Outdoor Buddies · Shoes for trails and mountains
The right trail shoes make it easier to find a secure feel on your regular trails. Start with the fit of your foot and the surface. Then compare cushioning, drop, and protection based on how long you run and what you want your next pair to do better.
This guide will help you sort through the features before choosing a model. You don't need to find the shoe with the most technical features. You need a combination that works for your foot and your running.
Choose trail shoes based on where you run most.
Describe a typical round before looking at individual models. Is it mostly gravel with some trails, soft forest ground or rocky mountain trails? What does the same round look like after rain? Buying becomes easier when you know which parts of the round place the highest demands on the shoe.
| Your most common terrain | Start by comparing | Also check |
|---|---|---|
| Gravel and hard packed path | Moderately patterned sole and comfort on firm ground. | How the shoe feels on transport routes with asphalt. |
| Mixed forest path | Versatile sole pattern, foot grip and root protection. | How the rubber performs on the wet surfaces you encounter. |
| Clay and soft ground | Clearer, deeper rubber lugs with space between them. | That the sole can release mud and does not quickly become clogged. |
| Rocky mountain path | Controlled fit, useful stone protection and rock grip. | How the shoe works on side slopes and descents. |
| Ice and hard, slippery snow | Metal studs or anti-slip soles intended for running. | Fit and function on the mixed surfaces of the round. |
Rough rubber studs and metal studs have different tasks. Studs can grip soft ground, while ice requires a different solution. Wet rock and mud also do not have the same requirements. Therefore, compare rubber, pattern and application together.
Fit: length, width and toe space are different things
A shoe should support the heel and midfoot without pinching the forefoot. Check both feet with the socks and any inserts you actually intend to use. The size number is a starting point; two models of the same size may feel different.
Wide toe box or wide?
A roomy toe box can give your toes room while still keeping the shoe snug over the heel and midfoot. A wide version can add extra width or volume in other areas. If you have a high instep, you also need enough height under the laces. Describe where the shoe is pinching, rather than just saying you need a larger size.
Don't choose extra length as the only solution to a shoe that is too narrow. It can cause your foot to slip when braking. Try a different shape and check the heel grip again.
How much space should there be in front of the toes?
You need a margin in front of the longest toe even when you put weight on your foot and walk on an incline. The important test is that the toes can fit downhill, while the foot is held in place in the rest of the shoe. A model that feels comfortable when stationary may still be wrong when you turn or brake.
Compare the model's own size guide and check what the centimeter measurement refers to. Foot length and inside measurement are not the same measurement. If you are unsure, you can send us the length of both feet and describe your current model.
Cushioning, sole height and drop – what should you compare?
Cushioning describes how the shoe feels when you put weight on it. Sole height describes how much material is under the foot. Drop is the height difference between the heel and forefoot. A high sole can have a low drop, and zero drop does not automatically mean a thin sole.
If the heel is 30 mm and the forefoot is 24 mm, the drop is 6 mm. However, the number alone does not tell you how the shoe feels in motion. The firmness of the foam, the shape of the sole and how the foot is held also affect the experience.
Start with a cushioning feel you already enjoy. On longer runs, comfort needs to last over time, but maximum softness is not an obvious goal. On uneven trails, you should still be able to place your foot and feel in control. Try distinct changes in shoe type or drop during shorter runs before using the shoes for a long time.
Stability and stone protection
Ask to compare the shoes in side steps, turns, and an incline. A firmer upper or a different base underfoot may be more relevant than a few extra millimeters of foam. A stone protection plate distributes pressure from sharp surfaces; toe caps and reinforcements protect other parts of the shoe. Assess the need for the terrain.
A carbon fiber plate is not automatically a stone protection plate. Read what function the construction has in the particular model. For a first pair of trail shoes, a good fit and the right sole are a clearer choice than a specific plate.
Waterproof trail shoes or breathable uppers?
Consider how water tends to get in. A membrane can be useful in cold, wet grass or snow. Water that runs in from above, however, can stay in a tight shoe longer. On warm rides or wet trails, ventilation and the ability to release water may be more important.
Choose weather protection and grip separately. A waterproof shoe does not automatically have an ice sole. Also check how the upper holds the foot when wet and what care instructions the manufacturer provides.
How to try on a pair of trail shoes
- Bring the right socks. Also use the inserts you normally run with.
- Try on both shoes. Stand up and feel for length, width, instep and heel.
- Lace without overtightening. Strong tightening should not be needed to keep the foot still.
- Walk on an incline and take side steps. Make sure your foot doesn't slide forward or to the side.
- Compare different shapes. Feel free to try a different last before going up another size.
- Test in training before the race. Build up the time in the shoe and evaluate the same combination of shoes, socks and lacing.
Make a note of what you miss in your current pair: for example, better toe space, more protection on rocks, or less movement around the heel. This will help us find relevant alternatives and make it easier for you to feel the difference when trying them on.
Find trail shoes that suit your runs
Tell us where you run, approximately how long you'll be out for, and what works in your current shoes. At Outdoor Buddies in Åre, we'll help you compare fit and features.
Take care of your shoes between workouts
Carefully remove mud and debris, remove the insoles when the care instructions allow, and let the shoes air dry. Avoid direct heat and follow the model's washing instructions. Also check the laces, upper, and sole for wear. Replace or repair a small part when it is sufficient to continue using the shoe.
Compare running socks Find care products and repair materials
Frequently asked questions
Which trail shoes are suitable for a beginner?
Start with your most common round and a model that fits well right away. A versatile sole is often handy when mixing gravel and trail. Prioritize specific features only when you know what problem they will solve.
Do trail shoes have to have a low drop?
No. Choose drop along with fit, comfort and use. Feel free to start with what you already enjoy and try bigger changes gradually.
Is most cushioning best for ultra?
Not for everyone. Long-term comfort needs to be combined with control on the race surface. Try it during longer training sessions on similar terrain.
Can I use trail shoes on asphalt?
Shorter transport distances can work. If most of the round is on asphalt, it is wise to compare how the sole feels there, or choose a shoe that better matches that surface.
Can I get help finding a wide trail shoe?
Yes. Describe the shape of your foot, where your current shoe is pressing and whether your heel tends to slip. We will help you compare spacious toe boxes, wide versions and different last types.
