Trail Running Shoes

You can find trail shows of almost any weight (minimalist to full cushion, support, color, CD-player) you want. They are not necessary until you decide you need them.

The protection plates (some models, some brands) do offer protection from stone bruises (pointy-side-up rocks).

The toe-bumpers offer some protection against banging your foot into rocks--doesn't stop you from doing it, just prevents some of the damage.

Gore-Tex shoes are almost worthless.

Trail shoes come in a variety of materials, weights, colors, traction designs, flexibility ...

I ran trails for fifteen years without trail shoes, still do sometimes. It's a personal preference (until someone wearing trail shoes passes you, then you obviously need trail shoes).

Montrail, Vasque, Merrill, adidas, North Face, Asics, Brooks, ............................ try 'em all.

I personally try to avoid them unless absolutely necessary (extreme mud or snow/ice). They are generally more clunky than their road-going equivalent and the added "traction" and ballistic plates are generally not necessary. I've only gotten stone-bruise once, and it was while wearing a trail shoe. Some people think they make a difference, but in my experience a road-shoe is just as good or better.

Not all trails are created equal. If the trails you are running are free from rocks (i.e., mostly sand and dirt), you can probably get away with wearing regular running shoes. If you are running on extremely rocky terrain I'd recommend trail shoes if for nothing else the added durability. I've shredded the outsoles on the trails around where I live (Northeast US).

I live in PA. We've got lots of rocky trails, which I prefer to run in fairly minimal trainers. I like to feel the ground under my feet. I've owned trail running shoes and ended up using them primarily for hiking. From my perspective, the extra weight, stiffness, and, hence, protection are only worthwhile if your feet are taking a pounding. Whatever works for you...

- assess the trails you will run - if they are technical with lots of rocks and roots, consider dedicated trail shoes (only for the trail). The new 09 hardrock is excellent. I also like the Mizuno Ascends.

- as someone already said, don't waste your money on Gortex trail shoes - they are very stiff, heavy and warm. If you are in the North part of the country and want water protection, buy some Gortex socks.

I do all my trail running in very minimal shoes, but like the foot protection from the rocks. The NB 790 has been a dream come true in that regard. Light upper but decent traction (except wet rocks) and good foot protection from roots and rocks.

Thanks for the input. I'm living on the front range of Colorado. From what I've seen the trails are fairly buffed out by hikers, walkers and mountain bikers. As the high alpine stuff melts out this spring I can see a more rugged shoe making sense as the trails will mostly be jeep roads or rock/scree.