Hi, I wonder if you could give me some advice please. I am keen to start trail running and am looking for footwear that will give me plenty of ankle support and cusioning and be let me splash through puddles and run through long wet grass without getting my feet. I will be mostly on bridal / country foot paths with the normal variety of mud / hard packed stones etc and very small amounts of road running to get to and from some of the trails. I was thinking about using the Salomon 4D Cosmic GTX, as I was told that they would do the job very well. But reading some reports seem to indicate that the boot is not suitable for this purpose. I really wanted high sided boots for the additional ankle support, water proofing and to stop stones getting in. Please can you tell me what you think, would this boot be suitable for my needs. Many thanks, Thomas.
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 I would forget about trying to keep your feet dry when running off-road, Thomas. IMO, it is better to have no waterproof lining. Yes, water will get in, but it will be forced out again easily by your foots 'pumping' action as you run. With shoes with a waterproof membrane, the water will get in, and then it stays there. To keep stones and such like out your shoes, there are many different 'debris' gaiters on the market.
Running will build up your ankle strength, and i can't see any need for ankle support. It's more important that the shoes are able to lock your heels into place. There are a few lace tying techniques that help with this, but i would make sure there is no heel lift when trying them on in the shop.
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Hi Mike, What shoe would you reccomend please? Regards, Thomas.
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A good specialist running shoe shop like Run and Become, Pete Bland Sports or Running Bear is worth a visit if you are near - their websites pretty much cover the range of what is available and worthwhile. A lot depends on the kind of running you want to do, not to mention fit!
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Many thanks Mike, will check them out. Regards, Thomas.
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Hi there - I've got a pair of Cosmic 4ds and there are an excellent lightweight boot, but that's what they are... a walking boot, not a running trainer. My advice would be to check out Innov8... they do some high sided trail running shoes... http://www.inov-8.com/Products-Detail.asp?PG=PG1&L=26&P=5050973058
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Thanks Cornelius, That is exactly the kind of feedback I needed. I will take a look at the other boots you reccomend and see if I can find a local retailer I can try them on in. Regards, Thomas.
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 Whats good for me might be rubbish for you*..... your best bet is to speak to a QUALITY local running specialist shop. They'll be able to see you run on a treadmill and give you a list of suitable choices. Then buy the one you like the look of and gives you a good feeling... if it turns out to be no good go to number 2 on the list....repeat as many times as is necessary to find YOUR perfect trail shoe. *Was out splashing and mud skidding/slipping at the weekend with a great pair of trail shoes but NO I'm not telling you what they were!!! 
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Thomas did you manage to get to a local retailer yet? I have been looking at the new Hi-Tec Infinity trail running shoes this morning. They have ion-masking technology and are more of a trainer than a boot, which sounds excellent for field running. Also they are one of the lightest on the market so it would be interesting to hear if anyone has tried them? Thanks
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 Well its easy no? Put on feet, lace up. If (a) no real heel lift, (b) fit 'right' (and it mostly seems rather easy to tell with lightweight shoes if you remember a) then they're at least worth trying  If they don't then they aren't.... (well modulo potential adaption with thicker socks etc too.).
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 If you are anywhere near london, I would recommend that you pay Asics a visit.
I got my trail shoes from them after a telling off from my physiotherapist. They were very good. They found me an excellent pair that supports my foot and cancels out my over pronation. I paid £20 to have my foot scanned and gait analysis, but I got it back when I bought some shoes. They went out of their way to get the perfect fit for me. Price wasn't bad either.
I love my trail shoes. Best things I have ever run in. Stand up very well in all conditions, although, I have found the material on the outside has shredded a little after I ran through some thorns. My old leather trainers would never have had this issue, but its only cosmetic. Not much point recommending the particular ones I got since they are a womens fit and specifically for over pronation
I agree with mike. forget the waterproof membrane. Even if you miss all the puddles and take the bridge instead of fjording the stream, your gonna sweat enough to fill the shoes. Although, saying that, you can get some GoreTex lined trail shoes. Up to you.
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 If your going to be mainly running on footpaths/bridleways I'd suggest getting shoes with a bit more cushioning. Some trail running shoes are quite minimalist in this respect which is good for rough ground and moor but hard going if your on paths. e.g. Innov8 terrocs or adidas kanadias may be better than innov8 x talons or walshes.
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