Our latest blogger and newbie trail runner; Vikki, reviews her first pair of trail shoes. And highlights the fact that you really do need to buy shoes fit for the job. Not only will you protect your road running shoes but you will also enjoy trail running far more.
As a relatively experienced road runner I am well aware of the benefits that come with wearing the right trainers, and once or twice a year I invest in buying the latest pair of my favourite shoes. But it is only recently that I’ve started to swap the pavement for the pebbles and with that transition I quickly realised that my trusty on-road shoes weren’t quite as reliable in the mud!! Fed up of damp feet and soaking shoes, not to mention constantly slipping over when running up muddy hills, I decided to try a pair of trail shoes to see what difference they made to my trail running.
The New Balance 909’s are fully cushioned trail running shoes – which creators state “have been designed to provide maximum protection against all terrains, whilst maintaining a comfortable ride.”
To put the shoes to the test, what better challenge than a six mile cross country course which consisted of mud, water, more mud, more water and very steep hills? The first thing I noticed about the New Balance 909’s were the funky laces, designed to stay tied up and tight, and offer great support at the same time. New Balance calls it the NLOCK lacing system, an integrated lacing and webbing system that provides optimal fit, support and security. I must admit, the shoes did feel snug and secure which is always a bonus when trail running, especially when the ground is uneven.
Both on the flats and up the hills I found that the New Balance 909’s offered me support that I previously only dreamed of. In the past I have found myself slipping, even on flat muddy surfaces, and struggling to climb up hills. So wearing the New Balance 909’s felt like magic, and meant that I was able to continue running on the muddy patches when previously the lack of grip on my road shoes forced me to slow down, or even walk.
Another key difference with the New Balance 909’s is that they are almost completely waterproof. At the end of the run my feet were still bone dry and my socks were only slightly damp. It made a nice change from having shrivelled feet at the end of a wet run! Another bonus with these shoes is the colour. Being dark blue ensures that even when they are muddy they never actually look it.
The only criticism I have about the New Balance 909’s, and I really am clutching at straws here, is their ineffectiveness on the pavement! But seeing as they are a trail shoe I don’t suppose I can really complain! The New Balance 909’s is now available for under £50.00 and is definitely worth considering, if like me, you are new to trail running and want a cushioned, stable ride.
I use this shoe and I really like it. I wear a Spiky Ice Cleat with them in the winter and I have found them to complement each other well.