Trail Runner's Survey - Community, Footwear and Gear

The American Trail Running Association periodically conducts surveys to measure trail running trends from our national audience. This month we conducted a survey asking our members about their footwear preferences, building community, and gear purchases. This survey had over 1200 respondents. Complete survey results are made available to corporate members at the Switchback, Steep & Rocky and All-terrain levels. Here is a summary of the survey.

Demographics

Gender

Men – 53%
Women – 45%
Non-Binary/Other – 2%

Ages

20-39 – 13%
40-59 – 60%
60 and over – 27%

How many years have you been running on trails?

More than 10 – 63%
6-10 Years – 24%
One – 5 Years – 12%

What is your favorite trail race distance?

Short (under 10 miles) – 6%
Medium (6-14 miles) – 37%
Long (15-26 miles) – 18%
Ultra – 37%
Doesn’t do trail races – 2%

How many trail races are you planning to run this year?

1-5 – 71%
6-10 – 16%
More than 10 – 6%
None – 7%

Do you plan to travel out of state or country this year to do a race?

I will only do trail races in my local area — 33%
I will drive to at least one trail race out of state — 46%
I will fly to at least one trail race out of state — 23%
I will participate in at least one trail race internationally — 8%
I have no plans to race in 2023 — 8%

Top 5 states

Colorado – 33%
Utah – 13%
California – 8%
Texas – 4%
Pennsylvania – 3%

Running Shoes

What features are you looking for when purchasing a trail running shoe?

Heel to toe drop – 36%
Carbon plate – 7%
Special EVA – 5%
High performance trail racing shoe – 19%
Awesome traction and grip – 61%
Great stability – 29%
Cool colors – 13%
The only thing that matters to me is fit – 40%
A brand that I’m familiar with – 36%
Whatever the elites are wearing – 1%

Stack height to look for when purchasing a shoe for trail runs

Zero Drop – 10%
1mm – 4mm – 23%
5mm – 8mm – 24%
More than 8mm – 6%
I know nothing about stack height, I just buy shoes that fit well – 37%

Top 5 favorite brands of trail running shoes

HOKA – 24%
Altra – 19%
Salomon – 12%
Saucony – 8.7%
Brooks – 8.5%

I plan to purchase in 2023 (respondents could check more than one) –

Trail running shoes – 73%
Energy gels or energy drinks – 57%
Apparel for running – 52%
Trail running socks – 43%
Hydration vest, flask, or bottle – 20%
Collagen protein – 13%
Wearable (watch) – 10%
Health insurance – 9%
I don’t plan to purchase any trail-specific gear – 8%
Trail running poles – 7%
Traction device (for footwear) – 6%
Accident insurance – 3%

Community

We asked our survey respondents how they plan on building their trail running community in 2023. We provided a list of choices, and respondents could check more than one.

I plan on participating in a trail running race – 77%
I plan on volunteering at trail races – 41%
I plan on utilizing social media channels – 39%
I plan on reading trail running magazines, articles, and blogs – 34%
I plan on doing trail maintenance/building trails – 33%
I plan on running with a group – 32%
I plan on listening to podcasts related to trail running – 29%
I plan on watching trail running videos – 20%
I plan on donating money to a park, trail, or open space – 20%
I plan on providing a spot to share other ways of building community – 20%
Additionally, we received responses that included directing trail races, running with their dog and coaching.