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I've just bought a pair of studs (La Sportiva Crosslite XC from Pete Bland http://www.peteblandsports.co.uk/products/la-sportiva-crosslite-xc-sale.htm) but can't quite decide if I like the fit and feel. Any tips for how they should feel - without resorting to taking them out onto a muddy field?
The background is that I have been wearing spikes for XC and really like the light up-on-the-toes feel BUT keep breaking the spikes (not just the metal spikes, the soles have broken on two pairs now where the spikes have ripped out) so I thought I'd go for studs instead that would also open up some trail running possibilities.
The studs feel big and chunky compared to spikes, I expected them to be lighter I guess. And they have a bit of room around the toes. Not a bad thing in trainers usually, but not what I expect in spikes (but then I have some nasty toenails to show for XC exploits). I'm a light-ish ( < 9st) female so the chunkiness of shoes does feel a wee bit significant.
I suppose you are considering returning them and wont be able to if you have funked them up. My studded Wave Harriers feel like slippers with grippers. Light and floaty.
I wonder if you are used to spikes, you night be better with something more minimal, like the x-talons?
Yup, I am considering returning them if they're not right - or I would try them in mud! I did partly wonder whether it was okay to have a couple of cms room at the front or whether this is going to be a liability in cross country. (I've got my usual size but these are unisex shoes so could be a bit bigger I guess)
Thanks for the x-talon recommendation JohnnyO. I've just taken a look. Online they don't look much more minimal than the La Sportivas, but perhaps the difference is in the sole flexibility. I'll try to find a pair to look at...
Hmmmmm, if we get another snowy, slushy winter perhaps I can justify keeping them for that purpose anyway...right?
el Bee told me that its the flex rather than the weight that determines how they fee for trail shoes.
X-talons are very light,, there are also 'Bare Grips' from inov-8. Both a bit minimal for me, but people who like them tend to love them. I have never worn spikes, but I would imagine they feel similar- completely flat with no cushioning.
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Minimalist Footwear Thread
May 2025