Salomon Women’s Speedcross 4 W Trail Runner

Running is a great form of exercise for fitness novices and seasoned experts. When done on a regular basis, running helps to strengthen the heart and cardiovascular system. Runners also typically have strong leg and thigh muscles, in addition having high bone density in the legs and hips.

Many runners choose to run on even ground, such as on treadmills and sidewalks. While that certainly has its own benefits, trail running can provide additional physical benefits. Trail running involves running on uneven terrain. It also includes running uphill and downhill, often on very steep inclines.

As a result of running uphill and downhill, trail running actually provides better strength training for legs as compared to road running. Trail runners also need to sharpen their balance and agility skills, ensuring they don’t fall on the uneven ground, which is often full of rocks and tree roots. In addition, trail running involves navigating sharp turns and steep slopes, so runners need to be acutely aware of their surroundings.

In addition to the physical benefits of trail running, there are also numerous benefits to one’s mental health. Running helps to increase vitality and enhance energy. It can also help to reduce stress and tension. Exercising in the outdoors can help people feel more relaxed and build a closer bond with nature. This is known to boost creativity and feelings of positivity.

In order to protect the joints and muscles from the strains of trail running, it’s critical to have the proper shoes. Road shoes and trail shoes are built differently as they are made for two completely unique environments. Road shoes are made of lightweight material to encourage speed. There is not much need for traction in the soles of the shoes, as roads are an even surface.

Trail shoes, on the other hand, are more heavy-duty. Their job is to protect the foot from the elements of the uneven terrain. The soles of the trail shoes have enhanced tread patters so that the runner doesn’t slip or fall while navigating stones, sticks, roots and other obstacles on the trail.

“You’re looking for that traction on the bottom fo the foot but also durability on the outside of the foot,” Stephanie Mansour, a certified personal trainer and the founder of fitness brand Step It Up Steph, advises. She notes that you want a trail shoe made with materials that will support and protect your foot from rocks, tree roots or anything else you may knock into on the trail.

“Unlike a running or a walking shoe, you’re looking for a shoe that is a little bit stiffer,” Mansour says. “This is because it needs to withstand the treacherous environment that you won’t find in a gym or on a sidewalk! These shoes need to be built to last.”

• The most important element to consider when purchasing your trail shoes is the sole of the shoe. This is what will protect your feet from the various terrain you’ll encounter on your run. The ASICS Women’s GEL-Venture 5 Running Shoe boasts a strong rubber sole with multi-surface traction. JOOMRA Women’s Minimalist Trail Running Barefoot Shoes, on the other hand, has a rubber outsole that allows the runner to experience a more responsive feel of the terrain. The sole has a circular lug pattern, which provides a strong grip on the uneven terrain. The Salomon Women’s Speedcross Trail Runner has a rubber sole designed specially to eat up soft terrain. The New Balance Women’s Trail Running Shoe features a rubber sole with all-terrain tread.
• In order to have the comfort you need to complete long, intense runs, it’s critical for your trail running shoe to have solid support for your foot. The ASICS Women’s GEL-Venture 5 Running Shoe features a GEL cushioning system, plus a removable foam sockliner that accommodates orthotics. The JOOMRA Women’s Minimalist Trail Running Barefoot Shoes provides removable insoles designed to support the feet’s arches. This helps you to transfer weight over the ball of the feet and not put too much pressure on the arch.
• When running outdoors, it’s important to choose a shoe that can withstand the elements. The Salomon Women’s Speedcross Trail Runner is waterproof, so you can easily run in the rain without soaking your socks. Keep in mind that the JOOMRA Women’s Minimalist Trail Running Barefoot Shoes take a long time to dry when they get wet.
• If you have a particularly wide or narrow foot, it’s important to choose a shoe that accommodates your size. The ASICS Women’s GEL-Venture 5 Running Shoe is known to have a narrow inside, which can limit the flexing of the feet. The Salomon Women’s Speedcross Trail Runner is also designed specifically for narrow feet and does not come in wide sizes. The New Balance Women’s Trail Running Shoe, on the other hand, is good for those with wider feet.
• When dealing with rough terrain with lots of loose rocks and dirt, your trail running shoes are bound to get a bit muddy. If you want your shoes to look spic and span after a few wears, it’s important to choose one that can be easily cleaned. It can be difficult to wash the dirt out of the mesh fabric of the ASICS Women’s GEL-Venture 5 Running Shoe. When washing the JOOMRA Women’s Minimalist Trail Running Barefoot Shoe, keep in mind that it will take a long time to dry.
• For some runners, style is as important as function. It’s nice to have the option to choose a trail running shoe that comes in the color combinations that reflect your unique style. All four trail running shoes come in multiple color combinations. Note that the ASICS Women’s GEL-Venture 5 Running Shoe and the New Balance Women’s Trail Running Shoe come in fewer colors than the JOOMRA Women’s Minimalist Trail Running Barefoot Shoe and Salomon Women’s Speedcross Trail Runner.