The trail during Black Friday
This selection of trail brings together shoes and clothing for running on trails: adidas Terrex Agravic and Tracefinder, Asics Trabuco, Saucony Xodus Ultra, La Sportiva Mutant, Rossignol Vezor, Salming Rival and Altra Olympus, t-shirts, trousers and windbreakers adidas Terrex Xperior, shorts and tank tops Dynafit, gloves Leki. Models for both the short and fast formats as well as for the ultra.
Run on the trails, at a reduced price.
Traction and terrain: which sole for which path
The sole of a trail shoe is chosen based on the ground. On mud, thick grass and steep slopes, deep and spaced spikes, like those of the La Sportiva Mutant, grip the terrain and shed dirt. The Mutant comes from a brand that was founded in 1928 in the val de Fiemme, in the heart of the Dolomites, originally making mountain shoes. On rolling paths and dry trails, shorter spikes, like those of the adidas Terrex Tracefinder, remain comfortable on tarmacked sections. Several models from the Agravic range use Continental rubber, known for its grip on wet rock.
By product type
The trail selection is organised by type:
The Black Friday running also includes men's, women's, running, accessories, on the running page.
From short format to ultra: cushioning and lightness
The distance dictates the cushioning. For short and fast races, a lightweight shoe close to the ground, like the adidas Terrex Agravic SL, favours re-acceleration and sensations on the foot placements. On intermediate distances, the Asics Trabuco, which offers more protection, provides reassurance on rocky descents. For ultra-trail, where you can spend more than ten hours on the trails, a thick sole like that of the Saucony Xodus Ultra or the Altra Olympus preserves the legs over the miles. The Altra is distinguished by its zero drop, with the heel at the same height as the front of the foot, and a wide forefoot that allows the toes to spread out.
Windproof, t-shirt, shorts: the outfit on the peaks
In the mountains, the weather changes quickly and exertion causes temperatures to swing between hot and cold. The windbreaker adidas XPR Light or the Terrex Xperior Climaproof, lightweight and compressible, can be tucked into a bag pocket and put on at the summit. The t-shirt Terrex Xperior Climacool, available in both men's and women's fit, wicks moisture away thanks to its airy mesh. The shorts Dynafit Alpine Pro or the Joma R-Combi with a back pocket can carry a gel or a key, and the Dynafit Sky tank top frees the shoulders in the sun. Dynafit, whose story began in 1950 with the ski boot, has become a reference in mountain running. The Terrex Xperior trousers take over in cold weather.
Gloves Leki and poles: tackling steep climbs
The gloves Leki Ultra Trail Breeze attach to the brand's poles via an integrated loop in the Trigger system: you can let go of and grab the pole in one motion, without needing to put on a wrist strap, when taking out a gel or crossing a rocky section. Thin and breathable, they also protect the palms during a fall. On steep slopes, the poles relieve the thighs and back by distributing the effort across the arms; their use is learned in training, and each race's regulations specify whether they are allowed. The Black Friday at the end of November comes at the right time to prepare for spring trails.
Frequently asked questions
How to start trail running?
Start with short outings on hilly paths, alternating running and walking on the climbs. Gradually increase the duration and then the elevation, and choose a trail shoe suited to the terrain you frequent the most.
Should I take half a size up for trail running?
Many trail runners go half a size up from their regular shoe size, as the foot swells with exertion and moves forward during descents. Keep about one centimetre between your big toe and the front of the shoe.
What is the difference between running shoes and trail shoes?
A trail shoe has a rugged sole that grips the ground and rock, a toe cap at the front, and a reinforced upper that holds the foot in slants. A road shoe, which is smoother and more flexible, loses its grip on muddy paths.
How to dress for a winter trail?
Layer a long-sleeved technical top, a windbreaker, and running tights or trousers, along with thin gloves and a headband. Start off slightly cool: the body warms up quickly on the first climb.
How to care for trail shoes?
After a muddy outing, rinse them with lukewarm water, brush the sole and remove the insole. Let them dry in the air, stuffed with newspaper, away from direct heat as it can harden the adhesives and warp the upper.
