Trail Running Shoes are for anyone looking to leave the roads and man made paths behind. If you've ever cut up a hillside, followed a footpath into the woods, run along a ridge with rocky ground underfoot you're already a trail runner. You didn't need to be racing and you didn't need to be fast, you just need the right shoes to get the most out of the trail.
Trail Running Shoes are designed to handle Roots, rocks, mud, wet grass, loose scree, the kind of terrain that a road shoe simply wasn't built for or where a gravel shoe holds you back.
The range splits pretty naturally into a few different types of runner. If you're new to trails or doing longer, more moderate terrain like forest tracks, moorland paths, fell routes that aren't technical ie janky rocks. Something like the Hoka Speedgoat 7 or the Altra Lone Peak 9+ gives you cushion and grip required. Both are consistently among our best sellers.
For those doing faster, more aggressive trail running like fell racing, mountain marathons, anything where the ground is rough and unpredictable then shoes like the Inov8 TrailTalon Max, the Salomon Speedcross 6 or the Nnormal Kjerag Brut start to make more sense. The lugs are more aggressive and the fit is more precise.
The Hoka Mafate 5 sits at the bigger, more protective end of the spectrum and is worth considering for long mountain days. The Mount To Coast T1 is another one I'd point people toward, it's a exactly what you need in a shoe from a brand that knows what it's doing on technical ground.
If you are happy to run in wet conditions regularly, and in Wales that's most of us, the waterproof options aren't what we'd recommend! The Salomon XA Pro 3D V9 GTX is a classic but these, just the Hoka Challenger 8 Gore-Tex and the Altra Lone Peak 9+ GTX are better suited as a daily driver or a comfortable dog walking shoe. If you're running in the rain, regardless as to whether you're wearing shorts or trousers, water is going to get into your shoes the same way your feet do. We beilive it's better to run in a shoe that dries quicker and wear a waterproof sock like Dexshell that'll do a much better job of keepin your feet dry when raining.
We also stock kids' trail running shoes. The Salomon XA Pro V8 Waterproof and Speedcross Kids are two of the best options out there. They're proper trail shoes scaled down.
If you're not sure where to start, the Hoka Speedgoat 7 handles more terrain than most runners will ever come across. The Altra Lone Peak 9+ is the one to reach for if you want a wider toe box or are thinking about longer distances. Both come in men's and women's fit and are well stocked across a range of sizes.
Free UK delivery on orders over £75. Crib Goch Outdoor is an independent outdoor retailer based in Wales, we only stock what we believe in. If you want to talk through which shoe suits your terrain and the kind of running you're doing, get in touch or come and see us in store.
If you're looking for something more suitable for the road or less technical terrain then check our: