When it comes to running, the right pair of shoes can make or break your performance, comfort, and injury prevention. While road and trail running may seem similar, the terrain, impact, and support needed for each are vastly different.
At Red Dot Running Company, we specialize in high-performance footwear for both road and trail runners across Singapore and Southeast Asia. Whether you’re training for a road marathon in humid conditions or tackling technical trails in the region, understanding the key differences in running shoes will help you make the best choice.
Above: Topo Athletics Ultrafly features a cushioned sole and 5mm drop, and an updated lighter ZipFoamâ„¢ 2 midsole for a quick and snappy ride.
1. Sole & Outsole: Grip Matters
One of the most noticeable differences between trail and road running shoes is the outsole—the bottom of the shoe that makes contact with the ground.
Road Running Shoes: Designed for pavement and smooth surfaces, road shoes typically feature flatter, softer rubber outsoles for consistent ground contact and a smoother ride.
Example above: Topo Athletic Ultrafly 5 – A cushioned, lightweight road running shoe with a responsive feel, perfect for long-distance road races and daily training.
Trail Running Shoes: Built for uneven, unpredictable terrain, trail shoes have aggressive lug patterns that improve their grip on dirt, rocks, and mud.
Examples: NNormal Kjerag (shown above) or Tomir 2.0 – Features a Vibram Megagrip outsole that provides exceptional traction for wet and dry surfaces, ideal for technical trails in Bukit Timah, MacRitchie, or even Mount Rinjani. Plus, the sexy kueh-kueh colour of this unisex NNormal Tomir 2.0 (seen below) means you’ll be running with joy, no matter the terrain.
Pro Tip: If you often run on both roads and trails, consider a hybrid shoe like the Topo Athletic MTN Racer 3, which offers a balance of lightweight responsiveness and moderate grip for varied terrain.
Above: Vivobarefoot's Primus Lite Knit features a flexible sole and protective yet light upper for runners who prefer a more minimalist running approach.
2. Cushioning & Midsole: Comfort vs. Stability
Cushioning is another major distinction between the two types of shoes.
Road Running Shoes: Prioritize shock absorption to reduce impact on hard surfaces. They often have higher stack heights and softer foam for a plush ride.
Example above: HOKA Rincon – A maximalist road shoe with HOKA upgraded foams for durability, added 3mm of stack height and increased outsole coverage while providing ample cushioning for marathon training.
Trail Running Shoes: Require firmer midsoles to handle sharp rocks, uneven ground, and steep inclines. Many also have rock plates for added protection.
Examples above: norda 001 – Features Dyneema® uppers and Vibram soles, offering both lightweight durability and superior protection on rugged trails. The norda SS25 collection is now available - find out which norda trail running shoe is right for you.
Pro Tip: If you prefer minimalist running, brands like Xero Shoes (shown above) and Vivobarefoot offer low-profile trail and road models that promote natural foot movement, but require careful transition and strengthening exercises to avoid injury.
Above: Whether hitting the tarmac or morning runs through Chinatown, having the right balance of support and cushioning is important for a great run. Here, weekend warriors take their Topo Athletics Ultrafly 5 out for a run.
3. Upper & Fit: Durability vs. Breathability
The upper—the part of the shoe covering your foot—also varies between road and trail shoes.
Road Running Shoes: Designed for breathability and flexibility, road shoe uppers are often made from lightweight engineered mesh to enhance airflow and keep your feet cool.
Example above: Altra Escalante 4 – A lightweight, fast road running shoe that offers engineered knit upper for a sock-like, forgiving and ultra-breathable fit.
Trail Running Shoes: Focus on durability and protection with reinforced materials to withstand abrasion from rocks, roots, and debris.
Example above: Vivobarefoot Primus Trail FG – A minimalist trail shoe with puncture-resistant outsoles, perfect for runners who want a barefoot feel without sacrificing protection.
Pro Tip: For tropical climates like Singapore’s, prioritize trail shoes with breathable yet protective uppers to prevent overheating and blisters. And make sure your sock game is up to par!
4. Heel-to-Toe Drop: Natural Motion vs. Cushioning Preference
Heel-to-toe drop (the height difference between the heel and forefoot) impacts running form and biomechanics.
Road Running Shoes: Typically have a higher drop (8-12mm), promoting a heel-strike running style.
Example above: HOKA Rincon 4 – A high-stack, cushioned road shoe designed for maximal comfort and impact reduction.
Trail Running Shoes: The selection varies more widely, from zero-drop shoes (Altra Lone Peak 8, shown in the image below) for natural running to moderate-drop options (Topo Athletics Pursuit, HOKA Speedgoat 5) for added support.
Pro Tip: If you’re transitioning to a lower-drop shoe, ease into it gradually to strengthen your calves and Achilles tendon and prevent injuries.
Above: NNormal's range of Kjerag shoes is built for durability and traction, enabling supported runs even over the most challenging terrain.
5. Performance & Use Cases: Training vs. Racing
You'll want a shoe that suits the conditions depending on your goals—whether training or racing.
For Road Training & Racing: Choose a shoe with good energy return for tempo runs, intervals, or marathon racing.
Best for racing: Altra Escalante Racer 2 (lightweight, Altra EGOâ„¢ midsole foam for responsiveness and speed)
Best for training (shown above): Topo Atmos (5 mm drop, responsive cushioning for daily mileage)
For Trail Training & Racing: Look for stability, grip, and durability to handle technical descents, climbs, and long-distance efforts.
Best for ultra-trail races: NNormal Tomir (built for endurance and versatility)
Best for technical trails (example below): norda 002 (Dyneema construction, unbeatable grip for gnarly terrain)
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Shoe
A cushioned, responsive road shoe will serve you best if you're primarily running on pavement. If you love tackling trails, opt for a durable, grippy trail shoe that can handle the elements.
For runners in Singapore and Southeast Asia, where humidity, heat, and mixed terrain are common, breathability and grip should be top priorities. Brands like Altra, HOKA, NNormal, norda, Topo Athletics, Xero Shoes, and Vivobarefoot offer outstanding options to suit different running styles and preferences.
💡 Need expert advice? Visit Red Dot Running Company or drop by the store at 108 Sims Ave for personalized recommendations on the best trail and road running shoes for your next adventure. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff (all athletes themselves!) will be happy to guide you on what you need.