Looking for a solid pair of trail runners, to train for and to use for an ultra marathon over the Jurassic Coast on the south west of England next year, what would you recommend for this type of terrain, grassy steep hills?
@SamP128 god yeah the cts Dorset ultra that I did was one of my first ultras - talk about entering hard! 😆 you’ll want a good all mountain trail shoe with vibram megagrip for sure with a nice balanced midsole; nothing too cushy with that grassy terrain. Look at the speedgoat 6, the Salomon Genesis (not vibram by contagrip is also very good), or the Nike zegama 2. You should love either of those. Alternatively if you’re ok with a firmer ride then the MTL Long Sky 2 Matryx is an epic trail shoe. All reviews on the channel but this roundup will make them all easier for you to compare and find my reviews of them: www.trailandkale.com/roundups/best-trail-running-shoes-buyers-guide/
Let me know if you have any questions or if you’re just not sure which running shoes you need and need some pointers, just let me know your situation and I’ll get you hooked up with the best running shoes for you. Your loyal running shoe expert, Alastair.
Hello!! How’s it going buddy I hope you are doing good, I just had a question currently I use Nike pegasus 39 to walk 20,000 steps Daily in my local trail which are almost tearing apart ahaha what trail running shoes would you recommend ?? I run sometimes too btw currently injured that’s why haha will be happy to hear from you
@KnowledgeIsPower-n5q have you considered the Pegasus Trail 5? It will be better suited to the trail and has a similar fit to the Pegasus road version, although better I think ;)
@@trailandkale Hello buddy, hope you are well!! So Nike trail is what you would recommend ? I’m thinking an all rounder that I can do 20k steps in the long trail outside and secondly intense cardio /shadow boxing / jump rope little bit of CrossFit hopefully running when I recover I know you are very knowledgeable when it comes to shoes as I have seen on your videos so I am hoping for a great answer
Brilliant video! I have my first ultra in September 2025. The course is on the coast and will be 65% sand. It is 130km, what would your recommendation be ?
Thank you! Which coast, and which ultra? Exciting! 65% sand will definitely require a wide footprint shoe. I have a few in mind but I’ll be able to make a better recommendation when I know the race ✌🏼-A
Good video. Been a Brooks Trail Shoe user for several years now. Don't really understand why they aren't a popular choice here in the UK. For every Brooks shoe there are about 10 Hokas... Your right about the outsole, it's every bit as good as Vibram. The cushioning is really good, firm but still cushioned and not pillow soft like some makes. The durability of the upper is great. All round they are superb shoes. The only downside is that since the switch to the "Green" TrailTack the durability has decreased on the outsole... just my opinion.
Yeah that’s weird, I noticed this too on my recent trip back to the UK, it seems choice is a bit more limited over there. Brooks make such great trail shoes.
I see a lot of Cascadias in the UK but I've almost never seen anyone else using the Catamount (gen 1, 2 or 3). I don't know why because it's a great shoe as long as the ground isn't too rough or muddy. I see a lot of reviews that state it isn't cushioned enough for long distances but I've taken version 2 up to 70km and it felt great. I hope durability hasn't dropped too much from ver2 to 3. My first pair of the 2 are up to nearly 1300km, have loads of tread left and the midsole still has plenty of life. This makes them great value, especially when you could get the 2 (and now the 3) for less than £100 because hardly anyone here buys them!
@MarkPotts76 yeah the cascadias are more accessible bing less expensive and they’ll suit more middle pack runners. The catamount 3 is awesome and while yes they are quite responsive, you can totally run ultras in them if you’re used to this ride and tread with light feet. You’ll also get better control with a more responsive midsole. But yes, for thick mud you’ll need deeper lugs than these. Merrell are making some baller trail shoes right now..
@@MarkPotts76 This is just my opinion regarding the outsole durability... I'm assuming here that the TrailTack Green is the same on the Catamount 3 as the Cascadia 17/18. I bought some Cascadia 17's last year and the lugs on the heel (I'm a heel striker) wore away completely in less than 200 miles, Brooks replaced the shoes for me suggesting there was a manufacturing fault. I've also got the Divides and I have the same issue, the lugs are now flat after 200km. I was told (by a local shop) that the Cascadia 18's were "rushed out" early as they had durability issues with the Cascadia 17's... I still run the Cascadia 16 (original outsole and £70 per pair in the UK - bargain), 6th pair now and all have lasted 500+ miles with little wear on the lugs. I love the Cascadia and Catamount shoes, I'm based in the Lakes and they do everything required (except deep mud...).
