Trail running shoes
If you're going to be running off-road, your shoes must suit both your feet and the terrain.
Featured product: The North Face Men's Hedgehog Gore-Tex® XCR® Shoes
1. Fit
The upper should be a snug, comfortable fit around your foot, and the inside of the shoe should be 13-15mm longer than your foot.
2. Support
To help stabilize your foot when running, you will need support and firm cushioning under the arch and on the inside of the heel.
3. Cushioning
Thick cushioning is ideal for running on hard roads, but it adds weight and tends to raise your foot above the ground, thus reducing your 'feel' for the running surface. So, if you're watching the clock, you'll prefer minimal cushioning because you'll get a better response from the shoe.
4. Footbed
Also known as the insole, the footbed is the part that you stand on inside the shoe. Some are cushioned to increase comfort; some are designed with air vents to minimise sweat; and others may also be contoured to support the foot.
5. Toebox
Your toes and the upper of the shoe can take a hammering when running downhill over rough terrain, so you'll need some protective stiffening around the end of the shoe in the form of reinforcement on the inside and a hard-wearing bumper on the outside.
6. Uppers
A mesh tongue allows more air movement and is the best compromise when combined with water-resistant materials around the other areas of the upper. Mesh is sometimes fitted just above the sole. This allows water to be pumped out during running, but of course can allow water in -choose according to your personal preferences.
7. Outsole
For regular use on paths and tracks, look for a lot of widely spaced lugs that are as deep as a pound coin is thick. If the grooves are shallower than the pound coin then the lugs won't provide much grip, particularly in mud and on grass. Check for a heel breast too, the cut-away section between the forefoot and heel, as this also adds a degree of braking power when descending grass and earth slopes.
8. Midsole
For trail-running, the shoe should flex easily at the toe, but be quite stiff laterally.
9. Heel Counter
Good heel support is essential when running, as it will ensure your foot strikes the ground correctly.
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