Cross country running is a great way to keep fit and enjoy the outdoors. With running and jogging as popular as ever, running cross country is becoming a more and more popular outdoor activity for fitness buffs, outdoors enthusiasts, and all sorts of runners. Not only is it great for you, it offers an opportunity to get outside and enjoy nature. Finding a good running trail is becoming easier, too, with many cities and towns investing in parks and other places to run.

If you're interesting in running outdoors over rough terrain, you'll need a good pair of cross country running shoes. These are rugged, durable shoes that can stand up to many different surfaces while keeping your feet comfortable and safe from injury. Running outdoors means that you'll encounter all different kinds of ground: pavement, sidewalk, grass, rocks, dirt, even water. Your shoes need to be able to handle all these types of ground. Not only that, but since you'll be running, you need a pair of shoes that protects your foot and helps your run or jog without undue stress to the foot.

Here are a few popular brands of cross country running shoes.

New Balance 840

The New Balance 840 is an extremely rugged model made by popular shoe maker New Balance. Unlike other models like the New Balance 811 or New Balance 993, this shoe is made for outdoor use. It has a special textured outsole that provides extra grip over loose trail material. The heel has extra cushioning for running on hard surfaces like rocks, and There is a special inner lining which is designed to reduce blisters. The shoe is durable but lightweight and comes in a variety of colors and sizes for both men and women.

Asics Gel Trabuco

One of the most versatile and rugged Asics trainers, the Asics Gel Trabuco is great for trail running, jogging in the city, or just wearing at the gym. Its light weight makes it great for those who prefer a lighter shoe. It breathes well but is cushioned enough for use in rocky terrain. Asics added a more durable tread including a rubber portion as well as gel padding in the heel and front area. This shoe has a Goretex liner which makes it waterproof while still being breathable. Great arch support, too. The Gel Trabuco comes in men's and women's versions.

Saucony ProGrid Xodus

Another lightweight but well cushioned offering from Saucony is the Progrid Xodus. Saucony hasn't traditionally been known for making cross country shoes, but this is one of a new line of shoes designed from trail and outdoor running. The outsole design is the center of this shoe, with a durable, protective design which gives stability and protection from hard surfaces. The upper part is a lightweight blend of synthetic material and nylon mesh making them breathable but protective. As with other Saucony shoes, the Progrid Xodus is stylish as well as functional.

Other Shoes To Check Out

There are many other offerings from the big name shoe makers as well as some smaller manufacturers. If you're looking for great cross country shoes, be sure to try on a pair of one of these other shoes. The Adidas Kanadia Trail is a lower cost offering from Adidas which many people like. New Balance makes shoes other than the 840 above which are great for trail running. The New Balance 874 is another good outdoor choice. Smaller makers like Avia, Brooks, Pearl Izumi, and Ryka all make great shoes that are perfect for outdoor running of all kinds.

Tags: Asics, shoes, women, men, Asics cross trainers