For your Feet
Trail Running
Not all socks are equal!
Your choice of sock can make the difference between a comfortable run. Or one where all you are thinking about is getting home and ripping off your shoes and socks. For trail running a good, snug fitting pair of socks made with sweat wicking, breathable fabric, NOT cotton, will keep your feet dry and reduce the chances of chafing and blisters.
This will make your feet very happy, look after those feet and they look after you.
My go to sock at the moment is Steigan these feel so comfy, fit perfectly, and, have some awesome designs and colour themes.
Trail Running Shoes: the non negotiable gear
Trail running shoes suited to the terrain are an essential, non-negotiable if you want to enjoy your trail run. They provide better traction on slippery surfaces, and more stability and protection for uneven terrains than road running shoes provide.
You would not believe the number of times I’ve seen people at trail races in road runners having to tiptoe around the course in fear of slipping and hurting themselves. That would surely destroy any enjoyment of the event.
Choosing the shoe for you
There are so many brands and models available that choosing the one for you can be overwhelming. And when you add in the options of minimalist (zero heel drop, no cushioning or protection), zero drop (zero heel drop with cushioning and protection), maximum cushioning and those designed for rugged, gnarly terrains it can be difficult to know where to begin.
Going to a specialist running shop can be helpful. They can test your feet and how they perform in the shoe to set you up with a pair that suit your foot, your running style and the terrain. Whatever trail running shoe you choose try them on BOTH feet to ensure they fit properly. That you have enough room for your toes to move and your feet to swell a little but not so much that your foot slides around in the shoe. And remember to try them wearing the socks you plan to run in.
Weight is also an important factor, so aim for them being as light as possible to lessen the muscle fatigue. And the way you lace your shoe can also make a difference to how the shoe fits and your foot comfort.
`Ye Old Favourites`: just let them go
Old worn out shoes are a big no go. Trail running shoes can be expensive but don’t be tempted to continue running in shoes way past their best as the cushioning and stability reduces over time. This increases stress to your legs and joints causing injuries. Although I admit it is very difficult to let go of ‘ye old favourites’ that have seen you through thick and thin, you build up a bond with these babies for sure and it’s hard to let them go. But you must.
Happy Feet Combo: trail running gear for my feet
I have tried and tested many brands over time, with the support of my specialist running shop Footpro. My current happy feet combination is Steigan socks and Altra shoes. They have helped me run for 36hrs straight with no blisters. Long runs or events are not the time to try out any new gear. Especially trial running shoes. Stick with your tried and trusted favourites and use other opportunities to test out new stuff.
And this is a ‘do as I say and not as I do’ moment as I have been known to get shoes straight out of the box and run 100kms in them. But in my defence they were the Altra model that I use all the time!
One final thing on trail running gear for your feet
The use of low cut gaiters can help to keep nature where it should be. They cover your ankles and top of your shoes keeping `nature` out of your shoes which can be uncomfortable and lead to blisters.
But if anything does get into your shoes STOP and remove it. The time taken to do this is nothing in comparison to the ongoing discomfort that may result if you don’t.
Believe me on this one!
