Running shoes that keep sand out? (i.e., when jogging in an arena)

[Feathered_Feet]

I’m going to be doing some rehab from the ground, which means running in an arena for the trot sets. Any recommendations for running shoes that keep sand out? So far, I’ve been doing it in hiking boots, but proper running shoes would be much more comfortable.

I’ve been looking at waterproof or shoes lined with Gore-Tex, which seems to be my best bet. Is there another type I should explore?

Edit: the sand mostly gets in via the mesh on running shoes (not the top, typically, as I wear jeans that cover the tops).

[endlessclimb]

I’d look at Salomon.

https://www.salomon.com/en-us

[Bluey]

Try gaiters:

OrrinSports Trail Gaiters Low Shoes Gators for Hiking Boots Breathable Boots Gators for Running

Visit the OrrinSports Store

$18.59 $18.59

[Feathered_Feet]

Thanks! Is there a specific shoe of theirs you recommend for keeping sand out?

[Feathered_Feet]

Ah I did not clarify - the sand gets in through the mesh at the toe, not the top (since I typically have jeans on.

But good to know in case in end up in shorts!

[Impractical_Horsewoman]

Runner here–your best bet is probably trail shoes with some degree of waterproofing, because they’re less permeable than other running shoes. Most running shoes are breathable to allow sweat to escape and reduce the risk of blisters.

Be forewarned that the less breathable and less mesh a shoe is to keep water, sand, and dirt out, the more they will make your feet sweat, however.

I’m a big Brooks fan, and they do have some shoes like the Cascadia with Gor-Tex (waterproof). I have friends who are fans of the Hoka Speedgoats and Nike Gor-Tex Pegasus.

6 Best Waterproof Trail Running Shoes in 2024

[endlessclimb]

I’m not sure the model, but the treads look like mud tires lol. I go through about a pair a year

[Bluey]

@Feathered_Feet

Ah I did not clarify - the sand gets in through the mesh at the toe, not the top (since I typically have jeans on.

But good to know in case in end up in shorts!

That would be a problem.
Walking on deeper sand will also put sand in your shoes around the top, unless you have high tops?
If you have that problem, then gaiters will help.

[luvmyhackney]

I’d choose to longline vs run… but I stink at running on soft sand footing.

They make waterproof trail shoes but I don’t see how you would keep the sand out of the top of the shoe.

[fivestrideline]

Paddock or hiking boots, honestly. Or you could try waterproof high top trail shoes (Altra makes a Lone Peak in a high top). The waterproof membrane will keep the sand out.

I’ve always felt like I can’t run with sneakers in sand, but if you have the fancy GGT or fiber footing you might have better luck!

[Impractical_Horsewoman]

When I worked at a horse camp, I was always the person who had to “run” the really lazy ponies for the leadline kids. I used to wear Boggs boots (which have rubber soles). I don’t know how far the OP is going to be running, but for me Boggs on arena sand were fine. I wasn’t running more than a large arena lap for gentle trotting though. The Boggs are a bit sweaty, but they go past the ankle, so I didn’t get much sand kicked up in them, and I liked having the extra protection in case a pony tried to step on my foot.

[Feathered_Feet]

Thanks all! I’m going to try the Gore-Tex lining. I don’t anticipate being in shorts - mostly jeans - so I think the greater concern really is sand getting in at the toe (versus the top). Sounds like the only downside will be the heat of Gore-Tex, but I can change out of them one I’m back in the barn. The footing is sand + fiber, so not too deep or squishy, thank goodness!

Thanks everyone for the suggestions!

[Feathered_Feet]

Fantastic, thanks so much! Exactly the kind of insights I was hoping to get.

[outerbanks77]

When I was running in snow, I took an older pair of shoes and coated the mesh parts with spray can truck bed liner. It made them semi-water proof and I would think that it would keep sand out too. Might be a cheap option if you have some older shoes to sacrifice.

[Feathered_Feet]

Blockquote

@outerbanks77

When I was running in snow, I took an older pair of shoes and coated the mesh parts with spray can truck bed liner. It made them semi-water proof and I would think that it would keep sand out too. Might be a cheap option if you have some older shoes to sacrifice.

Oh, you are CLEVER! That’s brilliant. I’m going to try this first before ordering new shoes just for this. Thank you!!

[MissusS]

I’ve been rehabbing and doing lots of in-hand work for a year now, including trotting in hand which has me jogging with my mare. For the most part I’ve just done the work in my blundstones. they are comfy enough for the relatively small amount of jogging and I didn’t have much issue with sand getting into my shoes with them (only up through the top if my pants didn’t properly cover the tops.

[Angel_Undercover]

A lot of us in my run club use duct tape to cover the mesh parts of the shoe when we’re doing long runs in bad rain/wet snow. Maybe try that?