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- Introduction
- Best Trail-Running Shoes{3 mentions}{2 mentions}{1 mention}{3 mentions}{1 mention}{4 mentions}{1 mention}{1 mention}{1 mention}{1 mention}{2 mentions}{1 mention}{2 mentions}{1 mention}{2 mentions}{2 mentions}
- Waterproof Trail Shoes{1 mention}{1 mention}{1 mention}
- Budget Trail Runners{1 mention}{1 mention}{1 mention}{1 mention}{1 mention}{1 mention}{1 mention}
- Motion-Control Trail Shoes{1 mention}{1 mention}{1 mention}{1 mention}{1 mention}{2 mentions}
- Useful Links
- Our Sources
Reviews and tips for trail running
If you don't do much trail-running or run only occasionally on smooth paths with few obstructions, a regular running shoe is likely a better bet. These have more cushioning and last longer than trail running shoes. We cover running shoes and minimalist shoes in our companion report.
If you want the flexibility, cushioning and traction of trail shoes, but want to use them for day hiking or ultralight backpacking, you can find excellent reviews in the annual gear guides at Backpacker magazine. The low-cut hikers reviewed there can often double as occasional trail running shoes, but are heavier and less flexible than most runners prefer. Our report on hiking boots also covers low-cut hiking shoes.
Running Times magazine has an excellent trail section, complete with information on trail running shoes, runner profiles and how to train for trail races.
The American Trail-running Association has helpful resources for trail runners, including a calendar of upcoming races and a database of trails across the country.
Experts recommend buying running shoes at a dedicated running shop, where knowledgeable employees can ensure you get the right fit. Runner's World magazine has a store finder so you can locate running stores in your area.
Runner's World also has an entire sub-website dedicated entirely to trail running. Here, the magazine compiles information on the best trails, gear and safety tips.
The American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine has a useful article on how to select running shoes, with definitions of common shoe terms and recommendations on how to evaluate your old running shoes.
For explanations of shoe terms and the basic shoe lasts, visit RunningWarehouse.com.
Active.com, an outdoor sports website, has a good introductory article on trail running, complete with helpful tips on how to get started.