If you've ever tried to run on a trail without proper shoes, you know how hard it can be.  Running shoes made for the road or light gravel just aren't tough enough to take most mountain trails.  Not only is this bad for the shoes, it's actually quite dangerous for the runner as well.  Many people have been injured running on trails without proper footwear.  There are certain features that every good trail shoe should have.  If your set of kicks don't have them, you should probably consider getting yourself a pair of All Terrain shoes.  One of the most popular models on the market is made by New Balance.  Known internationally, for their athletic footwear, New Balance was one of the first companies to come out with a shoe specifically designed for use on the trails less travelled.  In the following text, we'll go over some of features that make the New Balance 801 the best trail running shoe available.

There are really two key features that separate a trail shoe from a street shoe.  The first one is the traction.  The tread on the bottom of the sole of a trail should naturally needs to be able to grip the earth with some serious authority.  With a street show, this isn't really that crucial.  You can usually get away with a fairly smooth surface on the bottom of your shoe, as long as it's not raining.  With out an all terrain tread, trail running is quite dangerous.  The second thing you want to look at is support.  You are much more likely to slip when you're running off road.  Because of this, it's very important that the shoe you wear offers great support for your ankle and heel.

The New Balance 801 - Features And Innovations

The 801's have everything mentioned above and then some.  As far as the traction thing goes, check this out.  The New Balance 801 comes standard with a real beefy tread.  At first glance it looks almost like a football cleat!  This type of tread is necessary, especially when the trail is wet and soggy.  As far as support is concerned, the 801 gets an A+.  It features New Balance's patented ABZORB technology that utilizes shock absorption techniques to lessen the blow on your legs.  It also has a solid rubber out sole.  Not only is this stable, but it last for a long time too.  This brings up another point regarding trail shoes - They take a lot of abuse.  If you put normal street running shoes on a trail runner, they probably wouldn't last a month.  It's crucial that the shoe you choose is very durable.  Luckily the 801 fits the bill.  Another unique feature about this shoe is the C-CAD mid sole.  This super light piece of foam sits under the foot.  It helps to provide a soft step for the runner.  This is important because off road terrain is often rocky and rough.  Water, snow and slush are other common materials that you'll find in the back country.  The 801's are OK here as they are made from a water-resistant synthetic material.

The New Balance 801's - Are They Worth it?

Well, if I haven't convinced you yet, I probably never will!  These shoes offer everything you need in a trail runner, and more.  They are tough, durable and have incredible traction.  They're also reasonably priced as far as these types of shoes go.  Are they perfect?  There is always room for improvement so I'd have to say no.  One thing that some people don't like about this shoe is the look.  It's been described by many runners as "goofy".  I don't really see it but maybe you do!

Another thing to keep in mind when you're considering trail shoes is the fact that they won't last as long as a pair of road runners.  This is just the way things are.  The abuse they take is far worse than any other type of shoe on the market.  With the New Balance 801, some people have noted that the inner cushion fails before the shoe does.  Par for the course I suppose!

I hope this review was of some value to you.  Do you have any experience with New Balance trail shoes?  Let's hear 'em!