Choosing suitable trail running footwear matters significantly when it comes to the success and safety of trail runners. According to Steven Rindner, wearing the wrong shoes or using common road-running shoes can affect the performance of an enthusiast even after having through training and knowing the techniques of trail running. In this blog, the personality is intended to outline four vital features to consider to help individuals find the right trail running shoes and enjoy the great experience of trail running.

Traction

Often trail racers require running through uneven and bumpy terrain, involving rocks, loose gravel, and muddy lands. Without needed traction in the shoes, runners are likely to lose their balance causing a slip and fall and consequentially leading to injuries. According to Steven Rindner, shoes that offer good traction help runners maintain their momentum steadily both at steep descents and uphill climbs.

Therefore, while buying trail running shoes, individuals should pay attention to the depth, placement, and direction of the lugs on the bottom of the shoe. Lugs are essential components of running shoes and are made of small rubberized protrusions responsible for providing grip on different terrines.

Noteworthy, shallower lugs are best fit for smooth or hard-packed surfaces while potential runners should opt for deeper lugs for having better traction on muddy and slippery or loose gravel terrine. Furthermore, for effective running, the direction of the lugs also plays a vital role. Shoes with multi-directional lugs for great for having stability on uneven and consistently changing terrine while lugs oriented mainly in one direction are ideal for maintaining momentum in the course of uphill climbs.

Protection

Protective features are vital when it comes to trail running shoes since they are in place to prevent injuries and ensure the safety of runners on erratic terrains. Loose gravel, jagged rocks, tree roots, etc. can lead to serious injury to runners without proper shoes. That’s why runners should keep an eye on the shoe cups as well as shanks.

In general, the shoe cups are made from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or solid rubber. Both work excellently against sharp and unsafe objects while running. However, TPU toe caps are relatively lighter in weight than their counterpart. Importantly, professional trail runners who need flexibility and safety should go for shoes with forefoot rock plates to get superior protection.

Cushioning and Drop

The volume of cushioning trail runners need in their trail running shoes depends on numerous factors such as the terrine types they run on, the duration of the run, and, obviously their personal preferences.

Typically, shoes with less cushioning are a better choice for short-distance running and well-paved trails or less complex terrain. On the contrary, heavily cushioned running shoes are specially designed for technical terrain. The term ‘technical’ represents terrines that involve difficult steep descents, taxing climbs, loose gravel, sharp rocks, streams, tree roots, etc. and due to nature, they need an extra layer of protective features in shoes to avoid possible injuries. Therefore, depending on the nature of the terrain, runners need to opt for less cushioned or heavy cushioned trail running shoes.

Another important factor of consideration is heel-to-toe drop, also known as drop.

The term describes the amount of height between the forefoot of the shoe and the heel. An industry standard drop measuring 10-12mm is an ideal choice for heel strikers, given that it provides added cushioning apart from shock absorption. A medium drop measuring 5-10mm is perfect for mid-foot strikers since it provides considerably more natural foot positioning and equally provides some cushioning. Runners who opt for low drop measuring 0-4mm shoes are either forefoot or mid-foot strikes and may prefer to go for minimalist designs. However, choosing low-drop shoes is more likely to provide more strain on Achilles tendons.