Taking on the Delamere Forest 10K, half marathon or marathon on Sunday 22 November 2026? Your shoe choice should start with the terrain beneath your feet, followed by your distance, preferred cushioning and fit.
RunThrough’s event explores Delamere’s woodland trails, with sections around Blakemere Moss, along the Sandstone Trail and up Old Pale Hill. The marathon follows a two-lap course, adding another consideration: finding footwear that remains comfortable as your time on the trails builds.
From lighter options for firmer paths to cushioned shoes for longer efforts, here are our recommendations from the Running Bear range.
What is the surface like at Delamere Forest?
Delamere has an extensive network of forest roads and surfaced trails. Forestry England describes its permanent waymarked running routes as using these surfaces, although the RunThrough race routes should not be assumed to follow the same course. The event also incorporates other trails and the climb to Old Pale Hill.
For footwear, that means thinking about a combination of firmer tracks and changing off-road surfaces. Following rain, softer sections can become muddy, while fallen leaves may cover the ground.
Our starting recommendation is a versatile trail shoe that feels comfortable on firm tracks and provides traction when the surface becomes loose or soft. A specialist deep-mud shoe isn’t automatically the best choice simply because the race takes place in November.
Check the latest race information and conditions before making your final decision.
adidas Terrex Agravic SL — for firmer trails and a lighter feel
If you’re looking for Delamere Forest 10K shoes, the adidas Terrex Agravic SL is worth considering, particularly when conditions are relatively firm.
Running Bear’s listing describes a versatile shoe for roads, gravel paths and forest trails, combining LIGHTSTRIKE PRO cushioning with a Continental rubber outsole. It also identifies deep mud as a limitation.
That makes it a sensible starting point for runners who want a lighter-feeling option for the runnable sections of Delamere, rather than choosing an aggressive outsole they may not need.
It could also suit half marathon runners who already find it comfortable over longer trail outings. If substantial mud develops before race day, reassess whether its tread suits the conditions.
We’d shortlist it for: the 10K and firmer-condition half marathon efforts, subject to fit and personal preference.
Shop adidas Terrex Agravic SL at Running Bear
Salomon Ultra Glide 4 — for cushioning on longer forest runs
The Salomon Ultra Glide 4 would be high on our list for runners prioritising comfort at the Delamere Forest half marathon or marathon.
It features generous optiFOAM cushioning, pressure-dispersing relieveSPHERE geometry and an All-Terrain Contagrip outsole with 4mm lugs.
For Delamere, we’d consider it when you want cushioning for repeated miles on firmer tracks, alongside a tread designed for mixed trails.
It’s also an option for the 10K if you prefer more cushioning. The shortest distance doesn’t require the least cushioned shoe; feeling comfortable and secure is still the priority.
Try it on uneven ground before race day to make sure the underfoot feel works for you when turning and descending.
We’d shortlist it for: cushioned comfort across all distances, particularly the half marathon and marathon.
Shop Salomon Ultra Glide 4 at Running Bear
HOKA Speedgoat 7 — for cushioning and a more substantial tread
The HOKA Speedgoat 7 is another option for runners wanting cushioning and a substantial trail outsole.
Its Vibram Megagrip rubber, 5mm lugs and supercritically foamed EVA midsole combine trail traction with cushioning for longer outings.
For Delamere, we’d put it on the shortlist if you expect loose or softer sections and prefer this combination of tread and cushioning.
Compare it directly with the Ultra Glide 4 rather than deciding on lug depth alone. Rubber, tread layout, fit and how confidently you move in the shoe all matter.
The Speedgoat’s tread also doesn’t make it a universal answer to deep mud. Choose according to the latest conditions and your own experience in the shoe.
We’d shortlist it for: half marathon and marathon runners seeking cushioning with substantial trail tread, plus 10K runners who enjoy that feel.
Shop HOKA Speedgoat 7 at Running Bear
Salomon Genesis 2 — for runners prioritising a secure trail feel
The Salomon Genesis 2 offers another approach for runners who value a secure fit and a supported feel on uneven ground.
Its construction includes Salomon’s activeCHASSIS, a durable Matryx upper and a 4mm-lug All-Terrain Contagrip outsole. Running Bear lists it for mixed, rocky and technical trails.
You don’t need a mountain-focused shoe simply to run at Delamere. However, the Genesis 2 is worth comparing if you prefer its fit and feel to softer, more generously cushioned alternatives.
We’d consider it across all three distances. For the marathon, confirm its comfort during longer outings; for the 10K, check how it feels when you increase the effort.
We’d shortlist it for: runners who prioritise foot hold and confidence on changing surfaces.
Shop Salomon Genesis 2 at Running Bear
Which shoes should you choose for your Delamere race?
These are starting points for trying shoes, rather than fixed rules for each distance.
| Race | Starting shortlist | Main consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Delamere Forest 10K | Agravic SL for firmer conditions; Genesis 2 or Speedgoat 7 depending on preference | Grip and control at your intended effort |
| Delamere Forest Half Marathon | Ultra Glide 4, Speedgoat 7 or Genesis 2 | Comfort over longer outings and secure downhill fit |
| Delamere Forest Marathon | Ultra Glide 4 or Speedgoat 7; Genesis 2 if already proven comfortable | Long-run fit, cushioning preference and conditions |
A familiar, well-fitting trail shoe can be a better choice than switching to something new shortly before the race.
Do you need waterproof shoes for Delamere Forest?
Waterproof trail shoes can be useful in cold, wet conditions, but they aren’t essential for every runner.
A waterproof membrane doesn’t improve outsole grip, and water can still enter over the collar. For racing, consider breathability, drainage and what has worked during your training, alongside protection from wet ground.
Find your Delamere Forest trail shoes at Running Bear
The best trail running shoes for Delamere Forest should suit your feet, the course surfaces and the conditions on race day.
Visit Running Bear in Alderley Edge, Nantwich or Didsbury and tell us which distance you’re preparing for. Bring your current shoes and running socks along so we can help you compare suitable options.