Yo Billy, I'm in the market for a new running shoe, something mostly for trails but could work on road too. Any suggestions?
-Tim M. Redding, CA
Finding a shoe that works well on both roads and trails can be a tricky process. The majority of trail running shoes sport some form of rigid protection integrated into the sole to keep feet safe from rocks, roots, and other bone-bruising trail obstructions. That's great when you're trail running, but a stiff, protective sole usually makes the shoe a bit too firm for long pavement runs.
It's hard to find the balance between cushioning and protection without sacrificing performance on either the trail or the road, but there are a few shoes that successfully straddle the line between the two opposing types of terrain. Read my suggestions after the jump.
I've got two favorites right now: Brooks Adrenaline ASR 8 and Mizuno's Ascend 6.
The Adrenaline ASR 8 ($110, brooksrunning.com) is based on Brooks' Adrenaline GTS road shoe, but with a water-resistant upper and a more durable and aggressive outsole. The ASR 8 provides plenty of shock-absorption for road runs, but its upper is tough enough withstand abrasion, and its outsole keeps traction even on wet, slick terrain.
Mizuno's Ascend 6 ($99.99, mizunousa.com) trail shoe profile reminds me of Mizuno's Wave Inspire road shoe and it has a similar feel on pavement. The burly outsole holds traction well off-road and the Wave Plate keeps feet safe from rocky obstructions.
I've spent a lot of time on dirt and trail with these shoes, and they handle both types of terrain equally well. I just started testing out the K-Swiss Blade Max Trail, and while it's a stiff enough trail shoe, I suspect that it's got enough cushioning to handle some road work. I'll let you know once I put some road miles on it.
