From: gsurbeck@eng.umd.edu (Gregory D. Surbeck)
Subject: trail shoes
Date: Tue, 29 Dec 92 04:19:07 GMT
Organization: Project GLUE, University of Maryland, College Park


	The following is a compilation of the information I received
about trail running shoes.  I believe the I properly accredited all
the authors.  I apologize if I did not; please contact me so that I
may correct any information.  Thank you to all the people below who
were able to give me insight into trail shoes.  Based on their
information, I actually *did not* purchase a pair, since I needed to
use my new shoes on the road as well.  I owe you about $65.  The check
is in the mail. :O)

			Greg Surbeck
			gsurbeck@eng.umd.edu

From lloyd@leland.Stanford.EDU Sun Dec  6 18:24:03 1992
I have a pair of Nike's ACG trail running shoes (the low tops with a sort-
of herringbone pattern on the sole).  They're good for trail running because:

They have good traction for trails
There's an insert between the sole and midsole that is somewhat rigid.  This
makes it so when you step on a rock in the trail (which can happen often), it
doesn't hurt like an #$%#$^.
The midsole is a little thinner, so you're not as high off the ground.  This
makes it so you're less likely to turn an ankle.
The bottom of the sole is slightly convex.  Thus, your ankle can roll from
side to side without having an edge which, if you roll over, spells sprain,
so you're again less likely to sprain your ankle.
They also have a lace cover to prohibit sticks and stuff from untying your
shoelaces (though this may be as much for novelty and marketing as for real
functional value).
They're not in the least bit waterproof, but I don't usually run on the trails
in the rain, since it's often really slick (especially with the steepness
of some of the trails... a good way to bruise your tailbone when coming down!)
So I recommend these shoes (whatever their name may be, I think its something
like Air Terra ACG, the midsole has a sort of granite look to it).

From clairef@violet.berkeley.edu Mon Dec  7 15:21:38 1992
many trail shoes have inadequate cushioning for the roads.
e.g. nike air revaderchi are poor for the roads but great for
really rough stuff.  i did find adidas marathon 80 trail shoe
was ok for some roads but not as good for trails.
nike air escape is also less trail and more road like
but you can't have it both ways.  if it is soft enough for the roads
it is too soft for the trails.  you might also try
nike air pegasus acg (all conditions gear)  it has the same midsole
as the road version but is leathre and has a gnarlier outsole.

it is a tradeoff.  i found the best for me is to have
the two extremes.  a true trail shoe and a full blown road shoe.
you will eventually buy another pair anyhow so
if you can swing the cash flow, buy two pairs of shoes.
good luck and i'll see you on the trails
rodger kram   rodgerk@violet.berkeley.edu

From dutfield@seattleu.edu Thu Dec 10 17:15:50 1992
Adidas Marathon Trainers are among the best trail shoes available. They are
not very good for road runs, though. I use different shoes for road running;
currently Asics Gel Saga which are cheap and effective, and also OK if taken
on trails. I tried the Asics trail shoe in a store but found it a little soft
and too high off the ground.

Criteria for trail shoes?
- low tech
- low and broad in the heel, to provide stability against ankle twists
- bendy and low in the forefoot
- not much padding on the upper of the shoe; foam gets heavy when wet
- a sole that is neither completely flat nor very sculpted. The "holes" in
  the soles of many road shoes (for lightness?) seem particularly 
  inappropriate. The big knobs on Nike waffle soles can catch on rocks and
  roots under the foot.
Marathon Trainers are not available in many stores, but Road Runner Sports
always has 'em.
Stewart Dutfield                          dutfield@seattleu.edu