HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST TRAIL SHOES

WHAT TRAIL RUNNING SHOES ARE BEST FOR YOU?

When it comes to running, the most important piece of equipment is your shoes. The right shoe builds the foundation for your running. Finding the right shoe for your specific needs is crucial to maximizing your run’s potential. At Altra, we offer a wide variety of running shoe options, all range of capabilities and features for wherever the trail takes you. Whatever you’re looking for, Altra has you covered.

So, how can you make sure to find the shoe that’s best for you? Let’s take a look at some must-have features for any trail running shoe and break down each of our trail running shoes to find exactly what you need.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN YOUR TRAIL RUNNING SHOES

There are many different trail running shoes, but what makes one better than the other? What are the qualities that make the best shoes for the trails? Here are some of the top things to look for in your next pair of shoes.

First and foremost, comfort is crucial. Having dependable, high-tech shoes means nothing if they cause you discomfort throughout your run. The right amount of comfort helps build a strong foundation from the ground up that will help keep you going for miles on end. That's why all Altra shoes are designed with FootShape™ Comfort to allow your feet to spread out naturally and experience maximum comfort through natural movement.

Next, find a shoe that can withstand whatever you put it through. Durability matters on the trails. This is where the material a shoe is made from comes into play.

In addition to durability, whatever your level of trail running, it’s important to find a shoe with an outsole that helps you run fast, controlled, and protected. The best trail running shoes should provide an outsole that offers adequate grip and traction for all-terrain—tame and technical.

Lastly, cushion counts. Figuring out what level of cushion you prefer is unique to every runner, but here are some basics every trail running shoe should have. For starters, a Balanced Cushioning™ platform that positions your heel and forefoot at an equal distance from the ground. This feature can be found in all Altra shoes and encourages better alignment, better form, and a low impact landing. Now let’s look for the actual level of cushion you prefer in your shoe. If you’re looking for a high cushion shoe, check out our options with a thicker midsole for a soft, yet responsive ride like the Olympus 4 or the Timp 3. For those looking for more of an underfoot feel, explore options with a thinner midsole like the Superior 5 or the brand new Lone Peak 6