Is It OK to Use Trail Running Shoes on the Road?

Using trail running shoes on roads can lead to several outcomes due to the differences in design and material between trail and road running shoes:

1. Faster Wear of Tread: The aggressive tread pattern on trail running shoes, designed for grip on loose or rugged terrain, may wear down more quickly on the hard, abrasive surfaces of roads. This can reduce their effectiveness for trail running later on.
2. Potentially Less Comfort: Trail running shoes often have less cushioning than road running shoes to allow for better stability and ground feel on uneven terrain. When used on roads, this reduced cushioning can make longer runs less comfortable due to the harder surface.
3. Improved Traction in Certain Conditions: In wet, snowy, or icy conditions, the superior traction of trail running shoes can offer better grip and safety on roads compared to the smoother soles of road running shoes.
4. Possible Impact on Running Efficiency: The heavier construction and less flexible sole of trail running shoes, designed for protection against trail hazards, might impact running efficiency on roads. Runners may find these shoes less responsive for fast-paced road running.
5. Durability in Mixed-Use: While the tread might wear down, the robust materials used in trail running shoes can offer good durability against the elements, making them a viable option for mixed-terrain runners who encounter both trails and roads.

Overall, using trail running shoes on roads won’t necessarily harm your feet, but it might not provide the optimal running experience due to differences in cushioning, tread durability, and shoe flexibility.

For those who run on both terrains regularly, it might be worth investing in two pairs of shoes to ensure each is optimized for its intended use.

Can You Use Trail Shoes on a Treadmill?

Wearing trail shoes on a treadmill is not advisable. For regular treadmill runners or those seeking optimal comfort and performance, road running shoes or a more cushioned, treadmill-friendly option might be more appropriate.

Can You Use Trail Running Shoes for Hiking?

You absolutely can hike in trail running shoes. They will protect your feet better than regular sneakers or running shoes. However, hiking shoes have advantages over both of them. Hiking boots or shoes have better support, durability, and protection than trail shoes.

Best Running Shoes for Road and Trail

When choosing shoes, it is important to find what works best for you as an individual. Do you run on the road and trails? If so, you will want a pair of each.

Next, ask yourself what kind of trail surfaces you will run on. Technical trails are very different than groomed trails that are relatively easy to navigate.

Road Running Shoes We Love:

• Brooks Glycerine: A super soft shoe made for comfort, the glycerine is a cushioned shoe.
• Brooks Levitate Stealthfit: The Levitate has a springy, cushioned ride.
• Nike Pegasus: The Pegasus has cushion and rain-ready traction and is an excellent choice for those rainy, nasty days.
• Saucony Endorphin Running Shoe: Designed for racing, this cushioned shoe is trendy among runners.
• Saucony Ride Running Shoe: A neutral shoe, the Saucony Ride includes recycled materials.

Trail Running Shoes We Love:

• Hoka Speedgoat: Not only is the Speedgoat a fantastic trail shoe, it is also super cute!
• Nike Pegasus Trail: Nike makes a weatherproof Gore-Tex trail shoe that can easily transition from the road to the trail.
• Altra Olympus: With a reinforced toe and protection on the sole, this shoe gets top ratings.
• Saucony Peregrine: Whether you’re tackling rugged mountain trails or embarking on a forest path, the Peregrine 16 is built to handle the challenges of the trail while providing the runner with a comfortable and responsive ride.