How to choose trailrunning sneakers? 5 points to pay attention to

How to choose trailrunning sneakers? 5 points to pay attention to

Learn the ins and outs with an expert.

Sportmaster PRO expert

Trailrunning started gaining popularity in Russia relatively recently, but even in such a short period of time it has attracted a lot of fans – both among experienced runners and beginners. How does this type of running differ from classic running and what do you need to start training?

What is trailrunning?

It is running on rough terrain: dirt and mountain paths. Most often we are talking about prepared trails and paths – especially in big cities, but sometimes an athlete may find himself in an area with an untouched natural landscape. Therefore, unlike running on asphalt or in a stadium with a special surface, the athlete is required to be more stable and balanced. So it’s important to choose the right sneakers that provide reliable grip and protect the foot.

How to prepare for training?

You can start trailrunning from scratch, but it’s better to get a running base first: try standard running on the highway, stadium or arena. This is also to prepare the cardiovascular system for the loads and learn to control breathing. After that it is already allowed to connect strength training and training with a set of altitude.

The technique of running on flat and mountainous terrain is different, especially when it comes to steep descents on tracks. Trailrunning is more of a strength sport compared to classic, as sometimes you need to overcome hundreds of meters of elevation gain. The arms have a different amplitude of movement when running uphill, and on the downhills, depending on the gradient, the body has to be tilted backwards and forwards. What about on flat ground? Here the body is always tilted slightly forward.

How to choose sneakers?

When buying it is worth paying attention to the following characteristics.

• Passability. Shoes should have a strong enough sole, which will be able to withstand any conditions of the track.

• Shock absorption. This is important to soften the shocks when running on an uneven surface.

• Foot protection. Favor shoes with a reinforced toe and heel to protect against impact and injury.

• Surface traction. A sole with reliable traction on different types of surfaces is best.

• Weight. Being lightweight will not put additional strain on your feet.

In this regard, the distinguishing features of ideal trailrunning shoes are aggressive tread, which provides quality grip on the surface, bumpers to protect toes from impact and in some cases – a special carbon plate in the middle layer of the sole. It excludes its penetration by sharp stones.

In addition, it is recommended to choose shoes half a size larger, as well as to use special synthetic socks during training. They have thickenings in the toe and heel area and provide a more reliable fixation of the foot. Finally, make sure that the chosen pair has good ventilation to wick away sweat, prevent overheating and unpleasant odor.

In good weather and after the rain

You don’t need high tread for a good track, but in the mud it’s essential – and the more complex the pattern, the better.

The upper should be lightweight and breathable: in warm weather it will wick away sweat and in rainy weather it will help the sneaker dry faster. On a short distance, as a rule, prefer shoes with less cushioning, on a long track – with more. But here much depends on the level of training of the athlete. Beginners usually prefer softer shoes, while professionals prefer stiff and dynamic shoes.