I don’t have the experience that you do with the Speedgoat 5, so I could be very wrong. But when I tried them out, the midsole felt mushy to me. It didn’t have the premium cushion feel that was expecting. Maybe being heavier than you also affected my experience.
Yes it does seem that heavier runners may prefer a less cushioned/more responsive shoe. For me (midweight), I find the midsole strikes a really nice balance.
Been struggling with trail shoes bought a pair of speed goats and just could not get them to fit right. Went for a pair of Saucony Xodus Ultra 3 they where very comfortable in the size 11 for me had a lovely bit of room in the front but running in the Wicklow mountains on wet rock wet mossy parts they just are not doing the job. The speed goats where great for grip ran a 10 k race in them with really technical down hills and where unreal to grip Any recommendations of what to look at
Yeah you need a vibram megagrip outsole for those conditions (like the speedgoat has). You could look at these all mountain options too: www.trailandkale.com/roundups/best-trail-running-shoes-buyers-guide/ - or the MTL long sky 2 in the trail racing section. Let me know if you have any questions on any of them. Or feel free to watch/read my individual reviews of those shoes. -Alastair
Hi, I am a fairly heavy runner (85) who runs in technical mountain terrain. I tend to turn my ankles quite a bit. I run in slab genesis and I'm looking for a pair for my shorter training sessions (max 30km) do you have any models to give me ;)
Hi 👋🏼 have you looked at the non-slab genesis? These could be perfect for shorter training runs if you already like the slab version. Otherwise… my top 3 all mountain trails shoes right now can be found here: www.trailandkale.com/roundups/best-trail-running-shoes-buyers-guide/ -A
@ thank you for your response. I already have the classic genesis but I find it quite unstable. I tried the catamount base on your all mountain top in the store but the upper folds and it's quite loose when I run
I am so confused - I ran the UTMB Trail verbier and Els bastion in the Pyrenees, both 28k distances in La Sportiva Lacia but my toes get destroyed downhill (I still love that shoes for being SO grippy on technical wet rocky alpine terrian). Now I have Eiger E35 in July 2025 and I'm looking for a new shoe - Would you have a recommendation (please!)
You’d be better off with a minimal, technical shoe like the MTL Long Sky 2 Matryx - a fantastic shoe! More Technical trail racing shoes that perform well: ua-cam.com/video/AJ71zN4EvWg/v-deo.htmlsi=3t-7p1jvYweYWRh0
Hi Alastair, im running a mountain marathon ( Heidelberg Germany ) and was wondering what trail shoes you woud use for it. Some road, hiking and some big rock steps to climb. A litte of everything really. Really appreciate the content you put out there. Keep it up. 😊
Yes, the ones with Vibram Megagrip for sure! Here’s the latest list which has shuffled a little since last month: www.trailandkale.com/roundups/best-trail-running-shoes-buyers-guide/
Great video but... EDIT: u can't promote a shoe that is just made worse than its good predecessor and... As for me alone, the WORST shoe I have tried, ever! Midsole - a brick Upper - stiff... By mile 10 (of 18) I wanted to get rid of these... By the end my midfoot hurt as if I ran with a stone inside... Bad hype 🤷♂️ or... Your technique, speed or feet shape (narrow) enable you to run in virtually anything. Despite the differences between us runners, I still stand by opinion - SG 6 does not belong to no.1 spot. Not a "golden standard" any other brand should copy! Way to many batter shoes out there. Be it the Speedgoat 5 or Mafate 4 Or the Merrel Agility Saucony Xodus Ultra Salomon Ultra3 or Genesis Asics Trabuco And my own pick: 50k+ companion, Altra Olympus. So, this mismatch proves each runner expectations may differ. At times, greatly. And that's OK 👍 As long as I am aware your reviews will not help me much (in my shoe selection). Thanks
That’s not been my experience - I’ve run a crap ton of mountain ultras in my various pairs from speedgoats to zinals, and Mafate Speed 4s. That said there have been some awesome new comers this year that are shaking things up. Here’s my full up to date list: www.trailandkale.com/roundups/best-trail-running-shoes-buyers-guide/ - what trail shoes are you running in at the moment?
