Trail Running Shoe Review

Comparing reviews of trail running shoes

Trail-running shoes offer more foot protection, support and traction than regular running shoes. Stability and traction on irregular surfaces are the primary goals for trail running shoes, but designers also balance protection from rocks with the need to feel the terrain underfoot -- important for balance. Since most trails are softer than pavement but more irregular, trail-running shoes provide less cushioning than regular running shoes. However, some trail-running shoes provide enough cushioning for runs on pavement, or even serve as all-purpose shoes with extra traction. Trail runners are also an alternative to hiking boots for short hikes (ConsumerSearch also has a report on hiking boots).

We found the best reviews of trail-running shoes at running and outdoor publications like Runner's World, Backpacker and Running Times. The shoe reviews at Runner's World are hard to beat; each shoe is evaluated by wear-testers and goes through rigorous lab testing. Based on these tests, Runner's World makes picks in Editor's Choice, Best Update and Best Debut categories. Unlike Runner's World, Running Times doesn't make any picks, but its coverage has improved and it consistently presents balanced reviews, while other publications have a tendency to just highlight the positives. Other magazines, like Outside, Trail Runner, Shape, Fitness, Women's Adventure and National Geographic Adventure, are also useful sources for reviews of trail running shoes.

Owner-written reviews of trail-running shoes are harder to evaluate, since fit is such an individual matter. However, we did find useful reviews of trail-running shoes on Buzzillions.com, a consumer review website that compiles reviews from shoe retailers like Zappos.com, REI and OnlineShoes.com. RoadRunnerSports.com and MooseJaw.com offer some owner-written reviews, but most shoes only attract one or two reviews on these sites.

Experts suggest using the top picks in reviews as a starting point for finding the best trail running shoes. Companies make trail shoes on so many lasts, with such variations in design, that the best-fitting shoe for one person may be a disaster for someone else. Reviews can suggest the best shoes for most feet, however, and can judge durability, traction and suitability for various terrains.