Trail runners with Vibram (or similar) soles?

Inov-8 makes a number of shoes with sticky rubber (i.e. Roclite 295.)

Oboz has a few trail runners/hiking shoes with sticky rubber as well (Valhalla?)

Never been a big fan of Vibram soles myself for traction, they last forever and are well-built but definitely not high friction.

Andrew

Yeah Inov-8's sticky rubber beats any soles I've ever had for traction, especially on slippery surfaces. I think vibram makes some softer rubber soles now as well but I'm not sure on what. Tradeoff is faster wear but my experience is soft rubber is far more effective than any possible tread pattern with harder rubber.

Vibram is a brand name not a specific type of rubber sole..
In other words it makes all sorts of rubber soles.
From the Vibram FAQ :
Does Vibram use different compounds?

Yes. Vibram uses a large variety of compounds. Each compound has its own identity, based on physical-mechanical criteria (elasticity, density, hardness and resistance to slipping, abrasion, tearing, etc.) Each compound is created to respond to the specific needs of and to guarantee maximum performance for its given use.

Franco

I heard that the golite sundragon shoes are really grippy.

Just a warning! Vibram soles get stinky if you don't wear socks with them! But thats not really to deter you because i have had good experiences with shoes that have vibram soles and they do last a long time.

as stated above, Vibram does use several different mixes, so you will get different results in different soles I would imagine. But New Balance Minimus and Merrell trail glove both are pretty light and both have the vibram out-sole.

I understand that it is a brand name…

But they do make excellent slip resistant out-soles, which is what I'm looking for. I was hoping the rest of the words in my inquiry would have made that clear.

Thanks for the suggestions otherwise. I think I'll look further into Inov-8. Lightweightness is less important to me than durability and traction. It's tough finding a shoe that does it all.

PS, I had a pair of Sundragon's that I sent back because they were super flimsy and were awful to walk on wet rock with. The sole actually peeled off while rock hopping and I fell and needed stitches.

I know that Vibram makes some soles which are grippy/sticky… But I've never used them. All of the Vibram I've used has been of the less grippy, more slippery and more durable variety.

I can recommend shoes with La Sportiva's Frixion outsoles. Easy enough to shop for them- unlike the term "Vibram" it isn't an umbrella term for a wide range of outsole materials. I've only used it on the La Sportiva Wildcats, but have been very pleased so far- a lot more grip on wet rock than Montrail's Gryptonite, Vasque's Mako, or the styles of Vibram I've used. The trade off is that it'll wear more quickly, though aren't wearing as quickly as I expected.

Look at climbing companies' approach shoes–some have already been mentioned. La Sportiva, 5.10, Garmont. Some are modeled more for climbing, but lots are geared towards hiking/running. Sticky soles are softer and will wear out faster. Don't wear them inside.

http://www.rei.com/product/774160/saucony-progrid-xodus-trail-running-shoes-mens

I wet-foot fly fish in Asics trail runners. In fact, I've only recently bought my first pair of waders and real felt-bottom boots (yay).

For me the Asics work well in sand and rock streams, and rock-hopping, but I've got to really slow down for slick algae.

I think what I might do, if I wanted to spend time in the slick stuff, would be to look at river shoes or sandals as a 2nd pair. (Or maybe even glue up canvas tennies with felt bottom?)

And of course the hike back to the car with wet shoes and numb feet is relieved.

I have Saucony Exodus trail runners, they have Vibram soles, have seemed good so far this spring, much better grip than the soles on my Merrells. Bought them based on fit, not for the soles though.

hence my link above for the saucony xodus

You might want to check out the new Teva Raith. I'm not a Teva fan typically but I bought some trail runners that didn't fit and had to ship them back. Rather than play the mailing game I went down to the local outfitter and tried on about everything they had both in trail runners and light-weight hikers.

I was very impressed with the fit/feel of the Teva Raith. Heavier than the trail runners (about 14.5oz in my Sz8.5) lighter than a hiking boot but it fit me great. It has a little more durability than a trail runner and while it doesn't have a true Vibram sole, it felt like a glove for my foot. Excellent balance, feel and it has an eVent liner if such things matter to you. For me the eVent liner was not a selling point but the way it fit me was a "Bingo" moment.

Price was reasonable…. $100/pr.