Shoes for moorland and road

I have a regular set of runs each of which is a mixture of moorland, so mud and grass, stoney paths (think farm track quality) and up to about half of the distance is on tarmac roads, the routes are undulating but with some steepish descents and ascents. The runs are between 6 and 10 miles

I also have a set of runs that have a greater proportion of off-road in them with some steep grass and steep stoney paths ascents and descents and perhaps the odd bit of connecting road where necessary. Again similar spread of distances. Also fair bit of mud and wet on the routes.

I'm currently using a pair of Innov8 Terroc 330 which seem fine, but they're my first pair of running shoes and I've only been running regularly (three times a week counts as regularly for me) this past year.

I'd be interested to hear whether people would think that I'd be better off with something grippier like say Mudclaws or whether they would be insufficiently bouncy (I suspect there might be a better term for that) in the sole for the first set of runs where I'm covering a fair bit of ground on tarmac.

Thanks in advance for your response.

Mudclaws and other "studs" are not designed for tarmac or similar surfaces and the studs will wear alarmingly quickly and in addition they have thin mid-soles to give a good responsive feel on rough ground and so lack the cushioning (the word you were searching for) of road shoes.

Trail shoes aim to provide a compromise between the two extremes but, of course, will not perform as well as specialist shoes on either surface.

Thanks FSS, that's helpful, hadn't appreciated that the soles would wear down quickly on tarmac. Stick with what I've got then, and perhaps buy a different pair for runs in the second set.

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Originally Posted by Zeno

I have a regular set of runs each of which is a mixture of moorland, so mud and grass, stoney paths (think farm track quality) and up to about half of the distance is on tarmac roads, the routes are undulating but with some steepish descents and ascents. The runs are between 6 and 10 miles

I also have a set of runs that have a greater proportion of off-road in them with some steep grass and steep stoney paths ascents and descents and perhaps the odd bit of connecting road where necessary. Again similar spread of distances. Also fair bit of mud and wet on the routes.

I'm currently using a pair of Innov8 Terroc 330 which seem fine, but they're my first pair of running shoes and I've only been running regularly (three times a week counts as regularly for me) this past year.

I'd be interested to hear whether people would think that I'd be better off with something grippier like say Mudclaws or whether they would be insufficiently bouncy (I suspect there might be a better term for that) in the sole for the first set of runs where I'm covering a fair bit of ground on tarmac.

Thanks in advance for your response.

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Zeno, have a look at the Montrail the new garlic bread! thread.

http://forum.fellrunner.org.uk/showthread.php?t=4687

I do a fair bit of "mixed" running and the Highlanders are a really good compromise for comfort, cushioning but with very reasonable grip.

Thanks DT, look interesting.

Do you know of any stockists in West Yorkshire?

Up & Running stock-em

Also Sportshoes at Bradford have the best stock of fell shoes around.
Ask for discount if you go, you normally get another fiver of the shelf price and they are usually cheaper anyway.

PS they do have a website

For the surfaces you mentioned have a look at Inov 8 Roclite's 305 or 320

Hope this helps
Stagger

Many thanks Stagger, can get to Bradford easily enough.

Although looks like Sports Shoes dont' stock Montrail if their absence from the website is indicative.

From your description of the terrain, if there are no slabs of wet rock to slither around on, Saucony Grid Approach trail shoes could well suit your purpose - the usual Saucony triangular lug grip on the sole and loads of cushioning for the sealed surface sections of your run. I used a pair 8 years ago for a Scottish coast to coast, apart from being a bit skittish on wet bedrock, they served me well.

Thanks WD, I'll take a look at those too.

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Originally Posted by Stagger

For the surfaces you mentioned have a look at Inov 8 Roclite's 305 or 320

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Agree with Stagger on the 320's but if you over-pronate don't get em!
They have great cushioning but the cushioning on mine has gone in < 100 miles of a mixture of trails/road and off road. If you are a neutral runner they would be great.
I have gone back to my Flyroc's for mixed surface running.

Thanks Dan, going to try those and the Saucony and Montrail if they're in stock. I think I don't over pronate but not sure if I'm assessing correctly.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Zeno

I think I don't over pronate but not sure if I'm assessing correctly.

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Most running shops will be able to tell you, either by running over a pad that detects presure or a treadmill.

Thanks again, I'll ask at the shop then.

Montrail Highlanders are a great shoe, I tend to favour them over my Inov 8 270's and 330's for most of my longer training runs and races...Served me well on Jura and Holme Moss this year as well as several BG reccy runs...well worth looking at. Lakes Runner has them for £54...

Mizuno's aren't bad either, v.comfy on all terrain I find. Not the most "grippy" things to have on your feet though when it's wet.... :o

Thanks Alphin and Jodg