When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Heres how it works.

I am of course talking about the humble trail shoe.

After all, they’re just running shoes with a bit of extra grit, right?

Nike Zegama 2

Wrong.Having the right running shoes for the task at hand is really important.

Safe to say, he knows a thing or two about running shoes.

Running shoes vs trail shoes: What’s the difference?

Nike Pegasus 41 in black

The differences in trail and road running shoes are significant and quite easy to spot.

Conversely, road running shoes are made for much flatter, even ground.

Generally, trail shoes are heavier, more stable, and more robust.

Nike Zegama 2

They can handle the great outdoors, but they’re not going to help you set any marathon records.

But how exactly does this impact performance?

That also goes for the bounce and spring too.

Altra FWD Via

Not ideal, but is it safe?

“Not really I think its more a matter of preference,” he tells me.

Road shoes on the trail are a big no-no, though.

Can you get away with just one pair of running shoes?