ϳԹ

Adidas ClimaCool Cardrona
ClimaCool Cardrona

Which trail-runners should I use for a multi-surface adventure race?

What running shoes would you recommend for a ten-mile competition in which I run through knee-deep mud, waist-high water, and on pavement? Last year, after coming out of the mud and water, I had to run eight miles with wet feet and sand in my shoes. Michael Visalia, California

Published:  Updated: 
Douglas Gantenbein
Adidas ClimaCool Cardrona

New perk: Easily find new routes and hidden gems, upcoming running events, and more near you. Your weekly Local Running Newsletter has everything you need to lace up! .

Isn’t the point to such a course that you end up with mud, water, sand and heaven knows what else in your shoes, all over your shorts, and everywhere else? I mean, there certainly isn’t any trail-runner known to humankind that’s going to keep your feet dry and clean when you’re plunging through water up to your waist and mud up to your knees. Maybe somebody makes trail waders. Otherwise, your best footwear option is to find a water-sports shoe that works reasonably well as a runner. The Adidas ClimaCool Cardrona ($85; www.adidas.com), for instance, is built on a running-shoe last and has a running-shoe midsole, but also has drainage holes so excess water runs out fairly easily.

Adidas ClimaCool Cardrona

Adidas ClimaCool Cardrona ClimaCool Cardrona

Otherwise, what to do? I might ask, are you simply running this course for your own edification and enjoyment, or are you really trying to beat the guy who’s just behind or ahead of you? Because, if the former, then I have a simple solution: Carry a pair of clean socks in a pocket, or even just tucked into the waistband of your shorts. Maybe put them in a plastic sandwich bag. Then, when you’re finished with the first two wet miles and have the final (drier?) eight miles to go, stop for 40 seconds and peel off the old socks. Shake the shoes out while you’re at it, in an effort to get most of the sand and grit out of there. You’ll succeed only partly, but at least the fresh socks should help keep the stuff from grinding off your skin over the final stretch.

If you don’t want to stop, then the other alternative is to get a pair of waterproof socks. Rocky Gore-Tex Oversocks, available at REI and other outlets, sell for $50, and are made with stretch Gore-Tex panels so that they conform to your feet and are fairly comfortable. They have tall tops and a stretch cuff that would help keep too much crud from pouring down into them during the really deep, wet stretches. But, that said, these likely will not keep your feet completely dry while wading in water above the sock tops. And then you risk having a sock full of water, which wouldn’t be very comfortable!

Personally, I like the spare socks option. That, or just tough it out and enjoy the mud.

You’ve seen our picks for 2006 Gear of the Year, and now the entire is online. Check out this year’s more than 400 must-have gear items, including .

Filed to:

Popular on ϳԹ Online