why would I want trail running shoes? (Read 686 times)

I'm not the expert on this, but here's what I've been told by trusted running store dudes: If you're running on technical trails (lots of rocks, roots, etc.) or have money to burn and like shoes... get ye some trail shoes. If you're running on well manicured trails and are cheap (like me), road shoes should be okay.

I agree that it's probably not needed for the trails you describe. In addition to what Gopher Ryan said, good (real) trail shoes have a lower heel, which can help prevent ankle sprains.

I too run about 25% of my mileage on trails, and for the most part don't need a trail shoe. They help with traction in muddy conditions, or if trail is covered with a lot of leafs etc. As others have said on technical trails with lots of roots and rocks, apart from saving your toes from stubbing them on rocks, trail shoes can sometimes save you from a fall from tripping (stiffer sole and ankle). Also trail shoes dont look as dirty after going through mud/dirt and are easier to clean. I run in one of the lighter trail shoe Salomon XA-Pro 3D, but they are still much heavier than my road shoe. So in my opinion unless you are running in deep backcountry trails or trails longer than 12-15 miles road shoes work fine