TRAIL RUNNING

A few companies have designed shoes for the rigors of racing—they are mega—trail-runners, gassed up and ready for speed, but with the heart and sole of a low-cut hiking boot. Plastic or polyurethane plates provide forefront protection against bruising from uneven terrain (sacrificing some cushioning), but are light enough to keep your feet from feeling too heavy after many miles, even when wet. The racing shoes usually aren't completely waterproof (that would make them too heavy and suffocating), but repel water, drain easily, and are breathable.

The terrain partly determines the shoe, as does personal preference. More rocks and wet snow fields call for a stiffer, more waterproof shoe that can accommodate crampons. Summer races with more heat and stream crossings demand lightweight, well-draining models.

Shoe buyers beware: shoes are sometimes not true-to-size, and as with many other athletic shoes, different models fit feet differently. Get your foot measured at a reputable outdoors or running shop and try several different manufacturers' shoes before doing something so rash as wearing them in a race untested or ordering online.

There are shoe bargains galore on the Web, but the discount may disappear with return shipping fees.

Some manufacturer racers like:

Salomon. A division of Adidas, Salomon AG, the North American branch is in Nike territory—Beaverton, Oregon. Salomon is committed to racing, providing shoes and well-loved packs to many teams, and sponsoring its own race series, the Salomon X-Adventure World Cup.