![Altra](/media/961cae1a-f61b-47fb-8f55-1d81b2744b81.jpg?size=200)
Altra
Though the activities are similar, trail-running shoes offer three attributes road-running shoes don't need to have:
Running on a manicured dirt path differs from thrashing along a root- and boulder-studded tract. The following shoe categories reflect increasing levels of traction, durability, foot protection and stability:
Terms (barefoot, minimal, moderate and maximum) are the same for trail and road shoes, so consider matching cushioning level in any road runners you might already own. Unsure where to begin? Look first at trail runners with moderate cushioning.
The difference between sole thickness at the heel and at the forefoot ranges from 0mm to 12mm or more. Switching to a shoe with a significantly different drop than you are used to can upset the mechanics of your stride. If you own road runners or other athletic shoes and know their drop, then look for a similar drop in trail runners. Alternatively, you can start by looking at trail runners with a drop spec nearer to the middle (5-8mm) of this range.
Getting an in-person fit at a specialty store like REI is your best bet. (You can also get advice on heel-to-toe drop and shoe cushioning.) When shopping online, use the size of your road runners, especially if it's the same shoe brand. Another option is to select trail runners a half size up from your casual shoes. Well-fitting shoes will have the following characteristics:
For more fit guidance and buying advice, read our full article: How to Choose Trail-Running Shoes.
REI carries top brands for men's trail running shoes, including Salomon, HOKA, Brooks, Altra and more!