theBigWishesInMyLife™

• Comfort:Nothing beats a hands-on comparison. If there is a sport store in your local area, try and take a visit to sample the stock. Knowledgable salespeople can be a great help when choosing a shoes. Anyone can tell you about new models and what everyone calls "the best," but "the best" is variable and depends on the individual. When possible, get the salesperson with actual experience as a trail runner for the best advice.

• Fit: Trail runners should fit snugly but not tightly. Remember that your feet will swell more once you start exercising, so a variable lacing system makes for a great fit most of the time. Other than the fit across the top of the foot, you'll also want a decent length. When standing, bend your knees and make sure that your toes don't hit the front of the shoe. They should just barely brush up against it and have plenty of room for wiggling. Also make sure that the heel fits snugly. Lastly, be certain that the inner sole offers enough support whether you tend to over or under pronate.


• Orthotics will help pronators, or those with flat feet. Usually, pronators should opt for stability or motion control shoes.



• Those who supinate (or put more weight on the outer edge of the foot) should look for cushioned shoes.

• Functionality: Just looking at a shoe can give you an insight into what it can offer.


• Evaluate your running style and what you run on.


• Do you take long runs or short ones? The longer runs you take, the sturdier a shoe you'll need. Choose EVA midsoles for sprinting short distances and a PU one if you are a distance runner.


• What's the terrain like? The more intense the terrain is, the more cushioning you'll want. Usually, the stiffer the better. For ultra protection, look for shoes with a strike plate. Flexible soles are best reserved for smoother trails.


• Like rocks? Rock hoppers should look for gummier soles that will provide extra traction on slippery, smooth rocks.


• Rubber toe bumpers can be a great help for people who tend to stub their toes on roots and rocks.


• Look at the sole.



• How wide is it? The wider it is, the better it will be at tackling rocks, roots and other obstacles.


• How deep are the treads? Deep treads help grip in mud or on slick rocks. If mud is a must, soles that are self-cleaning are best so that the gunk won't build up and slow you down.


• How thick is it? A thicker the sole usually means more cushioning, but also more weight. Determine what you need most; speed and agility or more bounce in your step. Thinner soles will allow you to rip up the dirt and dig hard. Thicker soles will absorb shock and reduce stress on joints.


• Look at the material.


• Is it waterproof? This is a must with any trail running shoe. Gore-Tex is a popular water-resistant material.


• Is it breathable? Ideal for warm weather running. Look for nylon and mesh for hot and dry conditions. If you plan to run through any creeks, remember that mesh is great for drainage.


• How easy is it to clean? If you care about this sort of thing, you should ask.


• Does it offer any technology that the other shoes don't that make it more worthwhile? These usually come with a higher price tag. Only you can decide what is worth the money.


• Compare the new and old models.



• It may or may not be worth the money for the newer model depending on what alterations the manufacturer has made to improve the shoe.


• Do your research on upgrades that have been made to a model on manufacturer's Web sites. It may give you some insight to why the $120 pair are better than the reduced price pair.

Vasque Blur

Adidas Climacool Cardrona

Timberland Endurion

La Sportiva Crossroads

Merrell Overdrive

Keen Ochoco

Teva X-1/C

Salomon Trail Comp

Asics Gel-Eagle Trail V