Following our article about the joy of running during the winter months as an alternative to biking or as way of spicing up your winter training, we’ve just received a pair of the The North Face’s Single-Track trail running shoes.

We here at Bikemagic do admit to breaking out the old trainers at this time of year, when it’s less inviting to head out in the wet, cold or dark (or all three). But we don’t much like running on the road, much as we prefer to cycle off-road than on the road.

Trail running is the answer, and can mean running through your local park, woodland or canal towpaths, or even those trails you would normally mountain bike. Not only is running off-road more exciting, but there’s less chance of injury as you’re not pounding your knees into the unforgiving pavement. You’ll also get a better workout, with steep climbs, descents, river crossings, fallen tress and other obstacles giving your body a good overall workout.

So there are many good things about trail running. But ideally you need to invest in some decent trainers; you really don’t want to take those old Nike Max trainers off-road. These sharp looking Single-Track shoes from The North Face have all the credentials we expect from a shoe designed for the demands of trail running.

They’re a lightweight trainer with high impact support around the forefoot and heel area, but without reducing the flexibility you need in a shoe when running on uneven surfaces. To avoid slipping on roots and rocks the Tenacious Grip super sticky sole should give tons of traction and the mesh upper will keep your feet cool.

We’ll be giving them a thorough test over the coming weeks as we seek out local trails for some cross-training.

£89.00 from www.thenorthface.com