Trail shoes: take control of your stride and put a stop to injuries

Running doesn't just wear out your shoes!!

Vere's something we can all agree on. Yes, as enjoyable as it is, running is one of the most physically demanding sports for the body, which absorbs impacts of very (TOO) significant. It's said that a runner landing their foot on the ground absorbs an impact of 2 to 3 times body weight... No wonder we're all on the hunt every season for the holy grail, keeping an eye out for the latest innovations, for THE pair we'll buy in 4 copies — the companion that will never leave our backpack. And at the start of the 2019 season, it's the CIMALP 864 trail shoe that's been generating a lot of buzz in the vibrant trail community. WHY? Because it goes in the right direction by tackling one of the major problems identified by sports professionals — the infamous heel strike, responsible for unbalanced running postures, joint pain and recurring injuries. The brand takes into account the mechanical and muscular constraints linked to running, drawing on the scientific, clinical and physiological knowledge of the discipline. STANDOUT FEATURE? 1 shoe with progressive drop (with 3 insoles of 8, 6 and 4mm) and programmes to manage the reduction of this drop over time. PROMISE? Gradually moving us towards a natural stride (forward-foot oriented), high-performing and less punishing over time. So naturally, like any trail runner dreaming of keeping their joints and knees intact until the age of 60, I took a closer look at the new toy!:)

Improving your stride: gradually but surely

  Aefore anything else, as a sports coach, it's the concept of progressive transition in the drop change that caught my attention, because many runners get injured paying the price of too abrupt a drop change (not me — that's my physio talking), due to insufficient muscular, articular and proprioceptive adaptation. Slowly (Gradually) but surely... That's a bit what trail is all about, isn't it? So I took the plunge — and if it can help some of you who haven't yet found the right shoes for your feet, don't stop there, the feedback on CIMALP's 864 is coming!

CIMALP?

Por those who don't know the brand, it's a French outdoor textile brand dedicated to mountain sports. Hiking, high-altitude mountaineering, trekking, skiing...: outdoor sport in abundance! And from the few products I've tested since buying the shoes, we're talking reliable, technical gear at fair prices! For those who want more info> The Cimalp brand Back to the point! CIMALP has entered the world of trail running a few years ago, with reference products like the STORM trail waterproof-breathable jacket, but had never yet taken the leap into designing and manufacturing shoes. That's now done! And that brings us to the heart of the matter: my experience and review of the 864 Drop Control! If I had to describe it in 3 words: adaptive, versatile and mountain-ready !

Adaptive

Ato best experience the concept of progressive drop reduction at the core of this shoe, I played along and followed the support programme included with it, developed in collaboration with Arthur Molique, sports doctor and specialist in longitudinal follow-up of high-level athletes. As a regular runner, 2 months was enough for me to go from an 8mm drop to a 4mm drop. If you're a more occasional runner, you'll need a little more patience — a transition of around 6 months to give your body time to adapt to these changes. This transition to a lower drop has been beneficial on several levels: - A change in my running posture with a more dynamic stride: increase in my stride cadence (steps per minute), balanced forward posture. - Moving from a heel-striking gait, which is particularly traumatic (repeated and amplified impact on ankles/knees/hips), towards a mid/forefoot strike pattern. I also think you can play with this adjustable drop during long races. Let me explain: I commit to a long or ultra trail and set off with a 4mm drop because my stride is efficient. Then, as fatigue sets in, my stride becomes less efficient and I can play with the insoles to gain muscular comfort and cushioning by moving back towards a 6 or 8mm drop.

Versatile

Por me, that's the other main asset of this shoe! An exceptionally high-performing outsole with the quality of Vibram for a grip that delivers and reassures! Effective cushioning on roads, paths or steep trails. Stability on cambers and descents, even when slightly over-speed. Inside, comfort is immediate. The toe box is generous and you'll find what's becoming a classic: a seamless construction and a comfortable bootie that wraps the foot and secures the tongue to the shoe's upper. No tongue movement, and a pleasantly supported foot. In short, the 864 will be the ideal running companion for your trails from 10 to 100km, in competition or training.

Mountain-ready

Aith its clean yet effective design, the 864 perfectly matches the brand's mountain DNA. A fully lugged outsole built for high-altitude trails and a large toe guard at the front of the shoe make it a shoe suited for mountain races — but it will also appeal to fast hikers looking for a lightweight yet built-to-last shoe for their adventures.

VERDICT?

Frankly, for a first shoe, this is a bold move — and in my view, it's going to pay off, because the innovative concept of trail running shoes, CIMALP has hit hard! Without revolutionising the design, the dynamism, the weight or everything that defines a good trail shoe, it ticks every box with flying colours. After more than 200km in the shoes across different terrains and outing lengths, I'm fully convinced! I've made the 864 my Swiss Army knife shoe : mostly on a 4mm drop, particularly on short trails to maintain a dynamic stride, I play more with the insoles on longer outings. I recently did an outing fast-hiking on a 6mm drop with friends in the Vercors, and I really appreciated the grip of the outsole on the descent and the good cushioning of the shoe. I appreciate the fact that it's not just another trail shoe. Por a first shoe, it's quite a risk — and if you ask me, it should pay off, because the innovative concept of adjustable drop what it brings to the (already very crowded) trail shoe segment goes in the direction of many recommendations from the medical world to avoid injuries caused by a heel-striking gait and high drops. And that's genuinely valuable! To conclude, the versatility of the 864 model will allow both beginners and seasoned trail runners to line up on short trails (10km–15km) through to fairly long distances (80 to 100km). Bonus: its lugged VIBRAM outsole also makes it perfectly suited for light hikes and fast-hiking.

I recommend it to any runner looking to improve their stride and gradually reduce their drop, and to any athlete keen to minimise the risk of injury over time.

Price: £129.90 on cimalp.fr

A more than competitive value for money when you see the usual prices (it quickly climbs to £180–£200 a pair) And at a few pairs per season for regular runners, that adds up fast! Ask my wife for her opinion!!! The 864 — tested and approved! Thanks CIMALP! To check out the trail shoe 864, click here. Now it's your turn to take control of your stride!

Patrick, Sports Coach in Lyon