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Trail Running Shoe Links
If you're mainly a road runner and don't do much trail running, or only run 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
If you want the flexibility, cushioning and traction of trail-running shoes, but want to use them for day hiking or ultra-light 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 runners, but are heavier and have less flexibility than most runners prefer. Our report on
Some trail runners enjoy participating in orienteering. There's quite a bit of information online about this relatively low-competitive sport, and many areas have orienteering clubs. All you need is a map, compass and trail-running shoes.
Adventure racing is another option if you enjoy another sport in addition to trail running. These races combine trail running with orienteering and/or cycling, climbing or several other sports.
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, see RunningWarehouse.com.
The Appalachian Mountain Club publishes a good introduction to trail running.
The American Trail Running Association provides a comprehensive list of running trails in every state. The trails are submitted and reviewed by members of the association.
Shoe manufacturers:
Salomon (owned by Adidas)
