Benefits of Trail Running Shoes
It’s that time of year where people begin to start getting back out onto the trails. The snow is receding farther and farther up the mountain and the trails dry out from the winter rains we get.
If you are planning on doing a serious amount of trail running over the next few months there are a few reasons/benefits to get a specific trail shoe.
1. Traction
Trail shoes offer more grip on wet and muddy surfaces. The lugs that are on the shoes provide extra stability ascending and descending that a road shoe doesn’t offer.
It also helps grip when running over muddy segments of the trail.
2. Protection
A trail shoe is typically a little more rigid than a road running shoe. Most trail shoes have what’s called trail shield in them.
Its a piece of plating either in the forefoot or in the entire shoe that protects the foot when running over rocks and roots.
3. Toe Guard
Trail shoes are a little firmer at the cap of the toe box to protect your toes. If you catch your foot on a rock or stump while out on the trails this absorbs that impact saving your toes from bruises and black toenails!
Hybrid Trail Running Shoes
Some trail shoes are what is commonly referred to as hybrids. These shoes are designed for that in between runner meaning you may do a combination of road and trail running. These hybrids are somewhere in the middle of the highlights above and a road shoe.
The intended use is you go out your front door and have a few miles of road running to get to your trail run, and likewise on your return trip home. So an option to consider if you do a little of both.
Naturally, if you are doing 100% of your miles on the trail, then a true trail shoe is the best way to go.
Ask A Fitting Expert
Pop by your nearest Kintec location to chat with a fitting expert about your running needs and they can certainly align you with the appropriate product to make sure you are best equipped for whatever elements you will be taking on!
Ryne Melcher
Run Clinic Coordinator
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