Question:
My once-a-week trail-running thing (20/80 road/trail) is something I am going
to invert for a few months to probably about 80/20, as I work to recover a
partially-torn calf. I am finding the softer surfaces a bonus, plus I think I
can use the miscellaneous muscle strengthening that trail running should offer.
I've been doing my dirt running so far in an already well-worn pair of ASICs
Gel-Cumulus, and they are comfortable enough for the purpose, but the trails
are thrashing them very fast. Too much exposed soft foam underbelly, and the
shoes seem designed to pick up dirt and sand on purpose. I'm pretty sure I
should get a pair with more rugged outer materials, both on the sole and the
upper. However, I do not want anything with weird motion-control bits that
restrain flexibility, and right now I definitely need ample cushioning.
Is there a trail-running shoe or two that fills this bill to anyone's
knowledge? I have a slight bias for ASICS shoes, and I know they make a
trail-runner called the Trabuco. Anyone run in this shoe? Other shoe
suggestions for an experienced but slightly-in-need-of-repair runner who's
increasing his trail work?
Answer:Your trail is basically dirt? i.e., you don't have sharp rocks or
many tree roots? If these are the case, not much reason for a trail
shoe. Just treat your calf to a new pair of shoes that won't let
the dirt in and have at it. I do almost all my trail running in
regular runners. I've gotten a pair of trail shoes, but the only
times I've felt glad to have them are when I'm going over a lot of
rock and root.
For the top, you might investigate trail gaiters.
