If you prefer a more cushioned, cloud-like running experience, look at shoes with more padding. “Some models will have a tighter, sleeker fit great for speedy, technical trail runs, while others provide a more accommodating fit for endurance efforts.” “The most important thing to consider is the fit for your activity,” says Bekah Broe, director of performance footwear at Hoka. The main things you want to consider is the shoe fit and the trails you’ll be running on. What to Look for When Buying Trail Running Shoes Below we dive into the best tips when it comes to shopping for the best trailing shoes for women. Plus, they’ll probably use weird technical terms like lugs, gusseted tongue, or Gore-Tex lining.

However, if you search for trail running shoes, you’ll find tons of options out there. Sammie Bennett, Trail Sisters group leader in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and ambassador for Gazelle Sports, says, “If you're just testing it out, and you're not certain this is for you, you don't need to have the fancy-fancy shoes, though something with a little bit more grip is always helpful.” When you’re ready to set out on longer, harder trails, or you notice yourself slipping or feeling unstable on the trails, it’s time to look at what’s on your feet. With runs under an hour on easy trails (and you want to start on easy trails), beginners don’t necessarily need fancy trail running shoes. We got their top tips for what to look for and recommendations for their favorite shoes.īefore getting into the details of finding the ideal trail running shoe, we should mention this: If you’re brand new to trail running and just want to give it a shot without spending extra cash, you can use your regular running shoes to get started. To help navigate this new realm of trail running, we talked to different trail runners with hundreds of miles under their belts. While what that looks like exactly can differ, they'll all have deeper lugs (the bit on the bottom of the shoe like a tire) on the outsole to grip different types of terrain. And while trail running shoes come in many different styles with a variety of features, they’re all meant for going fast on trails.

The best trail running shoes should provide the springy cushion and minimal weight of a running shoe, but with the traction and stability of a hiking boot. Trail running combines the best parts of road running and hiking into one exhilarating sport, but the combination poses a challenge for footwear.

Another word for running shoes