For those of you who love to run trails and love joining running events whether it's half marathon, marathon or ultra running I'm sure you can agree that one of the most important keys to performing your best is having the right trail running shoes. Before you head on over to your favorite trail running shop we've researched the best shoes for trail runners and here's what we found:

The GEL-Venture 5 shoe provides great fit and everyday comfort, with Rearfoot GEL Cushioning Technology and a rugged outsole ideal for a variety of terrains. Weight: 10.7 oz. The Gel Technology Cushioning attenuates shock during impact phase and allows for a smooth transition to midstance. Made with AHAR Outsole - an acronym for ASICS High Abrasion Rubber, placed in critical areas of the outside for exceptional durability. One of many lovers of this trail running shoes said: "...I could feel the difference instantly. I ran 5.4 miles on day one with them and NO LEG PAIN the other day. I would definately recommend these shoes to any one that needs Arch support."

 

Salomon Men's Speedcross 4 Trail Runner

 

Midsole height - 30mm/20mm (10mm drop).Weight - 310g. Salomon uses Contagrip Technology which is a precise combination of geometry, density, and compound, optimized for specific sports and surface conditions. Their Sensifit cradles the foot from the midsole to the lace eyelets, providing a precise and comfortable fit. One user of this pair said "... 28 mile mountain run. Perfect, perfect, perfect. GREAT grip, very luggy, almost like cleats but manages to be exceptionally light." 

New Balance Men's MT410V4 Trail-Running Shoe

Hit the trail in confidence when you step out in the New Balance® Men’s 410 running shoe. Featuring leather and synthetic materials, the durable upper construction maintains breathability while protecting against the elements. A thick IMEVA foam midsole provides comfortable cushioning, while the XLT footbed acts as a balanced platform. The rugged outsole features durable rubber materials with grooves so you achieve maximum traction. A wife who had bought this pair for her husband said: "The mesh on the side on the MT410V4 is real mesh and allows for breathing ... These also fit well and give enough support to not aggravate his metatarsalgia."

 

Merrell Men's Vapor Glove 2 Trail Running Shoe

 

This vegan friendly footwear is feather light and breathable, this barefoot run shoe liberates your trail run via foot contact with the ground thanks to zero drop. The washable, highly breathable mesh upper is made for comfort in hot conditions and molds to your foot for an ultimately natural, uninhibited fit and stride.  0mm drop / 0mm heel cushion / 5.5 mm heel stack height. 2.0 mm lug depth. Weight: 5.8oz (1/2 pair). One of many fans of Merrell footwear said: " I have run about 220 miles in my one pair.... I have run a full marathon and a half marathon in this shoe... The shoes still are in good shape."

 

ASICS Women's GEL-Venture 5 Running Shoe

 

Asics made it to the list once again! How could it not, with so many users raving about this shoe..it's definitely a must-have!. One avid fan said: "I love these shoes! I am hard to please as well due to planters factitious, fallen arches and lots of screws in my ankle. Great arch support and really beautifully designed shoe." Rearfoot GEL Cushioning Technology and a rugged outsole ideal for a variety of terrains. Removable foam sockliner accommodates orthotics. Trail-specific outsole with multi-surface traction. Made with high-abrasion rubber. 

Running knows no boundaries, language or geographical. It is a global sport that you can take part in from any country in the world. All you need is great physical fitness and a determination to be part of a challenge. In the U.S. alone, there are more than 1000 marathons each year according to Running USA. However, did you know you can take part in marathons outside your country while also feeding your wanderlust? Here are several global marathons you should join this year and why:

The Great Wall Marathon

Held in China’s popular attraction, the Great Wall, the marathon consists of two sections the first of which covers 9km of running across and down the wall’s thousands of steps. In the second section however, runners run through rice fields and quaint villages a trail made of asphalt and gravel. In case you only want to take part in a half marathon, this will require you to run through a local picturesque village, up the wall and  over it and then a downhill 5km run to complete the half marathon event. First established in 2002, the yearly event’s Great Wall Marathon and Half Marathon starting time is at 7.30 am while a Fun Run starts at 8.10am.  With drink stations at every 5km, a pasta party and post-race dinner an option, this marathon is one you want to run indeed.

The 3 Waters Marathon Bunbury, Western Australia

This festival consists of a 50km Ultra Marathon, a Marathon spanning 42KM, a 21km Half Marathon and race and walking events spanning 5km and 10km. The yearly event is a great way to showcase the amazing scenery in Bunbury as it offers great views of the Leschenault Inlet, Koombana Bay, the Indian Ocean and also includes viewing of the Bunbury Big Swamp which is a conservation wetland providing wildlife sanctuary.

Marathon Des Sables

Have you wanted to push your limit beyond the usual 50km? The Marathon Des Sable will do just that for you. It is a 215 km race in Morocco, underneath the Sahara Desert’s sun. I’ll let you collect your dropped jaw! This Marathon of Sands was first run in 1986 and attracts over 800 runners yearly. It has 6 stages one of which is a non-stop stage spanning 80km and runners are expected to carry their own gear, that is, food (minimum 14000 cal.), clothes, survival kit, stove and water. It usually takes 10 days to go from Paris to Morocco and back. An adventure you don’t want to miss.

Marathon of the Midnight Sun

The summer race is held in Tromso, Norway, the heart of the Arctic Circle. Where the sun doesn’t set during the summer. Known as the world’s northernmost race. Most of the city is located on the island of Tromsoya, surrounded by calm waters and spectacularly rugged snow-topped mountains. 

Bagan Temple Marathon

If you are a fan of great scenery and picturesque buildings, this marathon is one you should sign up for. It takes you through sacred pagodas and amazing temples across beautiful rolling plains in Bagan Central Burma.