Along the Wasatch Front you can step off a paved road and onto dirt in a few minutes. That leaves a lot of runners asking whether they need a second pair just for trails. Sometimes you do, and sometimes your road shoe is fine.
The Short Answer
If most of your miles are on pavement, sidewalks or packed gravel paths, a road shoe is all you need. If you regularly run loose dirt, rocks, roots, steep climbs or wet ground, a trail shoe will give you better grip, protection and confidence.
What's Actually Different
| Road shoe | Trail shoe | |
|---|---|---|
| Outsole | Flatter rubber for smooth surfaces | Deeper lugs that bite into dirt and rock |
| Upper | Light, breathable mesh | Tougher, tighter weave that resists tears and debris |
| Protection | Cushion for impact | Cushion plus a firmer underfoot feel or rock plate on many models |
| Fit | Comfortable, roomy | More secure midfoot hold for uneven ground |
| Weight | Usually lighter | Often a little heavier |
When Your Road Shoe Is Enough
- Paved trails like the Legacy Parkway Trail or Jordan River Parkway
- Smooth, packed gravel or dirt canal roads
- Short stretches of dirt between pavement
When a Trail Shoe Is Worth It
- Rocky or rooty singletrack like the Bonneville Shoreline Trail
- Steep climbs and descents where you need grip
- Mud, wet ground or early snow
- Rolled ankles or stubbed toes on trail runs
Trail Shoes We Recommend
- HOKA Speedgoat: plenty of cushion with excellent grip. The trail shoe we fit most often.
- HOKA Stinson: max cushion for long, easy trail miles and mixed terrain.
- Brooks Cascadia: stable and protective, great for rocky ground.
- Brooks Caldera: soft and roomy for long trail days.
- On Cloudventure: light and nimble with a secure fit.
- Altra Lone Peak and Olympus: a wide, foot-shaped toe box and Altra's balanced cushioning platform. The Olympus adds max cushion.
Many trail shoes also come in a waterproof GTX version, like the HOKA Speedgoat GTX and Brooks Cascadia GTX. These are a good choice for snow, slush and wet spring trails.
Can You Wear Trail Shoes on the Road?
Yes, for short stretches. Deep lugs wear down faster on pavement and can feel a little clunky, so if you do most of your miles on the road, keep a road shoe as your main pair. Many runners rotate one of each, which also helps both pairs last longer.
Find Your Trail Shoe
Stop by one of our stores to compare grip, fit and cushion side by side. Or shop Trail Running Shoes and the full Running Comfort lineup online.