Currently I trail run in the Topo Mountain Racer 3’s. Been the best trail shoe to date for me and I’ve had quite a few from Hoka’s to Altra to Saucony. Topos have been my favorite by far.
Looking for a solid pair of trail runners, to train for and to use for an ultra marathon over the Jurassic Coast on the south west of England next year, what would you recommend for this type of terrain, grassy steep hills?
Firstly, it wouldn’t happen to be a certain CTS race would it? If so, I’ve done that one.
It’s with climb south west but I’d imagine it’s pretty much the same route along the Jurassic Coast, I did it back in 2017 was pretty brutal
@SamP128 god yeah the cts Dorset ultra that I did was one of my first ultras - talk about entering hard! 😆 you’ll want a good all mountain trail shoe with vibram megagrip for sure with a nice balanced midsole; nothing too cushy with that grassy terrain. Look at the speedgoat 6, the Salomon Genesis (not vibram by contagrip is also very good), or the Nike zegama 2. You should love either of those. Alternatively if you’re ok with a firmer ride then the MTL Long Sky 2 Matryx is an epic trail shoe. All reviews on the channel but this roundup will make them all easier for you to compare and find my reviews of them: www.trailandkale.com/roundups/best-trail-running-shoes-buyers-guide/
@@trailandkale much appreciated dude thanks for your time 🤙🏼
@SamP128 any time!
I was happy to see the Catamount 3 make that list… and surprised you did not include the SLAB Genesis! That Zegama seems very heavy…
The genesis could have very easily been #3 too
I’m working on a dedicated all mountain trail shoe roundup on my website which will feature more of my top picks and why 👍🏼
The speedgoat 6 midsole is hard as sh*t. Sent back to where they came from.
They’re really not that hard, relatively speaking. What did you go for in the end?
Agreed, thought I was the only one. Went with the Saloman Speedcross 6...feels more cushy and way more responsive...for me.
Let me know if you have any questions or if you’re just not sure which running shoes you need and need some pointers, just let me know your situation and I’ll get you hooked up with the best running shoes for you. Your loyal running shoe expert, Alastair.
Hello!! How’s it going buddy I hope you are doing good, I just had a question currently I use Nike pegasus 39 to walk 20,000 steps Daily in my local trail which are almost tearing apart ahaha what trail running shoes would you recommend ?? I run sometimes too btw currently injured that’s why haha will be happy to hear from you
@KnowledgeIsPower-n5q have you considered the Pegasus Trail 5? It will be better suited to the trail and has a similar fit to the Pegasus road version, although better I think ;)
@KnowledgeIsPower-n5q review here: Nike Pegasus Trail 5 Review
ua-cam.com/video/rwJAtrVjLJE/v-deo.html
@@trailandkale Hello buddy, hope you are well!! So Nike trail is what you would recommend ? I’m thinking an all rounder that I can do 20k steps in the long trail outside and secondly intense cardio /shadow boxing / jump rope little bit of CrossFit hopefully running when I recover I know you are very knowledgeable when it comes to shoes as I have seen on your videos so I am hoping for a great answer
Brilliant video! I have my first ultra in September 2025. The course is on the coast and will be 65% sand. It is 130km, what would your recommendation be ?
Thank you! Which coast, and which ultra? Exciting! 65% sand will definitely require a wide footprint shoe. I have a few in mind but I’ll be able to make a better recommendation when I know the race ✌🏼-A
Good video. Been a Brooks Trail Shoe user for several years now. Don't really understand why they aren't a popular choice here in the UK. For every Brooks shoe there are about 10 Hokas... Your right about the outsole, it's every bit as good as Vibram. The cushioning is really good, firm but still cushioned and not pillow soft like some makes. The durability of the upper is great. All round they are superb shoes. The only downside is that since the switch to the "Green" TrailTack the durability has decreased on the outsole... just my opinion.
Yeah that’s weird, I noticed this too on my recent trip back to the UK, it seems choice is a bit more limited over there. Brooks make such great trail shoes.
