Hi there,
Hope this is in time. I've never run in spikes.
Needing studs or not depends enormously on the weather and terrain- they are needed on steep AND wet natural surfaces but don't make an enormous difference on flat off road runs. The fact that so many studded shoes offer no support and cushioning means they may not be worth it unless the leg you are doing is very nasty (i.e nasty terrain).
If you look at the Inov-8 site they do loads of shoes for off roading and some are a compromise between on and off road- may get more usage. Mizuno do some in-between ones too.
Studs would keep you upright in deep mud or on a steep climb when other people (without them) would struggle- if you don't expect that sort of action then don't bother. If you do, go for a compromise but aggressive trail shoe I reckon, like a Roc-Lite / Wave Harrier.
Good luck.
Posted: 27/10/2007 at 19:36
