Discover Mens Trail Running Shoes

In many ways, trail running is more like dancing than running. The fluid grace required to skim lightly over Mother Nature’s obstacles while continuously moving forward on a narrowly defined path is like a strange salsa with a sometimes unwilling partner. And just as no self-respecting dancer would hit the floor in his golf shoes, so too should prospective trail dancers choose the proper footgear. Once a niche market with only a few available models, there are now dozens of excellent men’s trail running shoes to choose from.

Experienced street runners contemplating their first foray into the dirt may find themselves wondering why they can’t simply use their pavement shoes on the trails. This is, in fact, precisely how many current trail runners got their start, and most standard running shoes are capable of light trail duty. However, trail running shoes possess several features not found in standard running shoes that make trail adventures safer and more comfortable. It is important to point out that, just as trails come in varying levels of ruggedness, trail running shoes vary in their level of technical features. Some trail shoes differ little from their street counterparts, whereas others are highly engineered, rock-stomping weapons capable of tackling the toughest trails out there. Neither type is better than the other; it all depends on the type of running you will be doing. Runners who are hitting mild trails for the first time and plan on using their trail shoes on the street as well may find a less technical shoe to be lighter and more responsive when used on pavement. On the other hand, dedicated trail enthusiasts who regularly venture onto rougher terrain may find the added protection and traction to be well worth the added weight.

Perhaps the most obvious difference between street and trail shoes is the latter’s more aggressive outsole design. Trail shoes typically feature a sole composed of multiple rubber lugs with sharp edges designed to bite into loose dirt. Larger, more angular lugs will generate greater traction in the dirt. However, they are likely to feel somewhat clunky compared to street shoes when used on pavement. Still more extreme are cross country running spikes, which use hard rubber or metal spikes in the forefoot area for even more traction. Running spikes are typically only used for racing due to their minimal cushioning. In order to provide a more stable platform on uneven terrain, trail shoes usually have a thinner midsole that doesn’t position the foot as high off the ground. The trade-off with a thinner midsole, of course, is less cushioning. To help protect the foot from sharp rocks, some trail shoes also incorporate a stiff plastic plate into the midsole. The upper of a mens trail running shoe may be made from a breathable mesh, much like a street shoe. More technical models will instead feature abrasion-resistant nylon panels, rubber toe guards, gusseted tongues to keep out debris, and perhaps even a waterproof liner. Unlike the sometimes garish styling of standard mens running shoes, the mens trail running shoe is generally more muted and earth-toned in colour. Regardless of technical features or aesthetics, it is critical to remember that the best trail running shoes are the ones that fit your feet properly and allow you to run without any discomfort.