Men's Running Shoes & Sneakers

Choosing the right pair of trail running shoes is just as important as choosing the right pair of road shoes. They need to hold up to rocks, mud and water without sacrificing comfort or traction.

There's no one-size-fits-all approach to trail running shoes. Because each runner has different needs and preferences. There are a myriad of options to choose from. To help you find the right pair, we've put together this guide on how to choose the perfect pair of trail running shoes.

Know Your Feet

If you've never tried on trail running shoes before (or if you haven't bought new ones in a while), it's important to know what kind of feet you have. Make sure you select the best type of shoe for your specific needs.

Cushioning

Trail runners have more cushioning than road running shoes because they're designed for shock absorption on uneven surfaces. Some models offer extra foam on the heel or forefoot for added protection against rocks and roots, while others rely on a combination of midsoles and outsole designs to provide support and protection as you cover ground on rough trails.

Tread

The most important part of a trail shoe is its tread pattern. Look for lugs or spikes that dig into soft ground and give you traction when climbing rocky hillsides or mountainsides. If you're looking for minimalist trail running shoes, look for one with less tread. But if you want more protection from rocks and roots, look for a shoe with more aggressive tread.

Width

When it comes to choosing trail running shoes, one of the most important factors is the width of your foot. If your foot is wide, then a narrow fit may feel too tight and uncomfortable. On the other hand, if your foot is narrow and you choose a shoe that fits well but is too wide, then it might not provide enough support or cushioning for comfort during long runs or hikes.

Upper Construction

Trail running shoes have a wider toe box than their road counterparts. This gives your toes some wiggle room when you're scrambling up steep hills or through rocky terrain. The upper will typically also have more mesh on top for breathability, which is important when running in warm conditions.

Lacing Systems

Many trail running shoes use lace-up systems similar to hiking boots, rather than traditional laces. The benefits of this include having more flexibility in your stride while still providing a secure fit around your foot. You'll also find that lace-ups tend to be more durable than traditional laces because they don't wear out as quickly over time or get caught on things like rocks or tree branches while you're running.

Sole stiffness

The sole is the bottom layer of the shoe that comes in contact with the ground. For most runners, a stiffer sole provides better support for longer distances on trails or pavement. Soft soles provide cushioning but don't offer much stability or traction.

Outsole traction

Trail runners tend to run over a variety of surfaces, so look for outsoles with multiple tread patterns that grip different types of terrain well. The best way to test this is by walking in the shoe on various surfaces like asphalt, concrete, gravel, grass and mud – if it works well on every surface then it will work well for trail running.

Midsole Stability

The midsole is the layer of cushioning between your foot and the ground. The stability of a shoe's midsole depends on its material composition, thickness and density. Stability shoes often feature thicker mid substances with greater cushioning than lightweight trainers or racing flats.

Trail runners should look for midsole stability ratings in the form of "drop" numbers (the distance from heel to toe), as well as reviews from other users who have run with similar models. Shoes with higher drops are generally better suited for off-road use because they offer more protection against rocks and roots in addition to increased stability underfoot.