Anyone suggest any Footwear suitable for the Bob Graham Round. I have been doing all my recces in inov8 Rocklites and have finally came to the conclusion that i would prefer something with substantialy more cushioning in them than them. Grip is fantastic but i am after something with a more robust feel. Would quite happily sacrifice a few grammes over comfort on the day!!
Are you sure it's cushioning you need? I wore Mudclaws as far as Honister, then Roclites for leg 5, & my feet & legs are fine. Too much cushioning & you risk coming a cropper on the stony bits.
I ran in a new pair of x-talons, just one run in them before i went round. That meant enough 'new shoe' cushioning and comfort to be noticeable (it wears off quickly) and lots of lovely new-stud grip. This meant a new, light shoe with a bit of comfort. The next time i wore them after the round, the cushioning had gone and they were the aggressive and lightweight shoe they are designed to be! I think the nearly-new tactic worked, although the only issue is that the uppers of talons aren;t so protective against sideways bashes against rocks, but what shoe is?
Good point never crossed my mind that. I have had them a while and used them on varios 25-35 mile off road sessions and logged loads of training mileage so that must be the issue. Will try them with some insoles in before i fork out for anything new!!Originally Posted by Mark Smith
Another vote for X-Talons, used them on both my attempts, and find them very comfortable for any type of off road event/challenge.
I have seen a quite a number of people use Salomon Speedcross 2 both on their rounds and supporting. I find them great for long trail races where a bit more cushioning would help but wouldn't use them on the BG for the reasons Splatcher suggests.
I've been using Speedcross' for recces and one or two other runs. I used them on Jura. but I tend to think they lack grip on descents now, which does restrict speed when dropping down. My problem is I've had two pairs of Inov8's and had issues with both, Walsh's I think would be too thin for a full BG, for me. I'm going to get some out of my box re-soled etc and give them a try. I might have a look at X-Talons too.
Just completed this weekend in Salomon XR Crossmax - could have done with a bit more "stud" to Dunmail. Chose them after tripping up too many times on long Mudclaw studs on a recce of Leg3 a few weeks ago.
Think about your socks also - I go for Bridgstone trekking socks LOTS of cushioning!
At least one section in tennis shoes (great cushioning) and wearing a pyjama top: http://www.bobgrahamclub.co.uk/bobgr...o.uk/brief.htm
I did my round in the same 2 pairs of X-Talons that I trained for it in. No foot issues for me. Obv. I didn't wear both pairs at the same time ;-)
Just done my round in a pair of rocklite 295s. I would have changed, depending on the leg, to a fell shoe and back but i developed a painful problem with my foot some weeks ago. These were, by far, my most comfortable footware and provided me with the fewest problems when out training with the bad foot.
I wondered whether these would compromise me on steep grassy slopes... But not at all. Loads of grip, Just enough cushioning without being over-balanced and so comfy. Just remember, much of the terrain is very rocky, rough and bouldery - these are far better over such terrain, and more stable - as you have eluded to. That said, the ground was very dry for my round and that will make a difference.
I aimed to swap between these and a fell shoe but injury forced my hand - it worked a treat!
Ultimately, I tend to think it comes down to personal preference and a bit of trial and error when training. What works for you? A: That's the shoe you need.
Martin
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