As an increasing number of brands introduce running shoes in the “Gravel” category, piggybacking on the success of gravel cycling, I think some differentiation is in order. There have long been shoes that bridge characteristics of road running shoes and trail running shoes, referred to as “hybrid,” “cross-over,” or “road-to-trail”—is “gravel” just a new name for them? I think not.
Gravel running shoes are different from road-to-trail shoes. Gravel shoes excel on just that: gravel roads and paths, or any non-technical, hard-packed dirt. Road-to-trail shoes transition seamlessly from roads to trails…even rugged trails. Both have a place in the market, and in my rotation of shoes.
As I’ve tested the season’s road-to-trail and gravel running shoes, I’ve become even more attuned to the differences between the two categories. A few standouts have risen to the top. Here are my picks for this season’s best road-to-trail and gravel running shoes.
The post My Favorite Road-to-Trail and Gravel Running Shoes (and Yes, There Is a Difference) appeared first on Outside Online.
