Trail runners drive 30% participation surge and footwear expansion

11 articles · Updated · The Wall Street Journal · Apr 30

A 2026 Sports & Fitness Industry Association report said participation rose over three years as road runners in places including San Francisco, Washington and Denver shifted to dirt paths.
Brooks, Nike, Salomon and Adidas are adding gravel and road-to-trail models aimed at beginners seeking familiar road-shoe comfort with extra grip, protection and durability.
Strava data suggest most trail runs are short, non-technical outings near cities rather than mountain routes, reflecting demand for nature, variety and less pressure than road racing.

Are new 'road-to-trail' shoes a breakthrough for runners or just a clever marketing ploy?

As millions of new runners hit the trails, are we loving our natural spaces to death?

Could the trail running boom be hiding a health risk that prematurely ages your red blood cells?