You may have a favorite pair of running shoes but when it comes to back country hiking or running, you'll want stable trail running shoes.
Your regular runners are for indoor use or walking and/or running on a smooth surface. You'll need better protection that that. Today's major brand name running shoes manufacturers offer a trail shoe that is a great alternative to heavy hiking boots. For casual hikers or committed marathon runners, trail shoes are a must-have for many reasons.
Traction on the trail: Check the heavy duty, rugged sole on trail shoes. These are designed to grip the trail when tackling a steep incline along the way and sharp declines where one slip can bring you down hard. This type of sole is absolutely necessary when traversing dirt, gravel and loose debris. A regular shoe will not give you the edge in this type of environment.
Leaves and rocks in your shoes: Wonder how those little rocks find their way inside your footwear? Trail shoes provide extra protection with a gusseted tongue. Like most shoe tongues, it's attached at the bottom but also along the sides with an extra flap under the laces to keep debris out. Hiking gaiters, slipped over your ankles and over the tops of your shoes, will give you added protection.
Cushions against rocks: If you don't have proper trail shoes, you'll feel every rock, people and bump beneath your feet as you walk or run. Trail runners with thicker soles will keep you more comfortable, not only on the bottom of your feet but at the toe. This will prevent undue injury should you stub your toe on obstructions along the trail.
Water stays out: Walking or running along a soggy trail won't result in cold, wet feet in proper trail running shoes. Most trail running shoes are made of water resistant fabric, helping keep your feet warm and dry. Avoid puddles and small streams - as water-proof as they claim to be most trail runners can't handle being completely submerged.
Durability on the trail: Hikers and trail runners know how easy it is to catch your shoes on a root sticking out of the ground, or a low branch or sticks causing normal running shoes to rip. Trail shoes are made of more durable fabric with rough outdoor use in mind, manufactured in earth colors that will hide the dirt.
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