Nowadays there are a huge variety of running shoes - for all types of terrain, for narrow or wide feet, with more or less cushion, with or without support, for men, women, children and even dogs!
Choosing the right running shoes can be very tricky indeed.
Great Outdoors store in Dublin gave me a great opportunity to test Salomon Fellraiser Trail Shoes, which was interesting and pleasurable experience.
Salomon Fellraiser Trail Shoes:
Salomon is constantly improving its great shoes collection. Over the years I’ve tried many of their shoes and Salomon Fellraiser Trail Shoes are almost my favorite ones. Salomon Speedcross is still No.1 for me!
Salomon Fellraisers are low profile, lightweight technical shoes constructed especially for mucky, rocky mountain trails and wet conditions.
Salomon Fellraisers with their low profile and less cushion (comparing to previous Salomon trail shoes) give responsive feel of the ground underneath, but are grippy enough to cope with rough terrain even when descending on mud, wet grass or loose rocks.
Upper part of the shoes is sturdy but flexible. The toe guard box offers nice room for the wee toes to move around and the stiff heel counter locks your foot down. 12mm heel and 6mm forefoot sole has aggressive 8mm deep lugs.
All of these give the protection needed on the rough terrain.
The breathable open mesh outer and lining keeps most of the water out so shoes dry pretty quickly and there is no slob feeling after wet running conditions.
The speed lacing system for one-pull tightening allows for a range of feet widths and gives support across the whole foot. The excessive lace has place in a useful pocket on the top of the tongue. Kevlar laces are super strong and never failed on me.
As said before I got my Salomon Fellraisers from Great Outdoors store. Before picking the right size my feet were measured by qualified store shoe team. I highly recommend that for everyone. I used to be size 10 but after running in barefoot shoes all last summer, now I am size 10.5! It is so important to get running shoes in correct size!
For my long and narrow feet shoes fit fairly snuggly (but due to the great lace system shoes would fit any feet).
I was running on Wicklow hills, where the ground is naturally soft and mucky. In these conditions I felt ultra stable as the shoes gripped brilliantly. Running down grassy and muddy hills was a breeze.
When running on the big, wet rocks or wet wooden boardwalks due to hard, compound lugs Salomon Fellraisers felt a bit slippery. But I didn’t fall!
In the same terrain when the rocks or wooden boardwalk were dry shoes were no slippery at all.
When running in wet, muddy conditions with some river crossings obviously my feet ended up wet. Due to open mesh outer the water that gets in can gets out easily and shoes dry pretty fast which makes them comfortable for running.
I also plan to use my Salomon Fellraisers for muddy walks through summer & winter. I feel they will do the job.
In my opinion Salomon Fellraisers are great for longer runs in rough terrain and offer a lot more than any other off-road shoes that I have worn before.
Pros:
• Lightweight
• Sturdy enough to train in and light enough to race with;
• Roomy toe box with excellent toe guard;
• Breathable, quick drying mesh for wet conditions;
• Excellent speed lace system
• Affordable price under 100euro…
Cons:
• Slippery on wet rocks or wooden boardwalks
Great Outdoors store has a great range of running shoes. Individual, free of charge shoes fittings are provided by qualified store team.
10% off loyalty card for Great Outdoors store are available on my group runs and events for all M.S.R members.
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