Now that I’m back in North Carolina after a vacation in Scotland with my wife last week, I can’t help but reflect on the runner’s dilemma I faced before the trip: which pair of shoes to pack?!
Sure, I could bring both trail and road shoes, but that would mean a bigger suitcase—and checking luggage isn’t an option when flying standby. After dealing with the same decision on a trip to Italy a few months ago, I’ve narrowed it down to 4 key things to consider when choosing the perfect pair.
- Know Your Destination's Terrain
Before you even think about packing, know what kind of terrain you’ll be running on. Is it smooth, paved roads or rugged, unpredictable trails? If I were only headed to “the city”, I could bring my Topo Atmos and would feel right at home with their responsive cushioning and natural fit. But if the trip involves winding mountain paths or forest runs, my Hoka Speedgoats‘ grip and comfort would probably be the better choice. My suggestion: always scout out local running routes online before making a decision as you don’t want to be the person tiptoeing through mud in road shoes! - What’s the Weather Looking Like?
The weather might throw a curveball at your plans. If it’s rainy or the forecast hints at some wet, unpredictable conditions, then a good trail will be ready to handle any sloshy, slick surface. On the other hand, if you’re expecting clear skies and a lot of pavement pounding, stick with the road shoe that offers the sweet balance of comfort and performance. Trust me when I say a little weather research can save you from soggy socks and sad runs! - Versatility: Can One Shoe Handle Both?
Here’s the challenge—sometimes you don’t know exactly what the terrain will throw at you. In those cases, it’s all about versatility. For me, the Hoka Speedgoats, while trail beasts, are surprisingly solid on roads for shorter distances, thanks to their cushy midsole. The Topo Atmos might not be designed for trails, but they can tackle light gravel or well-maintained paths. If you’re looking to hedge your bets, lean toward the shoe that can *almost* do it all. Think of them as your Swiss Army knife. - How Long Are You Gone?
Lastly, if you're only traveling for a few days, it might not matter as much if you’re missing out on a specific type of run. But if it’s a longer trip and your training needs to be more diverse, picking the right shoe gets critical, which makes this choice no easier I’m sorry to say!
In the end, I went with the Hoka Speedgoat 5 for both trips, and they turned out to be the better choice for covering a variety of terrains. They handled the trails beautifully, and even on the roads, they were comfortable enough for the runs I needed. Plus, a quick look at Strava before packing revealed some nearby trails in both areas that I would be visiting, which made the decision a lot easier. Sometimes, it’s all about choosing the shoe that can do it all—or close enough!
Happy Running!