CVTC and their Mizuno shoes after a solid training session.

Can my road shoes be used on the trails? Yes they can, however, trail shoes offer some great advantages when looking to maximize performance off road.

There are three main components of any shoe:

1) Outsole: rubber interacting with the ground

2) Midsole: foam or other materials used to cushion

3) Upper: material that strategically holds the foot

Trail surfaces can be unpredictable and require technical foot placement. The outsole rubber on a trail shoe commonly has more aggressive tread patterns that allow you to have better multi-directional traction. Mizunouses a trail specific outsole rubber that has superior performance in wet and slippery condition  s.

Road shoes typically have softer cushioning systems because pavement and concrete are hard on the body. For softer trails, Mizuno uses higher durometer (stiffer) midsole foam that results in a firmer, more responsive ride.

Finally, the upper on a trail shoe has more structure to keep your foot secure as you place multi-directional stress on the fabric. Some shoe companies opt for waterproof gore-tex materials. Mizuno chooses to use breathable mesh uppers to keep your foot cool.

If you are looking to grip it and rip it, trail shoes are the way to go.

The National Development Centre - Callaghan Valley Training Centre (CVTC) is a high-performance training center working within the framework of Cross Country Canada.   

CVTC's mission is to produce successful skiers at the World Cup level, by providing a concentration of world-class training facilities, coaching and sport science resources for cross country ski athletes.  Whistler Sport Legacies provides facility and training support for CVTC, which directly contributes to the team's ability to perform internationally.