Meet the one pair of shoes to help you conquer road and trail

The unique race, organized by Wild Trails, marries the city's natural and metropolitan beauty, taking competitors from the scenic roads of North Chattanooga to the stunning trails of Stringer's Ridge.

Though the hybrid course promises to be a delight for the eyes, Joey Howe, manager at Fast Break Athletics, says for those without the right footwear, the race could be a disaster for the feet.

Participants who tackle the 6.1-mile course in running shoes designed for the road will start off strong, but they'll likely lose the lead when their footwear's lack of grip causes them to slide on the trail, he explains. Racers who power through in trail shoes, he adds, will triumph in the middle, but start and end poorly in part because of the blisters their shoes' stiff sole are likely to create.

Victory, the shoe guru says, may likely go to those equipped with hybrid running shoes, designed to perform equally well on either terrain.

What makes hybrid running shoes different from regular running shoes?

Compared to shoes meant for running on the road, hybrids have deeper lug patterns on their outer soles, Howe explains. This gives runners a better grip on soft, uneven surfaces like dirt hills, as well as on wet pavement.

How are hybrids different from trail running shoes?

Unlike trail shoes, hybrids don't have a stone guard, which are thick rubber plates built into the sole to protect the wearer's foot from rocky terrain. The missing stone guard makes the shoe more comfortable for those running on the road.

Are there any drawbacks to hybrids?

The outer soles wear out quicker if you run on roads too often, making the shoes much less effective on the trail, says Howe. Also, because they are without a stone guard, hybrids may not provide enough protection on extremely technical trails riddled with rocks and roots.

Should I buy a pair?

Only if you run just a couple of times a week and switch sporadically between road and trail, Howe advises. If you run often and divide your time equally between road and trail, you'd be better off with two different pairs: one for each terrain. Hybrid shoes are also beneficial for those, like Howe, who often run on the road to get to the trail for their real workout.