Discussion: Orienteering Shoes and where to buy them

I was wondering if I could get people feedback on what makes a good orienteering shoe, different brands used in the sport, and where to buy them. I am trying to get some sponsor support from one of the local running Stores and they are looking for stuff that could benefit them as well as help My orienteering programs. Appreciate any feedback.

Perhaps they could start selling Inov-8 shoes. Inov-8 has a extensive line of shoes that cater adventurous souls and also offer good orienteering shoes that are becoming quite popular as of late.

I'd go with Inov8 and Icebug for their range of good trail and o-shoes.

Icebug winter-adapted (dobbs-) studded running shoes are great in snow and ice.

Orienteering shoes tend to be more minimalist, while reasonably tough. Low wet weight; thin and narrow soles which lessens the risk of a twisted ankle...

I have been very happy in New Balance trail shoes the last few years. Model 101 is the one I am using now and I have liked it the best of anything I have orienteered in.

Inov8!

+1 Inov-8
(and my kids love their Ice-bugs too...)

Usually I buy the Inov-8's on-line. Eastbay has them sometimes and so does Mountain Gear (or it's something like Mountain Gear). In both cases, hold out for a sale unless you're desperate. Bermans Orienteering Supply has started carrying Ice-bugs and the US Rep has been to several A-meets in the US and Canada with his trailer and shoes.

VJ's (Falcon and Integrator?), may still be the standard but they hurt my feet.

inov-8 are awesome! I wore them when hiking with non-orienteering friends in Yosemite this summer, and one of them bought them the day after he got home from the trip.

Salomon makes the SpeedCross and the SpikeCross (the SpeedCross with metal dobs). Feet mentioned on AP earlier that he has a pair of one of these and likes them.

Yeah, Gary Richter (the icebug rep) is really friendly. You can order shoes from him or online. Let me know if you want his contact details.

I really like the VJ integrators. My current pair is going on 400+ miles right now. I'll probably replace them before next spring. I found they didn't need much breaking in, but your results may vary.

I have a pair of innov8 X-talons, and I like how light and grippy they are, but they don't fit my feet very well, so I limit how much I run in them. I've tried the Icebugs and they fit a little better, but I don't have extensive experience with them.

I like both VJ Falcons and Integrators. The Integrators I have now are my favorite pair of O-shoes ever and fit like they were molded to my feet. Durability of the VJs has been an issue - both pairs of Falcons died when the soles started to seperate. I know lots of people have encountered that problem. The Integrators have lasted longer.

I would love to try some of the newer brands - The Inov-8 and Icebugs, etc. The last time I bought O-shoes those were just starting to show up or get popular. However, I really have to try shoes on. If they don't fit well my feet easily get blistered and ripped up. So I'm wary of ordering online. I saw Bermans has the Icebugs so when I'm in the market I may try them on. I've just been so happy with the fit of these Integrators that I may try to get another pair if that model is still around.

I haven't tried Icebugs, but I love my inov8s. Most comfortable o-shoe I've ever had. I have both x-talons and o-rocs. The o-rocs are the ones with the metal studs on the bottom. I have successfully jammed some of them so they're now at an angle, but they don't bother my feet at all and still work just fine. The rubber on the x-talons also wears out fast if you're running on pavement, which I don't general do except sprints. One issue some people have with the inov8s, though, is rubbing at the heel. Whenever I get a new pair, I stretch them out real good in the back and problem solved. Once they're broken in, though, everything is fine.

+1 Salomon Spikecross.

+1 Inov-8

I was wondering if I could get people feedback on what makes a good orienteering shoe

Most important for me is comfort. I find 'traditional' O shoes like the JV Integrator to be really uncomfortable, and that's just distracting. My feet fit well in inov-8 shoes, and they have a variety of grippiness options that are suitable for orienteering, plus they're light and I feel like I'm running on the ground, not running on a hard piece of plastic on the ground.

different brands used in the sport

Around here (Oslo) I most people seem to wear inov-8s and Icebugs, and a not insignificant minority in VJs and the like.

and where to buy them.

Zappos.com

ndobbs posted a couple of key features of good O'shoes (low weight when wet, thin, narrrow heels to reduce risk of ankle twist). Another thing I like is a "stone shield" in the arch area that extends from the sole up the inside of the shoe a abit to protect your arch.

I used the standard REI type Salomons and tried a Brooks trail shoe (Cascadia) until I won some Inov-8s at a race - they are now my shoe of choice.

