Trail Shoes Vs. Running Shoes

In an article I just wrote called, 5 Important Things to Know About Trail Running, I briefly discussed the difference between trail shoes and running shoes. I thought I'd write another article to go a little more in depth on this subject, so you, the reader, can get a better understanding of what the difference actually are.

Materials

One of the main differences is in the type of materials that are used to make each type of shoe. Running shoes are made of thin, lightweight materials. They're built for speed and stability, but they're not built to last. Trail shoes are made of much thicker, heavier materials. Speed is not as important for trail running, so they're built for ruggedness and durability. Trail shoes in general are made to offer your feet more protection. Some trail shoes are made of waterproof materials, as well.

Ergonomics

Trail shoes have thicker soles and typically have some type of rubber grips around the soles to help your feet stick to the unpredictable terrain of a dirt trail. Although they are much heavier than running shoes, they are designed to breather better.

Which is Right for You?

Believe it or not, trail shoes might be right for you even if you are not a trail runner. If you're someone who mostly runs outside on pavement and occasionally runs off-road - even if it's just on grass - you may prefer the durability of trail shoes to running shoes. Running shoes can wear out fast and if you're constantly running over gravel, different types of pavement, and up and down hills, trail shoes aren't a bad choice at all. If you're someone who only runs on a treadmill or a smooth, paved surface, like the running trail in a city park or the sidewalk in your suburban neighborhood, then you'll probably prefer a pair of traditional running shoes.