The determining elements of fit in a trail running shoe
The Upper
The upper, pulled by the laces, wraps the instep and the sides of the foot.
The upper is responsible for ensuring that the sole of the foot remains still and in contact with the insole while the upper foot remains still in contact with the tongue.
- The determining elements of fit in a trail running shoe and products
To make the tension of the laces reach from the upper holes to the midsole, there are more or less rigid structures such as heat-sealed inserts, rubber or plastic pieces that join both areas (midsole and holes).
A photo of my Saucony Peregrine 7. ... shoes with an exceptional fit for running at full speed (in my opinion). As you can see, the Peregrine have a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) exoskeleton that joins the string system with the midsole ... a marvel.
Tpu exoskeleton of the saucony peregrine 7
These elements that belong to the upper, in addition to tightening the foot, serve to protect it in the upper and lateral part.
We must pay attention to these structures because they are usually rigid and the more structures there are, the less breathable the upper will be .
Another negative point to consider is that it is in the contact points between these structures and the upper fabric, points of tension are created that generate breaks.
Trail shoe laces.
The laces tighten and adjust the upper to the foot.
The laces have to be able to slide well into the holes since they have to apply uniform pressure throughout the instep.
A fundamental factor when it comes to fit is that the laces must not lose tension during the race. I advise you to go read the analysis and forum of the pages dedicated to trail running and you will see how many complaints you can find about ties that are loosened and what forces the runners to stop to tighten them well.
Flat laces generally distribute pressure better and are more difficult to release. Round laces are easier to tighten but slide more and could lose tension.
The heel counter
The heel fit is ensured mainly thanks to the buttress that wraps the heel and prevents it from moving (especially during climbs).
Speaking of climbs ... surely more than one fears them ... well, you shouldn't, if the climbs are your "way of the cross", in this article you can read the best tips to improve the ascent technique in mountain races. Here you have the link . .. that you enjoy reading
The buttress has to hold the heel well to prevent it from moving rubbing with each step with the consequent appearance of blisters.
The buttress does not have to be 100% rigid, it is enough that it adapts to the foot and does not move.
The stiffness of the buttress serves to support the support, correcting the position of the foot while protecting the heel.
The last of the shoe
The internal space of trail running shoes is a determining factor for the fit of the shoe. Especially in the anterior area where the fingers will have more or less mobility.
The narrower and less space there is, the better the fit , but it will obviously imply a decrease in the overall comfort of the shoes.
I imagine that you have already understood, long runs where the feet and toes tend to swell, better if the fit and space inside the shoe is adequately wide.
If, however, we are looking for precision in technical terrain and shorter routes, then we tighten these toes and instep so that nothing moves inside the shoe.
What are the negative effects of a tight fit on a trail running shoe?
The first factor to suffer from an overly tight and precise fit is the overall comfort of the shoe . A shoe that is too precise, too tied to the foot, could be uncomfortable. Especially in long-distance races like the Ultra Trail.
Generally the fit is opposite to the comfort of the shoe . I do not mean to say that there are not shoes with an excellent fit and very comfortable.