Has Inov-8 ever fixed the issue on many of the original-design models in which for a mild pronator like myself with a front/back-neutral foot strike, the inside part of the heel part of the sole would wear out and give in after only a couple months? (This is distinct from the thing-protruding-into-back-of-heel issue, which I hear they fixed promptly and I have no reason to not believe.)

If you're a size 7.5, 12.5, or 13.0, Eastbay has a few pairs of the Inov-8 O-Roc 280's left for $70 ($55 off list).

Oooh, and some Salomon Spikecrosses (half sizes 9 through 12) on sale here for $110 with free shipping ($50 off list).

Also, I was reading some reviews at Zappo's for some mudclaws, and I found out that folks in practical shooting competitions and those goofy mud runs prefer inov-8's as well.

Some quotes:

Just did my first mud run and these were awesome. They didn't come off even when I was stuck knee deep in mud and I never slipped and fell. People all around me were losing their shoes...

I bought a pair of these for practical shooting sports. I just finished my third match with them today, and they are fantastic shoes. Today was a sloppy, muddy mess, and I was one of the few that maintained my footing all day...

I think inov8 is the lightest and fastest shoe, but when its wet i dont like using them because they loose grip when its wet or on a steep hill.

then i preffer vj bold: they are the lightest of all vj's , but if there arent any rocks on the map i use vj supra with removable crosscountryspikes.

Never tried icebugs, they dont fit my feet.

Hey thanks all for the feedback really appreciate it thanks.

Quite expensive, but very comfortable: Salomon S-Lab Fellcross 1. And of course Inov-8 x-talon/mudclaw/oroc.

i think besides weight and protection also the heel-to-tow drop is important. in my opinion it should be <= 6mm to give you stability and control and "protecting" your ankle from getting twisted.

i would also recommend to choose a shoe that suites the areas you are mostly running. fast drying and self-purification if there is a lot of marsh, good protection and a more narrow tread if there are lots of rocks and stones and more cushioning for lots of forest roads.

I love orienteering in VJ Bolds ans Supras, these shoes are extremely comfortable, sturdy and offer great stability for the foot while running in terrain and on rock. In Great Britain I know that Ultrasport (http://www.ultrasport.co.uk) stock a lot of these shoes.

$71.99 at 6pm.com?
That is less than what I pay for them at wholesale!

Thanks. Just got a pair for $57.59 and it included free shipping

I have a pair of the OROC 350. I think it's fair to describe them as winter trail running shoes, not orienteering shoes. Just FWIW. I prefer Icebugs for off-trail running/o.

6pm.com recently dropped the prices again on the Oroc 340 and 350. The 350's are now all gone, but there are 340's to be had for $36.12 + free shipping + no tax (except KY, NV, NY, NC and WA). Use the promo code "6PMsweet.14E11855606" to get the 14% for that price. The code is good through 2/20.

The catch is that they only have mens sizes 6.0, 6.5, 7.0, 7.5 remaining (7.5, 8.0, 8.5, 9.0 in womens).

Otherwise, you can get the full range of larger sizes (8 to 13) of the 340 at Backcountry.com on sale for $100, with free shipping.

It appears as if Inov-8 no longer makes the Oroc 350. And once the 6pm and Backcountry inventories are gone, I don't think the 340 will be available at a mainstream site in the US anymore. As for the 280, they are still available at Zappo's, but I wonder for how much longer? There are certain sizes that have been out-of-stock for a while...

Either vj intergrators or any inov8's

I've got a dilemma finding the right shoes for orienteering. The problem I run into is the width of the shoes. I've tried the inov8 Mudclaws and I've also tried the Salomon Fellcross. I love the grip and traction on both shoes. However, the inov8s really pinch in the mid-foot, even with them being stretched by a cobbler. The Fellcrosses were really snug in the mid-foot as well, and unfortunately the lacing system doesn't really lock the heel in and I wound up getting some decent hammer toe during a 10 hr ROGAINE. I ran my last ROGAINE in my Brooks Cascadias, and while they're my go-to trail running shoe, and were relatively comfortable given 11+ hrs on my feet, they really lack in traction and I found myself doing a lot of slip sliding away. Anyone with some suggestions for the moderately wider footed runner? Thanks

I had a pair of Icebugs Sisu Olx that I liked with my only complaint being that they were a little wide (I have normal width feet).

...the inov8s really pinch in the mid-foot, even with them being stretched by a cobbler...

I have a wide fore-foot, but narrow from the instep back to the heel. Cobbler manipulations have never done anything for me. But look at the eyelets on your shoes: invariably they'll run all the way down to the toe area -- who needs to have their toes bound tightly? This is particularly true of O shoes.

