Expert Advice on Running Shoes,
Going off-road this season?
You might be needing trail running shoes.
It’s always best to come into our store to get a proper shoe fitting so we can make sure you end up with a suitable shoe for your foot strike and foot shape. No amount of internet research compares to the experience of going into a specialist and trying on a variety of different options and jogging up and down outside in them. Here is a small selection of popular trail shoes from the Run and Become range this season.
Trail shoes are built to cope with grass, hard-packed parkland, canal sides, forests and woodland trails. They can handle a little road running, but they have less cushioning than road shoes.The outsole has a deeper grip, and the upper is more durable as well. Some have more cushioning and lessgrip, and vice versa.
For seriously rugged terrain, have a look out the Fell Running Shoe Guide.
Cushioned Trail Shoes / Stable Trail Shoes / Low-Profile Trail Shoes / Waterproof Trail Shoes / Wide Fitting Trail Shoes
Hoka Speedgoat
With Hoka’s trademark maximal cushioning, the Speedgoat provides cushy shock absorption for long and ultra-distance trail running. Hoka’s “bucket seat” design means your foot sits lower in the midsole than you’d expect which makes it more stable than it looks. A hard-wearing Vibram Megagrip outsole with 5mm lugs helps keep your footing secure when the terrain is treacherous. Built on a 4.5mm offset so you’re on an even platform as you tackle the trails. Also available in wide fit.
Hoka Challenger
Mega-cushioned like all Hoka shoes the Challenger is a door to trail running shoe with 4mm lugs for on and offroading. Hoka’s early stage meta rocker rolls you through the stride and the midsole is thick enough that you don’t feel sharp rocks poking through. Also available in wide fit.
Brooks Cascadia
Dubbed by Brooks an “SUV for your feet”, the Cascadia packs plenty of grip. Its four pivot points – one on each side of the heel and forefoot, where the wheels would be if your foot was car – serve to balance the foot on uneven terrain. They also provide a certainamount of pronation control if you're running on firmer ground for any length of time. Improved DNA LOFT 2 foam in the midsole, offering an extra 2mm more cushioning for increased comfort. “Water in, water out” upper, which drains easily after getting wet, makes this a favourite for multi-surface running. New Ballistic Rock Shield plate protects the foot from sharp rocks. The sustainable PriintDyed technology has been used in production to use less energy and water in the dying process.
La Sportiva Akasha
The design of this premium cushion trail running shoe comes from La Sportiva, based in the Italian mountains, where they do all their testing. Trail Rocker technology in the midsole promotes a smooth heel -to-toe rolling motion. The dual mix FriXion XT sole offers durable, aggressive grip for exceptional traction. The Impact Brake System technology helps traction by enhancing grip downhill and absorbs impact. No need for arock plate in the Akasha as its midsole is very thick, alongside the grippy, durable outer sole offering lots of protection.
Altra Lone Peak
Like all Altra shoes, the Lone Peak has a spacious, rounded, 'footshaped' toebox to encouragetoe splay, and a zero-drop platform to keepyou on a level footing. A sticky rubber outsole with a TrailClaw lug pattern gives grip in boggy, wet conditions. Lugs are positioned directly beneath the metatarsals so they dig into the earth as if they were an extension of your feet. A rock plate protects the foot from sharp stones.
Saucony Peregrine RFG
The Peregine RFG is a sustainable running shoe, and one of the top tier options from Saucony's trail running range. You'll notice the use of recycled materials constructed in these shoes, including durable upper and reliable outsole, making it excellent for navigating tough terrains. For trail runners who value sustainability as much as performance.
Best Waterproof Trail Running Shoes
Most trail running shoes are not waterproof because if you step in a puddle that goes over the top of your waterproof shoes, the water will get in and won’t be able to get out so you’ll end up with waterlogged feet. Instead they are designed with easily draining materials so if the water gets in, it can get out just as easily. However if waterproofing is important to you, you can try these...
BrooksCascadiaGTX / SauconyExcursionGTX
Best Wide-Fitting Trail Running Shoes
It's always been hard to find a good trail running shoe that fits a wide foot. Up until now it's been a question of trying the widest of the standard width options. But finally there's a decent trail shoe on the market that's made for the wider footed amongst us...
New Balance Hierro / Hoka Challenger Wide / Hoka Speedgoat Wide / Salomon Ultra Glide Wide / Salomon Speedcross Wide
New Balance Hierro
The New Balance Hierro V8 is a trail running shoe that incorporates sustainable materials and practices in its production. The plush midsole cushioning offers incredible comfort, along with the combination of natural rubber and recycled rubber, provides the durability and excellent grip whilst you're on the move.
Hoka Speedgoat Wide
In comparison with the Challenger, Hoka Speedgoat has a more durable Vibram Megagrip outsole. Not only does it have deeper lugs, but it also offers the 'stepped' lugs feature, which will help you to shake away the mud from your shoes and keep your feet light. Also available in standard fit.
With the right trail running shoes you’re equipped for anything the weather might throw at us this season. Enjoy getting off the pavements and discovering the countryside.
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