Hi,

I have worn trail shoes for many years on all sorts of events from social walks through Challenge Events including 100's up to multi-week backpacking trips. My preferred option is Inov8 Roclite 295. They are extremely light and have sticky soles. I also use Hokas which, with their relatively thick soles, seem quite popular with LDWA members.

One disadvantage of trainers is the durability of the mesh uppers - particularly when walking in wet conditions. My evolved solution to this is to weave dyneema thread (approx 0.7mm dia - available on eBay) with a needle through the mesh across the whole of the front of the shoe from one side to the other. This is done when the shoes are new and added to as necessary. It doesn't look pretty but I typically get 2000 miles plus with now the soles wearing out first!

Hope this helps.

Tony

As someone who is new to the LDWA but has done a lot of hill walking in my time I was surprised when taking part in my first event to see the majority of people wearing trail shoes & not walking boots. This also appears to be the case when I look at pictures of other events. Is this in fact the case and if so does anyone have any recommendations about which trail shoes to use, or more importantly avoid! - thanks