Trail time

WHEN looking for a trail or off-road running shoe, it’s often all about the grip. However, given that no two paths are the same, careful consideration is required. What’s the terrain like where you’ll wear the shoes the most? If you’ll be negotiating soft, wet and muddy conditions then look for deeper lugs. For tackling gravel tracks and forest trails then more evenly spaced lugs will work better. When it comes to cushioning, consider how hard the ground will be; if it’s soft then you’ll be fine in low-profile shoes, but on those firmer tracks reasonable cushioning will be called for.

SAUCONY – Peregrine 10 ST

£110.00, saucony.com

A more specific, soft ground version of the very popular Peregrine shoe, this model excels in wet conditions.

Where the terrain is soft and muddy, the deeper, multi-directional lugs featured on the ST give it enhanced levels of traction, inspiring a more confident stride.

The brand’s new PWRRUN cushioning works well, too, giving range-topping levels of comfort in an off-road model.

The upper takes on a new trail-specific design and encloses the foot with a soft, sock-like fit that still feels protective.

High levels of comfort and grip, as well as a competitive price tag, make this a real off-roading winner.

VIVOBAREFOOT – Primus Trail FG

£120.00, vivobarefoot.com

When considering ‘barefoot’ or minimalist shoes, trail options remain our recommendation for taking that first step.

This model from the barefoot specialists provides grippy outsole lugs with a durable protective sole for a robust yet flexible shoe, which is vegan friendly and made using recycled materials.

The upper has a drawstring fastening system which works well with the broader toe-box to create a good fit.

HOKA ONE ONE – Speedgoat 4 Gore-Tex

£135.00, hokaoneone.eu

A natural evolution of the original shoe, this version sees it become a more versatile off-road running model.