10 Best Rated Trail Running Shoes
Updated on: September 2023
Best Rated Trail Running Shoes in 2023
ASICS Women's Gel-Venture 6 Running-Shoes,Black/Carbon/Neon Lime,8.5 Medium US
New Balance Women's 520 V5 Running Shoe, Black/White, 9 M US
- Injection Molded EVA
- NB Response 1.0 Performance Insert
- Data Inspired Upper Design
- Rubber Outsole
- Synthetic/Mesh Upper with Comfort Collar
New Balance Women's 410 V6 Trail Running Shoe, Black/Magnet/Champagne Metallic, 7.5 W US
ASICS Women's Gel-Venture 5 Trail Running Shoe, Frost Gray/Silver/Soothing Sea, 8.5 M US
- Rubber sole
- Rugged neutral runner in mesh with bright overlays
- GEL Cushioning System
- Removable foam sockliner accommodates orthotics
- Trail-specific outsole with multi-surface traction
ASICS Gel-Excite 4 Women's Running Shoe, Indigo Blue/Indigo Blue/Orchid, 8 M US
- Surface: Road. Differential: Not provided. Breathable mesh upper with synthetic leather overlays for structural support. Traditional lace-up closure. Plush tongue and collar for a more comfortable fit. Mesh lining for a breathable wear. Removable foam insole supplies light underfoot cushioning. EVA midsole for lasting plush. Rearfoot Gel® cushioning system attenuates impacting shock and allows for a smooth transition to midstance. Rubber outsole. Imported. Measurements: Weight: 9 oz
- Run forward and further with the ASICS® Gel-Excite 4!
- Predecessor: Gel-Excite 3.
- Support Type: Neutral to underpronation (supination).
- Cushioning: Maximum cushioning.
ASICS Men's Gel-Venture 6 Running Shoes Black/Dark Grey/Feather Grey 10 D(M) US
- REARFOOT AND FOREFOOT GEL TECHNOLOGY CUSHIONING SYSTEM: Attenuates shock during impact and toe-off phases, and allows movement in multiple planes as the foot transitions through the gait cycle.
- REMOVABLE SOCKLINER: A sockliner which can be removed to accommodate a medical orthotic.
- AHAR OUTSOLE: Acronym for ASICS High Abrasion Rubber. Placed in critical areas of the outsole for exceptional durability.
- TRAIL SPECIFIC OUTSOLE: Reversed lugs provide uphill and downhill traction on all types of terrain.
ASICS Women's Gel-Venture 7 Running Shoes, 8.5M, Carrier Grey/Silver
ASICS Women's Gel-Nimbus 21 Running Shoes, 9.5M, Blue Coast/Skylight
- FlyteFoam Propel Technology - ASICS energetic foam formulation that provides supreme bounce thanks to a unique elastomer compound.
- AHAR Outsole - Acronym for ASICS High Abrasion Rubber. Placed in critical areas of the outsole for exceptional durability.
- Reflectivity - Contains reflective materials designed to enhance visibility during low light hours.
- Heel Clutching System Technology - Exoskeletal heel counter provides improved support and creates improved heel fitting environment.
- Plus 3 Midsole Technology - 3mm of additional height on women's models helps relieve achilles tension.
adidas Men's Rockadia m Trail Running Shoe, Core Black/Matte Silver/Carbon, 12 M US
- Imported
- adidas shoes
- Fit tip- If in between sizes, for tight fit, go one size down and for loose fit, go one size up
ASICS Women's Gel-Kahana 8 Running Shoe, Black/Island Blue/Pink Glow, 8.5 Medium US
- Rear foot GEL Cushioning System: Attenuates shock during impact phase and allows for a smooth transition to midstance.
- SpEVA Midsole Material: Improves bounce back characteristics and decreases midsole breakdown.
- DuoMax Support System: A dual density midsole system positioned to enhance support and stability, positioned sport specifically.
- Trusstic System Technology: Reduces the weight of the sole unit while retaining the structural integrity of the shoe.
- Trail Specific Outsole: Reversed lugs provide uphill and downhill traction on all types of terrain.
Coping with IT Band Syndrome for Runners
IT band syndrome can stop even the toughest runner in their tracks. Here are some strategies for treatment of this chronic injury.
I've been willing to try almost anything to treat the pain and (even better) the source of the problem. I've talked to several doctors, physical therapists, massage therapists, and running experts. Here is a summary of the advice I've received:
1.
Take an oral anti-inflammatory. It is recommended that you take this after running to keep swelling at bay. However, I often get in a nasty cycle of taking it before I run. This is not recommended. It helps me get through the run, but I understand that I'm not doing my body any favors in the long term. I used to take three Aleves every morning before my run. I'd have to sit on the couch and wait for those pills to kick in before I took off. I've been warned that this isn't ideal for my stomach or my knee, and I don't do it anymore-although sometimes it's tempting.
2.
Ice. Icing the knee after running has been somewhat effective for me. I recommend doing an ice massage. It's not all that comfortable, but if you can get through it and do this consistently, you may have great results. Freeze Styrofoam cups of water. Tear the top of the cup away and apply some pressure as you rub on the outside of the knee up to the hip along the IT band. I can't bear to do this myself; I have to have my husband do it. If you can do this for about 10 minutes (with a couple of minute breaks) after your run, you may see benefits.
3.
The foam roller. Although it's time-consuming, using the foam roller has been one of the most effective therapies I've found. You can find a foam roller (about 9 inches in circumference) at a sporting goods store. Lie on your "bad" side with the foam roller under your hip. Allow your body weight to rest on the roller. Then begin rolling so that your IT band is massaged from hip to knee. This is not very comfortable if you have a tight IT band. After you've done it a few days in a row, it's not as painful, so stick with it. I recommend rolling for about 5-7 minutes before your run and about 5-7 minutes after. It's also a great idea to roll before you go to bed at night.
4.
Massage. I have a great massage therapist who I see occasionally. When she works on my IT band, I do see benefits-for about 4 hours. Unfortunately, I can only afford to see her once or maybe twice a month. This is certainly not enough for her to make a real difference; hence, the foam roller is a cost-effective alternative.
5.
Knee braces. I have tried several knee braces. Some of these knee braces are specifically targeted to individuals with IT band syndrome. The cheapest knee brace: $5.00. The most expensive: $50.00. The difference between these two knee braces: Nothing. I have had absolutely no luck with knee braces, no matter what the price.
6.
Stretching. It's hard to stretch the IT band. Here is the most effective strategy that I've found. Cross the bad leg in front of the good leg while standing up straight. Lean toward the good leg-bending at your waist. You should feel a stretch through your bad hip and down the thigh. Stretching is not something you just do before and after running. Do it throughout the day. At work, about once an hour, do this stretch twice, holding for 30 seconds each time. When running, start with a slow jog or walk for about 2-3 minutes. Then stop and stretch that IT band now that you're warmed up.
7.
Search for the right shoes. I visited a specialty running store last year. They put me on a treadmill and pronounced me an "overpronator." Many people with IT band syndrome are overpronators. The running expert recommended a couple of pairs of shoes. I chose one and headed home for a run. I can't say that my shoes have entirely eliminated my IT band issues, but they have significantly helped. I've also learned to be diligent about buying new shoes. I am asking for trouble running in old shoes.
A combination of strategies has helped me to cope with IT band syndrome for the past 6 years or so. Sometimes it seems like treating the injury is more challenging and time-consuming than running itself. If you suffer from this injury, don't give up on running. If you are dedicated to running, dedicate yourself to testing the above strategies to see which might be effective for you.
