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As some people know, I injured myself from what I believe to be the Nike Next%. I feel both embarrassed and dumb to get injured from a shoe that seems to "work for everyone." I seem to be recovering well and I even ran a few miles on Sunday.
It makes writing about Carbon Plated Shoes harder because I might start to develop a bias. Anyway, this week's newsletter is about trail shoes and there are no carbon plated trail shoes (that I know of).
This newsletter is sponsored by Safety Skin. If you are looking for an inexpensive and not bulky way to stay seen, Safety Skin is for you.
Use the code FueledbyLOLZ to save 20%, which makes it about $20. I also wrote a review about Safety Skin here. The code expires on February 29th. Thank you, Safety Skin!
Trail running has become more popular in the last few years. If you find yourself running on trails more, it might be wise to invest in a pair of trail shoes. Like road shoes, there are many different types, brands, and styles. It's always important to find what is most comfortable for you.
If you're running on flat, grassy, and non-technical trails like most in New Jersey/PA, road shoes are fine.
Trails like the back trails of Wissahickon Park in Philadelphia, Appalachian trails, or out west will merit a trail shoe. I've run in Wharton State Park (Pinelands, NJ) in a road shoe and a trail shoe and you can do either.
As the name suggests, trail shoes are best for rugged terrain. The tread on a trail shoe is much deeper and will grip the ground much better. It can be easier to grip the ground in muddy or snowy conditions.
Keep in mind, you can use a road shoe for trails, but you can't use a trail shoe for the roads. If your run contains both road and trail, I would use whatever terrain you have more of. If the trail isn't too technical, I would probably use a road shoe.
So What is the Difference Between Trail Shoes and Road Shoes?
Tread: The soles of trail shoes are much more rugged. With more traction, trail shoes grip the ground better and keep you more stable on uneven terrains like dirt, mud, roots, or even a stream crossing.
Foot protection: Many trail shoes have built-in gaiters to keep excess debris out of the shoe. Some are even made in a waterproof version to keep you dry.
Trail shoes are typically heavier and more durable. Often running on the road can lead to shin splints, knee, or foot pain because the shoe is trying to grip into pavement instead of the trail.
If you aren't sure the different parts of a running shoe, I wrote about the anatomy here.
Here are a few great trail shoes out right now:
With any running shoe, there is no best trail shoe for anyone. It's always best to try the shoes on at your local running store. Plus, usually, your local running store will have trail shoes best tailored to the terrain around you. In NJ, we carry less rugged trails because the closest big, technical, trails are nearly 2 hours north.
Am I a trail expert? Absolutely not. Do I know shoes? Yes.
The brand Altra is a "zero drop brand." The toe box is wide (but not the widest in the industry…In fact, people claiming Altra has the biggest toe box in the industry is a major pet peeve I have. It doesn't; most shoes that come in a wide width are much wider. Anyway-
The Altra Lone Peak 4 has enough cushion to run an ultra marathon, but it's also not a bulky shoe. Many people prefer a lower to the ground trail shoe, so they avoid tripping on rocks, roots, or terrain. Altra also makes the Lone Peak 4 mid mesh with a higher back to it.
I used the Cascadia a few years ago. Compared to other trail shoes, the Cascadia is one of the more rigid and stiff trail shoes out there which is why I prefer it for hiking. Brooks has increased the rubber and traction on the Cascadia as well, which makes it even better for trails. If you are a Ghost wearer, the Brooks Cascadia is essentially the trail version of the Brooks Ghost. For me personally, it's too stiff to run in, but I like it for hiking.
The Speedgoat is a supportive shoe for anyone looking to get out there. It's one of the best "beginner" trail shoes.
Hoka partnered with Vibram for the outsole, so you'll be hard-pressed to find another trail shoe with that much grip. If you're clumsy like me, this is probably a great shoe to start with. There are a variety of options for the Speedgoat from the standard trail shoe, to waterproof, and even a midlevel with ankle support. I own the Goretex midlevel with ankle support and it's my favorite trail shoe. I plow through mud, dirt, and ice like no big deal (and if you know me, I'm not a plower).
The New Balance Hierro is plush and is supposed to be a "more versatile" trail shoe out there. It is usable on both roads and trail. Personally, I think you need either one or the other.
While a shoe that can "do both" seems like a good idea, a road shoe can "do both." It makes sense to have a shoe separate for the trails. That being said, I appreciate the Hierro and it's a good trail shoe. It has a built-in gaiter to protect from dirt and debris. It also uses a Vibram sole to provide traction for technical trail running.
Saucony's updated line of trail shoes the Peregrine, Switchback, and now the Guide are awesome. Plus now, Saucony also makes the Saucony Peregrine in wide, which is one of the few wide trails shoes too!
I have to wonder if Saucony is trying to transition into the trail world because they have one of the most extensive lines of trail shoes out there right now. There aren't a lot of trail shoes with medial and arch support: In fact, the Saucony Guide Trail is the only one that comes to mind. If you feel like you need more support but want a trail shoe, the Saucony Guide Trail is a new option for you.
Trail running can be fun, but it's important to find a good shoe for you and one that feels comfortable.
What is Keeping Me Entertained?
The Olympic Trails! I will not be there, but I’ve enjoyed all of the media coverage around it.
Women’s Running has done an excellent job covering some of the Olympic Trials Qualifiers.
I’m biased and appreciate the story of Megan Cunningham, a VA Beach, local.
Clean Sport Collective: Episode #34: Stephanie Bruce, 2:29 Marathoner and US 10K Road Champion One of my favorite podcasts and one of my favorite athletes.
C Tolle Run: Tierney Wolfgram: Making Waves: Tierney is the youngest competitor at the Olympic Marathon Trials. She ran a 2:40:03 as a 15-year-old!
Athletics: Ethiopia's Yeshaneh smashes half marathon world record by 20 seconds
A New Way to Display Race Medals
This newsletter is sponsored by Safety Skin. If you are looking for an inexpensive and not bulky way to stay seen, Safety Skin is for you.
Use the code FueledbyLOLZ to save 20%, which makes it about $20. I also wrote a review about Safety Skin here. The code expires on February 29th. Thank you Safety Skin!
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