I tried running in my standard training shoe in one of the Xterra trail races. Definitely didn't have the lateral support needed for running on sideways surfaces.
This leads me to my question: What is the best trail running racing shoe from 2012-now?
I actually used to love inov8 shoes but recently a friend talked me into a pair of the Scott trail rocket and I LOVED them in my last trail race. Lightweight but great lateral and forefoot protection for the sharp rocks!
i've got some asics fujiracer 3s i'm loving. great grip, good protection, nice and light, 6mm drop, firm and fast.
Any opinions on the Saucony Kinvara TR2s? They're $39.99 online. And are pretty lightweight.
If you want good trail shoes, go with a company that really knows what they're doing in that arena, like Salomon. The Sense Pro is, by far, the most versatile and functional trail shoe I've ever owned.
See that shoe seems to be a little heavier than I'd like for a racer. It does rock, though.
Depends on the level of grip you require
For dry groomed trails I use adidas adios 2 (whatever road racer you like)
For mud, grass or in the wet Inov-8 x-talon 190s are amazing.