About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Kate Grossman, MD
Trail shoes are, for the most part, quite similar in construction to road running shoes. However, they have added traction and more durable uppersoles. Some road shoes work well as part-time trail shoes (e.g. the Saucony GRID Stabil -- see Top Motion Control Running Shoes below), while many trail shoes work well on the road (e.g. the Adidas Trail Reponse). Features to look for include: added traction, durability without too much weight, and motion control for running on uneven surfaces.
Adidas makes a great trail shoe, the Trail Response, that is based on the basic Adidas Response road running shoe. The Trail response has been around a number of years, and continues to evolve with minor changes. This is the shoe I wear, and I wear it both for trail and road running. It offers a snug fit, and good feel--not so much of a trail shoe that you can't wear it on the road.
This new off-road shoe has strong support balanced with just the right cushioned feel. Heel and forefoot HydroFlow cushioning system absorbs shock, stabilizes the foot, and returns energy. Water Resistant synthetic uppers provide excellent protection and comfort from the season's elements. Gusset Tongue enhances protection against rain, snow, and mud.
A trail runner faces many unpredictable challenges from the environment. Improving forefoot traction and a water-resistant upper help navigate rugged terrain and keep your feet dry, while the GEL® Cushioning Systems ensure a comfortable ride. This is a solidly built shoe I would suggest for the avid trail runner who also wants a bit of extra cushion from their shoe.
This is one of the newer shoes that I've listed here. New Balance has always made a good line of strong, sturdy, and well balanced shoes--you can add this one to the list. This would be a nice shoe for a city-dweller who may venture off onto some trails, but doesn't want a trail-only shoe, such as the Saucony Omni.
The Saucony GRID Omni is a bulkier trail shoe that I would suggest to a more focused trail runner who is not using this as a multi-purpose shoe, but rather for a trail-only shoe. This shoe has excellent stability, and excellent traction.
I do like to mix it up a little more, but I find myself coming back to this Asics shoe. I think if offer a good alternative to the Saucony Omni--that being another well-balanced trail-only shoe. This will give good stability, good cushioning, and excellent tread. A good option for the more avid trail runner.
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