We advise you on choosing your trail shoes. Trail Running is a sport of running in nature. It is an outdoor activity that combines nature, effort, discovery, and performance on different types of terrain. Discovering new landscapes, setting goals, enjoying nature, relieving the pressure of everyday life, trail running proves to be a perfect hobby for all that, among other things. Furthermore, to complete your gear, also consider discovering trail pole equipment to gain stability on demanding courses.

Whether you are a recreational trail runner or a performance trail runner, it is important to find the right shoe for you! We advise you through the different selection criteria. Check out our selection of best trail shoes for your next outings in the mountains, and take the opportunity to choose your trail gear to be perfectly equipped on all terrains.

TRAIL RUNNING, A SPORT FOR EVERYONE!

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THE USE OF TRAIL SHOES

The first step in selecting the pair of trail shoes you need is to question your practice. Indeed, you will not choose the same shoe if you run a short distance or a long one. For short distances, we recommend lightweight and technical trail shoes. For medium trails, you need a mix of lightness, cushioning, comfort, and grip. For ultra-trails, we recommend a shoe with more cushioning and protection to avoid foot injuries. Don't hesitate to also complete your kit with trail belts for demanding runners to carry the essentials during your outings.

On what type of terrain?


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On a soft terrain, you need to focus on a pair with very good grip, excellent traction with deep and spaced lugs so that the mud can be removed. For an optimal experience, explore our selection of performance trail shoes suitable for these conditions.

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On a mixed terrain, mainly on paths, you should opt for a lightweight, versatile, and flexible shoe. Also find our selection of hiking and trail shoes to adapt your equipment according to your needs.

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On a rocky terrain, a stiffer sole will be more stable. We recommend a shoe with more protection on the upper, rock guards, and a material that is more resistant to abrasion.

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On a snowy terrain, you need a shoe with good grip and marked lugs, protection against the elements with a waterproof membrane such as Gore-Tex. To avoid wet feet, we also recommend running with waterproof gaiters.




PRODUCT EXPERT ADVICE

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For size selection, it varies from one brand to another. Generally, we advise opting for half a size to a full size above your road shoe size. As you progress through trails, you will refine your needs and thus your choices of trail shoes that suit you best!

Nicolas - trail universe expert

trail running

THINGS TO KNOW a savoir




Do not neglect your morphology, we do not all have the same build and therefore the same needs for cushioning, etc. The larger your build, the more you will need reinforced shoes with good cushioning for your comfort; the smaller your build, the more you can opt for lighter and more responsive shoes. For fans of expert brands, also try our The North Face trail shoes online known for their technicality.



THE COMPONENTS OF A TRAIL SHOE


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The mesh

The choice of the mesh on the upper of the shoe, often called mesh, is important and depends on how you use the shoe. A dense and tight mesh provides significant protection and support for the foot, but the breathability of the shoe is reduced. Conversely, when the shoe has an aerated mesh, it allows for faster drainage of water. Therefore, it is important to choose your mesh according to the terrains where you practice.

If you are going on a rocky terrain, the mesh must be resistant; on a wet terrain, a tight mesh or even waterproof will be necessary; on dry terrain, the ideal is to have a more aerated mesh to gain breathability. It may also be interesting to take additional protection against weather elements. Especially in winter, on wet and muddy terrains, it is advisable to choose trail shoes with waterproof protection. The reference in this matter is often Gore-Tex, but many trail shoe brands have today developed their own waterproof membranes that work just as well and are generally cheaper. To be well equipped in all weather, also discover our trail gear at the best price suitable for all seasons.

The sole

The sole of the shoe also plays a role in your choice. It consists of 3 soles:

  1. the insole which provides comfort and sweat drainage,
  2. the midsole which contributes to stability and cushioning,
  3. the outsole in direct contact with the ground, its role is grip and traction depending on all types of terrain.

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The drop

Another important component of the trail shoe is the drop. This can greatly influence your stride. The drop is the height difference between the front and back of the shoe and thus corresponds to the foot's inclination in the trail shoe. It is measured in millimeters, generally found from 0 to 12mm. It is essential to pay particular attention to the drop when choosing your trail shoe as it can lead to injury if not suited to your practice. Indeed, the higher it is, the more it encourages you to land on your heel first, which increases impacts and tends to traumatize your joints and body. The universal drop is 8mm. The more you run, the more you know your stride, and the more you can choose shoes with a drop suited to your usage. With a lower drop, you run more on the front of the foot, thus limiting impacts but putting more strain on the calves.

