I’m running the North Face half marathon at Bear Mountain, NY this weekend and someone told me I should be running in trail running shoes. I was planning on running in my Gel Kayanos that I always run in.
Is there any real advantage and is it necessary to have trail shoes for a race like this? I know the race is rocky and rooty. I know this is last minute since the race in Sunday, but I can always pick up a pair of shoes. The off road trails by my home don’t require any real trail shoe.
Is it necessary? No, it is not. If the trail is well used, then regular running shoes should be fine. If it is going to be muddy and/or through areas where there is not a real trail then trail shoes can be helpful. Trail shoes have deeper tread for better traction and are heavier and sometimes have better drainage should you run through water. If you will be doing lots of off road running, then invest in a pair. Otherwise, regular running shoes with some good tread should be fine.
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X2 - The real benefit comes where you are running over a lot of protruding locks and roots. Regular running shoes will not have as much sole to protect your feet from the potential bruising effect of hitting one really hard in just the right soft spot. The best thing you can do is get a rair of running gaitors to keep the pebbles and grit out of your shoes. go to http://www.dirtygirlgaiters.com/ and buy a pair. They are not just for girls, I got some really cool ones with skulls on them last season.
Now go get DIRTY!
Dave
X2 - The real benefit comes where you are running over a lot of protruding locks and roots. Regular running shoes will not have as much sole to protect your feet from the potential bruising effect of hitting one really hard in just the right soft spot. The best thing you can do is get a rair of running gaitors to keep the pebbles and grit out of your shoes. go to http://www.dirtygirlgaitors and buy a pair. They are not just for girls, I got some really cool ones with skulls on them last season.
Now go get DIRTY!
Dave
x2 on the dirtygirl gaiters. They rock.
Like everyone else said, trail runners give better traction and better protection. So, it depends on the length and “ruggedness” of the trail as to whether or not they are needed. OTOH, On a nice dirt road or well-maintained single track, road shoes are probably faster.
I spelled the web link incorrectly but fixed it for the gaiters.
http://www.dirtygirlgaiters.com/
Dave
I just did a 17k trail race a few weeks ago in my Brooks Adrenaline (not trail shoes). Shoes got really dirty, but no major issues. I am considering getting trail shoes for the summer as I like to run off road on occassion.
I would probably advise that you NOT GET trail shoes a week before your race. Race in what you have been training in.
The last couple of XTerra races I’ve done, everyone passing me was wearing normal running shoes. Some running flats. Same thing with the NF Endurance challenge.
I’d say not necessary unless its really muddy and you need the traction
x infinity on not buying trail shoes for this weekends race
(dance with who brought you)
I do trail runs in my Saucony trainer road shoes, which work fine for the terrain, even single track. I don’t have the traction I’d like on the steep dirt downhills, but I don’t know if specific trail running shoes would be better.
I only do 2 or 3 trail runs a year, but if I did more I’d buy some gaiters and look into the benefits of trail specific shoes.
Just keep your eyes glued on the terrain in front of you, and you should be good to go. Good luck, and have fun.