How to Select Trail Running Shoes
A trail running shoe should be more robust than a typical running shoe to protect your foot from the more rugged terrain. Your trail running shoe should keep your foot dry and cool, and feature a sole designed to gain traction on wet, uneven or unstable road surfaces.
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Instructions
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Select a trail running shoe that has a more robust, knobbier sole that will help you to gain more traction on rocks and in the mud. The sole must also effectively absorb the shocks that come from running on unstable and uneven surfaces, such as gravel, dirt and rocks.
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Find a trail running shoe that has durable uppers that are waterproof and easy to clean. The uppers should be made from a material--usually treated polyester or nylon--that can wick perspiration away from the foot, keeping it dry and cool. More costly trail running shoes may feature uppers that are made from Gore-Tex, a waterproof material that is common to high-end hiking boots.
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Ensure that your trail running shoes fit snugly, which will help you to avoid missteps and blisters. At the same time, you may need to find a trail running shoe that will stretch enough to accommodate an extra-thick pair of socks during inclement weather.
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Pick a lightweight trail running shoe, which will help to reduce fatigue over longer trail runs. Many trail running shoes weigh less than 2 lb., which is less than half the weight of an average hiking boot.
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Choose a pair of trail running shoes from a reputable brand to ensure durability and strength. Visit a store that specializes in outdoor sports or running when you shop for trail running shoes. The sales staff at these specialty stores should know their products and the latest advances in technology.
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Buy the right type of socks when you select a pair of trail running shoes. Socks should be lightweight yet sturdy, and they should allow your feet to breathe. You should select socks that work together with your trail running shoes to keep your feet dry, cool and free from blisters.
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Tips & Warnings
Trail running has become much more popular in recent years, with approximately 580,000 pairs of trail running shoes sold in 2005 alone. Trail running is especially popular in the United States, England and Australia.