I see a lot of Cascadias in the UK but I've almost never seen anyone else using the Catamount (gen 1, 2 or 3). I don't know why because it's a great shoe as long as the ground isn't too rough or muddy. I see a lot of reviews that state it isn't cushioned enough for long distances but I've taken version 2 up to 70km and it felt great.
I hope durability hasn't dropped too much from ver2 to 3. My first pair of the 2 are up to nearly 1300km, have loads of tread left and the midsole still has plenty of life. This makes them great value, especially when you could get the 2 (and now the 3) for less than £100 because hardly anyone here buys them!
@MarkPotts76 yeah the cascadias are more accessible bing less expensive and they’ll suit more middle pack runners. The catamount 3 is awesome and while yes they are quite responsive, you can totally run ultras in them if you’re used to this ride and tread with light feet. You’ll also get better control with a more responsive midsole. But yes, for thick mud you’ll need deeper lugs than these. Merrell are making some baller trail shoes right now..
@@MarkPotts76 This is just my opinion regarding the outsole durability... I'm assuming here that the TrailTack Green is the same on the Catamount 3 as the Cascadia 17/18. I bought some Cascadia 17's last year and the lugs on the heel (I'm a heel striker) wore away completely in less than 200 miles, Brooks replaced the shoes for me suggesting there was a manufacturing fault. I've also got the Divides and I have the same issue, the lugs are now flat after 200km. I was told (by a local shop) that the Cascadia 18's were "rushed out" early as they had durability issues with the Cascadia 17's... I still run the Cascadia 16 (original outsole and £70 per pair in the UK - bargain), 6th pair now and all have lasted 500+ miles with little wear on the lugs. I love the Cascadia and Catamount shoes, I'm based in the Lakes and they do everything required (except deep mud...).
Ahh love the Lake District! Did the Keswick Mountain festival ultra some years ago!
I don’t have the experience that you do with the Speedgoat 5, so I could be very wrong. But when I tried them out, the midsole felt mushy to me. It didn’t have the premium cushion feel that was expecting. Maybe being heavier than you also affected my experience.
Yes it does seem that heavier runners may prefer a less cushioned/more responsive shoe. For me (midweight), I find the midsole strikes a really nice balance.
Some people like that mushy feel, but for me it feels slow like you're running in sand.
Been struggling with trail shoes bought a pair of speed goats and just could not get them to fit right. Went for a pair of Saucony Xodus Ultra 3 they where very comfortable in the size 11 for me had a lovely bit of room in the front but running in the Wicklow mountains on wet rock wet mossy parts they just are not doing the job. The speed goats where great for grip ran a 10 k race in them with really technical down hills and where unreal to grip
Any recommendations of what to look at
Yeah you need a vibram megagrip outsole for those conditions (like the speedgoat has). You could look at these all mountain options too: www.trailandkale.com/roundups/best-trail-running-shoes-buyers-guide/ - or the MTL long sky 2 in the trail racing section. Let me know if you have any questions on any of them. Or feel free to watch/read my individual reviews of those shoes. -Alastair
Zegama 2 if you want max cushion and grip.
Try also the Mafate⁴ from Hoka. More bounce & deeper lugs.
Again narrow like Speedgoat.
@yalokim5264 hey I I reviewed the magnate speed 4 a few years ago. Another great shoe. www.trailandkale.com/shoe-reviews/hoka-mafate-speed-4-review/
Hi, I am a fairly heavy runner (85) who runs in technical mountain terrain. I tend to turn my ankles quite a bit. I run in slab genesis and I'm looking for a pair for my shorter training sessions (max 30km) do you have any models to give me ;)
Hi 👋🏼 have you looked at the non-slab genesis? These could be perfect for shorter training runs if you already like the slab version. Otherwise… my top 3 all mountain trails shoes right now can be found here: www.trailandkale.com/roundups/best-trail-running-shoes-buyers-guide/ -A
@ thank you for your response. I already have the classic genesis but I find it quite unstable. I tried the catamount base on your all mountain top in the store but the upper folds and it's quite loose when I run
@amine3566 you could also try the Cascadia 18 - the fit is a bit tighter and the shoe has great structure
@ ok thank you for your recommandations I will try it ! I also wanted to try the mtl long sky 2 matrix but none of the stores near me have it
@amine3566 that’s a shame! It’s probably my favorite trail shoe of 2024
Hello, what would you recommend as an all-weather trail shoes?
