Last weekend my friend Matt ran the Wasatch 100 mile endurance run and finished in the top 30! Congrats Matt!
The shoes of the day: Matt’s Hardrock trail runners by Montrail.
Happy Labor Day from Shoes Of The Day. There isn’t a better time to get out and trail run – the leaves are changing, the air is perfectly crisp, and soon there will be snow. This September we are going to exclusively review trail running shoes, and we wanted to share 10 tips for finding the perfect trail running shoe for you and your feet.
1. Breatheability. Let’s be honest, your feet are already pretty cool – that’s why you’re here. No need for your feet to heat up on your trail runs. Look for a lightweight mesh or some other breathable material in an upper. Not only will your shoes be cooler for you when you run, but when you step in water, they will dry out much quicker. Get breatheability. If you can’t stay out of the water, abandon this bullet-point altogether and get something that’s stuffy and waterproof.
2. Integrated tongue. If you like dirt, rocks and other debris snuggled up with your feet, stick your tongue out. For those who don’t, make sure your next trail running shoe has an integrated tongue. Extra padding in the tongue will make the top of your foot happy.
3. Toe protection. No steel toe is required, just some nice tough rubber, urethane or other material to protect your toes. When trail running, chances are you will kick some rocks or tree stumps. To reduce the risk of angry toes, keep them happy and protected with extra on the front of the toebox.
4. Cushion. Nothing more, nothing less. Find the right amount of cushion for you depending on the terrain that you run on.
5. Traction. Bowling shoes are meant to slide. Your trail shoes shouldn’t. Remember pavement is flat, the trail isn’t. Look for an outsole with climbing and descending traction. You need something that has some “meat on the bone” and offers durability in the high wear areas – look for meaty lugs! Also, consider the variety of surfaces that you will encounter – rocks, mud, grass and dirt. You never know what mother nature will toss your way – make sure your shoes are ready with adequate traction.
6. Light-weight. You’re carrying enough, that might be why you’re running. The last thing you want is clunky heavy shoes to add weight to your ascent or descent. Lighten up, and you can start with your shoes. Most good light-weight trail running shoes are between 11-15 ounces.
7. Notice the laces. Think seatbelt. Right, I didn’t wear one in the 70′s either. But think how nice it would have been to stay in one place when that vinyl seat heated up in the Chevelle and you started to slip. The same goes for your feet; you don’t want your feet moving around without your permission. Look for integrated lacing for your foot’s safety and security. Buckle up, it’s also the law.
8. Leave some room for the toes. Think first-class in an airplane – make them comfortable and they’ll become frequent fliers. Remember, when you run, your feet will swell and when it heats up in the toebox, its like flying coach…you didn’t claim the armrests and it’s a 4-hour flight. Typically you want a trail shoe that is 1/2 size larger than you normally wear.
9. Gotta have the look. Pick the right color, even if you have to pay a little more. Guys, those hot pink shoes are probably on sale for a reason. You need to like to look at them on the shelf and especially when you’re running.
10. Above all, gotta love the way they fit and feel. Try a pair on. Get the right fit. Buy Shoes at Zappos.com and take advantage of Free Overnight Shipping – you like ‘em, keep ‘em – you don’t, send them back.
Now go put them to use and Happy Trails.
July 13-15, 2009 marked the 32nd anniversary of the Badwater ultra-marathon. Globally recognized as “the world’s toughest foot race” this “mara-ultra-long” (as we call it) features 90 of the most amazing athletes on this planet. The race starts in Badwater, Death Valley – the lowest elevation in North America at 280 feet below sea level. The race finishes at Mt. Whitney Portal at 8,360 feet. In total, 135 non-stop miles, 217km for all you metric people. The course covers three mountain ranges totaling 13,000 feet of vertical ascent, and 4,700 feet of cumulative descent. Oh, and one other detail; you only have 60 hours to finish, and only 48 hours if you want the legendary belt buckle. But wait, that’s not all…if you act today, you might even get temperatures up to 130F!
Yes, we actually know, and for purposes of this article will claim close relation to one of the runners who participated, and most importantly finished this mega-amazing, ultra-marathon!
What does it feel like to run 135 miles in 44 hours? These shoes of the day do! More important than the shoes, we want to pay special tribute to the person who was wearing them – congratulations to #17, Leigh!
We had an opportunity to interview her and ask a few questions about this amazing race:
What was your time? “44:17 for my finish – that is what earned my buckle.”
What kind shoes did you run with? “New Balance 479.”
Did they meet your expectations? “Yes they always do.”
Why did you choose these shoes over all of the other brands/styles out there? “I have been running in these trail shoes for over two years. I bought a pair right before I ran the Western States 100 mile Endurance Run. The expensive trail shoes that I had been buying would hurt my feet and about 40 miles and beyond and I would cry from the pain. As a last resort, I picked these shoes up at a sports chain-store and they were really inexpensive. They worked great. I felt like I was running in slippers. I have worn them ever since, even when I did my stage race in Morocco.”
You used all 4 pairs in this race, right? “I brought 4 pairs – one pair I could not get my feet into on the second day due to swelling. But I also had my pink crocs and I put those on two different occasions; I ran in them too.”
135 non-stop cheers for the New Balance 479 shoes, belt-buckle, a pair of crocs and other accouterments of the day! Congrats once again Leigh!
