Trail running, or off-road running, is popular with professional athletes and people who want to keep fit. But for the successful passage of the cross requires special shoes. Sneakers for cross -country running will protect your legs from overload and provide complete safety in difficult terrain.
Differences in trail running sneakers
In order for a shoe to be considered suitable for off-road running, it must have some features. Among the main ones:
- hard block for ankle protection;
- protectors have a special pattern, characterized by rough lines;
- the rubber used to produce the sole is soft and elastic, not resistant to wear, but with excellent adhesion to soil, grass and stones;
- sneakers for cross-country running have additional toe protection, which is important when practicing in mountainous terrain;
- the base of the shoe necessarily has a strong skeleton that protects the foot from torsion twisting and, accordingly, from dislocation of the ankle;
- increased cushioning properties of the sole in the heel area;
- more dense and tight-fitting material on the top of the sneaker, which does not allow stones, grass, etc. to get inside;
- strong or not tearing shoelaces that hide in a special pocket.
When sneakers are selected for running over rough terrain, it is important to take into account many nuances, but convenience comes first. Therefore, a purchase without trying is unacceptable. Sometimes minor trifles for other shoes can cause injury in a dedicated off-road training.
The choice of sneakers depends on the season.
For hot days and bad weather it is better to purchase different models of shoes. For the summer, the Adidas Climacool sports sneakers will be optimal , which are equipped with a durable mesh that allows the feet to breathe and at the same time protects against increased loads and possible impacts of terrain errors.
For winter runs, warm-up sneakers and a two-layer Gore-Tex membrane fabric are recommended, which removes excess moisture.
Production material
If short-distance runners prefer a leather version with a tight-fitting top, then such shoes are not suitable for cross-country cross-country. Her legs will sweat and get tired quickly. As a result, the athlete becomes uncomfortable, he is forced to make more efforts to complete the track or completely abandon the race.
Cross country running shoes are made from durable but breathable material that also has water repellent properties. The best option is a membrane fabric that does not allow shoes to get wet and removes excess moisture generated during increased loads.
Attention to the sole
For outdoor training, durable material and a thicker sole are required. But besides the shock-absorbing properties, it should be very flexible in the area of the fingers. The forefoot is constantly bent when running on the road, and if the toe of the shoe is inelastic, the legs will quickly get tired, training will cause injuries and damage.
It is important that the elastic material, allowing the foot to take any position, is additionally protected. Otherwise, difficulties may arise when running in mountainous terrain or in difficult terrain.
Rules for choosing trail running sneakers
So that running shoes in nature do not cause harm to the legs and serve for a long time, it is necessary to take into account some nuances when choosing it. So, the basic rules include the following:
- Trying is required. And you should wear the same socks that you plan to use during training.
- It is necessary to find "your" model. The block at different manufacturers is slightly different, so it is important to try on several types of sneakers to make sure the choice is correct. The pad should match the features of the foot and habits when running. It is recommended that you do several test runs directly in the store.
- The shoe size should fit perfectly. In well-chosen sneakers, the foot does not hang, but there are a few millimeters for maneuverability when running.
- The shape of the pad should ensure freedom of movement of the ankle joint and at the same time reliably support it.
- The sole of the running shoe has a rough relief, but it should have good flexibility in the toe area. You should check this by bending the shoes in your hands.
- The tread pattern may have different shapes depending on the purpose of the sneakers. When planning training on sandy or clay surfaces, a large pattern with protruding elements should be preferred. For running in winter and on slippery surfaces, models with spikes are offered.
Manufacturers launch all kinds of sneakers on the market, but professional athletes and outdoor enthusiasts have identified some of the best models in their opinion.
Terrex Agravic GTX by Adidas
Running shoes designed for short distances. There are colors for both men and women. Their features are in aggressive treads that provide traction with any off-road.
The pad is stiff, but the lower part is reinforced with polyurethane, which ensures comfort of the foot and shock absorption during movements. The inside of the shoe is made of membrane fabric, which has excellent water repellent properties. For durability and protection of the foot, the upper part of the shoe is made of their reliable nylon material.
The cushioning of the sole is supported by an additional layer of foam boost, which makes training comfortable and safe.
Salomon S-LAB Sense
The model is completely unlike the usual sports sneakers for off-road running. Differs in ease, softness and agility. Designed for athletes of any gender.
Features of the model in the tread, which, despite the absence of an aggressive pattern, has excellent grip on uneven surfaces. To protect the toes, a polyurethane pad is provided.
Sneakers do not use a membrane, but the 3D Air Mesh textiles used are breathable and very lightweight.
For convenience and speed of putting on, a sewn-in tongue is provided, which also ensures a tight fit.
Famous runners choose women's running shoes. Their feature is the design and lightweight pad, which guarantees freedom of movement and complete protection of the foot.
Advantages of the model:
- the block is narrow, which is suitable for female legs;
- treads with an aggressive pattern, which makes it possible to train in rocky terrain;
- the toe is provided with polyurethane protection that provides comfort and safety;
- the top is made of textile materials not requiring the use of a membrane;
- dirt does not accumulate on the sole and small stones do not get stuck due to the presence of a special gutter.
Women's running shoes have attractive external characteristics that make training even more desirable and successful.
Nike sneakers
Running "Nike" is developed taking into account the latest technology, therefore, provide comfort for classes on any terrain. The sole completely repays impacts, and the block prevents possible damage to the joints.
Nike is positioned as a manufacturer that manufactures shock-absorbing running shoes. The sole of most models is made of foam, which absorbs shock and provides comfort to the foot. The cushioning properties are enhanced by the presence of a transparent balloon, divided into sections in the area of the heel. Using running "Nike" claim that the blows in the back are practically not felt, so training can continue for a long time.
The manufacturer produces models for men and women. Among the women's sneakers, Nike Free Run leads. According to the reviews of athletes, sneakers give a bare feet feel. This was made possible thanks to the improvement of the sole. It is divided into separate zones, each of which repeats the shape and movement of the leg. Also for convenience, there is a wider toe that distinguishes running shoes. Reviews indicate that this measure gives some freedom to the fingers, and a hard top guarantees the fixation of the foot.
Sneaker Care Rules
In order for your favorite sneakers to maintain their characteristics for a long time, provide comfort and safety when running over rough terrain, you need to know several rules for their operation and care:
- It is forbidden to wash shoes in the washing machine. This violates the properties of the membrane or water-repellent textiles and the necessary depreciation is lost.
- You can wash off the dirt with a normal soap solution using cool water. But it is better to use special cleaners. You need to take care of the sneakers immediately after training so that the dirt does not spoil the material and appearance of the shoes.
- Drying near radiators leads to damage to the membrane coating and negates water-repellent properties. Drying with special UV dryers is recommended, which also prevents the formation of unpleasant odors.
If the sneakers are correctly selected, meet expectations and are regularly cleaned, then training will be beneficial and will become a good habit.