So other than your cool pink shoes, which type do you feel is needed for XTERRA? Are the running courses so tough that a true trail shoe is needed? Or would a regular light trainer or racing flat do the job?

I raced all of the Xterra races last year in either the Saucony Fastwitch Endurance or the Saucony Azura.

This year Saucony has a new shoe called the Saucony Type A which is likely going to be my first choice along with the Fastwitch. Both are the perfect marriage of a very light racing flat but they have a solid enough sole that I don't have to worry about bruising the bottom of my foot on some of the more rocky courses.

You still want a light shoe at these races... it isn't mountain climbing. Anything that you might consider for a cross country race would be appropriate. I am going to be testing the new Saucony Kilkenny XC flat as well, which is a very low profile racing flat but with small spikes to improve traction.

Hope that helps!

Mel

I wasn't aware that spikes were allowed in XTERRA. But thanks for the info. Did want to use regular trail shoes in Richmond if they were not needed.

I would not advise spikes for any Xterra. There are usually paved sections... a lightweight racing flat is the best bet.. or a lighter pair of trail shoes. Not spikes!

Hi Mel, I know you raced Xterra 2004 at Buntzen Lake, Vancouver which I raced last year when it was XTC. Can you recall which shoes you wore at that event?
I found that the climbs and descents on the far side of the lake around the Dias Vistas (sp) were rough on the feet, and wondered if you wore road shoes for that event.

Regards, Julian