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When you're pounding pavement, you need different features in a sneaker than you do when you're running on dirt or gravel. The best road running shoes typically weigh less than their trail running counterparts. Speed and responsiveness are key, so they tend to be more lightweight and have a narrower profile, too.
Another main difference is the soles. Tread patterns on road running shoes provide excellent traction but they're not as bulky as trail shoes. And since the rubber material of the soles is specifically designed for asphalt or concrete, it won't wear down as quickly when it comes into contact with those hard surfaces. Plus, it's not as sticky as the rubber on trail shoes.
Lastly, the overall profile of a good road running shoe is thinner, since it doesn't have to protect you from branches and other debris like trail running shoes do. The uppers tend to be made with breathable mesh or other slender materials that don't add unnecessary bulk. Not only that, but they also forgo the plates and other extra features that add mass to a shoe.
Beyond these distinctions, road running shoes also share many of the same desired features as trail shoes. They have comfortable footbeds with soft cushioning, moisture-wicking material, responsive midsoles, and durable rubber underneath.