听•听 Running shoes designed for rugged trails have a roomy toe box and a protective toe cap to shield your piggies from harm.
听•听 Outsoles made from multidensity rubber and plastic materials provide protection, cushioning, durability, and energy transmission in appropriate areas.
听•听 Look for directional lug patterns underfoot that are subtle enough for running on smoother surfaces but grabby enough for all types of terrain.
听•听 Newfangled midsoles—everything from compression-molded cushions of triple-density EVA (expanded vinyl acetate) to polyurethane support bridges or TPU (thermo-plastic urethane)—help soften the blow of impact and transfer energy forward to the toe-off phase.
听•听 A slim underfoot protection plate, usually nylon, eliminates “stingers” caused by sharp rocks, roots, and other trail detritus—without adding unnecessary bulk to the shoe.
听•听 Dynamic lacing systems provide a snug, comfortable fit for a wide range of foot shapes while keeping the laces from tripping you up. A soft, breathable tongue (at least partially gusseted to keep it in place) completes the fit.
听•听 Comfortable, moisture-managing footbeds keep your dogs from overheating or drowning in sweat.
Running Shoes Explained
You can tug on laces and lugs, but to really tell how a shoe pulls it all together, just run.
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