The protection

Next, the protection is also to be considered in the choice of your trail shoes. Again, this will depend on the type of terrain where you run. If you run on rocky terrain, it is preferable to have rock guards to ensure the protection of your feet, which tends to weigh down the shoe. Conversely, on softer paths, the ideal is to have lighter and less rigid shoes than those with rock guards. You can also buy trail shoes specifically designed for protection and grip.

The comfort

Finally, comfort is one of the most important criteria. To begin with, when trying on shoes, you should feel good in them immediately; if you feel the slightest discomfort, let it go, as it is likely to worsen during your trail outings. The best is, if you can, to walk and then run to test them. As for the fit size, it is preferable to choose half a size, or according to some brands, a full size above your daily shoe size. The goal is to avoid foot friction that swells with effort and heat while maintaining precision and foot support.

IMPORTANT POINTS IN CHOOSING YOUR TRAIL SHOES


The fit and size

When choosing trail shoes, it is recommended to take half a size to a full size up from your usual size. Indeed, the foot tends to swell during exertion, and sufficient space at the front of the shoe helps avoid black toenails, especially during descents. Trying on shoes at the end of the day, when your feet are slightly swollen, is a good tip.

Cushioning

Cushioning plays an essential role in comfort and protection against shocks, especially on hard terrains or during long distances. Heavier runners or those with joint sensitivities should favor models offering enhanced cushioning. Conversely, trail runners seeking better responsiveness on fast runs will prefer more minimalist shoes.

Brands have their sizing

Each brand designs its models with characteristics suited to different foot morphologies. For example, Altra is known for its shoes with a wide toe box, ideal for wide feet. Conversely, brands like La Sportiva or Dynafit are better suited for narrow feet. Knowing these specifics helps better guide your choice based on your morphology. For fans of Saucony, check out our selection of Saucony trail shoes among the most popular models.

Care tips

To extend the lifespan of your trail shoes, it is advisable to clean them regularly after a muddy outing, let them dry in the open air without exposing them to direct heat, and store them in a dry place. Good maintenance not only helps avoid premature wear of materials but also maintains good foot support.

TESTIMONIALS FROM TRAIL RUNNERS AND THEIR CHOICE OF TRAIL SHOES

Claire, 34, beginner trail runner – "A versatile shoe to start safely"

"When I started trail running, I had no idea which shoe to choose. I was used to classic running shoes, but on the trails, I quickly realized I needed more grip and stability. A salesperson advised me to get a versatile pair, with good cushioning and a grippy sole. Since then, I feel much more confident, even on technical terrains!"

Her choice: Antora 3 from Merrell

Thomas, 28, long-distance enthusiast – "Cushioning is essential for ultras"

"I participate in long-distance trails, and I quickly understood that cushioning was essential. On races over 50 km, repeated impacts become painful if the shoe does not absorb shocks well. I opted for a model with good cushioning and enhanced support to avoid muscle fatigue. It's a real plus when spending several hours on the trails."

His choice: Spin planet from Scarpa

Julien, 40, mountain trail enthusiast – "Grip is crucial for technical terrains"

"I love running in the mountains, but with certain shoes, I often slipped on wet rocks and muddy descents. After several tries, I found a pair with a very grippy sole and lugs suited for technical terrains. Since then, I feel much more secure on descents, and I can focus on my run rather than the risk of slipping."
His choice: Bushido III from La Sportiva

Émilie, 31, trail runner on varied terrains – "Finding the right size changes everything"

"At first, I took my trail shoes in the same size as my city shoes, and I often had blisters and toe pain after my outings. One day, a friend advised me to take half a size up to anticipate foot swelling during the run. It changed my comfort! No more black toenails or uncomfortable friction."
 Her choice: Peregrine 15 from Saucony

Maxime, 25, fast trail enthusiast – "A lightweight shoe for speed"

"I often participate in short and intense trail races, where every gram counts. I chose a lightweight shoe with good energy return, which allows me to be more reactive on rolling sections. At first, I was worried about lacking support, but by choosing a well-fitted model, I found the perfect balance between dynamism and security."

His choice: Alpine DNA from Dynafit

TO REMEMBER

  • Feeling good in your shoes is essential!
  • To select the pair of trail shoes you need, you must question your practice.
  • The drop can greatly influence your stride.

Now that you know more about the design of trail shoes, quickly discover the article on how to choose your trail clothing?. For all your other needs, find everything for trail on our site!