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Top Pros
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Reddit Reviews
La Sportiva's have the best grip on wet rock. After that any shoe with Vibram Megagrip. Followed by Salomon's ContraGrip. They all work well. Best bet, go to a store and try a bunch on. You have recommended shoes from a bunch of people. Now go see how they fit YOUR feet. Go with the ones you like/fit best. Also as others have said skip the waterproofing. It'll only make your feet hot and sweaty. Gortex is for the winter.
UK13 tried a bunch of shoes, from Salomon to NNormal to Inov8 and La Sportiva. The old Wildcross, if you can still find them, were great for muddy English trails. Never versions not so much. I'd steer clear of NNormal and their Kjerag as their (lack of) cushion doesn't suit heavier runners. Killian is 60 kilos, you and I aren't :) La Sportiva Jackal did wonders for me, very stable like all their shoes. Probably because their DNA is mountaineering. I've tried the Prodigio Pro for last year's CCC but had heel pain - could've been from training in Korean, though. Last but not the least - Inov8 G270 is a great local catch, if your Achilles can handle zero drop. Plenty of cushion and graphene traction to go.
Thanks. I have some Salomon Wildcross which are a Speedcross derivative and find them comfortable enough on tarmac so will keep this option in mind.
The Salomon has the Contagrip All Terrain. This Contagrip seems that is really really bad. I have the Salomon Quest Elements with Contagrip Mud and is amazing how good the grip is on wet rocks of the rivers. The problem with Salomon is that they only say "Contagrip" and not the kind of Contagrip... And reviewers only say Contagrip. To check the model of Contagrip you have to go to their website and search the shoe and see the details of it.
I just ordered a pair from my local running store, only commenting to suggest you try them on first. I'm a 12 in Salomons and a 12 to 12.5 in Hokas, and I had to size up to a 13 in the 001s.
A pair of Salomon trailrunners. Durable and comfortable.
Over the years I’ve worn trail runners from Merrill and Salomon, or standard running shoes from Nike and NB. A comfortable fit was the main criteria. Even on wet ground I’d rather have fast drying sneakers than boots.
Absolutely, did all of the ABC trek in trail runners (Hoka, Salomon). You really appreciate the lightness of them.
Rankings by Use Case
Top recommendations from others in the same boat
Best for Deep mud and soft ground

Top pick
Salomon - Speedcross Series
Best for Quick draining and drying for wet trails

Top pick
Altra - Lone Peak Series
Best for Road-to-trail transitions

Top pick
Nike - Pegasus Trail Series
Best for Steep technical descents

Top pick
Altra - Lone Peak Series
Best for Technical rocky terrain

Top pick
La Sportiva - Prodigio Series
Best for Ultra-marathon racing

Top pick
La Sportiva - Prodigio Series





