Trail running in Sioux Falls continues to grow in popularity, but there are definitely better and worse seasons for this popular sport. The better seasons for trail running will be here fairly soon. Less time on icy sidewalks and treadmills and more time on the soft surfaced bliss of the Sioux Falls area trails.

Trail running, like road running, is a fairly simple sport if you want it to be. However, there are some small differences in the footwear required to fully participate in trail running. The first main difference that you will find in a good trail shoe is in the traction. Most road shoes are fairly smooth on the bottom while trail shoes have rubber lugs in various patterns. The next main difference that you will find in a trail shoe is the presence of a firmer material underfoot. This is usually a plastic or thin metal plate that is designed to protect your feet from sharp rocks and other objects that you may encounter on the trail. The final big difference between road and trail shoes is durability, especially in the upper. When trail running, shoes undergo more lateral motion. The uppers are often reinforced to protect against tearing while under the added stress of trail running.

Now that you know the main differences between road and trail shoes, it is time to start thinking about your own pair of trail shoes. Here at the 605 Running Company, we carry Altra’s Lone Peak 2.0. It is an excellent option for running local trails. The Lone Peak, like all Altras is a zero-drop shoe with an extra wide toe box. This creates a very comfortable and natural feel. Trails are a great place to experiment with zero drop due to the softer surfaces and changes in elevation. The Lone Peak features Altra’s patented Stone Guard technology which is the most comfortable rock plate that I have experienced. Altra placed the plate between two layers of cushion which allows the shoe to still be cushioned and flexible. The traction on the Lone Peak is solid with lugs positioned to help you run uphill and downhill in slippery conditions. The traction isn’t overdone which is great for the kinds of trails that Sioux Falls runners will encounter or even on the roads. I also like to put on a pair of trail shoes in snowy or icy conditions. Lone Peaks, like most Altras, are very durable. The rubber on the bottom is very slow to wear and the cushion is firm enough to resist compaction. One last feature not to be overlooked is the gaiter trap on the heel of the shoe. Gaiters are commonly used to keep rocks, snow and other debris from getting into your shoe and causing irritation.