Many experienced trail runners wonder, “Can trail running shoes be used on a treadmill?” While trail shoes are built for rugged paths, their cushioning can actually make them great for treadmills, offering better foot support and reducing injury risk.
Although their aggressive tread is unnecessary on the smooth surface of a treadmill, they can still improve comfort during your workout. While not ideal, trail shoes can be a useful alternative if you’re looking for extra support. Give it a try—it might just change your routine!
Can I Wear Trail Running Shoes on a Treadmill?
Yes, trail running shoes can be used on a treadmill. Designed for varied and rough terrains, they can also handle the even surface of a treadmill. These shoes usually provide excellent support, stability, and cushioning, making them suitable for indoor running.
However, some runners may opt for road running shoes on treadmills, as the harder surface can cause quicker wear on certain trail shoe features, like the lugs.
While they won’t harm the treadmill, their aggressive tread pattern and stiffer soles won’t provide the same level of comfort or flexibility as road running shoes.
However, if trail shoes are all you have or if you’re comfortable in them, using them on a treadmill occasionally should be fine.
Will a Treadmill Damage Your Trail Running Shoes?
Wearing them solely on a treadmill results in quicker deterioration than if they were mainly used on trails. Treadmill surfaces are smoother and will cause the outsole to degrade more quickly.
To extend the lifespan of your trail running shoes, we advise you to rotate them with a pair of dedicated indoor workout shoes and reserve your trail shoes for their intended purpose, which is outdoor trail running.
Things to Consider When Choosing the Right Shoes for a Treadmill
As we tested over seven trail-running shoe models on the treadmill, we noticed that only some worked. Therefore, we’ve compiled a list of key criteria that you should consider when deciding if your trail shoes are suitable for treadmill running.
1. Weight
Trail shoes tend to be heavier than normal running shoes because they’re made for rough terrain. But this extra weight might make you slower on a treadmill.
So, on a treadmill, you might want to use lighter trail shoes or shoes designed for the road.
2. Tread
Trail shoes have a more aggressive tread pattern, which provides grip on slippery surfaces.
However, treadmills have a smooth surface, and such an aggressive tread pattern is unnecessary.
This could potentially lead to excessive treadmill wear on both the shoe and the running belt of the treadmill.
3. Comfort
Trail shoes are designed to provide comfort on hard, uneven surfaces, while a treadmill offers a smooth, even running surface.
As a result, you might find that your trail running shoes are not as comfortable on a treadmill as they are outdoors.
4. Cushioning
Most trail shoe models have less cushioning than road running shoes. This is because trails are generally softer than hard surfaces like concrete.
When running on a treadmill, your feet may appreciate the extra padding offered by road shoes, as according to this study, the more comfortable the runners feel in the shoes they wear, the less force they experience during impacts.
This means that comfortable shoes may be better for your body when running, both indoors and outdoors.
The Difference Between Trail Shoes and Other Running Shoes
While you can wear trail running shoes on a treadmill, our tests showed that regular running shoes are generally more suitable due to a few key differences:
- Grip
Trail shoes are known for their superior traction, built to deal with rugged terrain. They often have sticky rubber soles that provide better traction on muddy trails or rocky terrains.
Most trail running shoes have multi-directional lugs, which are essentially teeth-like structures on the sole, to increase grip. However, treadmills do not present the same challenges as uneven terrain, so this feature may not be as advantageous.
2. Shoes Midsole
Trail shoes typically have thicker midsoles to provide ample cushioning against sharp rocks.
They also feature a rock plate for additional protection. In contrast, most road shoes, or lighter road shoes, have thinner midsoles as they’re meant for smoother, indoor running surfaces like those of a treadmill. Treadmill users often prefer shoes with more flexibility and less weight.
3. Upper
The upper of a trail shoe is designed to withstand the elements, often constructed with durable materials to resist wear and tear from the outdoors. Meanwhile, indoor running or treadmill shoes might prioritize breathable materials for comfort.
Related Article: Should You Wear Trail Running Shoes on Road
Can I Use Trail Running Shoes in the Gym?
While it’s possible to use trail running shoes in the gym, it’s not typically recommended for optimal performance and safety, particularly for specific workouts. Designed for uneven outdoor terrain, trail shoes focus on grip and stability, which may not be suitable for flat, stable gym surfaces and could even hinder performance.
Best Trail Running Shoes for Treadmills
If you are determined to use trail instead of treadmill shoes, we’ve compiled a list of trail shoes that, based on our expertise in the field, work excellently on treadmills. We’ve put these shoes through their paces, so you can trust their performance. Let’s dive in.
1. Salomon Ultra Glide
The Salomon Ultra Glide proved excellent for treadmill workout routines during our testing thanks to several standout features.
The Contagrip® outsole offered exceptional traction, providing stability and preventing any slips on the treadmill’s smooth surface while the Energy Save midsole delivered a perfect balance of cushioning and responsiveness, reducing impact on joints during high-intensity sessions.
Moreover, while Quicklace™ made adjustments hassle-free, the breathable and lightweight upper, combined with OrthoLite® insoles, effectively managed moisture and maintained comfort throughout our tests.
Overall, the Salomon Ultra Glide’s grip, cushioning, and fit quickly elevated them to the status of the favorite trail running shoes of the entire team.
2. Hoka One One Speedgoat 5
In our tests, the Speedgoat 5 consistently exhibited durability, impressive grip, and excellent comfort, making it a top choice for treadmill runners seeking both performance and support.
Among its key features, the Vibram® Megagrip outsole provided remarkable traction, ensuring secure footing and minimal slippage on the treadmill’s surface.
The Profly midsole delivered plush cushioning and responsiveness, effectively mitigating the impact on joints during intense running sessions.
In addition, we were pleased with the upper’s breathability but we found the padded collar and tongue a bit too much for indoor training.
3. Nike Pegasus Trail 5
When we decided to wear trail running shoes for treadmill running, the Nike Pegasus Trail 5 was among our first choices, and we were right.
The shoe’s React foam midsole provided superb cushioning and responsiveness, minimizing impact on joints during intense workouts.
Overall, we found the shoe’s versatility, support, and comfort to be its strong suits, making it an ideal option for both outdoor trail runs and indoor treadmill workouts, catering to a wide range of runners’ needs.
References:
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/19424280.2023.2181875
