Trail Running & Running Shoes

Trail running & running shoes at eXXpozed

What are trail running shoes?

Not all shoes with which you run or go outdoors are automatically trail running shoes. There are many differences between trail running shoes and casual shoes. Especially on stones, scree and roots, the shoe gives you the best possible grip. This allows you to fully concentrate on your technical performance. Trail running shoes have a more distinctive sole profile, sometimes also deep studs. The shoes should always fit well on the foot and offer more support than conventional leisure or sports shoes. This is what makes first-class trail running shoes.

Why wear special shoes for trail running?

Trail running shoes are not a useless invention of the sporting industry, but they certainly have their justification. The functions are versatile. Advantages of trail running shoes include:

• Due to a stronger and thicker sole, no sharp stones and roots press through the foot
• Protection from thorns or brush
• Reinforced toe caps to prevent injuries
• More surefootedness due to a special sole

What types of trail running shoes are there?

• Trail running shoes for long distances: Especially for long distances, a shoe with medium to strong cushioning should be worn. This significantly supports the feet and ankle during movement. When buying shoes, you should pay attention to the fact that the feet widen during longer distances. Therefore, you should allow more space in the toe area.


• Trail running shoes for steep trails: On steep trails, a suitable and lightweight shoe should be worn, otherwise it can quickly lead to injuries or accidents. With such a variety of surfaces where we are off paved trails, a deep tread is advised.


• Waterproof trail running shoes: Waterproof always sounds good. Which waterproof trail running shoe suits you depends on where and when you run. If you're running through snowfields in winter, a membrane is a nice touch. It will keep your feet warm and dry. On dry days from spring to fall, however, a waterproof trail shoe quickly becomes very sweaty and uncomfortable, because despite the membrane, most of the sweat stays in the shoe.


• Stable trail running shoes: Speaking of stable, there are also stability running shoes for the trail that are designed to compensate pronation (inward rotation of the limbs). However, these are mostly niche products and are only offered in small quantities on the market. Manufacturers keep the selection neutral in order to provide shoes for the widest possible audience. In stability running shoes, the sole is precisely adapted to the foot.

Are trail running shoes also suitable for hiking?

Especially in the mountains, trail shoes are a good alternative to "real" hiking boots. They are comfortable, flexible and offer a good grip. In addition, you will have even more fun on your hiking tours due to the lighter weight. Trail running shoes do not cross the ankle and therefore do not offer as much support as hiking shoes. However, since trail shoes like to be used as hiking shoes, some companies offer trail shoes with an ankle-high hiking version. When climbing, however, you should pay attention. Since the shoes are rather soft and very flexible, the stiffness is missing when scrambling.

How to clean trail running shoes properly?

Ideally, the shoe should be cleaned immediately after soiling. Take into account that the shoe is not thrown into the washing machine under any circumstances! For minor soiling, these can be removed with a cloth. For larger cleanings, a brush or a lukewarm sponge should be used. You should do without chemicals completely. If the shoe is wet, it is best to stuff it with newspaper.

What factors determine the right shoe?

The choice of the right trail running shoe depends on various factors. The following points should be considered in any case:

• Weight
• Running style
• Quality
• Training intensity

In general, it is recommended to change the running shoes after 7000-10000 kilometers. In order to stimulate the foot, you should change the trail running shoes more often. In this way you build up different types of muscles in the foot and the load is strengthened. The feet have to adjust to a different load and the cushioning material of the trail running shoes gets time to regenerate.

What should be paid attention to when buying?

• Condition of the sole: In trail running shoes, the spacing, shape and arrangement of the studs are designed to prevent small stones and dirt from sticking. This is known as a self-cleaning effect. Otherwise, the sole has a further fine profiling, so that even sand and mud have no chance to stick.


• Sole blast: Sole blast is always the difference in height between the heel and forefoot. On a bare foot, the sole blast has 0. Larger blasts are achieved in everyday shoes and running shoes to relieve the shortened calf muscles. For trail running shoes, this tends to be lower (about 4-10mm) to avoid the risk of buckling and falling. For support on ultratrails, some runners use models with an 8-10mm sole drop.


• Cushioning property: Trail running shoes have cushioning properties. These are less pronounced than in normal recreational shoes. Part of the cushioning in trail running takes over the springy base in the sole. But to rely only on great cushioning would be wrong. Because with less damping, safety and speed is gained for the runner.

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