Welcome to our guide on the best shoes to wear for the Spine Race. With the challenging terrain, harsh weather conditions, and long distances involved in this extreme ultramarathon, choosing the right shoes is crucial for success. We know this topic comes up frequently on social media, and there is a lot of debate around the perfect shoe for the race. However, it's essential to remember that the best shoe for you will vary depending on your individual needs and preferences. Ultimately, the best option is the shoe you have trained in and feel most comfortable wearing during the race. With that in mind, let's explore some suggestions for shoes that may help you tackle the Spine Race with confidence.

Shoes

While there are many options available, certain models of shoes are more common than others. Over the years, we have observed that these are the most common shoes worn by Spine Race participants.

Winning Shoes

Inov-8 Roclite 275 - Jasmin Paris Jasmin chose to run the Spine Race in the new ROCLITE 275 trail running shoe with graphene-enhanced rubber outsoles (G-GRIP).
La Sportiva Uragano - John Kelly La Sportiva Uragano for the first half and La Sportiva Blizzard for the second half.
Inov-8 TRAILFLY G 270 - Damian Hall Pennine Way FKT

Shoes for Wide Feet

For spade like feet, feet that swell or to make space for waterproof socks.

Wide shoes can be beneficial for ultra marathons because they provide more room for the foot to expand and swell during long-distance running. This can help prevent blisters, hotspots, and other foot injuries that can occur from wearing shoes that are too tight. Additionally, wider shoes can provide greater stability and balance for runners, which can be especially important during the later stages of an ultra marathon when fatigue sets in.

Get your feet in some wide shoes.

Not a wide shoe, but a wide version of a narrow shoe, Hoka Speedgoats Wide (EE).

Inov8 Fit

Inov-8 has an inaccurate reputation for only making precision-fit shoes, with many people saying "My feet are too wide for Inov-8". However, this reputation is misleading as Inov-8 is actually one of the best manufacturers when it comes to offering a range of shoes in different widths, with a clear system for understanding them. They offer shoes in wider fits, including their Fit 4 and Fit 5 categories

Inov-8 shoes are classified on a 1-5 fit width scale based on the width of the shoe's last (the mold that shapes the shoe).

Fit 1: Inov-8's narrowest fit. It is designed for a low-volume, precision fit that is snug and form-fitting. This fit is best suited for runners with narrow feet or those who prefer a tight, performance-oriented fit.

Fit 2: A slightly wider fit that still offers a close, precision fit. This fit is designed for runners with a low to medium volume foot who still prefer a snug and secure fit.

Fit 3: A medium width fit that offers a comfortable, all-around fit for a variety of foot shapes. This fit is suitable for most runners who want a balance between performance and comfort.

Fit 4: A wider fit that provides more room in the toe box and forefoot for runners with wider feet or those who prefer more space in their shoes. This fit offers a comfortable fit for long-distance running and provides room for the foot to swell during extended periods of exercise.

Fit 5: Inov-8's widest fit, designed for maximum comfort and support for runners with wider feet or those who prefer a roomy, relaxed fit. This fit is ideal for ultra-distance running or for runners who need extra space in their shoes due to foot swelling or other conditions.

The OG, GOAT Shoe of the Spine Race

The most popular shoe in the 2014 Spine Race - Footwear Survey, the legendary Salomon Speedcross.

The Salomon Speedcross is a good shoe for winter ultra marathons due to its excellent traction on snow and ice. The shoe's durability and protection features also make it suitable for long-distance running in challenging winter conditions.

Also available in a wide version Salomon Speedcross 6 WIDE

Popular Shoes

Altra Olympus 4
Hoka Torrent 2
Hoka Speedgoat
Saucony Peregrine
La Sportiva Akasha
Inov-8 Terraultra G270

Boots

Altra Olympus 5 Hike Mid
Speedgoat Mid Boot
INOV8 ROCLITE G335

Socks

Waterpoof

Sealskin
DexShell

Foot Care Products

Fixing Your Feet Book The book Fixing Your Feet, the 'bible' of foot care for extreme athletes.
O'Keeffe's for Healthy Feet Foot Cream is a moisturizer that heals, relieves, and repairs extremely dry, cracked feet.
Trench Foot Cream A waterproof barrier to prevent the onset of foot maceration and blisters. Giving you more time on your feet to play.