The Fit, Slip, And Glue of Trail Running ShoesThe Fit, Slip, And Glue of Trail Running Shoes
If you’ve ever bounded out the door to “hit the trail”, make sure the only things actually hitting it are the soles of your shoes, not any of the rest of your parts. If you’re out running in nature there are a few things you’ll want to know and test in a shoe before you forge ahead into the wilds.
If your shoes were just covering your feet, you wouldn’t need to test them. If you were picking up a prescription, heading to the fast food chain or getting the kids from school, a pair of flip flops would suffice. But you’re venturing out onto gravel, asphalt, rocky terrain, pointy sticks and possible scree. Danger lurks in the great outdoors and you want to be prepared.
Let’s come back down the mountain for a minute and review what you’re really doing out there. Have you ever run trails before? If not, any pair of shoes will do to try it out before committing big dollars to the proper footwear. If this is your life’s calling, buy the correct trail shoes, run head on into the forest and worry not.
There are added dangers running over rough terrain and you need to be confident that your footwear fits well and provides the correct support. The key to comfort while running is arch support. Arch support keeps your foot stable and aligns your knees, hips and ankles preventing injuries from missteps or uneven terrain. To test this, wrap your right hand around the back of the shoe and put your left hand’s four fingers on the top of the shoe while pressing up on the arch area (about 1/3 the length of the shoe up from the heel). If the shoe bends easily, more than 15 degrees of flex, you don’t have good arch support and you need to revisit your shoe choices.
Lateral stability is also important as it keeps you level while running. Having poor lateral stability can lead to sprained or fractured ankles. Many a runner has earned a guest pass to the ER for ignoring this critical point. To test this determining factor, once again grab the shoe heel with your right hand and up at the metatarsals (front of the shoe) with your left. Grip the shoe tightly and turn the heel away from you and the toe towards you. If the shoe twists easily by more than 15 degrees of flex, release it and use it to walk immediately to the nearest shoe department.
Tread is another critical factor in trail running and is usually dependent on whether you’re running back woods trails or mountain trails. Testing is accomplished quickly and easily by inserting a quarter into the shoe tread. If the tread comes up to President Washington’s head, you have sufficient protection. Any less than ΒΌ inch and once again you’ll need to visit your favorite trail shoe retailer for a more aggressively constructed shoe.
With all that being said, the shoes must also fit. Make sure there is no slippage in the shoes when trying them on. Go late in the day when your feet are at their maximum size. Wear your running socks and have the salesperson correctly measure your feet. Ask lots of questions to make sure you pick what suits you and feels best. And one last unanswered question: How can you know all these important details if you’re ordering online? Pay attention to the review of the trail running shoes in which you are interested.
If your shoes begin to come unglued, you should fix them right away. The only glue I’ve found on the market that works is Boot-Fix Glue. Don’t let the “-” persona fool you, this works great for running shoes. You can grab it -. It’s a flexible adhesive that dries clear, and holds better than other shoe glues on the market.
Remember to always look for quality brands. Going the cheap route can cost you more in the “long run”. A$90 pair of running shoes is better than a $400 broken ankle. Buy from established vendors like Zappos that offer free return shipping, so if it doesn’t stand up, you can send them back. They also offer a directory for you to research your shoes. And don’t forget that many publications will offer their favorite picks, so purchase an up-to-date running magazine for good measure.
So if you’re running wild, run carefully and put the time, effort and money into the primary piece of your wardrobe. Happy Trails!