What To Look For
Running hills or "fells," as they're known in some parts of the U.K., requires shoes that feature lots of studs on the soles so you can grip the often soggy or rocky ground, according to Up and Running, which operates nearly 30 specialty running stores in Britain. You'll want good lacing and a glovelike fit so your foot doesn't slip around on the uneven terrain, according to Newcastle-based specialty running experts Northern Runner. Look for shoes durable enough to repel water and mud, and with good side support to protect your feet from rocks, according to Manx Fell Runners--an Isle of Man-based running club.
Common Pitfalls
You can use your on-road trainers for fell running, just don't expect to use them for long, according to Manx Fell Runners. This group, which also organizes fell races, contends that as a beginning fell runner you may be fine with the shoes that are already in your closet, but you'll want shoes that are better-constructed to grip uneven surfaces for fell running, as well as shoes that have a more durable outsole to protect your feet from the unique obstacles that face fell runners.
Where To Buy
Go directly to the manufacturers. The "classic" fell shoe maker is Walsh Shoes; its founder, Norman Walsh, is considered the "father of specialty trail running shoes," according to the late Freddie Snalam of Alpine World Adventures in a 2001 article. Other manufacturers sell shoes boasting the same features, including wicking fabrics and a tight, minimalist fit; Cumbria-based climbing shop Needle Sports suggests Inov-8 and Sportiva, while Manx Fell Runners adds Montrail to the list of brands that have gained ground for their innovations in shoe technology. Some manufacturers boast online stores, while others can direct you to specialty stores that sell their products.
Cost
If you buy fell running shoes, expect to pay what you would for a quality pair of road shoes, according to information provided by Needle Sports. The shoes it features for fell running range from 55 to nearly 110 British pounds, or around $86 to $172. Up and Running's Aylesbury shop reports that its shoes, regardless of the type of running they're used for, cost an average of 75 pounds, or about $117, though some pairs exceed 100 pounds or about $156. Shoes are available for less than 60 pounds or $94, but those pairs are not recommended as they lack proper cushioning for even some of the shortest runs, according to the shop's site.
Accessories
Socks are a must, but not just any socks will do, according to Up and Running. You'll need durable socks that wick moisture and, by doing so, prevent blisters from forming and also won't curl under the top of your shoe, leaving your foot exposed to the terrain. If you're prone to conditions such as overpronating, where your foot rolls inward, you may want to consider adding insoles to your shoes to provide more cushioning in parts of the foot susceptible to injury--such as the heel and toe, according to Needle Sports. It may be necessary to add a gaiter that fits over your shoe and keeps debris such as dirt from flying into your shoe, according to Northern Runner.
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