Find answers to FAQs like “What is a trail running shoe?”, “What is the best trail running shoe for me?” and more, so you can master the most rugged terrains.
Whether it’s the idyllic scenery, the sensation of wind in your face, or your drive for improved fitness, running offers a host of physical, mental, and emotional benefits. To unlock these benefits, however, your shoe game must be on point!
As a runner, your shoe closet is like your tool bag, and you should always use the right tool for the job. So if you’re looking to venture off the well-beaten path, you shouldn’t just grab any old road running shoes — you need trail running shoes. Let’s explore the world of trail running shoes, so you can confidently create your own road.
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What Is a Trail Running Shoe?
As the name suggests, a trail running shoe is footwear designed to empower you to venture off the well-beaten path and master more rugged, uneven terrain. Unlike road shoes, trail shoes are for rougher terrain, are usually heavier, and are made from thicker material.
These shoes are designed to support and protect your feet as you traverse hills, rocks, and whatever else mother nature throws at you. Trail running shoes will have extra-durable soles with unique tread patterns to deliver better traction on uneven surfaces as you venture into the wild.
Why Do I Need Trail Shoes vs Road Shoes?
Regardless of your running style, jogging on the pavement is dramatically different from action-packed trails. And while your road running shoe may be able to help you on light trail surfaces with hard-packed dirt — this is where their use should end. You should always use trail running shoes when the going gets tougher and wilder.
Using a trail shoe can be especially beneficial on steep inclines, uneven terrain, or when trails are covered in snow, muddy, or wet. To put it simply, trail running shoes offer protection for your feet in ways that road running shoes fall short. For example:
- Trail running shoes offer more cushioning and underfoot protection for the terrain compared to road running shoes.
- These shoes have stickier rubber and/or outsole lugs that deliver amplified traction on softer surfaces and dirt. The improved grip functionality will help you confidently glide over varied surfaces.
- Trail shoes are uniquely designed to stand up to bumps and bruises that are all too common when jogging hard trails.
- Most off-road running shoes are designed to flex with ease, so the shoe and your feet can effectively adapt to the terrain; while road running shoes are designed for more comfort and shock absorption.
- Rocks can be a nightmare if you’re in road running shoes, but many trail shoes have an added toe box plate for protection.
While trail shoes are the Jeep Wranglers of the footwear world, road shoes are more like sedans or even sports cars (if you’re sporty) — primarily focused on absorbing shock and delivering support features.
When Should I Not Use A Trail Shoe?
You should forgo off-road shoes anytime you are jogging or running on surfaces made by men, such as asphalt or concrete. The abrasive nature of the pavement will wear down the strategic rubber lugs on the outsole of most trail shoes. And this can substantially compromise your grip as you venture off the well-beaten path.
In other words, it can increase your chances of losing traction, falling, and having other mishaps. The moral of the story is there is a big difference between road and trail running. If you intend on running on pavement, you’ll be best suited with road running shoes.
Which Trail Running Shoe Is Best for Me?
Determining which trail running shoe is best for you should depend on the types of terrain you plan on attacking. In either case, there are three broad categories of trail running shoes.
- Light trail running shoes
- Rugged trail running shoes
- Off-trail running shoes
What Is A Light Trail Running Shoe?
Light trail shoes offer basic protection and structure that lets you master tamer trails. Light trail shoes are best suited for terrain such as:
- Rolling hills
- Gravel paths
- Fire roads
These trail shoes are lightweight, moderately stiff, and offer modest protection against roots and rocks.
What Is A Rugged Trail Running Shoe?
Rugged trail shoes cover the broadest spectrum of terrains. These shoes boast increased underfoot protection and deliver the versatility for you to traverse everything from hiking trails to abandoned miner’s tracks. Characteristics of rugged trail running shoes tend to include:
- Overlays and sturdy materials for thorn and brush protection.
- Hidden plates underfoot and toe box guards upfront for rock and root protection.
- Thick soles with multi-directional lugs for increased traction across mud and soft soil.
- Extra resilient midsoles and cushioning designed to dampen footfalls during hard landings on rock slabs and steep descents.
- Unique lug patterns that provide increased grip, so you can stop at almost any angle.
If you’re a more experienced trail runner or a beginner looking to aggressively attack trails, you may be best suited with a pair of rugged trail running shoes.
What Is an Off-Trail Running Shoe?
Are you a runner who likes to create your own trail? If this describes you, you’ll most likely be best suited with an ultra-rugged, off-trail shoe. With an enhanced structure and aggressive outsoles, off-trail shoes will deliver you the highest level of protection for the roughest and toughest terrain.
People who opt for off-trail running shoes tend to frequent rocky and extremely variable terrain. These shoes boast all the characteristics of rugged trail running shoes with select enhancements. For example:
- Off-trail running shoes are usually manufactured with more durable and resilient material.
- Off-trail shoes are typically stouter and will be less likely to give way to a severe force, which can be critical as few footfalls will exist on an even or flat surface.
- Whether land or stream, off-trail shoes are more likely to have waterproof materials.
Final Words on What is a Trail Running Shoe?
A good trail running shoe will help you enjoy running in the hills, in the mud or off-road more. It will reduce instances of slips and falls too. However, trail running shoes are less fun to run in, on the pavement or the track due to their grip.
FAQs on What Is A Trail Running Shoe
Can you use trail running shoes on the road?
While you may be able to use a trail shoe on pavement, this is not suggested. Pavement will grind down the special treads on most trail running shoes, which can increase your chances of falling when you venture back on rugged terrain.
How are trail running shoes different from road running shoes?
Trail shoes are built for off-road use. Similar to the Jeep Wrangler, these shoes have stickier rubber and/or outsole lugs to deliver improved traction on soft surfaces, such as dirt. Trail shoes feature an added rock plate for protection against roots and rocks. In addition to being stiffer, trail shoes are designed to be more durable for mastering tough terrain.
