Trail Traction Lug Shoes & Anti-Chafing Protocol

Grip the trail, keep debris out and stop chafing before it starts.

Beginner

4 min

TRAIL TRACTION LUG SHOES & ANTI-CHAFING PROTOCOL
[ ] 5mm Lug Trail Shoes
[ ] Anti-Chafe Balm
[ ] Low Trail Gaiters

5mm Lug Trail Shoes: lugs are the raised grip pattern on the sole. About 5mm is the owner's starting spec for mixed trails. Choose deeper lugs for mud and shallower for packed dirt.
Anti-Chafe Balm: test a small patch on your skin at home first to check for any reaction.
Low Trail Gaiters: ankle-height covers that keep sand, pebbles and seeds out.

Slow down on tricky ground. Wet rock, roots, leaves and steep descents can slip even with good lugs. Shorten your stride and look ahead.
Fix hot spots early. Chafing and blisters grow quickly with sweat and salt. Stop, dry the area and apply balm or tape. If skin breaks open, clean it and cover it.
Keep your feet clean. Grit inside a shoe rubs raw. Gaiters help, but stop and empty a shoe as soon as you feel something.

Gear types only.

Trail running shoes in your own fit
Anti-chafe balm or stick
Low gaiters that attach to shoes
Seamless running socks
Wild Dirt headwear for sun on exposed trails (headwear category)

Trail access, closures and seasonal limits vary by park, forest and state. Check current local rules with the managing agency: nps.gov, fs.usda.gov, blm.gov or your state park website.

Good traction and a thin layer of balm turn a rough run into a good one. Built by explorers, for the trail.

Shoes

5mm Lug Trail Shoes sized with room for your toes on downhills
Look over the lugs for wear before each season
Break them in on short runs first
Match shoe grip to your terrain: mud, rock, roots or loose gravel
Replace shoes when the cushion feels flat or the lugs are worn smooth

Socks and gaiters

Moisture-wicking running socks that do not bunch
Low Trail Gaiters attached to your shoes
Check that gaiter hooks are firmly secured
Shake out grit during a break

Anti-chafe protocol

Anti-Chafe Balm applied to clean, dry skin before the run
Cover the usual spots: inner thighs, underarms, waistband, sports bra line, nipples, feet
Seamless or flat-seam clothing
Reapply on runs longer than your last test
Carry a small balm stick or sachet in your vest or pocket

Afterwards

Rinse and dry shoes and gaiters
Wash off salt and sweat from your skin
Check feet and skin for hot spots and treat them early

Shoes

5mm Lug Trail Shoes sized with room for your toes on downhills
Look over the lugs for wear before each season
Break them in on short runs first
Match shoe grip to your terrain: mud, rock, roots or loose gravel
Replace shoes when the cushion feels flat or the lugs are worn smooth

Socks and gaiters

Moisture-wicking running socks that do not bunch
Low Trail Gaiters attached to your shoes
Check that gaiter hooks are firmly secured
Shake out grit during a break

Anti-chafe protocol

Anti-Chafe Balm applied to clean, dry skin before the run
Cover the usual spots: inner thighs, underarms, waistband, sports bra line, nipples, feet
Seamless or flat-seam clothing
Reapply on runs longer than your last test
Carry a small balm stick or sachet in your vest or pocket

Afterwards

Rinse and dry shoes and gaiters
Wash off salt and sweat from your skin
Check feet and skin for hot spots and treat them early