The Top Eight Trainers For Outdoor Running

The best thing about running outdoors is enjoying the variety of scenery though different running trails or watching the ocean roll in and out as you pound the sand or board walk. But with autumn bringing less than favourable conditions it is important to think about your running gear if you want to continue enjoying the changing seasons while running. In particular, footwear is essential with more dampness in the air meaning grip becomes important and the rigidity of the shoe for different terrains must be considered. The following trainers are the top eight options for outdoor running in the present market.

Asics Gel-Fuji Trabuco 2

These trainers are primarily designed for the outdoor trail runner to keep traction and maintain speed when running on rugged ground.

This also enables a steady ride to avoid losing balance when running over uneven surfaces. The trainers also benefit from Asics' cushioning in both the fore and rear foot of the trainer to provide a soft and smooth ride. The other great feature is the rock plate to help protect your feet from hard objects on the sole of your feet.

New Balance 1260v3

This shoe is designed with lightweight stability in mind using the FantomFit technology to give the highest level of heel cushioning. The biggest problem with a trainer being lightweight is that it usually compromises in stability but even though New Balance have reduced the weight of the 1260v it is maintained a high level of stability making it a great outdoor trainer. Improvements to the rubber sole have improved the amount of the sole that comes in contact with the surface to give more traction on the road but isn't very well suited to trail running.

Mizuno Wave Sayonara

Mizuno are well known for making and developing excellent running shoes and these are no exception. Typically suited for outdoor running these trainers have an outsole which has been designed specifically to enhance grip and traction for running on wet or uneven surfaces. They also benefit from a breathable airmesh system to avoid the feet from overheating and keeping them cool which is combined with Intercool which is a ventilation system running through the sole. The Sayonara also provides a high level of cushion ability to provide a gentle and smooth ride.

Scott Kinabalu 2.0

Designed primarily for off road and trail running these outdoor running shoes tick all of the boxes for autumn running. They are full of the newest running technologies including eride for efficient running patterns and Aerofoam for a fully cushioned performance to help when landing on tough terrains.

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The shoe also has full 360 degree visible reflectors for evening or dark running and rock protection plate across the sole to prevent injuries when landing on rocks, stones or branches.

4 More Top Trainers For Autumn Outdoor Running

Saucony Kinavara TR2

This shoe combines both stability and light weight to bring an improvement on the kinavara running trainer. There are upgraded cushioning systmes in place in the TR2 in comparison to the road running version to give a high level of impact protection when running as well as a rock plate to protect your sole from foreign objects. There is a low profile midsole to reduce the chance of becoming unbalanced and project the surface force across the entire sole instead of just the heels. There is a comfort light sockliner added for increase comfort when wearing the shoe and this combined with the heel cushioning it probably is the most comfortable trail runner on the market at the moment.

Salomon Fell Raiser

If you are looking for a mountain trail running shoe this has got to be one of your top choices.

There are so many great features that combine to tick all the boxes. The non marking contagrip has outer rubber sections to promote the ultimate in traction across varying terrains. The synthetic protective toe cap allows you to run without fear of objects or branches damaging your feet as you sprint past them and a low profile provides ultimate contact with the surface for traction. Other important features are the breathable mesh which is also quick drying so you don't have to leave them to dry for days before your next run. They also come in a great range of colors to match your running gear!

Scott Eride Grip 3.0

Another great shoe in the Scott brand is the Eride Grip 3.0 which is specifically designed for aggressive and tricky terrain. It has been made with extremely durable outsoles to allow the runner to compete on Differing terrains without needing to change trainers. Similar to the Kinabalu 2.0 this shoe comes with eRide technology but also has the benefit of Scott's extended landing zone which allows the runner to spread the surface force across a wider area to prevent damage to the foot and ankle. There are many similarities between this and the kinabulu such as the rock protection plate and wet traction rubber but the added outsole rubber on the Eride gives a much more stable ride for the runner.

ON Cloudrunners

The Cloudrunner is by far the most expensive and unsual shoe on the autumn winter market. The sole of these shoes comes fitted with high profile cloud elements which protrude from the sole giving a "spring like" look and this provides a high level of cushioning and underfoot protection. However, in my opinion this makes the shoe relatively unstable and not the best for trail or terrain running.

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The best part about this shoe is the technology linked to the high profile elements which provide a flexible layer to distribute the energy across the foot from heel to toe to avoid pressure spots leading to injuries when running many miles a week.