Trail Running Shoes

trail running shoe infographics

About Trail Running Shoes

Trail running shoes are worn to carry out intense running on rugged trails, this is why trail shoes are more durable than road shoes and provide you an enhanced trail running experience with maximum protection.

Trail Shoe Offer Better Traction

Trail shoes are specially designed to give better grip on both softer and hard surfaces such as rocks, wet mud, sand, etc, which is very important during trail running especially in the rain. Manufacturers often use a stickier rubber for the outsole. Trail runners often have deep and wide lugs on the sole that give them better traction on multiple surfaces.

Trail Running Shoes Offer More Stability

The midsole of a trail running shoe (the area between the outsole and the laces) is stiff and stable. When you’re running on a trail that has an uneven surface, you need a running shoe that can provide good support to your feet.

Therefore trail runners come with stiffer midsoles that are perfect for running up a mountain, on rocky terrain, on wet mud, or through the woods.

Trail Running Shoes Offer Protect From Obstacles

You are most likely to encounter sharp objects, such as rocks and thorns, or kick up dirt, mud, and sand as you run along the trail. Trail runners are specially designed to provide protection against such elements.

Shoes for trail running are made from strong material that protects your foot from sharp elements, therefore they are often a bit heavier than the average running shoes.

Trail Runners Are More Durable

Trail shoes are stronger than regular running shoes because they have to survive the rugged terrain of the trails. The trail surfaces can be often rough with many elements that can potentially hurt you while running. Trail shoes are often strengthened with synthetic materials to prove you with enough protection from such risks. Some shoes also come with special material to keep the moisture out.

Trail running is also often more intense that requires uneven running patterns. Therefore the trail running shoes are designed to handle the dynamic foot movements while trail running.

Trail Gaiters

While running on trails, you are most likely to encounter small rocks, sand, thorns, and all kind of obstacles that can easily get inside your trail running shoe. These elements can cause you certain discomforts such as rashes and blisters.

In order to avoid such elements from getting inside your trail shoe, runners use TRAIL RUNNING GAITERS to protect their feet and have a comfortable trail running experience.

Trail Running Gaiters is a piece of fabric that is used to wrap and cover the opening of the trail running shoe. Trail gaiters provide protection from dirt, sand, tiny rocks, and even snow that you are most likely to encounter while running along the trails.

Shop the Best Trail Running Shoes Australia

You can find the top performance and durable shoes for trail running on our website from top brands such as Altra, Topo Athletic, Dynafit, Kailas, INOV8, Tarkine, The North Face, and many more.

You can browse through our collection of the best trail running shoes in Australia. Buy trail shoes online and get them conveniently delivered to your door.

Trail Running Shoe FAQs

What are trail running shoes?

Trail shoes are generally heavier than the normal running shoes that are designed to protect and support your foot on rugged terrain. These shoes come with a better grip for traction, stiff midsole to provide stability to your feet, and durable soles to protect you against rocks, sticks, and other obstacles on the trails.

Can you run in trail shoes on the road?

Trail running shoes are designed to provide traction and stability, which is very important when you run along the trails with rugged and uneven terrain. Trail shoes are designed for off-road runs, but they can still be used to run on roads and are generally safe to wear.

Can you use road shoes for trail running?

Road shoes are lightweight designs with hard sole shoes. They are not designed to protect your feet from sharp objects such as rocks and debris that you may encounter on the trail. Trail shoes don't provide enough foot stability and traction, especially on wet trails. Therefore, it is not recommended to use road shoes for trail running.

Are trail running shoes waterproof?

No. In most cases, trail running shoes are not waterproof. Waterproof trail shoes can cause your feet to overheat and sweat. Therefore you don't need waterproof trail shoes, even if you're running on wet and muddy trails. Most trail runners prefer very breathable shoes for trail running.

Can you run in trail shoes?

Most trail shoes come with a stiff midsole that is specially designed to provide stability to your feet while running on the trail with rugged and uneven surfaces. Trail running shoes also provide better traction and protection to your feet on trails.

How should trail running shoes fit?

Your trail shoe should have enough space between the tip trail shoe and your toes so you can easily “wiggle” them. The back of the running shoe and upper should be locked perfectly so that your heel doesn’t lift while running or walking.

Are trail running shoes good for hiking?

Yes, you can hike in your trail running shoes. Trail runners are designed to handle harsh terrains such as rocks, mud, and rain. Therefore trail shoes are perfectly suitable for hiking.