Do you mean waterproof trail shoes?
I am so confused - I ran the UTMB Trail verbier and Els bastion in the Pyrenees, both 28k distances in La Sportiva Lacia but my toes get destroyed downhill (I still love that shoes for being SO grippy on technical wet rocky alpine terrian). Now I have Eiger E35 in July 2025 and I'm looking for a new shoe - Would you have a recommendation (please!)
I’d go with the MTL Long Sky 2 for those races. 👌🏼 ua-cam.com/video/7Zzlbe4ogg0/v-deo.htmlsi=RtzXQBv8V_LBOVW3
Are any of these shoes good for technical scrambling and steep terrain?
You’d be better off with a minimal, technical shoe like the MTL Long Sky 2 Matryx - a fantastic shoe! More Technical trail racing shoes that perform well: ua-cam.com/video/AJ71zN4EvWg/v-deo.htmlsi=3t-7p1jvYweYWRh0
What about brooks cascadia 18?
Yet to review the new cascadia…
That said, the cascadia 17 is a great trail shoe but the Catamount 3 beats it.
Good i have Nike Zegama 2 and i love them.
I hated Speedgoat 5, so definitely not buying Speedgoat 6.
New updated list here: www.trailandkale.com/roundups/best-trail-running-shoes-buyers-guide/ Zegama 2 is still in the running
Hi Alastair, im running a mountain marathon ( Heidelberg Germany ) and was wondering what trail shoes you woud use for it. Some road, hiking and some big rock steps to climb. A litte of everything really.
Really appreciate the content you put out there. Keep it up. 😊
Thank you! Sounds like a fun trail race! I’d recommend going for a shoe like the Speedgoat for something like this race. It’s what I’d wear!
@@trailandkalethanks a million for such a swift response.
Any time! ✌🏼
Do you think these would also be ok for UK MUD LOL
Yes, the ones with Vibram Megagrip for sure! Here’s the latest list which has shuffled a little since last month: www.trailandkale.com/roundups/best-trail-running-shoes-buyers-guide/
I went to hoka store the speedgoat was very hard like rock, i didn’t buy, maybe i will buy saucony xodus 3
Hope you found a pair that suits you well
Great video but... EDIT: u can't promote a shoe that is just made worse than its good predecessor and...
As for me alone, the WORST shoe I have tried, ever!
Midsole - a brick
Upper - stiff...
By mile 10 (of 18) I wanted to get rid of these... By the end my midfoot hurt as if I ran with a stone inside...
Bad hype 🤷♂️ or...
Your technique, speed or feet shape (narrow) enable you to run in virtually anything.
Despite the differences between us runners, I still stand by opinion -
SG 6 does not belong to no.1 spot.
Not a "golden standard" any other brand should copy!
Way to many batter shoes out there.
Be it the Speedgoat 5 or Mafate 4
Or the Merrel Agility
Saucony Xodus Ultra
Salomon Ultra3 or Genesis
Asics Trabuco
And my own pick: 50k+ companion, Altra Olympus.
So, this mismatch proves each runner expectations may differ. At times, greatly.
And that's OK 👍
As long as I am aware your reviews will not help me much (in my shoe selection).
Thanks
Brooks trail shoes are awesome! Do it! :)
@trailandkale well, you wouldn't believe... I got myself a pair just today!
...of Speedgoats 😄
Only for testing and to change my mind.
Tried them out yet?
@@trailandkale short 🏃♂️ ahead. This weekend will see the release of the goat 😄
for the long stuff: soft wet snowy trails. We'll see 👌
You lost me with Hoka’s. Worst shoe ever plus they don’t hold up at all to the miles.
That’s not been my experience - I’ve run a crap ton of mountain ultras in my various pairs from speedgoats to zinals, and Mafate Speed 4s. That said there have been some awesome new comers this year that are shaking things up. Here’s my full up to date list: www.trailandkale.com/roundups/best-trail-running-shoes-buyers-guide/ - what trail shoes are you running in at the moment?
Currently I trail run in the Topo Mountain Racer 3’s. Been the best trail shoe to date for me and I’ve had quite a few from Hoka’s to Altra to Saucony. Topos have been my favorite by far.