I'm looking to get into trail running but I don't want to spend 200 bucks on my first pair of shoes. I've seen models at Decathlon and online for 50-70€. Are those good enough or is it really worth spending more?
It's really a question of durability and personal comfort. The entry-level models at Decathlon do the job at first, but they wear out fast if you're actually going to use them regularly - after 200-300 km you'll already feel the difference. If you're just starting out and only doing a few runs to see if trail running is really for you, there's zero risk. But if you feel like you're going to keep at it regularly, spending a bit more will save you from injuries and your shoes will last way longer.
To start with, shoes in the 50-70€ range are totally enough, especially if you're just getting into it 🙂 They'll give you good grip and decent protection without breaking the bank, and honestly you'll quickly figure out if trail running is really your thing before you drop serious money on it. The main difference with the pricier models is mostly the weight, super-responsive cushioning, and those little comfort details - stuff you'll appreciate if you're actually racing or doing serious mileage regularly, not when you're starting out. I'd say go with Decathlon, test out a few runs, and if you really like it you can upgrade later 😊
I'm gonna tell you something people often forget: shoe price matters quite a bit if you've got sensitive feet or a particular gait. Like if you tend to overpronate or you have flat feet, a €50 model can wreck your ankles after a few km. But if you've got "normal" feet and you're really just starting out, yeah it's totally doable.
The right approach is not to get hung up on premium brands. Decathlon honestly isn't bad for the price, their stuff holds up. The thing that actually changes between a €70 shoe and a €150-180 one is durability and comfort over long distances, not really the base quality. You're not gonna sprain your ankle in Decathlon gear if you're careful at first.
Just try to buy in a store so you can test them, not straight online. Walk around in them, feel if they rub, if the cushioning feels right. And honestly start out gradually with distances - it's less the equipment that kills beginners than wanting to do 15km all at once. If after two months you see your feet are suffering or you want to get serious about it, then you can invest in something better. But it's not necessary right from the start.
The thing people forget is that with trail running, unlike road running, the quality of the sole and cushioning really becomes crucial because you're going to be hitting rocks, roots, uneven slopes - and budget models wear out faster on rough terrain. It's worth starting at €50-70 if you're just testing to see if trail running is for you, but if you're thinking "I'm actually going to do this often," you'll end up replacing them every 4-5 months of regular use, which ends up costing more than investing a bit more upfront. The other trap is that cheap shoes rarely fit your feet properly - not enough options for different foot widths or gait types - so before you pick just any bargain model, actually try them on or read detailed reviews specifically about sizing and fit.
Are you actually planning to do trail running regularly, or is it just to test it out? Because honestly, at €50-70 you'll get something functional to start with, but what nobody really brought up is that the sole wears out too quickly and becomes a pain pretty fast - you'll end up feeling every single stone under your foot after a couple months of regular use.
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