Trail running is one of the best ways to exercise, keep your body fit and improve overall health. However, it is one of the exercises that demand a lot from the body. Since running is a high-impact and intense form of physical activity, it is important to invest in the right running gear to ensure comfort and lower the risk of injury and pain.
When running on the trail, our feet play a crucial role in absorbing the impact. That’s why it is essential to invest in the proper trail running footwear that can provide enough support and stability. Unfortunately, with many options in the market, finding the right shoes for trail running can be a stressful experience. In this post, we will discuss how to choose the right trail running footwear.
How to Choose the Best Trail Running Footwear for Spring and Summer
Cushioning and Stack Height
As you shop around, you will find different options with varying levels of cushioning and stack heights. Cushioning is the ability of running shoes to absorb impact. On the other hand, stack height refers to the amount of material stacked between your foot and the ground.
Ideally, you would want to purchase trail running footwear with increased cushioning since they are more comfortable. Unfortunately, increased cushioning means more stack height, which increases the risk of twisting your ankles as you run. So, it is important to find a perfect balance between cushioning and stack height when purchasing trail running shoes.
Fit
Fit is arguably the most important factor to consider when purchasing running shoes. It is critical to have an idea of the width and length of your feet before you set out to shop for trail running footwear. If you are a regular shopper of such running shoes, finding the perfect size might be slightly easier. However, for us newbies, things are a little complicated. Here are a few ways to find the right-fitting shoes:
- Have your feet measured
- Don’t rely on shoe size only
- Try different sizes and check out how comfortable they feel to walk on
- Check the shape and depth of the shoe
Type of Trail
The other important factor to consider when choosing trail running footwear is the type of trail. Trail shoes are categorised in various ways, including their purpose (different terrains). So, before settling on a particular option, consider what terrain is on your running route.
If your running routes have muddy and unstable terrains, it is important to choose trail running footwear with deep lugs and still soles to ensure extra grip. On the other hand, individuals who love occasional racing and speed work should settle for more lightweight footwear with less structure but still able to provide support and protection.
Tread
Tread aggressiveness is one of the greatest differentiators when it comes to road-running and trail-running footwear. Most shoes for trail running have deep lugs of between 4mm-7mm to ensure better traction in rough terrains.
The deeper and wider spaced the treads are, the better the shoe for trail running on muddy terrains. Similarly, running shoes with shorter and more closely spaced treads are better for dry, hard-packed trails. So, choose the right treads to ensure stability and efficiency.
Consider Additional Features
Besides the terrain type, it is essential to consider additional features that enhance the quality of the trail running footwear. Here are some of the features you should check out when purchasing trail running shoes:
- Waterproof – Most of us prefer running in the evening or early in the morning when it’s still dewy. In such a case, it is important to find waterproof trail shoes to keep your feet dry.
- Padding – Besides waterproofing ability, it is essential to choose trail running footwear with a padded collar and tongue. Padding helps minimise rubbing and adds support which enhances comfort, especially for individuals who run for long periods.
In a Nutshell
Finding the best trail running footwear can be stressful, especially if it is your first time. Ultimately, there is no perfect shoe in the market; there is only the right shoe for you. To maximise your chances of finding such a shoe, consider these few tips the next time you shop for trail running footwear.
