Do I Really Need Trail Running Shoes?
If you’ve never let yourself fly over a stretch of authentically rough terrain, you might wonder if you can just lace up your lightweight road running shoes and head out. Let’s cut right to the chase. Regular running shoes can be used for trail running depending on the conditions of the trail. However, when the going gets rough, your toes and the bottoms of your feet will make you regret that decision. Think of choosing running shoes like picking a car to drive. You’d likely choose a sporty car for a nice twisty road over a heavier, chunky SUV. Of course, light and nimble is great on black asphalt, but your cute, sporty car will let you down if you try to drive it up to a backwoods cabin in the mountains.
They’re Called Trail Shoes for a Reason
Trail running shoes are specifically designed to handle the rugged terrain and varied surfaces encountered on trails. They provide better traction and stability, allowing you to navigate uneven terrain, rocks, roots, and slippery surfaces with more confidence. The outsoles of trail running shoes nearly always have deeper and more aggressive tread patterns to grip the trail effectively.
Furthermore, trail running shoes often have additional features that enhance durability and protection. They usually sport reinforced toe guards, protective overlays, and rock plates to shield your feet from sharp objects and impacts. These features are particularly beneficial when running on trails where there may be obstacles that could potentially harm your feet from underneath and the sides.
Regular road running shoes won’t give you the same protection, grip, and durability on unpaved surfaces even if they seem fine for a few runs. The more aggressive running surface will quickly take its toll. Scrape the side of your average road running shoe on a sharp rock or stub your foot on a tree root and you’ll see what I mean.
Diving into the Comparison Details
Traction
Trail running shoes have more aggressive tread patterns with deeper lugs to help you grip slippery rocks, roots, and mud. Road running shoes have smoother tread patterns that are designed to avoid slipping on pavement and save weight.
Cushioning
Trail running shoes typically have less cushioning than road running shoes. Trail runners often prefer to feel the ground beneath their feet to increase reaction time. Road running shoes have more cushioning to help absorb the impact of running on hard surfaces and the cushy materials are far less durable.
When you gotta run…
89.95
160.00
84.95
160.00
109.95
160.00
130.93
140.00
48.75
60.00
61.03
150.00
94.95
160.00
89.95
140.00
34.95
75.00
50.00
100.00
108.28
149.95
101.00
129.95
119.00
140.00
44.50
59.95
43.49
75.00
64.78
120.00
