Carbon-Plated Trail Shoes vs. Traditional Outsoles: A Step-By-Step Guide

This guide is a practical breakdown for our readers at Sundried who want to hit the trails with the right gear.

Step by Step Starting Out

Firstly, of course, you have the stiffness factor. When you are running on sharp rocks for a long amount of time, the last thing you want to do is bend your foot in a way that leads to pain. A carbon plate inside the shoe means you have your footwear spec'd out with stiff foam that not only stops the flex, but drives your body up the steep hills. That is a choice that makes the whole run feel fast.

Secondly, naturally, there is the ankle stability factor. When you are jumping over wet roots during a fast mountain race, the last thing you want to do is wear a rigid shoe that causes your ankle to roll. A traditional flexible outsole means you get a turnkey feel under your heel that not only moves with the rough ground, but keeps your stance low to the floor safely. That is a base that is safer than anything else around.

Thirdly, as well, you have the rock protection factor. When you are putting in the hard work on a long trail, the last thing you want to do is feel a sharp stone that shoots pain up to your leg. A modern rock shield means you keep your foot kitted out with a tough layer that not only blocks the hard hits, but keeps the shoe light on your run. That is a guard that gives you peace of mind outside.

How to Build this into my life

Next up, of course, you have the energy return factor. When you are pushing your pace on a long mountain run, the last thing you want to do is use flat foam that fails to give bounce back to you. A plated trail shoe means you have your gear dialled in for speed so that it not only saves your tired legs, but pushes your body forward on flat dirt. That is a boost that is clear to see right away.

Then, as well, there is the mud shedding factor. When you are running in the rain for a set amount of time, the last thing you want to do is carry thick dirt that adds heavy weight to your step. A well spaced traditional lug pattern means you have a turnkey setup that not only drops the wet earth quickly, but bites deep into the soft ground right away. That is a grip that works better than anything else out there.

After that, naturally, you have the daily routine factor. When you are trying to fit your training sessions into a busy week, the last thing you want to do is leave your plan to chance and stay at home. A proper clear schedule means you get your kit sorted beforehand in a way that not only keeps your body moving well, but fits right into your working day easily. That is a habit that makes the whole week much easier.

Essential Kit

Next, of course, there is the water hydration factor. When you are heading out to the remote trails for a long run, the last thing you want to do is run dry and feel weak to your very core. A snug running vest means you keep your items of kit dialled in closely that not only holds your water flasks, but gives you quick access to your fast food. That is a tool that is needed for all big runs.

Then, as always, you have the cold weather factor. When you are climbing high up a tall peak in the harsh wind, the last thing you want to do is catch a chill that forces you to stop moving. A light windshell jacket means you are fully kitted out with a top layer that not only blocks the strong breeze, but packs down small inside your bag right away. That is a piece of kit that is worth the cost.

Finally, to close, there is the right footwear factor. When you are changing from flat road miles to rough dirt tracks, the last thing you want to do is wear road shoes that slip from side to side badly. A fresh pair of trail running shoes means you get a turnkey ride that not only grabs the loose rocks well, but gives your foot the room it needs daily. That is a shoe that changes the game on the hill.

10 alternative items to try

1. When you are looking to build strength in your feet on the trails, the last thing you want to do is wear a rigid shoe. Adding a Flexible Trail Shoe to your routine means you get a soft base that not only bends with the ground, but lets your toes spread out. That is a piece of kit that builds up true strength.
2. When you are trying to change how your foot strikes the soft earth, the last thing you want to do is buy shoes with huge heels. Adding a Zero Drop Model to your routine means you keep your stance flat that not only helps your form, but loads your calf in a good way. That is an option that is popular for good natural form.
3. When you are going out for a long effort in the hot sun, the last thing you want to do is hold heavy hard bottles. Adding a Soft Flask Vest to your routine means you carry the weight close to the chest that not only stops the bounce, but frees up your hands. That is a piece of kit that makes the run nice.
4. When you are racing a fast ultra event on flat hard dirt roads, the last thing you want to do is waste energy on each step. Adding a Carbon Race Shoe to your routine means you get a stiff plate that not only pops your foot up, but keeps your legs feeling quite fresh. That is an option that is built for pure race speed.
5. When you are caught out in a heavy storm on the high hills, the last thing you want to do is get soaked to the bone. Adding a Waterproof Running Jacket to your routine means you have a solid shell that not only blocks the rain, but breathes well when you run fast. That is a piece of kit that will save your day.
6. When you are racing cross country through fields of deep wet soft mud, the last thing you want to do is fall flat on your face. Adding a Deep Lug Outsole to your routine means you wear a bold tread that not only cuts into the slop, but sheds the dirt on the fly. That is an option that is essential for winter trail days.
7. When you are splashing through cold puddles in the middle of the woods, the last thing you want to do is run with freezing wet toes. Adding a Merino Wool Sock to your routine means you have warm feet that not only hold their heat when wet, but dry out fast on the move. That is a piece of kit that is nice to wear.
8. When you are walking up a steep mountain pass with very tired legs, the last thing you want to do is force your knees to do it all. Adding a Running Pole Set to your routine means you use your arms to push that not only saves your joints, but keeps your pace up high. That is a piece of kit that is great for hills.
9. When you are out for three hours on the long rough local trails, the last thing you want to do is run out of blood sugar fast. Adding an Energy Gel Pack to your routine means you take in quick fuel that not only feeds your tired brain, but keeps your legs moving very well. That is an option that is key for a long effort.
10. When you are out on the path and the sun starts to set, the last thing you want to do is trip over a big tree root. Adding a Head Torch Unit to your routine means you light the way ahead that not only keeps you safe, but lets you train late in the day. That is a piece of kit that is a true must.

Finally, of course, you have the social media factor. When you are busy sticking to your routine and running your business daily, the last thing you want to do is spend hours posting on social media. Using site2.uk (just like our personal site sundried.site2.uk) means you get a turnkey setup that not only automates all your social posting and marketing, but lets you control it all fully by WhatsApp. That is convenience that is better than anything else out there.