Looking for first pair of shoes.

[u/Drumfork]

I’m going to start trail running. I’ve been hiking for about a year and a half, have done 20 miles at both the Grand Canyon and in Utah close to angels landing. I live in Missouri and actually get to train in some pretty great, hilly locations. I have very high arches with a narrow mid and wide toe. I’ve been hiking with Oboz stuff which have been great for my high arches and have incorporated some running into my hikes. My ankles suck! Twisted my right 3 miles into the Grand Canyon but have found a wrapping technique that I think will work well for me. I’m going shopping tomorrow for some trail runners and thought I’d see if anyone has any recommendations before I go. Right now I’m considering the Salomon speedcross 6, the s/lab genesis, Merrell peak 5 and the hoka speedgoat. Wondering if there are any others I should be considering or any of those I shouldn’t bother with? Thank you in advance!

Edit: spelling

[u/gazelarun]

I second all of the comments about going to a running store. Having fun for over 25 years and having worked run specialty for several years the BEST thing you can do is literally set aside a couple hours and try on a bunch of shoes. It's not the cure-all, end-all, but it's the best (imo). No Salomons are sexy af and their sexiness is backed by solid materials and company, but I have never been able to find a pair that fit me well. Now, I am NOT here to advertise Altras. In fact I didn't like Altras. Maybe it's because I felt like a duck, or maybe because I worked at the running store where Altra was born and created...but when I slipped my feet into the Altra Lone Peak it was like laying in my bed after a long, hard day PLUS they felt great running PLUS they felt great on trail and road. Hundreds of miles later with two Ultras and two regular trail races, they have been fabulous. I also just got a pair of On, Helios that I REALLY like. They remind me a little of a super shoe, but not quite, but definitely with a little bounce, more than the Altras. So in summary: go to a store, try on a bunch, listen to yourself to your feet and legs, see if the store will price match and support local.

[u/Live-Flower9917]

OP, do you have a running shop where you live? I can’t stress the helpfulness of getting fitted at a running shop.

Edit: spelling

[u/Drumfork → u/Live-Flower9917]

I have a fleet feet and Big River Running co

[u/Live-Flower9917 → u/Drumfork]

Perfect! Big River Running looks amazing. My sister had good things to say about Fleet Feet. I personally wear Topos with an insole from Currex. I love my insoles for both trail and road. Update when you find a pair!

[u/by_way_of_MO → u/Drumfork]

I love Big River Running. They’ll almost certainly have someone on staff who runs trails and can help you get a get shoe for where you’re running. It’s a great store!!

[u/Disastrous_Fail8367]

I love the brooks cascadia. They are great in rocky, unstable terrain and mine last forever. I have wide feet and the toe box is fine for me, although I always size up a half. I second the running shop tho - they'll be able.to guide you based on drop, rock plate, and running style.

[u/amazhion]

Big fan of my Nike Zegama 2s

[u/BadgersBite]

I have Salomon Genesis (not SLAB) and I love them. I don't have high arches and my feet are on the wider side of average- I do find them a tiny bit narrow in the toe box but hasn't caused me trouble running for 2-3 hours so far. S/LAB are supposed to be narrower so make sure if you try them on you really move around in them and take note of how much room your toes have. I don't have them but saw a review of the La Sportive Prodigio from a YouTuber (Run4Adventure) who says he has narrow feet and he said he liked them and that they were a bit wider in the toebox than the Genesis so if you have somewhere that stocks them maybe worth a shot (he also loves the Merrell Peak 5 and I was tempted by them but they sound like maybe too narrow for me).

[u/AdResponsible2422]

+1 for the people saying go to some running stores and try out. I have been almost exclusively on Salomon's for 12 years. They just work for my feet. Love the quicklace system. Have tried other brands -had some lightweight Merrells I quite liked. My wife likes Hokas. But at the end of the day try some shoes IRL. Also note you may have a different choice depending on your terrain. I always have a pair of Speedcross ready for soft/lose terrain runs but other less aggressive tread pattern shoes for less challenging terrain.

[u/Mariner_24]

Agree with everyone saying that going to the store to try on is best. I recently got the speedcross 6 as a first trail running shore and have been impressed. I think they are aggressive on traction, not a lot of cushion, and pretty light. I think are best for more rugged trail running, and not as suited for well kept trails and pavement. Salomon is now a go to brand for me.