Trail Running Shoes For Hiking and Backpacking: Back To The Drawing Board

Dale Matson

Over the years I have used the Salomon Trail Runners for backpacking and hiking. In particular I used the Speedcross 3 and Speedcross 4. The four was an improvement on wet rock traction over the 3. Then, Salomon decided to come out with the Speedcross 5 with a more aggressive tread.

I didn’t like the model 5 because of my tendency to trip with that model. It also seemed heavier on my feet. Well, you can’t get the Speedcross 3 in my size (12) in any color any longer.

Outdoor magazine recommended the Hoka One One for trails and one of the features was a less aggressive tread. This appealed to me since I am older and don’t pick up my feet as high as I used to when walking on a trail.

The Hoka shoe was too much of a departure from what I was used to with the Salomon shoes. After walking one mile on asphalt with these shoes, it was obvious to me that the experience was horrible. It seemed like I was walking on platform shoes. I thought to myself, “I bet I could turn an ankle in these very easy”. The sole was way too thick and cushioned. In short, the shoes felt clumsy on my feet.

One of the advantages in trail shoes vs boots I have found (even off trail) is that I have been blister free for years (I do use orthotics). And with thick Darn Tough merino wool socks, I believe my ankles have been adequately protected. I also use trekking poles which are great for additional traction support up and downhill and stability.

I had a pair of Sportiva shoes for a couple of years which I wore from time to time, although I didn’t like them as much as my Salomon shoes. I noticed they have a La Sportiva Bushido II Trail Running Shoe that looks good. Salomon has a newer model Men's Xa Pro 3D V8 GTX Trail Running Shoe that also looks good (I have always liked the Salomon lacing system). 

I have never had a pair of Salomon trail shoes fail on me but admit that I usually don’t go beyond 300 miles with a pair of shoes. By that time, the heal lugs are worn down too.

So, I am open to suggestions from you folks on this. I plan on going to REI this coming week to try on some shoes. It was so much easier to order a new pair of shoes, knowing I would be happy with them. Sorry, but I don’t trust magazines and reviews to be unbiased in recommending shoes.  

ATER WORD: I bought the  La Sportiva Bushido II Trail Running Shoe. They are size 13. That is one size up from my usual size 12.