Trail running shoe advice

I wondered about that and whether or not a special trail shoe is even really necessary.  I'd love to hear both sides of that debate.

One thing I've noticed is that all the steep downhill stuff with some technical movements seems to be wearing on the top of the big toe area of the shoe.  I figured perhaps a trail shoe is just thicker in certain areas to support the additional movement.

It feels so much easier on my body and several minor injury areas in my legs and hips.  

What minor injuries in your legs?  I thought about trying some trails last weekend but thought it might be worse on my lower body.  But your feedback makes me want to give it a shot.

My issues are scar tissue/tightness in my hamstring for about 3 years, daily soreness in my hip flexor for the past three months and bursitis in both knees for about 1 1/2 years.  I had heard that trails are easier on the connective tissues because unlike the repetitive movement over and over with road running, the extra movements you make adjusting for the trail are not as taxing.  I have that to be very true for me.  My whole lower body just feels less tight and "beat up" when I'm done on a trail than on the road, even if the trail run is twice the mileage.

x2. I find that terrain is important. I have a regular nicely groomed trail that I just wear my usual Asics 2170's on. I was looking at Columbia's and Montrail, and Montrail won out. The gnarlier ground means the Montrail Masochist II's. Great grip, and a rock plate that seems pretty tough. But the toe box is a bit tight, although that doesn't sound like an issue for you. I find that they are warm as well, nice in winter, but I won't even pull them out until November. 

How much of a trail are you really talking about here? Well groomed trails will be fine with whatever you used on pavement. If you have to watch your footing a lot, then maybe, but not for a nice crushed limestone path.

Just my 2 cents....

I've been running on trails for years and have had lots of twisted ankles. I heard that same thing, that my ankles and feet will adjust but mine just twisted until I finally ended up with a torn ankle tendon. I was running in my regular road shoes with my prescription orthotics.

That healed up and a different approach was recommended to me. I figured I did not have a lot to lose since this was obviously not working. I ditched the orthotics and searched for a low drop trail shoe. I ended up with Saucony Peregrine and I have not twisted my ankle since. It's been a couple of years now I guess. I have also recently tried to jump on the Hoka bandwagon but they have not worked out for me very well.

I guess "trail" running is kind of a non-specific term.  The places I hit around my area are more like designated hiking trails.  They're very woodsy, the path is quite narrow in some spots.  I find myself having to be very careful to not get caught up tree roots almost the entire way.  Some areas could be very slightly muddy, some are loose dirt/sand.  One of my favorite trails goes from beach sandy, to grass, to rocky and rooty all within a few short miles.  There are several short rolling hills but a few are quite steep.

None are anywhere near mountaineer grade technical.  I just worry a little about rolling an ankle or getting tripped up by all the trail features as I'm picking up speed down a hill.  Like I mentioned, sometimes my big toe feels like it's going to rip right out of the front and I've never experienced that with Adrenaline's on the road.  I still wonder if a designated trail shoe will help with any of this, or if I should just build up my skills in regular old running shoes.

I also avoid minimalist shoes.  I have way, way too many small breakdowns in my kinetic chain.  I don't use orthotics but I do need the help of a structured shoe.