Thread: Stiff-soled trail shoe recommendations needed

I'm in the market for a new trail running shoe. I was on Merrell chameleons for years, which I considered to be the perfect shoe, but I feel like the newer versions are not as stout or durable as the originals. BC.com has almost everything out there, but REI didn't have crap to try on.

I mainly need something with a thicker and stiffer forefoot than average and a substantial shank/pro plate. I dislike thinner, more flexy shoes that have good "trail feel." When I use those types of shoes all I "feel" is small rocks bruising the bottom of my feet. A fully molded vibram sole is also preferred, I destroy soles with lots of multicolcored welded lugs in no time (totally thrashed a pair of montrail hardrocks in 3 weeks).

Check here: http://forums.runnersworld.com/eve/f...rm/f/698106477

If you're unable to find anything useful through search, post your question. They're a nice group of dummies and pretty knowledgeable, too.

I've had great results with all of my montrail shoes... No crazy-stiff plate, but more of an all-over hard layer. They have always protected my feet from sharp rocks. I think that there is a fine line in between "feeling" the trail, and bouncing all over the place because your togs are too stiff. For me, i think they should give slightly, absorb the impact, and transfer little if any to your feet. Just my .02...

I want to say that they were the older version of the Hurricane Ridge GTX that's out there now. Similar sole pattern.
Also was a big fan of the CTC, but that's a bit more of an approach shoe with a tighter toe box.


Also just picked up a pair of SAC Vasque Velocity trailrunners... they look to be much the same idea.

Originally Posted by GapersGoHome

Also just picked up a pair of SAC Vasque Velocity trailrunners... they look to be much the same idea.

While I've never trailrun, the Velocities are probably the best shoe I've ever owned. The soles last forever, are really grippy even on ice, and I've never had anything break/tear/rip/fall-apart/etc on them. Awesome, awesome shoe.

Originally Posted by GapersGoHome

For me, i think they should give slightly, absorb the impact, and transfer little if any to your feet. Just my .02...

That's where I differ and what I loved about the old chameleons. When they were newer it felt like the sole preloaded on each step and gave you some nice kick on the backside of your stride. Loved that, especially ripping downhill.

ive had good luck with the north face M Ultra 103 XCR trail runner. Im on my second pair. I beat the hell out of them and the first pair lasted almost 18 months. They are pretty stiff. That being said my second pair's sole peeled off a little after a few runs. Rather than being without my shoes for a month and warranty them, i just glued it

I give them 3.5/5 just for durability issues

You should make your final choice based on the way the shoes fit, but that said, there are a few models you should look at. In particular look for shoes with polyurethane (PU) midsoles. PU is denser, stiffer, and more durable than the EVA foam that a lot of running and trail shoes use. These are all pretty stout shoes.

Scarpa's Oxygen has a really well padded sole, but it tends to fit kind of narrow. If you have a particularly wide foot, keep looking.

The Lowa Orix has a really strong sole, and a medium fit.

Vasque's Velocity has a firm plastic (TPU) mid layer that protects the foot. Medium width fit.

The North Face Rucky Chucky has TPU in the midsole too. It's a slightly wide fit.

I too went from chameleons to Ultra 104 XCR. I love em.

Montrail Vitesse. Cheap, bomber, stiff, stable, durable. They've been the same colors for like 5 years so you're not paying for any of this whizbang yellow-orange-mesh-rubber-blue-make-it-look-cool bullshit.

I get about a thousand miles a pair out of them. (5 miles every other day for 1.5 years). I get rid of them not because they fall apart but because the sole finally flattens out.



And get Superfeets.

I don't run but I'm on my second pair of 103 XCRs and like them well enough. More durable than the montrails I used to use for sure. Last me about a year or street wear/hiking/hunting and my last pair is only marginally played out.

Shoes do not last long with me for some reason.

Asics Sensor - I did a 50K in them last fall and they were great. They are not light but they are pretty bomber. And Asics run great...