Trail Running Shoes

Quick Tips

  • Walking in running shoes wears them out quicker.
  • Clean your shoes by wiping them down after each use.
  • Really dirty shoes can be thrown in the washer with cool water and a little mild detergent. Never put them in the dryer! Dry them in the sun instead.
  • Replace shoes twice a year.

Quick Pick

The North Face Arnuva 50  

  • This shoe offers enhanced support to improve the fit and feel over the length of a long run.
  • Lightweight and sturdy for running on and off trails.
  • The "Sure Grip Heel" keeps your feet from slipping and blistering.
  • An elastic forefoot strap allows for easy adjustments while on the go without having to untie your shoes.
  • Also look for the The North Face Arnuva 50 Boa ,  a new model which features a unique lacing system controlled by a knob on the rear of the shoe that offers a glove-like fit to relieve pressure and offer additional support.

What's the difference between a basic running shoe   and a trail runner ?  The construction, materials and design. These three elements will make a big difference in the feel, fit and durability of this quintessential piece of equipment for the avid outdoor runner.

The key features of trail running shoes, which you will clearly note once you begin shopping around, are the following:

How to Choose

The flashy new racer or the mundane, yet comfy classics? Style and color is entirely personal and nobody can tell a runner which shoes will be best for him or her depending on these factors. However, like when buying any pair of shoes, the most important things to consider are comfort, fit, and functionality.
  • Comfort: Nothing beats a hands-on comparison. If there is a sport store in your local area, try and take a visit to sample the stock. Knowledgable salespeople can be a great help when choosing a shoes. Anyone can tell you about new models and what everyone calls "the best," but "the best" is variable and depends on the individual. When possible, get the salesperson with actual experience as a trail runner for the best advice.
  • Fit: Trail runners should fit snugly but not tightly. Remember that your feet will swell more once you start exercising, so a variable lacing system makes for a great fit most of the time. Other than the fit across the top of the foot, you'll also want a decent length. When standing, bend your knees and make sure that your toes don't hit the front of the shoe. They should just barely brush up against it and have plenty of room for wiggling. Also make sure that the heel fits snugly. Lastly, be certain that the inner sole offers enough support whether you tend to over or under pronate.
    • Orthotics will help pronators, or those with flat feet. Usually, pronators should opt for stability or motion control shoes.
    • Those who supinate (or put more weight on the outer edge of the foot) should look for cushioned shoes.
  • Functionality: Just looking at a shoe can give you an insight into what it can offer.
    • Evaluate your running style and what you run on.
      • Do you take long runs or short ones? The longer runs you take, the sturdier a shoe you'll need. Choose EVA midsoles for sprinting short distances and a PU one if you are a distance runner.
      • What's the terrain like? The more intense the terrain is, the more cushioning you'll want. Usually, the stiffer the better. For ultra protection, look for shoes with a strike plate. Flexible soles are best reserved for smoother trails.
      • Like rocks? Rock hoppers should look for gummier soles that will provide extra traction on slippery, smooth rocks.
      • Rubber toe bumpers can be a great help for people who tend to stub their toes on roots and rocks.
    • Look at the sole.
      • How wide is it? The wider it is, the better it will be at tackling rocks, roots and other obstacles.
      • How deep are the treads? Deep treads help grip in mud or on slick rocks. If mud is a must, soles that are self-cleaning are best so that the gunk won't build up and slow you down.
      • How thick is it? A thicker the sole usually means more cushioning, but also more weight. Determine what you need most; speed and agility or more bounce in your step. Thinner soles will allow you to rip up the dirt and dig hard. Thicker soles will absorb shock and reduce stress on joints.
    • Look at the material.
      • Is it waterproof? This is a must with any trail running shoe. Gore-Tex is a popular water-resistant material.
      • Is it breathable? Ideal for warm weather running. Look for nylon and mesh for hot and dry conditions. If you plan to run through any creeks, remember that mesh is great for drainage.
      • How easy is it to clean? If you care about this sort of thing, you should ask.
      • Does it offer any technology that the other shoes don't that make it more worthwhile? These usually come with a higher price tag. Only you can decide what is worth the money.
    • Compare the new and old models.
      • It may or may not be worth the money for the newer model depending on what alterations the manufacturer has made to improve the shoe.
      • Do your research on upgrades that have been made to a model on manufacturer's Web sites. It may give you some insight to why the $120 pair are better than the reduced price pair.

Top Models

Outside magazine does a yearly gear roundup of the best of the best outdoor recreation equipment, including trail running shoes. Below is a sampling of what they have deemed as praise-worthy. Also see About.com's top 10 trail running shoes . Their number one pick is Brooks Trail Addiction . 

For Men

Vasque Blur  

Adidas Climacool Cardrona  

Timberland Endurion  

La Sportiva Crossroads  

Merrell Overdrive  

For Women

Keen Ochoco  

Teva X-1/C  

Salomon Trail Comp  

Asics Gel-Eagle Trail V  

Related Buying Guides

International Resources

For this resource in your home country, please see:
NL: Sportschoenen Shopgids

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