Clifton LS x Satisfy

I've never worn Speedgoats, but I've got Challengers and Cliftons that fit true to size for me!

Specific trail running shoes are a must. Unless your run goes through just wide flat tracks (even if moderately steep), then regular running shoes are ok. For example, I run some of these "flat" runs in my Hoka Clifton and I'm good. However, if your track goes through forest, hills and narrow bumpy, stoney trails, then no, you'll want grip in your wheels. I'm not a fan of the Pegasus, but that's just me. Check out the Speedgoat or the Mafate. Sportiva, Salomon Sense Ride or Genesis... Also now the Saucony Peregrine has get rid of their infamous sole heel "cut" and now sport a one-piece sole back, which makes wanna buy them again. As for the ankle thing, apart from the shoes and of course getting gradually used to the terrain by training your self specially in downhills, there's no shortcuts here, Im afraid: You'll want to have strong musculature there (and anywhere for that matter). Look up for ankle strenght exercises, you can alternatively consult a physio and have some concrete custom routines for your case. Having strong ankles in strong legs will get you far in trail running.

100 procent right! Hokas are a hit or miss. If you want rocks under your feet, buy the clifton!

Are your feet narrow, medium, wide? Do they sweat a lot? Is it going to be hot? Will there be mud? If you're not doing trailrunning or hiking on rocky, technicla uneven terrain, you don't need a trailrunning shoes. You can wear it, but don't have to. The only difference is mud - if there is mud, you want deeper, spaced out lugs. But the lugs which work in deep mud are not comfortable on flat, hard surfaces. Have you considered the Challenger? The Challenger is a road to trail shoe (use it on light hikes, don't climb the Alps with it). The 8 is very breathable (5/5 in RunRepeat's review) and comes in a normal and wide version. The Speedgoat is not very breathable, and is meant for more technical terrain. Wear it if you like it, but you don't need such a technical shoe. The Bondi and Clifton are more maximalist: plenty of cushioning. Have you tried them? Do you like this much cushioning? It's very subjective. I don't mind the Challenger but find the Bondi and Clifton unstable slabs of marshmallows. Other people feel differently and love them. You must find what works for you. Have a look at all the reviews on RunRepeat. If it's going to be hot, look at breathability.

All hokas are like this for me. The 6s are good for 250-300 miles, and when I have to road run the Clifton’s are good for only about 350-400. Treads are always fined but I find the cushion and mesh breakdown and start to present problems. I finally switched to Altras (lone peak), but am just grinding out early miles on them so not sure how they compare yet (but they do feel waaaaay better overall).

Speedgoat or Mafate are the two popular ones. After my 'meh' experience with the Clifton, only shoe to give me arch blister problems until I broke them in more, I've not yet tried out either of the above, as I always find decent enough alternatives at a cheaper price now so many brands are taking the piss with the RRP. So for me it's about finding the best shoe for the biggest discount when unable to try before you buy so a bit of a lottery how you're going to get on with them.

Something has changed with Hokas.  My current pair of Clifton's have 90 some miles on them and the soles look like they have seen 1000.  Retired the last 2 pairs after only about 200 miles.  I was convinced for a while that I somehow bought counterfeits, but one pair came from Dicks and the others from Hoka directly.