What To Look For
Trail running shoes have features that differ from those of regular running shoes, which are better tailored to track or street running. Runningshoeswizard.com suggests looking at the soles, or the bottom of the shoe, the midsole cushioning and any grip features the shoe may have. The soles of trail shoes are stiffer and more durable than those of road running shoes to withstand various kinds of terrain and are often made from a rubber compound material, which helps protect your feet from the hard trails. Midsoles of trail shoes should have cushioning but also some firmness to give you stability, and lacing features can help provide a snug fit.
Common Pitfalls
You may be tempted to pick a trail shoe based on the latest shoe reviews, but if you have special needs because of your running gait or arch type, it is important to pick a shoe that will help avoid injury and provide you with the most support and cushioning, says runningshoeswizard.com.
Where To Buy
Running shoes, especially trail running shoes, are a personal thing to buy. What may work for one person may not work for another, so it is important to try on the shoes you want to buy and get a feel for them before you purchase them. Sporting goods stores, camping/outdoor stores and department stores all typically sell trail running shoes. If you are familiar with the shoe that you want and have tried it on, online sites like zappos.com, nike.com and REI.com all have a wide variety of trail running shoes.
Cost
Stores and websites have sales on trail running shoes throughout the year, allowing you to find lower prices on quality trail shoes. In 2010, good trail shoes can run anywhere between $60 to over $100, depending on the brand and features of the shoe. While it may seem like a good idea to buy an inexpensive pair of shoes, it is important not to sacrifice quality for price. Poor quality trail shoes may not provide the protection and stability you need for a trail run, and can lead to injury down the line.
Comparison Shopping
Look at the different kinds of trail shoes and the different features they offer, especially in the fabric of the upper. REI.com describes fabrics like Gore-Tex, which can provide waterproofing characteristics to a shoe but make the shoe less breathable, whereas nylon and nylon mesh provide breathability and reduce the weight of the shoe, but they do not protect well against the elements. Other differences among trail shoes can include the type of cushioning of the midsole and stabilization features of the shoe.
Accessories
The right socks can help make a trail run more comfortable and reduce the risk of blisters. Picking a sock with cushioning can help protect the sensitive skin of the feet against the pounding and uneven terrain of off-road trails, and fabric like CoolMax, which has wicking properties, can reduce the amount of moisture the socks retain, keeping your feet dry and comfortable.
Insider Tips
REI.com suggests trying shoes on at the end of the day, when your feet are slightly swollen; this can help you avoid buying shoes that are too small and may lead to discomfort. If you find you need extra cushioning or support, removable insoles can help add custom comfort to your trail shoes.
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