At Cimalp, we offer a wide range of trail equipment — find our running shoes here and discover Cimalp's innovative and revolutionary adaptive drop concept.
Trail shoe Drop Evolution: Who is it for?
Did you know that approximately 30% of runners get injured every year? Indeed, many people run with a heel strike, which causes numerous impacts that are harmful to the body. Fortunately, the trail shoe encourages a more natural, high-performance and, above all, less traumatic stride. You'll finally be able to run for many kilometres while taking care of your body.
The innovative concept of progressive drop is aimed at runners who want to:
- Acquire a versatile trail shoe for all terrain types and distances, using the soles to adapt the drop to your planned outing or race
- Run in a high-performance and less traumatic way, limiting injuries over time
- Gradually transition towards the most natural stride possible, without abruptly switching to a low drop and risking short-term injuries
X-Trail: A technical and lightweight shoe
The CimAlp X-trail is the perfect shoe for your trails! Lightweight, dynamic and grippy, the X-trail combines flexibility, comfort and cushioning to feel comfortable on all terrains.
Featuring lugged soles VIBRAM® XST, this responsive shoe offers a optimal grip on all surfaces with certified durability. Built for all types of runs, on paths, in forests or in the mountains.
X-Race: Dynamism & maximum all-terrain grip
A shoe high performance for demanding and adventurous trail runners in pursuit of pushing their limits.
Our X-RACE model is the perfect combination of support, comfort and grip. A high-cut shoe for venturing further, whatever the terrain and distance. A 5-star fit for excellent foot support and maximum comfort on the run.
A sole VIBRAM® with the exclusive shape and lugs for maximum grip on all surfaces. Then a midsole SuperLight EVA VIBRAM®, making it the most lightweight and dynamic model in our trail range.
What are the criteria to consider when choosing your trail shoes?
Choosing the right trail shoes is essential for practising this activity safely and comfortably. The choice of trail shoes will depend primarily on the type of terrain you will be running on. The shoe's cushioning is an important factor when choosing your trail shoes. Shoes with good cushioning will offer better comfort and better protection against impacts. The soles of trail shoes must provide good grip on the various surfaces encountered on trails. Trail shoes must offer good support for the foot and ankle to prevent injuries and sprains. They must also be breathable to wick away moisture and keep your feet dry. More lightweight shoes are often preferable for shorter, faster races, while heavier shoes can offer better protection and support for longer, more technical races. Finally, every foot is unique, so it is important to choose trail shoes that suit your foot type. Don't overlook the choice of trail socks, which must be sufficiently breathable, comfortable and resistant.
How to care for your trail shoes?
It is important to regularly clean your trail shoes to prevent the build-up of dirt and mud, which can reduce the lifespan of the shoes and their performance. Trail shoes must be dried thoroughly after each use to prevent bad odours and the proliferation of bacteria. Use a soft-bristled brush and lukewarm water to clean the shoes. Avoid using harsh detergents that could damage the materials. After cleaning your shoes, leave them to air dry. To protect your trail shoes from water and dirt, use a waterproofing spray specially designed for sports shoes. If needed, replace the inner soles of your shoes if they are worn or damaged, with new soles to improve the comfort and support of your feet.
How to avoid injuries in trail?
First of all, it is essential to choose running shoes suited to your needs, your feet and the type of terrain you plan to run on, in order to avoid injuries. If you are a beginner in trail, start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your runs. This allows your body to progressively adapt to the demands of trail running. Before starting your run, stretch and warm up to prepare your body for the physical effort. Dehydration can lead to muscle cramps and injuries, so it is important to drink enough water before, during and after your run. Strength training can help prevent injuries by improving stability, balance and endurance. Add strength training exercises to your training programme, focusing on the leg and core muscles.
What is the difference between a trail shoe and a running shoe?
The main difference between a trail shoe and a running shoe lies in their design and their adaptation to different terrains.
Trail shoes are specially designed for mountain running on rugged, unstable and variable terrain. They offer better grip and stability thanks to their built-to-last, lugged outsole, which ensures optimal traction on slippery or muddy surfaces. In addition, they feature reinforced protection at the toes and heel to prevent injuries caused by obstacles.
Running shoes, on the other hand, are designed for road running or smoother, more stable surfaces. They are generally more lightweight, more breathable and offer better shock absorption for a more flexible and dynamic stride. Their outsole is smoother than that of trail shoes, which promotes a more fluid transition between each stride.
Want to find out more about our ranges and complete your trail kit? Explore our trail collection:
- Trail clothing
- Trail jackets as well as our selections of breathable running jackets for men and lightweight running jackets for women
- The trail running t-shirts
