Weight 334gEvaluation While Inov8’s Mudroc models are among the best examples of extreme off-road shoes – where grip is the most important consideration – they aren’t exactly ideal for long, lazy runs in the trails. Having realised this, Inov8 has

, flexible and sure-footed: even though its weight doesn’t hint at its speed, the 904’s profile makes it one of the top three off-road performers in the non-fell-running market.Try it if you liked Adidas Equipment Davos (£60, discontinued); Nike Air Terra

stability. A thick midsole, though, doesn't usually make for an especially stable shoe on uneven terrain. With shallow lugs, the Ochoco is, like the Merrell Overdrive and Hi-Tec Lava Run, best suited to dry, benevolent trails and is not an extreme off-road

and hard to preview some of the best off-road races in the UK, and this month we've pulled two real crackers. Starting with a long road section, the Easy Runner Sodbury Slog is anything but easy and it takes in some of Bristol’s most demanding terrain

Closing Soon Closing soon: Bronte Way 8 Bronte Way 8 (Keighley, October 8) Don't be put off by the fact that the Bronte Way 8 is classified as a fell race - the off-road course is entirely runnable.Discovery 10K (Essex, October 14) More than 500

; the variety of road, heath and sea wallMay 3Three Forts Marathon, West Sussex 90% (see more) Tough courses with more than 3,000ft of climbing; running off-road and finding your own way round (there are no marshals); small fields - there were only 200 runners

Where and when?Sunday, November, 9, BristolWhat is it?Comprising eight heart-stopping, lung-busting and back-breaking 'country' miles, The Easy Runner Sodbury Slog is anything but 'easy'. Starting with a long road section, the course is run across

-neutral runners? The North Face: Arnuva 50 Boa, £90Weight 355g A versatile shoe, the Arnuva 50 Boa can be used to run on trails, muddy dirt paths and even road. Snug and responsive, its weight belies the fact that it packs a lot of technology. A dual-density EVA

. Getting StartedTeaming up with other runners is the best way to dip your toe in if you’re completely new to off-road running. The Fell Running Association website has links to clubs across the country – contact a local group for a network of people ready

softly cushioned trail shoes on the market, but a forefoot protection plate makes it particularly suited to rough ground nonetheless.In short Heavy-duty grip and a sure-footed design make the Wasatch a serious off-road shoe. It’s not the lightest model