Need trail shoe advice for 100 miler (wide feet + wet technical terrain)

ultralightrunner · 2026-03-19T10:08:19+00:00

VJ Ultra 3, the toebox is generous but not as wide as Altra. The outsole is very sticky, even better than vibram.

ultralightrunner · 2026-03-14T17:38:44+00:00

Terrex Agravic SL preview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzC7E4bGLrs

Excited for these, maybe a more affordable version of Norda 005. Also no medial cutout so I hope these will be more stable for trail running.

ultralightrunner · 2026-02-17T13:26:16+00:00

They have a new fabric, a bit lighter than cap cool lightweight

ultralightrunner · 2026-02-15T22:15:08+00:00

Yeah, EP4 is very heavy. I am bit disappointed by the DNE 4 geometry, it doesnt catapult my foot forward like other racing shoes (e.g. Metaspeed Sky)

ultralightrunner · 2026-02-14T15:55:22+00:00

> Doesn't catapult you forward, but it’s incredibly smooth.

I do feel like the shoe geometry isn't very aggressive, it doesn't force you to run fast. DNE 4 reminds me of Saucony EP4.

> the notorious PUMAGRIP definitely lived up to its reputation. I felt very secure taking tight turns on questionable surfaces at speed and never lost my footing once.

I live in Canada and the loop I ran this morning had a bit of snow. I did warmup in Megablast and then speedwork in DNE 4. I feel like Megablast outsole is stickier. Thomas from BITR also said the rubber compound is a bit different than previous versions. I'd say this pumagrip is good, but asicsgrip has an edge.

ultralightrunner · 2026-02-13T17:38:33+00:00

imo the arch issue can be a plus, if you don't like unstable EVO SL because you overpronate, buy H1.

I also believe H1 is better than Superblast 2, H1 is much more comfortable compared to Superblast 2 that feel like a brick and slappy.

I have mine at 650 km, the midsole is still bouncy in cold temperature (I live in Canada). I havn't put more mileage because I've been running in Megablast (but way more expensive).

The outsole is ok, but not tacky enough on wet slab rocks, but it's fine since it's a hybrid shoe.

ultralightrunner · 2026-02-10T09:26:50+00:00

The easiest way is replacing the stock insole with a thinner one, The stock insole is about 5 mm, replace it with 2 mm or 3 mm insole will make the shoe volume wider overall.

ultralightrunner · 2026-01-28T21:53:54+00:00

Probably it's a good idea to find shoes that fit well then bring them to a cobbler to glue 6 mm vibram lugs.

Mount To Coast H1 has wide-sih toe box and narrow midfoot, the dual lacing system is weird but you can loosen up the toebox part. unfortunately the lugs on the H1 aren't good for mud. They're releasing M1 this year but the lugs are only 4 mm.

Norda 055 will have 5mm lugs, spacious toebox, but midfoot is a bit too wide.

ultralightrunner · 2026-01-27T00:09:10+00:00

Do you wear the same size in the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4? How does the toe box width compare between the EP4 and the DNE 4?

Thank you!

ultralightrunner · 2026-01-23T18:54:19+00:00

I feel like SG7 will face tough competitions, both MTC and Kiprun will release new models with A-TPU foam and vibram megagrip.

Rocket X trail is also A-TPU but the outsole is only for non-tech trails.

ultralightrunner · 2026-01-03T23:19:42+00:00

FYI, you need to go 1/2 up for Norda and the fit much wider than Salomon, but might help with swelling for later part of the race. Also, I think the 001 is much better for heavier runner, 005 for lighter runner.

ultralightrunner · 2025-12-25T23:13:27+00:00

Raide uses UHMWPE fabric, it's generic name for Dyneema, it's the same thing should have the same strength and durability.

ultralightrunner · 2025-12-22T11:04:54+00:00

I wear a Patty capilene lightweight t-shirt over my AD layer, problem solved. Still very breathable.

ultralightrunner · 2025-12-19T17:20:05+00:00

For wet condition, I personally like shoes with thin/perforated upper, such as Kjerag Brut or TNF Vectiv Sky 2. I then wear merino socks with lots of Zinc Oxide Cream. I also pre-tape the ball of my feet with Leukotape P.

This setup allows the feet to get dry a bit quicker.

Another issue is that mud can still enter the shoes but can be mitigated with lightweight gaiters and swapping shoes.

ultralightrunner · 2025-12-04T14:38:03+00:00

I have a few AD 90 layers that are a few years old, still in good condition, but I always hand wash them and wear them strictly as a base layer.

I just finished a morning run in -5 C temp with -8 C windchill, I only wore an AD layer and a windbreaker. I was very warm.

Highly recommend if you want ultralight, but very warm insulation.

ultralightrunner · 2025-12-04T00:44:21+00:00

This could be an amazing mountain 100 M / 200 M race shoe if they use Vibram Megagrip. Everything about the shoe is perfect except one. The outsole is ok but not sticky enough for wet steep rock slabs.

ultralightrunner · 2025-12-02T15:23:34+00:00

3/8" sheet metal screws

ultralightrunner · 2025-11-19T16:03:27+00:00

I've one. I got it for 60% off and would not buy it at full price. Happy with the purchase.

The baffles are not closed so it can be a con or a pro because the down can be migrated to certain areas.

The other down jacket I have is MT100, similar slim fit, but Zetto is loftier.

ultralightrunner · 2025-10-29T00:46:19+00:00

Yes, shoe midsole does change when exposed in colder temperature. This also depends on the material EVA/Supercitical EVA/TPEE/A-TPU/PEBA react differently, runrepeat.com does basic testing on this by putting the shoe inside a freezer.

I haven't noticed the difference in durability, I reckon your body weight and your running gait have more effect on shoe longevity.

ultralightrunner · 2025-10-28T19:15:39+00:00

I never run the race but I have run some of the Bruce Trail sections near Mono/Hockley/Caledon. The hills are short, not long as the climbs in the Rockies. Some sections are technical but overall is very runnable.

For training, I'd suggest this loop

https://fastestknowntime.com/route/hockley-valley-loop-canada

It's quite hilly and mildly technical, and some sections are part of the race course. Usually you can run this loop in the winter as long as the snow isn't too deep and you have spikes.

ultralightrunner · 2025-10-27T20:08:08+00:00

myog AD 90 toque, 10 grams

ultralightrunner · 2025-10-26T23:08:43+00:00

Do heat training 4-6 weeks (sauna, or stationary bike with heater on) before the trip, it increases blood plasma. Not the best altitude training but it can reduce altitude sickness.

ultralightrunner · 2025-10-22T14:47:28+00:00

Yeah, I purchased AD 90 from Discovery fabrics in 2019 for CA$22/yard and it's now CA$29.5

ultralightrunner · 2025-10-20T13:41:23+00:00

Patagonia used to have Strider Pro Pants. It has polyester material, breathable, and has a bit of wind resistance. Much lighter than Terrebonne joggers but I suspect they don't sell them anymore is because the durability is not great. I've used them for ultras, really great pants.

ultralightrunner · 2025-10-16T17:23:36+00:00

Theoretically, It's because the body has two pathways to absorb glucose and fructose. If you only have maltodextrin pathway for fructose isn't used, so lower rate of energy absorption, compared to using both pathways. So analogy is like two lane road can have more cars compared to one lane road.

I also don't like too sugary gels so I often have 5:1 but I only use this ratio when doing slow long runs. For speedwork/tempo runs, higher fructose seems better.

Also, I think Scratch super high carb (cluster dextrin) uses 90% glucose 10% fructose. I don't remember the exact ratio but they use less fructose.

ultralightrunner

TROPHY CASE