Many people make the mistake of using their regular running shoes while running on trails. It is important to note that women’s trial running shoes are different from regular road running shoes. This is because roads and trails have completely different surfaces.
When considering women’s trail running shoes there are two important things you need to keep in mind. The first is that you will need shoes that provide you with adequate grip for the rugged terrain of the trail. Many running shoes that are designed specifically for running on trails are designed with outsoles that feature deeper lugs than running shoes designed for the road. Trail running shoes also have a tread pattern that is more aggressive. All these features will enhance your stability while running on the uneven surface of the trail.
The second factor you need to remember when selecting women’s trail running shoes is the protection of your feet. Trails are usually uneven and have many rocks, roots, and other sharp objects. Road running shoes cannot protect you from the impact of the rocks on the trail. Trail running shoes however, are designed to protect your feet from the impact. You should ensure that the shoes you select have incorporated a special feature to protect your feet such as an insert between the outsole and the innersole to take the impact or thermoplastic polyurethane (PTU). The shoes may also have further protection against toe injury through protective toe counters.
You will also need to consider what type of runner you are when selecting women’s trail running shoes. If you are an up tempo runner who will be taking part in races or training for races on the trail, you should search for lightweight running shoes. However, these have less protection and support for your feet as they will not have as much padding. You can opt for the more padded versions if you will be running only occasionally.
The surface that you will be running on will also play an important role in the type of shoes that you will choose. Steep and difficult terrains call for shoes with more structure, protection, and support. Terrains that are wet and muddy call for shoes that have widely spaced lugs to prevent you from sinking or sticking in the mud. The widely spaced lugs also release mud much easier and will therefore not collect much mud while you run.
You should also ensure that the women’s trail running shoes that you select fit perfectly. It is important to search for a shoe that mimics the shape of your foot as closely as possible. It should not be too tight or too loose, as either situation will result in injuries such as blisters.
A woman who runs for sport or exercise will need a good pair of women’s trail running shoes to wear. Having the right type of footwear is extremely important for this type of activity because without the proper support and cushioning your foot can incur damage.
