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5oz. Non-trail shoes as trail shoes?


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Home Forums Gear Forums Gear (General) 5oz. Non-trail shoes as trail shoes?

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Viewing 7 posts - 1 through 7 (of 7 total)
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  • #1298409
    Max Dilthey
    Spectator

    @mdilthey

    Locale: MaxTheCyclist.com

    Anyone considered wearing non-trail shoes on the trail? I hesitate to think the difference is that extreme. I know everyone's conditioned to using serious lugs, but when I go out in sneakers I don't feel like I can't climb or slow my descents. My experience is limited.

    I'm looking specifically at the new Brooks PureDrift shoes, at 5oz each and with good cushioning, I feel like I'd love these on the trail but my gut is telling me to be cautious and edge towards the Brooks PureGrit instead, for the lugs…

    http://vip.zappos.com/brooks-puredrift-black-anthracite-electric-blue-shocking-orange

    In one of the cheesy videos on the Brooks website, Sasquatch says he wants a shoe that works for different types of terrain, including trail, and he chooses the PureDrift. It's obviously marketing nonsense, but they don't look too bad. I'll probably just get the PureGrit, though, which is the 2013 update to the long-lauded Brooks Cascadia.

    #1947156
    Aaron Reichow
    Member

    @areichow

    Locale: Northern Minnesota

    I personally don't know about a show that light, but as far as not having lugs: seems like that depends on the terrain and how wet it is. I used to hike a lot in Converse All-Stars, with their flat rubber bottoms. Usually fine, especially on even rock surfaces, but not so fun when you start having to deal with mud. Wasn't a fan of that.

    #1947160
    Nathan Watts
    BPL Member

    @7sport

    My typical hiking shoes (f-light 195) don't have aggressive lugs and I like them that way. But in the mud and snow I go to a more aggressive soled shoe.

    5oz is a pretty light shoe though. I can't imagine there would be much cushion or durability, so be aware of that

    #1947166
    Jake D
    BPL Member

    @jakedatc

    Locale: Bristol,RI

    I tried to use Brooks Pure Connects as lightweight shoes but they were awful. Which seem similar to the Drift.

    there is a difference between trail running and hiking. most folks don't trail run for more than 1 day. so things you can deal with for 1 run is different than multiple days.

    problems:
    mesh bottoms let even the smallest trail moisture in to soak your socks. not fun
    Mesh tops and bottoms lets in dirt-causes blisters
    foam sole is not that grippy.. especially when wet.

    it might be that my feet don't like the minimal drop but my feet got super tired wearing those compared to my Solomon XA Comp5s

    anyone want a pair of PureConnects sz 8? barely used ;)

    #1947172
    Max Dilthey
    Spectator

    @mdilthey

    Locale: MaxTheCyclist.com

    I've used the Brooks PureConnect for running and walking since September off-trail, and they're the reason I'd consider switching to the PureDrift. Durability looked awful on the PureConnects at first glance, but in practice they just didn't wear out- they are starting to smooth out on some of the tread, but most of the tread is intact and I have been very impressed with the shoe overall. The upper is rock-solid.

    I expect the PureDrift to be just as durable.

    So a big +1 on the Brooks shoes; for a certain type of runner, picking up Jake D's Pure Connects is a good deal!

    However, when running in rain/slush I also experienced moisture coming up through the bottom of the shoe, but never dirt. Maybe there's a way to seal it off using a lot of DWR spray; it wouldn't wear out too quick, since it's between the tread pads.

    I think given that I'll enjoy these shoes, I'll try them out and then report back on how they did.

    #1947180
    Nick Gatel
    BPL Member

    @ngatel

    Locale: Southern California

    "Anyone considered wearing non-trail shoes on the trail?"

    Been doing it for years. Minimalist Shoes

    #1947184
    Jake D
    BPL Member

    @jakedatc

    Locale: Bristol,RI

    Yea.. they are similar to my racing flats i used in HS for track. maybe even lighter. so for up to a few miles they would be fine for me. just hiking felt weird.

    i'd probably wear them around as normal shoes if they weren't green and i wanted to sell them haha.

    the dirt may have been coming in from the tops since they are so low.. a pair of Dirty Girls would probably solve that.

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