but I noticed they changed the OUTSOLE. What? That was there claim to fame. I have also heard some bad reviews of the new Hardorcks. I have been looking for a pair of the 08's.

Joseph

I like the old Montrail Hurrican Ridge shoes for winter hiking, but they are no more (but can still be found online). I also wear Adidas Supernova trail runners for the other 4 seasons.

Don't bother with the '08 Hardrocks. Not like the "07 or earlier. Poor durability on the slippery sole. Beware wet tile floors!

I love them. The x-talon 212 is my favorite. I have over 200 miles on my current pair, including trail races and summit hikes to 14k. I don't think they'll last over 300, nor would I expect them to. I also have (and like) a couple of the mudroc and flyroc models

Some of the inov-8 models are extremely light-weight and/or have super-sticky rubber soles. Both attributes involve at least some trade-off of support and longevity.

My experience is that they run narrow and can be a troublesome fit for some. In addition, they do not fit the same across model lines. I'd solicit fitment experiences on the models that interest you before buying and use a place that allows returns.

If you do buy from runners warehouse, click the team discounts link at the top of their front page and use coupon code cp20 for a 15% discount.

I love my inov-8 flyroc 310, but I agree with chris that inov-8 aren't for everyone. Pretty much every running shoe company makes a reasonable trailrunner. I agree with everyone who says Montrail broken their shoes last year. Hopefully 2010 will be better. Something missing from your you list was Salomon who makes a number of good shoes.

My suggestion would be to go to whatever shoe stove hsa the best selection in your area and try on shoe until you find one that feels really good on your feet.

The unfortunate truth is that the trailrunners will wear out…. at which point you can try sonmething else until you find the very best shoes for you

–mark

I love the Montrail Stealths and bought three pairs when I found them on sale earlier this year — a little insurance against them changing the shoes. Not good for wet weather, but awesome breathability and the best shoes I've ever had for lightweight trips and relatively dry conditions.

I've also had good success — as have friends — with some of the Montrail mid-height shoes. Some of the best of both worlds as a cross between shoes/boots. I've got the Cirrus GTX model, which is a little heavier than I'd like, at 42oz for a pair in size 10.5, but I can take these anywhere and through anything and be okay.

"If you still want some ankle support, the Inov-8 390GTX shoes are mid-height with decent support and weigh less than a lot of trail shoes."

+1 They're a great late fall/early spring shoe, as well as a snowshoeing shoe. They're on sale now at store.inov-8.us
for $95 + ~ $10.50 shipping

I have a pair of La Sportiva Rajas. They're my first pair of trail runners and I bought them because:

-They had great ratings on every site I checked out.
-They're designed for rain/mud/snow
-A positive review spoke about using them in mud and snow
-They were on a huge sale at mountaingear.com for $50.

I've put about 90 miles on them at this point and love them. They are EXTREMELY comfortable and so much more fun to hike in than my old boots.

I dunked a foot on my most recent trip, when it was about 35-40 degrees and rainy, but within a few minutes that (soaked) foot was comfortable again. I hiked four more miles that day without a problem. By the time I stopped, I couldn't see much of a difference in how damp my feet were, and I was still comfortable.

I should note that part of the heel recently separated from the sole. This was probably 8 or so miles ago. I superglued it back together and it's been fine. I considered going to La Sportiva about this and still may if it separates again, but I think the superglue did the trick.

As far as the durability of this shoe goes, that heel separation may have been my fault. I did the same thing on the same foot with my old pair of Montrail boots that had a Vibram sole. So who knows? All I know is that I'll never hit the trail without a small tube of superglue again.

Anyway, that heel incident aside, these shoes do just fine in wet and cold conditions.