Are you still running on the trails in regular running shoes? Maybe it's time for trail running shoes.
Table of contents
When you start running, you often just put on a pair of running shoes and go for a run. But as soon as you leave the beaten track and dive into the forest, you quickly notice: this feels different. Slippery roots, mud, loose stones... Your normal running shoes are clearly not made for this. But what exactly is the difference between running shoes and trail running shoes? And when do you need which one?
I'll explain it to you.
The difference between running shoes and trail running shoes
Trail running shoes are much more than just regular running shoes with studs underneath.
1. Sole & grip
The first thing you notice about trail running shoes is the sole. Where a running shoe often has a fairly flat profile, a trail running shoe is full of studs. These give you grip on wet leaves, mud, sand and everything in between. Some trail shoes even have a sole that looks like a mountain bike tire - no exaggeration, because you really don't want to slip on a steep, wet descent. These trail shoes are also often used for survival runs, mud runs and obstacle runs.
3. Bescherming
Trailrunschoenen hebben vaak een verstevigde neus (tegen stoten), rockplates (tegen scherpe stenen) en waterafstotende materialen. Hardloopschoenen zijn meestal juist ontworpen om zo licht en ademend mogelijk te zijn – ideaal op de weg, maar niet als je door nat gras of plassen moet.
