If trail exploring is your thing then wearing the right pair of shoes is essential! There are a lot of trail shoes on the market and each have their own benefits. Let’s take a look to see what features are a MUST when shopping for trail shoes!
First, it is important to find a shoe that meets the weather conditions. For example, if snowy and icy trails are common then a pair of studded shoes would be a huge benefit. You’ll always want to look for a pair of shoes that are waterproof – trails are never the place for shoes that can’t deal with mud and water!
Next, you’ll want to try on the trail shoes because finding the right fit is critical. You’ll be racking up a lot of miles in these shoes, so making sure they are comfortable is a top priority! You should also make sure that they are sturdy and can protect your feet from the elements. Durable upper materials are more likely to withstand abrasion and wear. Trail shoes are also designed to prevent excessive foot rotation, so wearing them will keep your feet better adjusted when the ground shifts.
These features are all important, but what’s most important is making sure that your trail shoes can accommodate for custom orthotics or insoles. Having a removable footbed is great because it allows for easy removal and drying when your feet get wet. It also is good because you can use your orthotics in those trail shoes and this can allow for even more support when you are out on those long walks!
Some other key features to keep in mind are…
Cushioning
- Make sure you shop for the right amount of cushioning
- Often times this is a personal preference or depends on the types of trails
- The more cushioned the shoe is, the thicker the sole
Heel-to-Toe Drop
- Heel-to-toe drop measures how much lower the toes sit from the heel
- Shoes can range from 0mm to 12mm in drop
- The higher the number the more the heel is raised
- The lower the number the less the heel is raised
- As with cushioning, this is often a personal preference and types of trails
Fit
- Look for a shoe that hugs your feet while also provides some wiggle room
- Get sized for a proper pair of shoes
- Measure your feet’s length and width
- Look for a trail shoe that has a removable footbed
We hope these tips have helped when it comes to you finding the right pair of shoes! At BioPed, we offer comprehensive footcare assessments and our Clinicians would be happy to help you find the right pair of shoes. To schedule an assessment at a local BioPed clinic, click HERE!
