Fell Running shoes recommendation?

[MC Bodge]

I'm looking for suggestions.

I have a pair of More mile Cheviot 3 that give really good grip and fit fairly well. I have stitched the uppers a few times. They have worn at the back of the heels and are now giving me blisters (even wearing right through a Compeed on a recent Lakeland round!). The reviews of the Cheviot 4 don't sound too great, tighter and I've seen mention of the inners wearing at the back like mine have.

I run on a variety of surfaces, but don't do a lot of fell running, as I don't live near mountains, so I will only use them occasionally.

I have a pair of Brooks Pure Grit 6 that I really like for less muddy use (that replaced a pair of the excellent Pure Grit 3), but the grip is not up to the same sort of standard as a fell shoe. Ideally, I'd use a pair of Pure Grit with a deep mud sole. I like Brooks Pure and Saucony Kinvara Road shoes.

I like a thin/low mid-sole for stability, a low heel drop (4-6mm) and a bit of space in the toe box.

Inov8 shoes have never felt right on me whilst trying in a shop.


Thanks.

Edited by MC Bodge on Monday 28th September 09:58

[MC Bodge]

S100HP said:

Have you tried Hoka Speed Goat?

No, although it doesn't quite fulfill the low midsole requirement!

[MC Bodge]

El stovey said:

“I like a thin mid-sole for stability, a low heel drop (4-6mm) and a bit of space in the toe box.

Inov8 shoes have never felt right on me whilst trying in a shop. “

I like the same shoes Kinvara etc but I actually use inov8 x talon 200s, low drop, wide toe box, great for U.K. muddy trails etc. They’re different to many other inov8s and a bit wider I think. They’ve got a barefoot off-road shoe feel but not as extreme as some and still offer good protection.

I’ve had a few pairs over the years and rate them highly. Ever so often I chuck them in the shower or washing machine and they’re good as new. Not great on the road with big grips etc but that’s not what they’re for.

You can easily pick them up for £70 or less.

https://www.inov-8.com/x-talon-200-running-shoe

Edited by El stovey on Monday 28th September 09:50

Thanks, that's useful info.

[MC Bodge]

El stovey said:

Inov8 are a bit weird, the x talon 200 is quite a minimalist and wide shoe but the x talon 212 is quite different. I find their naming system not that clear tbh and most of their shoes too narrow for my wide cave man feet.

My runs are forests and bridle paths etc and get really muddy. As I said, ever so often I just hose them down or take them in the shower.

What is the sizing like? Big, small, as expected?

[MC Bodge]

towser44 said:

I love Salomon speedcross, I have 2 pairs of Speedcross 4's a Goretex version and a non-Goretex

The sole of a Speedcross is quite thick and the heel-toe drop too high for my liking.

Most of my footwear is minimal, with 0-4mm drop from heel to toe so I'd be constantly catching the heels on the floor.

[MC Bodge]

Trophy Husband said:

Pal of mine who is nuts for running the hills of Snowdonia will not wear any other brand than Norman Walsh. I have a few pairs of their ripple trainers and the quality is fab. Made in Bolton by hand. Not tooo dear.

At one time, all fell runners wore Walsh.

When I tried a pair in the mid 90s, they didn't fit me. I bought a pair of New Balance RX Terrain which were very similar... And always rubbed my heels to shreds.

Edited by MC Bodge on Monday 28th September 15:51

[MC Bodge]

Castrol for a knave said:

I have a pair of these (or an earlier iteration).

https://www.northernrunner.com/shoes-c133/trail-ru...

They are the second set I've bought - ultra comfty and good grip.

Like all Sportiva / Italian shoes, they are a narrow fit, but the toe box is not cramped.

I used to use Walsh's through the 90's, when there wasn't much alternative, but numerous KIMMS etc ending with trashed achilles was too much. I find the heel cup very aggressive and despite the fact I strap my feet, they would wear through and take chunks out the skin on my achilles.

I'll check out the Sportiva. I have a narrow mid-foot, but wider forefoot.

My New Balance RX Terrain (a Walsh tribute act with a firm heel cup) always rubbed really badly on my achilles area too.

[MC Bodge]

El stovey said:

I’ve never even seen these,

They made shoes for

“Giant Haystacks, Big Daddy, Sir Chris Bonington and Roger Bannister” . . High praise indeed!

I might check them out too.

I had never realised that Giant Haystacks and Big Daddy were keen fell runners


Walsh were pretty much the default choice up until Inov8 arrived.

Edited by MC Bodge on Wednesday 7th October 13:32