Women's Trail Runners for an Overpronator

October 17, 2015 8:35 PM

I've gotten addicted to trail running the last six months, and having completed my first trail race, I've decided it's time to buy myself some new trail runners as a reward. I've been looking at the Brooks Cascadia 10 but note that it is intended for neutral pronation. Any suggestions for trail runners suitable for overpronation?

Alternatively, if anyone has the Cascadia 10, could I add an orthotic insert? Does the shoe have enough room for it? (I can't find this shoe in my size in HK to try it on.)

I may need to buy whatever I choose online, so if you have fit tips (runs small, true to normal fit, etc.) then that's a bonus.

I usually aim for races which range between 10 British miles (16km) and marathon distance. I'm in Hong Kong, so there is generally a substantial amount of elevation in any trail race, if that makes a difference. If I had to choose between a very light feeling and a feeling of cushioning, I go with the cushioning.

(I'm not so interested in any discussion about whether shoes which correct for pronation are useful or not. I'm aware of the debate, but I have a lot better experience with support for the overpronation. Thanks.)

posted by frumiousb to Health & Fitness (9 answers total)

The Brooks Adrenaline is excellent for motion control/pronation. It's not specifically a trail runner, and you may find it a little bulky for that, but it's fantastic for stability.
posted by judith at 11:52 PM on October 17, 2015

The cascadia runs wide (which suits me). It's very similar in fit to the brooks ghost, both in terms of fit and support, if that's available to try anywhere. The only difference I notice is a bit more padding underfoot and chunkier tread. They feel exactly the same on.

How much do you overpronate? I'm not sure if you're just looking for added cushioning or for actual correction of your over pronation. The cascadia is pretty supportive (it isn't remotely minimal) but it won't correct your foot position. The toe box is nice and wide, so you might be able to fit an orthotic in there if your own foot is narrow.

Try the ghost if you can find it. If you don't like it, you won't like the cascadia.
posted by tinkletown at 4:24 AM on October 18, 2015

According to Zappos, the Cascadia 10 has a removable insole, so you can pull it out and replace with your own correctional insert. I don't know about the Cascadia specifically, but trail runner insoles are usually pretty thick and squishy, so you might have enough room to replace it with a thin orthotic and a thin padded insole to give some squish.

The benefits of getting a trail runner vs a supportive running shoe are the usually very grippy sole and tread, some kind of rock protection, and a shoe that's designed to get wet on the outside without being miserable on the inside. I wouldn't replace a trail runner with normal running shoes. I would go waterproof. It's worth it.
posted by anaelith at 5:10 AM on October 18, 2015

Thanks! Judith, I run in the Adrenaline now, and I love it. But as noted by anaelith-- wet feet and other issues have made me decide it's time for a set of dedicated trail runners.

Suggestions for other brands?
posted by frumiousb at 5:38 AM on October 18, 2015

I have the cascadia 10. It's nice. Lots of good trail features.
I highly recommend the New Balance Leadville WT1210. It's fantastic! Support, comfort, and plenty of room for insoles. I love it.

I haven't tried either of them in wet conditions, though. I live in Texas.
posted by Neekee at 8:53 AM on October 18, 2015

Neekee-- what's your view? Could I use insoles with the Cascadia 10? Is there enough room?
posted by frumiousb at 4:41 PM on October 18, 2015

I'm a Brooks devotee. I've run all of my trail races in the Ghost (6 and 7) shoe with a Superfoot insert. Mind you, the Ghost is a neutral shoe. Brooks makes a gore-tex version of the Ghost, Ghost GTX. I love this shoe for muddy and snowy conditions. Also, if you weren't already aware, the Adrenaline comes in a gore-tex version as well.. it's the Adrenaline ASR GTX. I wasn't a fan of past Cascadias because I found them uncomfortably stiff. I haven't tried the Cascadia 10 because the Ghost GTX is my jam.
posted by msladygrey at 7:37 PM on October 18, 2015

I just tried it out for you. I replaced the cascadia's insole with my powerstep insole - I'm genuinely surprised I hadn't done so months ago. It works :)
It's not as roomy as my NB leadvilles, but it's good. The powerstep insoles are much higher/taller/thicker, so it does take away from the height of the Cascadia, but not enough to compromise comfort on the back of the ankles.
I say go for it.
posted by Neekee at 7:49 AM on October 19, 2015

Thanks for all the answers. What I didn't know until I asked this question is that the Adrenaline is available in a trail running version (really new to trail running-- sorry). I noticed it when I looked up the Ghost. It seems like it's a bit more for groomed trails than really technical trails, but it seems like it might be a better fit for me than the Cascadia-- which everyone says is fairly heavy.

I can try NB easily here in HK, so I will try the Leadville before I decide.

Thanks for all the advice. AskMe is such a great source.
posted by frumiousb at 4:28 PM on October 19, 2015