Trail running - Page 4

Trail running shoes built for grip

Trail running asks more of a shoe than a pavement ever will. Loose stone, wet roots, mud that grabs and a descent that arrives faster than you planned for. Our trail running shoes are built around outsoles with deep, widely spaced lugs that bite into soft ground and shed the mud that would otherwise clog them flat. Underfoot protection sits between you and the sharp edges you cannot see coming, so a stray rock does not end your run. Midsole cushioning is tuned to absorb repeated impact on hard-packed trails while still returning something on the climbs, and the geometry keeps you stable when the ground tilts sideways. Uppers use tightly woven mesh that drains after a stream crossing and dries on the move, reinforced at the toe where trails do the most damage. Heel counters and lacing hold the foot in place on steep ground, because a foot sliding forward on a descent is how toenails get lost. For the layers that go with them, our men's trail running clothing and gear covers the rest of the setup.

Trail running clothes, layers and kit

What you wear on a trail matters more than on a road, because you are further from shelter and the weather changes faster. Start with a breathable base that moves sweat away rather than holding it, since a wet layer against the skin turns cold the moment you stop climbing. Trail running shorts and tights want a light, quick-drying fabric and enough pocket volume for gels, a phone and a key without any of it bouncing. Add a packable windproof or waterproof shell that folds down small enough to forget about until you need it. Socks are not an afterthought either, and a snug, cushioned pair will do more for your comfort over twenty kilometres than almost anything else. Then think about carrying: a running vest or small pack keeps water, food and a spare layer close to your back so nothing shifts as you move, and a cap keeps sun and rain out of your eyes. For the full women's range, start with our women's trail running clothing and gear.