Trail running is the freedom to leave the asphalt and explore the forest with your running shoes on. You don't need much to get started – but with the right clothes and equipment, trail running becomes even more fun. Miranda Kvist, CEO and founder of Team Nordic Trail, guides you to smart choices of equipment and clothing that will take your trail running to the next level.
Are special trail running shoes needed?
No, not really, not to get out into the woods and run. But in the long run, you should invest in a pair of trail running shoes. I always say: anything that makes you exercise more is worth investing in and also justified, as it is for the sake of health, says Miranda.
The advantage of trail shoes:
- Trail shoes are made to withstand a little more wear and tear in general, and they have better grip under the shoes.
- Trail shoes let moisture through. If you run with regular asphalt shoes in wet conditions, they will become heavy.
What kind of clothing is best for trail running?
The trail running clothes you should wear depend on how long you'll be out, says Miranda. On a regular forest run, you should think of clothes as you would for a daily asphalt run, meaning running clothes and preferably a windbreaker.
If you are going out for a run in the mountains or in the countryside, you should consider the layer-on-layer principle:
- Layers: Base layer, reinforcement and shell clothing. It's easy to get hot while trail running, so layers are best and you'll go a long way with a lighter shell jacket; they're both windproof and waterproof.
- It's a good idea to bring a dry base layer in a waterproof bag. If you want to stop somewhere, for example at a cafe, it's a good idea to always bring some extra clothing.
Equipment for longer sessions or day trips in the mountains
What other equipment is needed for a longer trail running session, race or day trip in the mountains? Miranda recommends bringing some windproof clothing, a mobile phone, water and energy bars:
- Mobile
- Water
- Energy bars
- Lightweight shell pants
- Windbreaker and down vest
- Hybrid jacket
- Lightweight running backpack or waist belt
If you're going on a multi-day trip, you'll need more equipment. See Miranda's list of tips for trail running in the mountains at the bottom of this article.
Which socks are best for trail running?
Gococo has special trail running socks adapted for off-road. When you run in the forest on damp and uneven ground, your socks get wet. Then it is important to have a sock that dries quickly and sits stably on the foot – exactly what a trail sock does. Miranda is also a big fan of Gococo's wool socks for trail running:
Personally, I run in Gococo's wool socks every day of the week. They are the best socks I know! I wear their wool socks all year round every day. When it gets a little wet, they don't get cold – wool socks are absolutely fantastic in that way, says Miranda emphatically.
For Miranda, it is important to have socks that fit well, are thin, comfortable, sit well on the foot and that she does not get chafing. Gococo's socks are therefore perfect for trail running and, according to her, are unbeatable compared to other socks.
Then she emphasizes that there are great advantages to socks for trail running. The advantage of trail socks is that they sit very well on the foot and have a perfect fit, says Miranda. She mainly uses those socks for training sessions, and wool socks for longer sessions.
Get started with trail running at Team Nordic Trail
Are you interested in trail running and want to try it out – or develop your running skills? Team Nordic Trail has running groups all over Sweden, contact them via the website for free trial training and affordable memberships.
In Gococo's range of sports socks we have special trail running socks for off-road. We are a Swedish brand that designs sports socks for maximum comfort. Our socks keep your feet dry and comfortable throughout your workout - without chafing or blisters.
Buy trail running socks at Gococo!
Please read more about trail running in our articles What is trail running and Tips for beginners in trail running.
