As part of preparing your race pack for the UTMB®, the choice of your shoes will be crucial. They are certainly the most important component of your trail runner's kit and you absolutely must be accustomed to the model you will be wearing! Here are some tips for selecting the perfect trail shoes for your race.
A lightweight trail shoe
The UTMB is a long-distance event and the weight of your shoes will be a deciding factor over the kilometres. There are no secrets here — unnecessary grams accumulate and create fatigue. So the first piece of advice is to choose a relatively lightweight shoe to tackle the long distances.
A specialist trail shoe
It may seem obvious, but you should not tackle this type of event in a pair of standard sports shoes. Manufacturers have all made great strides and now offer shoes specially designed for trail. They most often combine comfort, lightweight construction and durability to handle the kilometres and obstacles. Do not underestimate the investment you can make a few months before the event by choosing a genuine technical trail shoe, truly designed for your performance and well-being over long distances. Get used to your shoes over the months and you will notice the difference on race day!
A spare pair of shoes
Do not forget to pack a spare pair of shoes in case you encounter a problem with your main pair (you never know). It is also worth having a comfortable pair of shoes at the start area for the time spent before the race begins. The same applies at the finish area, where you will be glad to slip into a comfortable pair of casual shoes or simple sandals to air out your feet and recover. Plan to tuck these pairs of shoes into the bag that stays behind and does not accompany you during the event. For more information:
