Staff member and trail runner Charlotte has been testing out the newly released OMM Trail Shoe. Lets get her thoughts...
Hot on the heals of OMM's first foray into the world of off-road running footwear with the Fell Shoe (read our thoughts on this here) is the Trail Shoe. As the name suggests this is a slightly less aggressive, more cushioned, higher drop trainer designed for faster paced training and racing on mixed terrain ranging from hard packed trails to grassy fields.
Charlotte has been testing the Trail Shoes on local tracks and trails over terrain that's included uneven gravel trails to grassy undulating terrain, limestone pavements.
"My initially thoughts when I first tried the shoes were that they were very light weight". Weighing just 249g compared to the Fell Shoe which at 272g isn't heavy, the Trail Shoe is a real featherweight and this was reflected in the ride feel that Charlotte described as "very responsive, I felt like the shoe was providing a lot of feedback and propelling me forward which was great".
Cushioning wise Charlotte says the "the foam compound is very nice, squishy but not too squishy, providing the perfect feel for those backyard training runs". This is thanks to the same Vibram technology used in the Fell Shoe. This creates "wave technology" that provides stability and comfort as well as encouraging a smoother transition through the gait cycle by reducing direct impacts and spreading the load as transition from foot plant to push-off.
A slightly higher 27mm stack height and 6mm drop compared to the 23.5mm and 4mm drop of the Fell Shoe also adds to the enhanced cushioning and protection for longer outings and harder packed terrain.
"The grip was extremely good! I felt confident descending loose uneven terrain even on the first wear. The trail shoe has different lugs from the Fell shoe which I very much prefer. He lugs are 6mm vs the variable 8-11mm lugs on the Fell Shoe and I feel this gives a more stable feel to the shoe spreading the weight out naturally".
Fit wise "overall the shoe is on the narrow side, which for me meant I don't think I'd use them for runs over about 10 miles because once my feet started to swell I think I would risk them becoming too tight and blistering". Shoe fit is a very personal thing and for those with wider feet or planning to run longer distances there is the "Regular+" version which offers a more generous fit.
Charlotte also commented that "the heel of the shoe has a narrow fit which I found wasn't working too well for me, but once I adjusted the laces to the second eyelet at the top this really locked my heel into place and they felt much better". The adjustable lacing is something that really stands out with both the Trail and Fell Shoe enabling the wearer to personalise the fit. Charlotte says "I also loved how there were several lacing loops and tassels to configure the correct lacing pattern to fit your foot. It did take me a couple of runs to dial down the best lacing system for me but once I did it works great".
"The robust material is great when running through heather and bracken as you don't get worried that the material will snag or rip. I did find the material felt a bit hard on the foot to begin with, but once I'd done a few miles it loosened up and began to mould to my foot shape. Because the material is like a mesh it makes them very breathable and drain very well".
"I liked how the tongue was a very soft material; almost ‘felty’ which made a really nice connection between my sock and the shoe". Similarly to the Fell Shoe OMM have utilised a really lightweight, yet durable Ripstop upper with reinforced overlays in key areas to provide extra protection and create a cradle around the midfoot to hold the foot in place when traversing uneven and cambered terrain.
One comment Charlotte had was that she "found the fit around the ankle quite low which for people new to off-road running may find feels a little unsupportive" again this is related to fit and highlights the importance of trying to visit a store to try on shoes before buying as issues like this are likely to be a very personal.
Overall the OMM Trail Shoe provides a balanced platform that feels stable and responsive at pace. It is lightweight and protective without feeling overbuilt or squishy underfoot. It has a precise fit that is designed to keep you feeling secure and confident whatever underfoot conditions are thrown at you. Check out the full specification and buy here.
Keep your eyes peeled on our social media for a try out evening where you'll have the opportunity to try the Trail Shoe on the local trails here in Settle.
