I have always loved trail running in the woods, but never considered the need for shoes specifically designed for trail running. Most of my running before 2019 was on the road with sprinkles of short trail runs here and there, but now, trail running is my favorite! I have several types of sneakers for various terrains— road running, walking, lifting, and I added trail running sneakers to the rotation when I began running mostly trail races in 2019. This past weekend as I ran a long trail race, I was happy I remembered my trail shoes— the terrain alternated from knobby and stumpy dirt paths to leafy hills, to a diverse lake coastline with sand (that my feet just sunk into), to slippery hardened mud with big rocks. What makes trail sneakers so useful? Short and simple- lugs (little cleat-type grippers) and support.
The bottom of a trail sneaker is much different than the bottom of a road sneaker. A road sneaker’s bottom is flatter and the rubber is more bendable. A trail shoe’s sole is made of stronger rubber and has lugs that offer traction and stability on uneven surfaces. Imagine running on the beach or a wet rocky trail without any grip between you and the ground— there is lots of slipping and sliding!
The bottom of a trail sneaker is much different than the bottom of a road sneaker. A road sneaker’s bottom is flatter and the rubber is more bendable. A trail shoe’s sole is made of stronger rubber and has lugs that offer traction and stability on uneven surfaces. Imagine running on the beach or a wet rocky trail without any grip between you and the ground— there is lots of slipping and sliding!
Left: bottom sole of a trail shoe. Notice the lugs. Right: Smooth bottom of a road shoe.
The upper part of a trail and road sneaker are also different. Road shoes offer a breathable mesh upper body and are flexible while the top of a trail sneaker is durably made to keep out debris and to provide more support. Furthermore, most trail shoes have a rock plate in the middle of the sneaker to prevent rocks and sharp objects from protruding through the bottom making trail sneakers a bit stiff.
Left: mesh upper of the road shoe; Right: thicker upper of a trail shoe.
Can trail shoes be worn on the road? Yes, trail shoes can be worn on the road, but they will quickly wear down the lugs on the bottom of the sneaker. It’s best to keep those trail shoes on the trail to increase the longevity of the sneaker. Can road shoes be worn on the trail? Yes, but they will similarly wear quicker on the rough terrain and will provide less support.
Happy Running!
Rose
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