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Our team of testers has been busy helping to find the best trail running shoes. Which is to say that what I’m recommending here for fit, features and function goes well beyond my own testing!
Unlike their road-running counterparts, these shoes are purpose-built to withstand the unpredictable terrains, offering features like enhanced traction, stability, and durability.
Trail runners know there is nothing like that time outdoors, so long as you’re wearing the right shoe that doesn’t leave you with blisters or praying you don’t fall.
9 Best Trail Running Shoes
I don’t have a best overall trail shoe because I’ve found every runner has different preferences based on the type of trails you’re doing or how you like your shoes to fit.
Part of the reason this came up for is a recent pair of trail shoes was giving me blisters on every single run over 5 miles and I’m not one who is prone to blisters. Those shoes did not make the list, but instead I wanted to give you an option from many of the top brands!
If you like their road shoes, then you’ll have a good chance and finding the trail running shoe that meets your needs.
Best Zero Drop Trail Shoe – Altra Lone Peak 9
The Altra Lone Peak has an EGO midsole that gives you the right amount of cushioning for the trails while still letting you feel the ground. It’s one that many Boulder, CO runners really love. In fact, RTTF Coach Laura who does a TON of ultras swears by this shoe and has run in multiple models for her ultra races!
The MaxTrac outsole provides plenty of grip and traction as you run over uneven and slippery terrain.
Plus, Altra’s signature features were designed specifically for trail running. The zero-drop cushioning improves ground feel when running over roots and rocks, and the FootShape toe box allows your toes to splay for better balance on uneven terrain.
The Altra Lone Peak is a great choice whether you’re going on a short hike or training for an ultramarathon.
Somehow the shoe manages to be breathable and quick drying, while still having the structure you need for the trails and the sturdiness provided from the outsole and rock plate to keep your feet happy on more technical trails.
This is one of the shoes I hear about frequently from Boulder trail runners. While a little heavier than some models, that’s largely due to the sole outsole providing the traction even in mud and grip we all so desperately want on the trails.
Most Cushioned Trail Run Shoe – Salomon S/LAB Ultra Glide
Listen we aren’t going to lie, this is a bougie shoe. It’s pricey and we were skeptical, but that price has paid off with something pretty cool.
The whole shoe has more cushion from the heel collar to underfoot. The maximum cushion is noticeable right away. These are downright comfortable with a little bounce!
The added cushion will likely appeal to mid- and back-of-the-pack runners seeking extra comfort for longer runs. However, we’ve seen a few professional runners wear the Ultra Glide on easy, long-run days, and a few races. It’s still a new shoe, so I bet we will see more of it in the coming trail race season.
Overall the shoe doesn’t feel as narrow and simply gives off the vibe that it’s comfy like a pair of sweats you can’t wait to slip on. The Quicklace system is nice if you have trouble with getting the right fit…but I’m not sure they made a big difference on this particular shoe.
Go To Moderate Cushion Trail Running Shoe – Hoka Speedgoat 6
Not interested in a great big stack height while you run? Ya we get it, as we trip over dirt let alone a branch sticking out of the ground.
The Speedgoat has been a trail runner favorite for many years and is one we reach for time after time as well.
The Speedgoat has all of the cushion that I have come to love from my Hoka Cliftons and has all the grip and varied lugs I need to maintain traction on the trails. . The Speedgoat also has a cushioned midsole that provides a smooth ride over rocks and other obstacles.
You can tell mine are well loved due to the layer of dirt and grime covering every inch of the shoe.
It is designed with a sturdy yet comfortable fit and features a Vibram MegaGrip outsole that provides excellent traction on both wet and dry surfaces.
Loving how this neutral shoe feels on my foot and with a slightly wider toe box than many it’s meant no issues with blisters from downhill running. It’s also just a really great amount of cushion.
Comfy, but not too heavy for a nice long run either.
While they’re also listed as a neutral shoe, I was thrilled to see my foot didn’t drop in one bit when I put them on which is common in other shoes. Another example of how their shoes have some natural support due to the bigger platform.
- Weight: 8.2 oz women’s, 9.8 oz men’s
- Heel Drop: 5 mm
- Stack Height: 38mm
- Available in Wide in some colors
- $155
- See all HOKA Speedgoat models – Variety of options for waterproof as well
Accommodating as Feet Swell Trail Shoe – On Cloudultra 2
Welcome to their trail shoe with the highest amount of cushioning. The flip release on the shoe laces, makes it easy to adjust the tightness of the shoes. Which as we know is often needed during ultras when feet swell.
The On Cloudultra is one of On Running’s newest trail running shoes and an excellent addition to the ultramarathon and endurance trail running market.
Partially because they shifted the pod set up, so you will catch less rocks than with the road shoes!! They add lugs for more grip and took the pods way, way down.
On has satisfied the request of thousands of trail runners with this shoe, thanks to its ability to tackle tricky terrain effectively and remain comfortable over long distances on trails and highways with its Helion midsole foam.
- Weight: 9.3 oz women’s, 10.4 oz men’s
- Heel drop: 5 mm
- Stack Height: 30.2 mm
- Usage: Trail running
- Not available in wide
- Available in 4 colors
- Available from on.com for $125
Most Versatile Trail Shoe – Craft Pure Trail X
If you are getting dressed for a trail run, but aren’t sure what the trail conditions are going to be like, the Craft Pure Trail X is a perfect choice of shoe that can handle a wide range of conditions and trail surfaces.
Our tester Aimee really enjoyed the Craft Pure Trail X taking her from dry dirt to mud to snow, over roots and rocks seamlessly all in one run.
