# Is there a downside to wearing trail runners for regular street running?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-downside-to-wearing-trail-runners-for-regular-street-running/983522>\
**Category:** The Game Room\
**Created:** [May 3, 2023, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-downside-to-wearing-trail-runners-for-regular-street-running/983522 "2023-05-03T20:32:49Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![D18](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/c57346/32.png) [@D18](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/D18)\
**Post date:** [May 3, 2023, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-downside-to-wearing-trail-runners-for-regular-street-running/983522/1 "2023-05-03T20:32:49Z")

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I can often find big discounts on trail runners at discount shoe stores. Is there a downside to using this style of shoe if I’m running on roads/sidewalks/pavement paths, etc.?

Just for context: I run 2 days out of 3, 10 km per, slow to moderate pace.

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**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\
**Post date:** [May 3, 2023, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-downside-to-wearing-trail-runners-for-regular-street-running/983522/2 "2023-05-03T21:09:47Z")

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To get to my regular running trails I have to run 1/3 mile on streets. My trail runners are fine for it, and I typically run a mix for gravel roads and trails. Trail runners will often have more padding and protection, making them heavier. But they’ll be fine for relaxed road running.

> **[Trail Running Shoes Can be Worn on the Road, Too](https://www.verywellfit.com/can-i-wear-trail-running-shoes-when-running-on-roads-2911787)**
>
> Trail running shoes are great for all types of terrain and can be a good fit for running on roads as well. Learn about choosing the right running shoes.

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**Author:** ![TroutMan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/troutman/32/6721_2.png) [@TroutMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TroutMan)\
**Post date:** [May 3, 2023, 9:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-downside-to-wearing-trail-runners-for-regular-street-running/983522/3 "2023-05-03T21:30:10Z")

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If your trail shoes are comfortable, there’s no concern with using them on roads other than wearing down the soles faster. And that’s only an issue if you also want to wear them on trails, or they are significantly more expensive than road shoes.

The comfort factor is usually the reason people don’t wear trail shoes on the road. As **Telemark** says, they’re heavier, they can be less breathable, and they can be stiffer (especially if they have a rock plate). If you like how your trail shoes feel, go for it.

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**Author:** ![D18](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/c57346/32.png) [@D18](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/D18)\
**Post date:** [May 7, 2023, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-downside-to-wearing-trail-runners-for-regular-street-running/983522/4 "2023-05-07T17:24:33Z")

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Thank you! I’m gonna give them a go.