Trailfly zero unless you have a lot of mud to deal with, in which case get the trailtalon zero. Not quite as comfortable for me as the old G270, but still pretty decent
I don't know about Nordas myself, but about Inov-8. They quite recently brought back a zero-drop model, and they have wides available. I also get heel slippage with Altra 9+ wides, Trailfly zero has nice and snug heel. Trailfly Zero is basically same width in the toebox area, but shaped differently. Altras rub my big toe, Inov-8 squishes my little toe. For the same shoe size Altra is a bit longer and more voluminous, it could be half-a-size difference.
Try out Inov8 shoes. I have great results on wet rocky terrain. I like Trailfly Speed and Zero. They’re foot shaped wide toebox. They also last 2-3x as long.
Second choice would be Altra Timp.
They’re all the same shape, and the models (i.e. Trailfly Zero, Trailfly Speed, Trailfly Max) have different drop and amount of cushion. However, as far as aggressive sole, choose which line of Inov8 shoes based on the tread/terrain you plan to encounter:
Roadfly = 0-2mm tread; Trailfly = 4mm tread; Trailtalon = 6mm tread; Mudtalon = 8mm tread
I rather naively got some inov8 zero drop trail shoes first time using them was to hike the GR11 in the Prynees in Spain but fortunately I had no issues at all hiking in them. However, first couple of runs in them after I got back home my calves were knackered, probably took 2 or 3 weeks to get used to them for running
I have been told by my podiatrist that my feet are hypermobile and I run and hike (lots) in zero drop trail runners only (inov-8 and Altra). Never had boots for any of my adult-life serious long distance hiking. I agree that your PT should give you specific strengthening exercises for your particular issues but I see no advantage wearing boots … just heavy and hot and very slow drying. Every blue moon I roll an ankle but that’s because of tough terrain, not boots, and I’ve never injured my ankles in the process.
What is the issue with inov-8 quality? I’ve been trail running and hiking in them for many years and they are the ones with the best traction and durability. I have not tried any high options since I don’t think it’s necessary. I love most of their zero drop models.
It's a very personal journey to find the right trail runner (and I wouldn't hike in anything else, plus I never had ankle issues etc). My favorites are Topo and Altra for hiking only but I tend to use trail runners for trail running and hiking outside of thru hikes. Inov-8 are my favorites for running plus hiking. But others swear by Hoka or Salomon, both of which don't work for me (too high; too arched). So if you can, try a few different brands and see what feels right from the get-go!
Top Trail Running Shoes on Reddit
1
Mount to Coast
H1
85% positive of 177 users
Versatile road-to-trail, but struggles on wet, technical downhills.
Andy_DT
