Terrain, weather, grip, comfort – there are many things to consider when you’re choosing trail running shoes. Here are some tips to help.
Tips for choosing trail running shoes
STEP 1: Focus on the outsole – the bottom of the shoe.
Trail shoes are designed first and foremost to offer you more grip than a road shoe, so they all have deeper lugs on the bottom of the shoe so you don’t spend the whole race slipping and sliding.
Lugs that are deeper and farther apart will generally perform better in wetter, muddier conditions, but are often not as comfortable on harder, rockier terrain.
Less aggressive outsoles will often fair better in those harder, rockier areas, especially if you’re running longer distances.
Think about what type of terrain you’ll be running on. Are the trails muddy, rocky or well groomed? And will you just be running on trails, or do you need a shoe for road running as well?
STEP 2: Find the shoe that best fits your foot
Feet come in all shapes and sizes so you’ve got to find the shoe that fits your foot best. Most brands have some models that fit narrow, some fit wider.
If you’re questioning what size you are, we suggest always going with the bigger size. It’s better to have a bit of room in the toe box than have your toes slamming into the ends on every downhill.
STEP 3: It all comes down to comfort.
Once you’ve found a model or two that fits your foot and has the outsole to match the terrain you’re running on, go with the one that feels most comfortable on your foot.
Roclite G 275 V2
A supremely versatile trail running shoe for both hard and soft terrains.
Designed to handle everything from dusty tracks to muddy bogs, the ROCLITE G 275 V2 is a versatile must-have for every trail shoe arsenal.
Trail Talon 235 V3
Race effortlessly over hard packed trails.
Sticky rubber outsoles with multi-directional cleats allow you to run with confidence over the most technical terrain, while the POWERFLOW midsole offers increased cushioning and energy return on your run.
Trailfly G 270 V2
Fast-feel trail running shoe with zero drop.
The footwear of choice for many top ultra runners, the super-durable TRAILFLY G 270 also boasts a comfort-enhanced upper and spring-loaded BOOMERANG footbed.
Previously the TERRAULTRA G 270.