Road Shoes vs. Trail Shoes
Look In Your Closet
How many shoes do you have? Boots, flats, sandals, sneakers, wedges, flip flops, heels, stilettos…
Why so many shoes?
Because wearing the right kicks helps you feel your best. And different shoes work for different occasions: wedges for that summer party, ankle boots while in the office, heels to dazzle at the gala, and laces for around the house, etc.
Different shoe are designed for different situations, and it’s the same with running shoes. If you peek into my closet, you’ll see a veritable rainbow of shoes:
Dress shoes, hiking boots, slacks, a pair of toms for weekends
A pair of lightweight running shoes for recovery around the house
A pair of lightweight road shoes for training on roads and parks
2 pairs of trail running shoes for going off road
A pair of race shoes for race day
Just like your collection, there are multiple shoes to fulfill different roles for a variety of training situations. So let’s chat about the type of shoes you should be using. Yes, there is a key differences between trail running shoes and road running shoes, when to use them, and why they're best-suited for their specific jobs.
What Are Trail Running Shoes?
Before grabbing your sneakers and dashing out the door, you should consider what conditions you’re going to be running in. Cruising through neighborhoods, hitting the gym, or running home after work? Road running shoes are a great pick. They’re made for smoother, easier surfaces like dry road and asphalt.
If you’re planning on something a little more ‘wild,’ grab yourself a pair of trail runners. Trail shoes are perfect for working up steep inclines, hard-packed paths, rocks, wet trails, mud and snow. Trail runners can tackle a variety of different surfaces while adding extra protection for your feet that road runners simply can’t provide.
The more uneven and demanding a trail, the more durable your shoes are going to need to be. A good rule of thumb: if on a trail wide enough for one person or having to constantly look down to find your footing, then strap on a pair of trail runners.
What’s The Difference Between Trail Shoes & Road Shoes?
Trail running shoes are a lot tougher than road running shoes and are designed to take a lot of punishment. They differ from road runners in several key ways:
Trail Running Shoes
Stickier tread for improved traction on dirt, wet logs, and rocks
Rock plate for protection against rocks
More durable for rougher terrain
Stiffer to provide better ankle support and stability on uneven surfaces
Brooks Trail Runners
Road Running Shoes
Smooth tread for griping pavement and asphalt
No rock plate
Lighter
Increased flexibility for better comfort
Hoka Cliffton 9 Road Running Shoes
When Not To Use Trail Running Shoes
Don’t use trail running shoes on manmade surfaces such as asphalt paths or concrete roads. The pavement is more abrasive and wears down the outsole of the shoe and treads. This can compromise your grip and balance when you jump back on the trail. Road running shoes last a lot longer on manmade surfaces so avoid roads when wearing trail runners.
Don’t Order Shoes Online
It takes some trial and error finding the right pair of shoes. It’s kind of like Goldilocks: this one’s too tight, this one’s too big, and this one’s got a weird rocker under my feet. So don’t order online. It’s a big time safer talking with a professional that can make recommendations, rather than opening a box in the mail and having to ship it back because it doesn’t fit.
New shoes should feel comfortable right out of the box. The right fit provides a snug fit around the midfoot for stability and space for your toes, a must for going up and down hills.
And most running shoes don’t require being broken in. They should be ready to go as soon as you walk out the store. If a shoe feels uncomfortable when you try it on at the store, it’s gonna feel uncomfortable when out for a run.
Where To Go Shoe Shopping!
You’re going to want to google running shoe stores and look for specialty shoe stores in your area. These stores carry shoes that are of higher quality and meet your training needs as compared to big retail stores. And these smaller specialty stores are often staffed by people who run themselves.
Specialty Shoe Stores include :
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Premiere specialty running store
High-quality shoes, accessories, and gear
Free Fitting Service : analysis your gait to find the shoe that fits you right
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Premium in-store shopping experience
High-quality shoes, accessories, and gear
Free Fitting Service
A 60-day return policy if you don't love your gear.
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World's largest running and walking store
Running shoes, fitness shoes, and walking shoes
Running Shoes Are An Investment
Having multiple types of shoes in your closet will not only help you feel good, reduce pain and prevent injury, using multiple shoes help preserve your shoes so they last longer too. Road running shoes are the work horse for long distance training. But the wear and tear from trails drastically decreases their longevity.
Trail running shoes are built for going running in the heart of nature. They’ll carry you through fields rocks, mud, snow and grass. And switching between trail runners and road runners will increase their lifespan, ensuring you can comfortably go the distance.
I love Hoka’s, what’s your favorite brand (running or other) that you just love?
