Trail running is a fun but dangerous outdoor sport that involves either long-distance or speed running on outdoor trails.
Trails may be wet, slippery, muddy, and many times are very uneven with loose debris. Thus, it would help if you had the best support and traction from your running shoes.
Running shoes need to offer good support to prevent strain and ankle sprains, as well as good underfoot protection and traction on slippery and uneven surfaces.
Brooks Trail running shoes are designed with specific upper materials to be waterproof, more durable, and moisture wicking, as well as a trail-specific outsole for grip on outdoor trail surfaces that are wet and dry.
Trail Running Vs Road Running
Trail running is exactly what it seems. You are running in nature, completely off roads, or on man-made paths.
Trail running is very unpredictable, unlike road running, so you are not guaranteed a smooth and paved path or even a dry path, for that matter.
There may be elevation changes for both trail and road running. However, trail running can have unpredictable surfaces such as rocks, roots, streams, mud, and many more.
Thus, that is why you need specific running shoes for trail running and for road running.
Trail Running Shoes
So how are trail running shoes different from road running shoes;
- Stability – Trail running shoes offer stability via heel counters, supportive uppers, and varying density midsoles. Trails shoes generally have denser and thinner midsoles and a lower heel-to-toe drop. They need to offer stability on varying surfaces, as well as uneven surfaces and wet environments.
- Traction – Most road running shoes obtain their traction by having a wider contact with the ground. Flat outsoles work well for trail shoes in turn; however they, their grip n the tread is enhanced, and there are more aggressive lugs or a more sticky rubber for grip on wet rocks.
- Protection – Trail running shoes come with all kinds of features to protect your feet against all the elements and dangers that lurk on most trails. They have underfoot plates t protect you from punctures. Highly slip-resistant and lug outsole for grip on slippery, wet, and uneven surfaces. They have toe bumpers, waterproof linings, and some have surrounding fabric skirts to prevent debris from entering your shoes.
Features of a Good Brooks Trail Running Shoe
- Uppers – Most of the Trail Running shoes offered by brooks will have Mesh Monoloop Uppers with 3D print and a waterproof design. There are mesh and synthetic uppers available, with a waterproof lining and smooth interior. Trail running shoes are designed with much more durable materials to withstand wear and tear, as well as outdoor elements.
- Cushioning – Brooks Running shoes offer different kinds of cushioning systems. These include the softer and responsive DNA Loft cushioning. The More Adaptable BioMoGo DNA cushioning, the Nitrogen infused DNA Flash midsole and the DNA Amp midsole technology. Most Trail running shoes feature the DNA FLASH and BioMoGo midsoles.
- Support – For support, Brooks shoes have Guiderails that keep excess movement in check, along with a Progressive Diagonal Rollbar in some models for keeping your natural motion.
- Outsole – The Trail-specific running shoe models from brooks will have a TrailTrack sticky rubber outsole or a slip-resistant rubber outsole. The TrailTrack rubber outsole provides excellent traction on wet and slippery rocks and surfaces, as well as loose sand and gravel, without collecting debris.
- Options – Brooks Trail running shoes offer full and half-size options with a medium fit, as well as more colors from which you can choose.
Reviews: The Best Brooks Trail Running Shoes
Listed below are some of Brooks’ most favored Trail running shoe models;
1
Neutral Trail Running Shoe
- The Glycerin GTS is one of Brooks’ favorite trail running shoes.
- You can run for miles as it is so lightweight.
- The breathable uppers will allow good ventilation to keep you cool, and the rubber outsole is more flexible for grip and traction.
- There is a cushioned footbed, so you have good underfoot comfort and protection.
2
Trail Running Shoe
- The Brooks Caldera is a more rugged trail running shoe.
- It has a rounded toe that is more suitable in a trail running shoe.
- There is an adaptable cushioned BioMoGo Midsole and a removable cushioned insole for comfort.
- The TrailTrack rubber outsole is designed for additional traction and grip on wet add dry trail surfaces.
- There are ventilation holes to keep you extra cool and dry.
3
Pivot Trail Running Shoe
- The Brooks Cascadia is a more lightweight and flexible trail running shoe.
- It has Monoloop mesh uppers with a 3D print and a soft fabric lining.
- The Tongue and collar are padded for a secure fit and comfort.
- The TrailTrack rubber outsole offers durable and sticky traction on wet rocks and slippery surfaces.
- It also has a Pivot system that applies to stabilize suspension on the heel and forefoot for uneven terrains.
4
Trail Running Shoe
- The Catamount is a lightweight trail runner with more responsive cushioning.
- It has DNA Flash cushioning that is nitrogen-infused for energy return.
- There is a TPU high-performance mudguard to protect you from trail debris.
- The outsole is a TrailTrack sticky rubber for grip and traction on outdoor terrains, such as wet or dry slippery rocks.
5
Stability Trail Running Shoe
- The GTS Launch is ideal for consistency when trail running.
- It has a very lightweight and GuideRails, which help to support the movement.
- There are Creel Warp Mesh uppers that are more breathable and lightweight.
- The BioMoGo DNA cushioning is light and will adapt to your stride.
- The Green Rubber Outsole improves heel-to-toe movement and provides good traction on a variety of outdoor surfaces that are both wet and dry.
6
Trail Running Shoe
- The Hyperion is a unisex design Trail running shoe with additional cushioning.
- It has a nitrogen-infused DNA Flash midsole that is energizing and lightweight in cushioning.
- The fit is enhanced with QuickKnit uppers that give a second skin feeling and a more snug fit that is also very breathable to keep your feet well ventilated.
- The Outsole does provide good traction on outdoor terrains, such as wet or dry terrains.
Index Table: Top Rated Brooks Trail Running Shoes
| No. | Shoe | Men ♂ | Women ♀ | Features | Brand | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brooks® - Neutral Trail Running Shoe |  |  |
| Brooks | 98 |
| 2 | Brooks® - Trail Running Shoe |  |  |
| Brooks | 97 |
| 3 | Brooks® - Pivot Trail Running Shoe |  |  |
| Brooks | 97 |
| 4 | Brooks® - Trail Running Shoe |  |  |
| Brooks | 97 |
| 5 | Brooks® - Stability Trail Running Shoe |  |  |
| Brooks | 97 |
| 6 | Brooks® - Trail Running Shoe |  | |
| Brooks | 96 |
Table of Contents
- Trail Running Vs Road Running
- Trail Running Shoes
- Features of a Good Brooks Trail Running Shoe
- Reviews: The Best Brooks Trail Running Shoes
- Index Table: Top Rated Brooks Trail Running Shoes
