Trail Running Shoes on a Treadmill [A Good or Bad Idea?]

I’ll be honest, I just prefer the feel of trail shoes to road shoes.

I’ve often wondered if I can wear trail running shoes on a treadmill instead. While you may have felt silly Googling this, it’s a valid question. And the answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think. While you can use trail shoes on a treadmill, it may not be the best choice for every runner (or their treadmill).

Not the answer you were expecting? Well, let’s dive in and break it down further.

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Why some runners prefer trail shoes for a treadmill

Maybe it’s just shoes I’ve worn, but I love the feel of trail shoes.

And I know I’m not alone. Trail runners and road runners love the feel of a good pair of trail running shoes. And it often just comes down to personal preference.

Trail shoes often come with a snug fit and wider toe box, which makes them super comfy. They keep your feet stable and secure so you don’t have any worries about ankle rolls (mostly) and rocks. Plus the larger toe box lets your toes splay naturally, which I honestly can’t describe but is a fantastic feeling.

Another area where trail shoes excel is shock absorption. They’re built to handle rocks, roots, and other hard surfaces you find on trails, which translates to a smooth ride. This feature is also beneficial on a treadmill, where repetitive motions and pounding can take a toll on your joints​.

For some people it’s not a preference, it’s ideal. The features of trail shoes make them great for different running environments.

Pros of using trail running shoes on a treadmill

If you’re not entirely convinced yet, it’s understandable.

Regular road running shoes just seems like a better option as a treadmill shoe. But, there are a few pros to having trail running shoes on a treadmill:

• Durability: Brands design trail shoes to take a beating from rough terrain and surfaces. So they tend to be more durable than a pair of road running shoes. Using them on a treadmill, a much gentler surface, can extend their lifespan compared to rocky or uneven trails.
• Traction: The aggressive tread on trail shoes gives you an excellent grip. While this level of traction isn’t necessary for a treadmill, it’s a nice bonus for stability.
• Shock absorption: As I mentioned, trail shoes are built to handle roots and rocks. So they often have excellent cushioning. And that’s great on a treadmill where repeated impact on the treadmill sends a shock to your joints.

So that’s the good side of running in trail shoes on treadmills. But there’s definitely some downsides to be aware of, too.

Cons of using trail running shoes on a treadmill

Treadmill running is more similar to running on the road than the trail.

So there will be some definite downsides to wearing trail running shoes on a treadmill. Here are some things to be aware of before you go lacing up your trail running shoes for treadmill use:

• Aggressive tread: That same tread that gives you excellent grip also causes a ton of friction with the treadmill belt. And that increases the wear and tear on the lugs of your shoes and the belt itself. Plus, it can make running feel less smooth and more tiring.
• Weight and bulkiness: Trail shoes are heavier than road shoes. And a half ounce or ounce here and there may not seem like much, it definitely adds up (especially on long runs).
• Unnecessary features: Many of the features that make trail running shoes great also make them less ideal for running on the treadmill. For example, things like reinforced toe caps, thick uppers, and deep lugs can make running less comfortable.

As you can see, it’s not all blueberry pies and dandelions (odd mix?). Weigh the options based on your situation and preference. And, if all else fails, try it out!

Best practices for using trail shoes on a treadmill

Okay, if you’ve made it this far, then I assume you’re gonna try it out.

So it’s important you understand the different parts of a trail shoe for the next section. So, here’s a quick graphic I created to help break it down for you.

So, with that said, here are some tips to help out:

• Rotate shoes: Rotate your trail shoes with a pair of indoor road shoes. This reduces the wear and tear on your trail shoes and the treadmill, making sure they both last longer.
• Find a pair of lightweight trail runners: Lighter, more flexible options are your best bet when it comes to running on the treadmill. These models give you the benefits of trail shoes without the drawbacks (like weight). And that means a better running experience.
• Monitor wear and tear: Regularly check the treadmill bet and shoes for signs of too much wear and tear. Noticing these things early means you avoid injury and spending more money in the long run (pun fully intended).
• Use shoes with shallow lugs: Lugs are the knobs on the bottom of trail shoes that grip into mud or dirt. Some models have deeper lugs, others have shallow lugs. Find ones with shallower lugs for a more comfortable run.

Now that you know what to look for, let’s dive into some shoes you should consider if you’re choosing a pair.

Best trail shoes for treadmill running

1. Salomon Ultra Glide 2

Salomon Ultra Glide 2

The Ultra Glide 2 is an ultra-cushioned trail shoe designed for mixed terrain and long-distance comfort. Lightweight and adaptable, it’s perfect for 2-3 runs per week, with maximal cushioning and a 6mm drop.

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The Salomon Ultra Glide 2 is my favorite trail shoe and definitely my favorite travel running shoe. It also helps its a great choice for trail running and treadmill running.

Known for its lightweight design and cushioning, it gives you a comfortable and responsive ride. The shoe has Salomon’s Contagrip outsole, which gives you decent traction on the trail. On the treadmill, you won’t have to worry about this unless you have a real crazy treadmill.

Also, the breathable upper and insoles keep your feet comfortable during long runs.

2. Hoka Speedgoat 6

Hoka Speedgoat 6

A grippy, responsive trail shoe with HOKA’s cushioning, aggressive traction, ultralight materials, breathable upper, foot-hugging chassis, plush tongue, and goat-inspired lug design for technical terrain.

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The Hoka One One Speedgoat 6 is a versatile trail shoe that performs well on a treadmill.

It has tons of cushioning and a high stack height, so it’s great for long runs. Plus the wide toe box and design of the shoe is comfortable for people of all different foot types. Overall, though, people love this shoe for how plush it is. And you’ll understand the moment you slip your foot in one.

3. Brooks Cascadia 18

Brooks Cascadia 18

Discover why trail runners love the Cascadia. The Cascadia 18 offers stability, soft cushioning, and protection, with enhanced stability, improved traction, and lightweight cushioning.

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Brooks is my second-favorite shoe brand. And the Cascadia’s are an excellent all-rounder shoe. But its low lug depth means you get a smooth run.

Plus, the Cascadia’s do a great job of balancing the cushioning of a Hoka shoe with the ground feel of an Altra shoe (like the Altra Olympus 275), which I personally enjoy. Plus, they’re just flat out comfortable. The fit is snug but not too much that it strangles your foot and causes irritation.

Overall, just an excellent shoe and another great trail running shoe for travel, too.

So, will you start wearing trail shoes on a treadmill?

Trail running shoes on a treadmill may not be the best choice for everyone.

Their cushion and durability are great, but the extra weight and aggressive tread may be overkill for a treadmill. Think about your specific situation, and choose what you feel works. Every runner is different, so do what works best for you at all times.

So, I want to hear from you now. Let me know your opinion on wearing trail running shoes on a treadmill! Is it something everyone should try out? Or should runners avoid it like the plague? Let me know below!

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