First fell shoe advice

[Skids]

Hi folks

I started road running a few months ago, but would really like to be out on the fells. I live on the edge of the Lake District, so accessibility is not a problem, I've got years of fell walking experience, and I think I've now just about got enough basic fitness to give it a go (although I invisage lots of walking uphill).

Looking to buy my first pair of fell shoes, and wondering what 'level' of shoe I should be looking at. I realise fit is really important, and I'm going down to Pete Bland's in a couple of weeks to get checked out for some road shoes, so I'll be able to try a selection on. I'm not going to be doing any racing for a little while (but who knows...), and doing mainly just short stuff, mostly in the dry (ha ha!)

My main question is - should I be going for a more gentle 'all-round' shoe like the mudroc or highlander, or a full-on, grippy, minimal-cushioning shoe like the mudclaw or walsh (e.g. pb ultra - I've got v.wide feet and a high instep). Is it OK for a beginner to start with the 'real thing' or an am going to be hobbling about holding my poor tootsies in agony. Or will the extra grip help give me more confidence? (based on my skiing 'technique', I imagine I'm going to find it easy enough to 'go for it' on the descents!)

I have got a pair of terrocs, which I've found useless in the mud when I have gone off-road, but maybe they'll do me for harder, dryer runs if I do go down the mudclaw/walsh route?

Any advice/encouragement would be most appreciated!

[Derby Tup]

Welcome to the forum Skids

If you think you might enjoy a good descent get proper fell shoes - Pete Blands will sort you out. Suggest you don't go with a pre-conceived idea but buy what fit best

[scott baistow 93]

welcome to the forum skids.
id say if you're doing short stuff in the lakes id say either walshes or inov-8s i use the X-talons which i find are great but i use the mudclaw 330s for training for shorter races check out the bofra calendar theres loads of stuff in and around the lakes www.bofra.co.uk and check out the inov-8 site for more info on the shoes www.inov-8.com

[TurboTom]

welcome to the forum skids.
id say if you're doing short stuff in the lakes id say either walshes or inov-8s i use the X-talons which i find are great but i use the mudclaw 330s for training for shorter races check out the bofra calendar theres loads of stuff in and around the lakes www.bofra.co.uk and check out the inov-8 site for more info on the shoes www.inov-8.com

Nonsense, My crosslites are very comfy. I aint getting them dirty running though

[scott baistow 93]

Nonsense, My crosslites are very comfy. I aint getting them dirty running though

you call yourself a fell runner stick to the rocky slopes of snowdon

[TurboTom]

you call yourself a fell runner stick to the rocky slopes of snowdon

Hey mr lakeland. I do it continental. Developed in the alps for the alps.

[scott baistow 93]

Hey mr lakeland. I do it continental. Developed in the alps for the alps.

fair point

[TurboTom]

fair point

They were actually made in a factory in india probably. Oh well cant be fussy. Thoroughly recommended though a size to big

[Skids]

Think they'd fit my big wide high arched feet?

[Derby Tup]

Think they'd fit my big wide high arched feet?

Sounds like Inov8 330s or those black and white Walshes for you

Incidentally, is your user-name a tribute to the late 70s Scottish new-wave band. 'Into the valley" - what a record that was!