Trail shoes have rugged soles for traction and protection from rocks. They should also provide more stability than road shoes. Today's trail running shoes are flexible enough for walking fast on natural surfaces, so you aren't fighting your shoes with each step.
1. New Balance 1110
Wendy Bumgardner © 2008
My walking shoe wardrobe was missing one item -- a waterproof trail shoe. Now I have one. The New Balance 1110GT is a trail running shoe designed to be both waterproof and stable. Yet, it is fairly lightweight and quite flexible. My bunion had no complaints with the seamless upper. The shoe comes in widths (narrow, regular, wide) and both men's and women's versions.
2. New Balance 908 Trail Shoe
I loved the 907 model, and these are the update. These lightweight off-road shoes feel springy and fast, yet with a sole tough enough to keep the rocks and roots at bay. These are fair-weather shoes with no water resistance.
3. ASICS Gel Trabuco Trail Shoe
Running Network named this shoe tops in the trail shoe category for its excellent traction whether going uphill or downhill and excellent stability, resisting twisting. It has a water-resistant upper. It also does well on pavement - wear it wherever you walk.4. adidas Response Trail Shoe
One of the original trail shoes. It gets better continuously with good flexibility, stability and traction. It has a water-resistant upper.5. Mizuno Wave Ascend
This was the Editor's Choice for Runner's World trail shoe category for Spring, 2007. The tongue is gusseted to keep out trail debris and waterproof for splashing through puddles or those rainy days. It has good stability elements and should work well for heavier people.6. Brooks Cascadia
Designed with input from an ultramarathoner, this shoe definitely stands out for its vibrant color - I was shocked when I saw a friend in a pair. But it is a stable shoe built for going fast on the trail.7. Puma Complete Trailfox
The Running Network gave this shoe their best trail shoe award for Fall, 2005. It is lightweight but has great traction and a water-resistant upper that also resisted thorns and sticks.8. New Balance 873
I first bought the 870 in this series. This trail shoe is definitely for summer hiking. It features breathable mesh and a wicking liner to help keep your feet cool and dry. It's very flexible and lightweight, good for going fast on the trail. Probably not so good if you are looking for added stability when carrying a heavy pack.