So I routinely omit lacing my shoes in the first few eyelets, and begin my lacing pattern when it is clear that I'll be tightening the shoe only over the instep and mid-foot. Such a lacing pattern also tightens the heel more effectively. I've found that I no longer get corns on my small toes, and can wear my shoes all day without soreness. Try it! I think you'll be surprised at the immediate comfort you feel in formerly tight, pinching shoes.

An additional bonus: I can usually cut my new laces in half since I use less lacing, and keep a lace for replacements.

I found the innov8s vary in width from model to model within the same line. The oroc 280's, too narrow. The 340's fit fine. Similar results with RocLites. The 295's fit me the best.

Innov8 claims the Oroc 340 is still in production (I inquired) but just try to find 'em in the US. They had none in their US warehouse inventory. I don't really understand their marketing strategy here.

Icebugs do seem consistently wider.

Maybe because the new 340's (the orange ones with Goretex) haven't arrived yet in the US? But all of the old (yellow) ones are gone?

Looks like they've eliminated the 350 altogether (can't really blame them).

We have the Gore-tex Oroc 340s in Canada. So, its made it a bit past the production phase.

I have a pair of 350s, like them just fine. Is there something wrong with them?

No, there's nothing wrong with them. But Inov-8 had 3 shoes for a very small market (280, 340, and 350). When it came time to redesign 340/350, I'm not surprised that they eliminated one of them.

It also looks like they've consolidated the Mudclaw line from having the 272 and 330 to just the 300.

30% expired, now it's 20%. Promo code = 20SHOES1

Some trailrocks ,baregrips and others on sale for ~$65 at Clymb:
http://www.theclymb.com/men/7358/men-s-inov-8?utm_...

Any suggestions on an aggressive tread shoe with good forefoot cushioning? I've developed a neuroma in the ball of my foot that bothers me when wearing my rocklite 315s, or oroc 280s but is not a problem in my road shoes (Asics 2170 with gel forefoot cushioning).

For Amazon, 25% off promo code is BFSHOE25, for black friday.

Trying to find any of these shoes in my area is pretty tough. (Trying to find anything related to orienteering in my area is pretty tough...) Luckily shoe shops are willing to order examples to try on for size without an obligation to buy.

I have (eventually) been able to try on Inov8 OROCs, Icebugs, and Saloman Spikecross. Of course they all fit completely differently, so I'm glad I waited and tried them all on first. They are all very nice, but my feet like the Icebugs best.

Due to pending Yellowstone event, Amazon is clearing its inventory. Icebugs Spirit4 OLX shoes are going for just $69.

The Spirit2OLX model that I am using now is the best O-shoe that I've used, and amazingly durable. Stuff by Inov8 is all garbage, btw.

pending Yellowstone event

I'll be damned if I have any idea what that means but thanks for the tip. I've also been very favourably impressed with the Spirit2 OLX pair I'm currently using.

Forgot to mention, 3% cashback on Amazon shoes from your favorite site

I don't know why you say Inov-8 shoes are garbage. I've been wearing them for several years and I love them. The one pair of Icebugs I tried didn't work for my feet. So, to each their own.

Ditto jtorranc. I never expected yurets to have such a positive profound impact on my life.

Also, the vast majority of the GB Elite team wear Inov-8 so they must be doing something right

My son & I use exactly the same size Inov-8 shoes, I have bought at least 12-15 pairs over the last 4 years, most of them from the friendly guys at orienteer.com.

Currently I'm looking for the new X-Talon 200 as well as the Gore-Tex models, neither of which are stocked by the orienteer people. Anyone know where (in the US) I can order those shoes (in size 7.5), I'm travelling to the US in a couple of weeks time.

My opinion is based on experience with OROC 340 and 280 (newer type).
340 (this one: http://www.inov-8.com/New/Images/Product%20Images/... )
is extremely heavy and very wide. I tried them off trail only once, and twisted an ankle almost immediately (in Oak Mountain). The only use I found for it is trail running in cold weather (otherwise feet overheat due to excessive padding).
The 280 (this one: http://www.inov-8.com/New/Images/Product%20Images/... ) top material is fine, but it lacks a rigid "heel-counter" that any decent running shoe must have-- only soft padding, moreover, the sole feels thin and is made of that low-grade rubber-like material used in flip-flops or keds back in 1970s, so it does not give you any protection from sharp rock, or even tree roots sticking out of the ground. I can imagine using it for O’ring on a soft no-rock flat park-type terrain, maybe on mowed grass, that is almost never.
I got them (paid around $100 for each) due to some highly positive reviews. I realize fully now that is how commerce works these days (with athletes being sponsored by shoe-makers).

