Running Shoes: Trail to Road, and Back!
Gabe Wagner
The right pair of running shoes will make the difference between a joyful jaunt, and a miserable meander. Before you make a purchase, it’s important to define a goal around what you want from your runs, and where your route will take you.
- How far are you running? Are you going out for short jogs, or are you going for dozens of miles?
- Where are you running? On a treadmill, on pavement, on gravel, or over boulders?
- What are your goals? Are you jogging to stay fit, or training for a race?
To make the right choice, let’s first define the two main categories of running shoes: trail running shoes, and road running shoes.
Trail Running Shoes
- Greater heel-to-toe drop
- Stiffer midsole for greater stability over uneven surfaces
- Bigger outsole lugs for increased traction over loose surfaces (dirt, gravel etc)
- Abrasion-resistant and protective uppers
- Occasionally waterproof
Road Running Shoes
- More neutral sole to encourage efficient form on flat surfaces
- Softer midsole for cushioning on hard paved surfaces
- Smoother outsole for resistance against friction on paved surfaces
- Lightweight upper with limited protection
- Often more breathable and lighter weight
If you’re running farther (especially on pavement), you’ll want shoes with plenty of cushioning - to absorb the impact of each stride, reducing the impact on your feet and reducing the likelihood of an injury. If your route is over loose surfaces like gravel or dirt, you’ll want to find shoes with larger lugs to grip the terrain and keep you sure-footed. If you’re a serious competitor, training for a race and running everyday, you might consider investing in multiple shoes to rotate throughout the week.
Below are a few stand-out running shoes that our expert staff are excited to carry!
| TRAIL | ROAD | HYBRID | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salomon Defy Grvl | Salomon Aero Glide 3 | Altra Escalante 4 | |||
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| Men's | Women's | Men's | Women's | Men's | Women's |
| An innovative trail running shoe, perfect for the mixed-surface trails in Vermont, and beyond. | A road shoe with foam midsole for epic propulsion over pavement. | A road to trail shoe with enough cushion for pavement, and a wider toe box for stability over uneven surfaces | |||
Ultimately, the right pair of running shoes will be comfortable. No amount of support or traction will be a reasonable tradeoff for discomfort, or blisters. Even if you’re only jogging on occasion, it’s important to try on as many pairs of running shoes as you can before purchasing.
At Outdoor Gear Exchange, our knowledgeable staff has helped hundreds of runners, at every experience level, find the right fit. Our return policy lets you make returns within 30 days, so you can benefit from our wide selection of trail running and road running shoes even if you’re not able to come visit us at 37 Church Street, in Burlington, Vermont.
