When you start to take your running out beyond the “asphalt jungle” and out into some of the local trails in your area, you may find that your old reliable cross trainers just aren’t providing you with the support and stability you need.  But do you want to commit yourself to spending quite a bit of money on a pair of expensive trail shoes before you know that you really enjoy trail running?

To give yourself a taste of trail running without putting much of a dent in your pocketbook, consider these two introductory trail running shoes from New Balance.  For women, the New Balance 810 are a very supportive trail running shoe that are great for beginners.  For men, look to the New Balance 620 shoes.   Both of these styles of shoe can usually be found for $50 or less online, a bargain in terms of trail shoes.

The 810s and the 620s have much in common, sharing a primary design.

Upper: They both have a very lightweight mesh upper that will allow your feet to breath, as well as to dry relatively quickly if you run through puddles or streams during your run.

Sole: Both styles of shoe also contain a two part sole.  The New Balance 810s have a specialized sole called the Abzorb EX heel.  It combines foam and a pocket of air to absorb shock during your runs.  Similarly, the New Balance 620s have a specialized foam heel that uses two different foam densities to distribute shock and provide support and compression set resistance.

Tread: The New Balance 810 and New Balance 620 shoes also carry the same specialized trail tread, called the AT tread outsole.  This tread combines both running and trail running configuration.  It is going to help keep you stable when you are running over gravel and slipping through dirt.  However, it is not going to be so “toothy” that you are uncomfortable running on the sidewalk after your run.

Don’t be fooled, the New Balance 810s and New Balance 620s are not top of line trail running shoes.  They were never meant to be.  However, they are great introductory trail running shoes for someone just starting out running or finding themselves transitioning from asphalt to trail running.  They’ll help keep you stable and well balanced while providing plenty of cushion and comfort.

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