I have 660 km on my 350s and only about 120 km on my recently acquired 280s. No complaints so far. And we have lots of rocks where I live.

@Terje
If you are looking to buy on line, you could try 6pm.com
I'm sure there are others too.

You will need a mailing address so if you know where you're going to be and make arrangements with them, you could order and have them shipped there.

Yurets, which version of the 340s did you have? If it's the darker orange ones they are a Goretex shoe and designed to warm and well cushioned.

As for the width - that's a personal thing and they fit my feet quite nicely.

Lastly I simply don't know what you're talking about with your comments on the sole. O habent had a problem with them in that regard.

I can't compare with the icebugs since they don't fit my feet.

The OROC 340 is a winter snow/ice shoe, which is why it is both warm and a little heavier. The OROC 280 is the one designed for off-trail running. There is a rock plate between the spikes and the sole, and I have yet to notice any impacts through the bottom of my feet.

Athletes (like myself) are sponsored by shoe companies because that gives others at the local/grassroots level a chance to talk to someone that they know, learn their opinions, and for us to be visible among our home crowds wearing the shoes. Even more importantly, we run a lot of miles exclusively in that brand of shoe, and can thus offer feedback to the parent company so they can further improve the product. In my case, and I hope others as well, I truly believe in the products that I am using. I'm not a professional athlete, meaning I am sponsored through my own choice, and could end the sponsorship at any time with no financial implications. I am very open about the pros and cons of the shoes, and I definitely feel that Inov-8 listens to feedback and constantly tries to improve their products.

As has been mentioned above, everyone's feet are shaped slightly differently, and different brands work best for different people. You have to try on shoes to find the right fit. And if someone tells you that the only good orienteering shoes are those you have to soak in a marsh first, run the other way.

Terje, I will inquire as to where one can buy the X-Talon200; it's a new shoe this year so I'm not sure how widely it'll be distributed. Looks like it's available at a variety of online retailers if you do a google search. Same thing with the Roclite 282 GTX, which is the only Gore tex shoe they make that I know of.

The new X-Talon 200 has a wider toe box than the 212, which will help those folks who don't like the narrow precision fit.

If you are looking to buy on line, you could try 6pm.com

6pm usually has the best prices for Inov-8 spikes and they currently has both the Oroc 280 and Oroc 340 on sale. Sizes are hit or miss, and prices can fluctuate (I've picked up 280's here as low as $47 before).

6pm is essentially the clearance website of Zappos, which is owned by Amazon. (Orocs on Amazon are usually more expensive.) 6pm has free shipping but no coupons.

Another spiked trail-running shoe is the Salomon Spikecross (same as the Speedcross CS but with spikes). It's got a wider distribution with online retailers, so sometimes you can find them for about half of the $170 retail.

The new X-Talon 200 has a wider toe box than the 212, which will help those folks who don't like the narrow precision fit.

Does the 200 also come in precision fit?

I went to my local trail running store and I wanted to pick up some 212's, but they only had the newer standard fit in store, so I had to special order the precision fit version. I wasn't aware that they had two fits for this shoe until the store owner mentioned it.

The two fits is a new thing. I'm not sure how many stores will carry both fits.

Yeah, I have narrow, low-volume feet, and I love the 280's (precision). I tried on the 212's (standard) expecting to feel exactly the same, since the are essentially the exact same shoe except the outsole. And they felt really weird and uncomfortable to me.

In contrast to my experience with the Inov-8 shoes, I've had a variety of feelings about other brands that I've tried over the years. But the ones that K-Swiss made in the early 1990s were (in my opinion) awful, though I know some people liked them. And the ones that Nike made before that were known to have serious durability problems.

The 200 only comes in "standard". The 212 and 190 only come in "precision". (conveniently, the number refers to the weight in grams of the shoe). The standard fit came around to accommodate the growing market of ultrarunners, whose feet swell after all those miles.

Thanks carlch & acjospe!

I know that I need a US shipping address, nearly all of those Inov-8 shoes have been shipped to my hotel when I've been on conferences in the US.

I tried 6pm, they only had the kids' version of the X-Talon 212, no GTX ot X-T 200.

I did order 3 other pairs though:
inov-8 F-Lite™ 230,
inov-8 Terroc™ 345 GTX®
inov-8 F-Lite™ 195 W/RopeTec

Now I'll try to find those elusive X-T 200 in size US 7.5. :-)

I did get hold of a pair of X-T 200, they were on pre-order with shipping date April 6th. Since I'll arrive on Sat 11th that should be OK.