Still running in regular running shoes on the trails? Maybe it's time for some trail running shoes.
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When you start running, you often just throw on a pair of running shoes and hit the road. But as soon as you leave the beaten path and dive into the woods, you quickly realize: it feels different. Slippery roots, mud, loose rocks... Your regular running shoes clearly aren't designed for this. But what exactly is the difference between running shoes and trail running shoes? And when do you need which?
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. While a running shoe often has a relatively flat tread, a trail running shoe is packed with lugs. These provide grip on wet leaves, mud, sand, and everything in between. Some trail shoes even have a sole that resembles a mountain bike tire—no exaggeration, because you really don't want to slip on a steep, wet descent. These trail shoes are also frequently used for survival runs, mud runs, and obstacle courses.
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.
