What 4 Factors Define Trail Running Shoe Performance?

What 4 factors define a superior trail running shoe?

We believe trail running shoes are the most technical athletic shoe. Their structural parameters must be compatible with preventing the many injuries associated with that sport: achilles tendonitis, sprained ankles, plantar fasciitis, knee and iliotibial band pain. Our Optimal Performance Index System (OPIS) evaluates trail running shoe performance by looking at the following 4 parameters: terrain absorption, hindfoot stability, vertical support and proprioceptive acuity. We compared the performance of the Brooks Caldera 8 and Salomon Speedcross 6 using these 4 key factors to determine which is the superior trail running shoe.

Here is why the Speedcross is the superior trail running shoe:

1) It provided terrain absorption that will be appropriate for a wider user base. Without its provided insole, it tested to have a VCI (vertical compression index) of 5.08mm indicating a moderately firm midsole that will provide terrain absorption for the majority of trail runners. The Caldera tested to have a VCI of 8.54mm (very soft midsole) providing terrain absorption primarily focused toward light statured runners.

2) The Speedcross provided moderate hindfoot stability with a VCI of 5.38mm while the Caldera provided minimal hindfoot stability with a VCI of 9.78mm (very soft heel midsole). Good hindfoot stability helps to prevent many of the injuries associated with trail running.

3) The Speedcross tested to have maximal vertical support with a 7.62mm loaded heel to toe drop while the Caldera tested to have negative vertical support with a minus 2.78mm loaded heel to toe drop. Maximal loaded heel to toe drop reduces tension to the posterior calf complex helping to prevent tight and painful calves, achilles tendonitis, and plantar fasciitis. Negative loaded heel to toe drops add tension to the posterior calf complex contributing to these injuries.

4) The Speedcross provides good proprioceptive acuity with minus 3.44 percent disparity between the potential shoe stability index (tested without the provided insole) and the shoe stability index (tested with the insole) indicating a good translation for the midsoles ground reaction via the insole to the lower extremity helping to prevent instability injuries to the foot/ankle complex. The Caldera tested to have a higher disparity between the two indexes indicting a less effective translation for the midsoles ground reaction to the lower extremity.

The Salomon Speedcross 6 performed greater with more terrain absorption, hindfoot stability, vertical support, and proprioceptive acuity, so you can get the most out of your trail run.

The opinions expressed in guest posts are those of the individual authors and do not reflect the views of Chiappetta Shoes. While we review content for alignment with our values, we are not responsible for its accuracy or reliability.