Trail running is becoming more and more popular all the time.  There is just something about running through a forest that's better than running on a street.  Up until quite recently, though, running on rough terrain was a very dangerous endeavor.  Shoes that were meant for pavement, grass and maybe light gravel just weren't holding up well in the bush.  People were breaking their ankles and blowing out their knees.  Now shoe companies are catching on.  Shoes are being designed specifically for off road type runners.  One such shoe is the New Balance 810 Trail Running Shoe.  It makes sense that New Balance would be one of the first companies to jump on this bandwagon.  They are consistently on the cutting edge as far as innovation and technology are concerned.

Before we take a look at this shoe in detail, I think it's important to discuss the purchasing process regarding shoes.  A lot of folks(including me!) have said that online stores are the best place to make footwear purchases.  While I stand by this statement, there is a couple things you should know before jumping into the whole Internet shopping thing.  First of all, you have to know that the shoe will fit!  I've owned several pairs of New Balance shoes over the years so I KNOW that I am a size 11.  If you're unsure, or you're buying a brand that you've never worn before, it may be best to go to Runners World or something.  This doesn't mean you can't look around though!  The Internet is still great for unbiased shoe reviews and price checks.  You can even tell the guy at foot locker that you saw the New Balance 810's on line for $99...  See what he says :)

New Balance 810 Trail Running Shoe - An Overview

Buying a trail running shoe is kind of a unique process. You have to consider the fact that you are going to be running on all sorts of rough materials. It's crucial that the shoe has a few key features. One of these features is a great tread that grips the earth. The 810 has this. It's New Balance's AT Tread and it's pretty much recognized as the best in the business. Looking at it for the first time, you may even think that you're looking at a football cleat or something. The spikes are sharp and the trenches are deep and wide. This allows for excellent traction, even in wet conditions. Another feature that a good trail running shoe has is support. Running off road isn't like running on a smooth street. The chances that you'll slip and fall are pretty high. Ankle injuries are, thus, also common among trail runners. You can protect yourself against these types of injuries by getting a shoe that supports the ankle and heel. The New Balance 810 men's and women's shoes both receive full marks for their support system. You'll find both the C-CAP mid sole cushion and the ABZORB shock absorbing features in this shoe. The last thing that a good trail shoe should have is strength. Shoes take an absolute beating when they are used off road. It's crucial that the shoe you use is tough and durable. The Ndurance rubber compound found on the 810's provides excellent outer sole durability.

New Balance 810 Trail Running Shoes - The Verdict

As you can probably already see, I'm a fan of these shoes. I think that, as far as trail running shoes go, the 810's have it all. They are tough, gripping and have an excellent support system to prevent ankle and lower leg injuries. Many trail runners claim that these shoes hold up in very unfavorable weather conditions. One online reviewer claims that he consistently runs in slush and snow. The 810's have held up magnificently. If there is one complaint I've heard about the 810's, it's in regards to their width. If you have a wide foot, chances are this shoe won't fit you. New Balance does make quite a few shoes for people with extra wide feet. You may want to check out some of the reviews listed below.

I'd love to hear your experiences with trail running. Leave me a comment! Let's get a conversation going... Thanks!