Global Sports: Trail Running Shoes - Get The Facts

Saturday, July 9, 2011

Trail Running Shoes - Get The Facts

By Jacquie Cattanach


Don't confuse trail running with road running. Simply put running trails is off-road. But it shouldn't be compared with running on greenbelts and urban trails. Trail running is OFF ROAD. While trail running, one might encounter swamps, stumps, moss covered roots and rocks. A runner not only needs to be very aware of their surroundings, especially the uneven surfaces they are running on, but they also need to ensure that they are equipped with proper trail running shoes.

With the increased popularity of trail running, trail running shoes can be found in most running stores or mountain equipment shops.

1. The main difference between trail running shoes and road running shoes is in the sole. Trail runners have a thinner sole so that the runner has a better feel of the uneven ground that they are running on. This thinner sole is also made of a special compound which retracts sharp objects from pearcing through the shoe. Plus, the bottom of the sole is knobby which enables the runner to get a better grip of the ground which is especially important where it's wet and slippery.

2. Trail shoes will also be much stronger in construction than regular running shoes to take the severe beating that they are usually subjected to. Not only that, they should also be able to keep your feet dry from the elements and sweat free, apart from having a specially designed sole that allows you to grip with your toes too. These features aren't available on regular running shoes.

3. Although trail running shoes have a slimmer design, a good trail running shoe will have an element of protecting the runner's feet from the shock of hitting rocks, bumps and stumps during their run. Along with being shock absorbant, they also work great at gripping to slippery, wet surfaces.

4. Shop for trail shoes that have either a nylon upper or a polyester upper. Why? Because these materials have better breathability, which will help your feet stay free from sweat. Still other trail runners are manufactured with specialized materials which are nice, but you will pay higher prices. Trail running shoes tend to become very dirty and these materials are great because they are really easy to clean.

5. Trail running shoes should fit your feet fairly snugly. There should only be enough room for your toes to be able to wriggle around a bit. It's important that your feet and runners feel as one. If the feet have too much room to move around inside of the shoe, then blisters will occur.

6. Unlike hiking shoes, trail shoes weigh only around 2 lbs or less a pair. Make sure to choose a light pair. This will help you not to get tired as quickly.

7. The old saying, you get what you pay for, runs true for trail running shoes. You want to get a well-designed shoe to provide maximum stability while still fitting comfortable. The best place to shop for trail runners are specialized stores such as mountain or hiking equipment stores. Sales staff will be more knowledgable about trail shoes.

8. Lastly every new pair of running shoes needs a good pair of socks. Not only should they be able to allow your feet to breathe and absorb sweat, they should also be durable. Go with a good pair, and get one that will complement your trail shoes.




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