11 Comments
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Jeff Calvert's avatar

I think of gravel running as road running without the traffic, and I try to include some in nearly all of my runs (even the trail runs). The truth is that even if you're mainly a trailrunner, nearly all trail races include at least some gravel anyway. And bonus... you can spectate more freely on a gravel run (i.e. you can look at more than just the next 15 feet of trail without risking a fall). As for gravel shoes, I usually retire my worn-down trail shoes to that role and get some extra miles from them that way.

Raziq Rauf's avatar

Definitely the lugs on my trail shoes are too uncomfortably big for gravel

randy marthins's avatar

Are Gravel Running Shoes different from Road Running Shoes in the same way that Gravel Bikes are different from Road Bikes?

I'm guessing so

Raziq Rauf's avatar

I think they're for a very specific use but a very specific person. I guess enough of those people exist to create a product!

randy marthins's avatar

“Invention is the Mother of Necessity” - Bowerman’s Waffle Iron (allegedly?)

Bethany Tapp's avatar

I typically wear normal road running shoes if I run on gravel, unless I plan to venture onto actual dirt trails that are near gravel roads, then I’ll wear trail running shoes.

And I frequently run on gravel roads. I think it’s less pounding on your joints and gives you a nice break from the roads. I actually enjoy it time to time, as similar to how you mentioned in your article, it definitely gives you a sense of freedom, which is always a good bonus when running!

Zaakiyah Brisker's avatar

Points were made

Raziq Rauf's avatar

They're all there to be borrowed (with correct attribution)

Adam Lee's avatar

I think the gravel shoes are pretty cool and make sense for a lot of people!

Raziq Rauf's avatar

Yeah, they're going to free up space on my everyday shoe rack, which will make me very happy!