, but trail running is enjoying a surge in popularity among multi-sport athletes. The current Under-23 World Triathlon Champion, Alistair Brownlee, is even harder to beat on the fells than in a triathlon, while the number of off-season trail races continues

What to look for in a trail shoeThere are a lot of similarities between your normal training shoes and a model designed for off-road use, but don't confuse the two. On a firm, well-groomed trail, your road shoes should survive. Add mud, moisture

calf that was trying to run uphill. There in front of me, blocking the narrow trail I was supposed to be running down, were more cowboys and a herd of 60-odd cattle. Trampled by a herd of cattle or impaled on the horns of a bull never makes good reading

Weight 377gEvaluation The Trail is another example of a trail shoe based on a road model. So, you get a more aggressive outsole and a tougher upper, plus a nicely cushioned midsole. There’s a second density in the forefoot, rather than the usual

Getty Images Off-road running might summon up dark memories of being sent round the school field in the cold. But there’s much more to going off-road. Springing along a forest trail is easier on your body than Tarmac, and the world beyond road

This model may still be available on clearance. But we've reviewed a newer version since we published this.Weight 381gEvaluation As its weight suggests, the Gel Eagle Trail is an off-road shoe that’s practical and protective rather than exhilarating

Weight 355g Evaluation Despite being an outdoor brand rather than a running company, The North Face has produced a number of shoes that have proved popular with our off-road and adventure-racing weartesters. The Flight Trail is a decent entry

Weight 375gEvaluation Until now, the only way to get a Pegasus with the added stability provided by second density has been to customise a Pegasus 2000 at the Nike ID website. The Trail Pegasus – joining the road Pegasus and the winterised Storm

Weight 361gEvaluation You’re spoilt for choice if you’re after a decent trail shoe with an Asics label attached. There’s the good value Gel Guts, the top-of-the-range Eagle Trail 2 and the latest addition to the range, the Mesa Trail. The Mesa Trail

Taking a break from Tarmac to run on trails is a great way to invigorate your running routine. The scenic vistas you don't normally encounter on your everyday road loop stimulate both your mind and body. To get the  most out of your trail running