Shoes for Looking Glass 100k in NC
Hey all, the looking glass 100k will be my first in November and I’m having a hard time finding shoes that work great for me even at sub 20 mile distances. I have tried speedgoat 5s - too tight across my metatarsals. Same is true for new balance supercomp trails. Terrex agravic speeds are decent comfort wise but not as much cushion as I’d like in an all day shoe and the ultras are pretty damn expensive. Salomon ultra glides I’ve worn once and they were decently comfortable but felt a bit less grippy than some of the others to me. The race will be a classic east coast race with fairly technical spots and def chance of mud w/ 13,600’ in vert so grip needs to be there. Xodus ultra 1s are maybe the best combo of fit, cushion, and grip I’ve experienced so far. How do the 2s and 3s compare? Lone peaks have been comfortable walking shoes for me but I’d like more cushion and a bit of drop in the shoe at least.
I’m 240 lbs so while price isn’t the only factor, I do go through shoes fairly quickly. I’m also a fairly new trail runner so the more confidence inspiring the better.
I sweat a ton so besides comfort and appropriate width, quick drying would be really nice. Theres also a few stream crossings in the race.
Some road shoes I’ve loved - Superblast, EP3s, Supercomp trainer v1s, triumph 20s. These shoes have been fine for me in standard widths as long as I sized up from 11.5 to 12.
I know I’m looking for a bit of a needle in a haystack here and being picky while not trying to spend a lot but hoping yall might have some good suggestions given this context.
Edit: not necessarily expecting tht I need a special shoe for this race, i just want a great shoe to train/race in that I can wear without my feet killing me. As far as running stores, I’m in Fl so the trail running/ hiking knowledge might be a weakness at stores here