Trail running shoes for every day wear

The name pretty much says it all. I'm looking for a new pair of shoes to wear pretty much every day. I've used trail running shoes in the past and really liked them. I went to 6 shoe stores yesterday though and only found a few which I didn't like.

I'm considering the New Balance MT461 or the Salomon Men's XA PRO 3D Ultra 2 Trail. Any other recommendations?

Saucony has some great choices. I'm normally not a brand whore, but that's the only brand of sneaker I've worn for over 15 years.

I don't know how you'd feel about these but I bought some barefoot running shoes recently. They have a toe box instead of the Vibram five fingers. Merrell barefoot shoes. That was it.

I wear them when I can which is most places as they look enough like regular shoes to avoid notice.

I've been wearing trail runners for a bunch of years now. My favorItes have been Solomon, North Face and EMS's own brand. None are cheap, but good ones are light, comfortable and they last forever.

New Balance 479 are also awesome. My feet love 'em.

jg

I know a podiatrist who is a big fan of New Balance, but he suggests that the 800 and 900 series are significantly better than the lower models.

Xceler8x wrote: I don't know how you'd feel about these but I bought some barefoot running shoes recently. They have a toe box instead of the Vibram five fingers. Merrell barefoot shoes. That was it. I wear them when I can which is most places as they look enough like regular shoes to avoid notice.

I don't know how to feel about them. I've never worn any kind of minimalist shoes before. I'll check them out.

Woody, did he give a reason why? I'm not savy on NB lingo, but are the higher number models supposed to be better?

I like New Balance and Saucony. Nike, Addidas and Reebok are good too but most of their trail/running shoes are just too colorful for me.

I've had good luck with Mizuno's. However, everyone's feet are different and what I like may feel like pewp to you.

Drewsifer wrote: Woody, did he give a reason why? I'm not savy on NB lingo, but are the higher number models supposed to be better?

You can see the difference in the materials that the soles are made of. If you go to a place like Sports Authority, you'll see something like a 400 series with a sole that is made up of a single material. For ten bucks more, you step up to the 500 and you can see that the sole is made up of multiple materials. Each series is a step up and he just said to go for something in the 800 or 900 range. That's when they get to the real quality stuff.

And New Balance has wide sizes.

Last time I was looking into trail runners, I ended up going up to a pair of Merrell Moab Ventilator. It is heavier than trail runners, but I absolutely love them, and they have lasted for over 4 years now.

I like my New Balance 749's better than my 967's but that is not to say the 967's are not great too.
I choose NB because they come in the wide size I need.

749:

967:

I also have these 476's that I wear with shorts or jeans.
They are great too.

I always wished someone made a leather shoe that could be resoled, but was sporty and light enough to use as a runner.

In reply to jrw1621:

Those are nice! And I think NB is still made in the USA.

I have Salomon Discovery GTX hiking boots that are so light and comfortable I find myself wearing them all the time.

driver109x wrote: In reply to jrw1621: Those are nice! And I think NB is still made in the USA.

Not all are, check the tag on the tongue.

Asiacs. Best tennis/ running shoes ever.

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Get the ones that are most comfortable for your feet. Last time I was at the runner's store, I tried on all of the brands. I ended up with another pair of New Balances.

I've been through about four pairs of various Solomon trail shoes since I first picked up a pair and won't ware anything else these days if given a choice. Not only are they comfortable, but those speed laces are great. You'll be hooked before you know it. ... I just wish the styling was better and I'd wear mine more often.

fromeast2west wrote: I've been through about four pairs of various Solomon trail shoes since I first picked up a pair and won't ware anything else these days if given a choice. Not only are they comfortable, but those speed laces are great. You'll be hooked before you know it. ...

x1000.

NB Minimus 101 are what I wear at work. GREAT on a ladder or for hanging onto a wall sideways...

Mitchell wrote: Get the ones that are most comfortable for your feet. Last time I was at the runner's store, I tried on all of the brands. I ended up with another pair of New Balances.

Yep. It's ALL about fit.

Don't even need special shoes!

I suggest that you buy the ones that are comfy in the first place. Moreover, there are a lot of good [canoes along the watchtower] to choose from.

I learned from my brother; a 53 YO ultra runner; that cheap shoes aren't the way to go.  Buying expensive isn't necessarily the end all be all way to shoe your foot, but visit a running store to get fitted and find out what kind of stride you have.  Then you can shop online for the best deals and a properly fitted shoe.