Do you need trail shoes for trail runs?

Trail runs are gaining popularity.  We have the Men’s Health All Terrain Race on Sunday, May 16 and the New Balance Trail Adventure on June 20.  Prior to that, we have The North Face Thrill of the Trail last February.  I would expect more trail runs to happen since there are runners who are either adventurous and wants to try new route, or we just got fed up with the usual routes in the city.

A question is being asked at Takbo.ph:  Do you need trail shoes to join trail runs?

My simplest answer.  No.  You don’t need trail shoes to join trail runs and it’s fine to wear your trusted road shoes when running on the trail.  In fact, Quennie and I finished last year’s Men’s Health All Terrain Race while wearing our road shoes.

But we also stress the fact that getting a trail shoes for trail runs have its advantage.  So this time we will be wearing trail shoes on Sunday.  I’ll make follow up articles about trail shoes in the coming weeks.

So if you are worried that you can’t join a trail run just because you don’t have trail shoes, don’t be.  You can still sign up and enjoy the trail.

But here are some advice when you join trail runs on road shoes.

1. Land on a sturdy surface.  As much as possible, find a spot where your feet will land flat as on a road. Avoid the uneven surfaces.  Road shoes are not designed to support your ankles that well.  If you run too aggressively, your ankled might hurt after the run.
2. Be ready to get dirty. With trails, you can encounter mud and rivers that will get your wet and dirty.  So avoid wearing those pretty pink shoes or shoes that are spanking brand new.  They’d might end up unrecognizable.
3. Run safer.  Take extra caution when on the trail.  Be alert on slippery surfaces or rocks, possible thorns, hostile animals and more.  Road shoes lack the traction and protection that is demanded in trail runs.

I mentioned this as the “Aftermath” in my previous post.

Quennie’s ankle and legs were painful while my ankle was getting short but sharp pains once in a while.  Maybe this is the effect of not using the proper shoes for a trail.  Our shoes are still dirty and needs a pack of detergent.

The pain lasted for just a few days.  Other runners who are not in trail shoes don’t have complains.  And even elite runners win trail runs with road shoes.

So go ahead.  Run the trail.