This isn’t an overly cushioned shoe. The CR Foam provides enough cushion to be very comfortable but is still firm enough to have a good connection to the trails and not feel like you are floating.
The Craft Pure Trail X with its grippy outsole, rockplate, and moderate cushioning makes this a great shoe for even the most technical of trails and any distance.
One thing to keep in mind is that the fit may be a little snug, so you’ll want to size up especially if you like running in thicker socks!
Best Wider Fit Trail Shoe – Topo Ultraventure 4
The Topo Ultraventure is a versatile, cushioned shoe that handles both road and trail well, making it a great option for long runs or mixed-terrain adventures.
This is going to be a great shoe for runners with medium to wide feet who want a comfy, secure fit without compromising on cushioning.
The shoe offers a smooth, plush ride for long miles while still providing enough responsiveness when you need to pick up the pace.
The Vibram XS Trek EVO outsole that I loved in the Ultraventure 3 remains the same. However, if you need more aggressive traction or are regularly tackling technical, muddy trails, you might want to look elsewhere.
These are not best for those who have narrow feet; there may be too much space for your toes!
Best Everyday Trail Run Shoe – Saucony Peregrine 15
This has been a trail running shoe that myself and other testers have loved for years. They had a few misses around model 10, but since then we’ve gotten back on track!
It’s slightly more narrow fit than some other brands, which works for some of us.
I always feel really confident in the traction of this show and I like the light guard just above the cushion to keep my toes from being wet in the grass or light snow.
The Saucony Peregrine is a popular and versatile trail running shoe that has gained a strong reputation among trail runners and outdoor enthusiasts. Designed to handle a variety of terrains and conditions, the Peregrine combines responsiveness, durability, and traction to provide a reliable and enjoyable off-road running experience.
For me, I appreciate that it’s not one of the overbuilt trail shoes and the traction is fabulous. They have also taken some weight out of the updated models!
BONUS this is a lower stack height than so many of the current shoe trends and many prefer that on the trails to feel more stable.
Best Carbon Plated Trail Running Shoe – Hoka Tecton X3
This shoe is best for trail runners who are looking for moderate cushion, some speed, great grip to cover a variety of terrain and distances. It’s obviously a great race day option, but equally fun at a variety of paces.
I was a pretty happy camper with the underfoot feel. When I’d hit a patch of dirt road, I could feel the energy return to play with some speed, when I hit a rocky uphill section I knew the shoes were grabbing, when I did hit a small stream (and intentionally went in to it) the shoe drained and I didn’t really feel any blister concerns going forward.
The PEBA foam is lightweight, but absolutely gives that nice light bounce of cushion. Not overly plush that you sink in to, but cushioned enough that it felt really good for those longer miles.
This is going to be a trail shoe for novice to advanced runners because it really does check off so many boxes while remaining at a good price point.
Best for Long Days on the Trail – Brooks Caldera 8
When you first look at these shoes, your eyes are probably immediately drawn to the amount of foam. But don’t worry, this doesn’t translate to the Caldera 8 being a super squishy ride.
The cushion is there to help protect your feet from rugged trails. But the trade-off is that it’s missing some of that responsiveness to help you pick up the pace.
The Caldera is a great shoe for easy, soft, rolling trail days. The DNA Loft v3 foam brought the cushion but was still firm and bouncy enough to feel connected to the trail.
Plus, after lots of miles, the lugs still look like they just came out of the box. No wonder this is a durable shoe that is recommended for ultra runners!
Best Road to Trail – Hoka Challenger ATR
Of all the shoes in my closet, when I know I could take only 1 trail pair to New Zealand this is the one I packed. I just knew it was a shoe that could handle different things, have great cushion and enough traction to feel steady.
The HOKA Challenger ATR is a popular all-terrain running shoe that is designed for both road and trail running. It has a cushioned midsole that provides a comfortable and stable ride, and a Vibram outsole that delivers excellent traction on a variety of surfaces thanks to the aggressive lugs.
I was pretty excited to test this one out as well.
This shoe is ideal for runners who like to switch between road and trail running and need a versatile shoe that can handle both types of terrain. This Hoka shoe is perfect for those who like to run at a moderate pace and need a shoe that is comfortable and supportive.
The shoe offers plenty of cushioning and support, making it great for those looking for a comfortable ride when hitting those local trails, crushed gravel paths or dirt roads.
The breathable upper helps keep your feet cool and dry, and the outsole provides excellent traction on a variety of surfaces. I also like the extended heel, less issues with my foot slipping out.
- Weight: 7.7 oz women’s, 8.9 oz men’s
- Heel Drop: 5 mm drop
- Stack height: 31 mm
- Usage: Road-to-trail running
- Available in wide for some colors
- Available in 6 colors
- Available from Hoka.com for $145 (including low and waterproof GTX)
Other honorable mention trail running shoes
There are so many other options that I could go in to!
Is It Ok To Run On the Road with Trail Shoes?
In general, the main reason we don’t want to take out trail shoes on the road is to prevent wearing down the lugs faster. We all know shoes are expensive, so keeping them in the best shape possible to ensure that we have both great ankle support and traction is key.
Some shoes are designed for road to trail and you’ll notice they tend to have grip, but probably very very low profile to no lugs.
Are Trail Running Shoes Good for Long Distance?
Yes, most trail shoes are focused on time on feet. Not just because you want to run farther, but because a trail run takes longer!
Ultra runners have a lot of say in new things that brands are creating, which ensures they are focused on providing you with something that can go the distance.
What makes these the best trail running shoes?
Besides the fact that tons of you have already tested them and said you love them…
- Fit – you aren’t getting blisters
- Protection – your feet are beat up from rocks
- Traction – you feel safe on the trail because your shoe is doing it’s job
- Waterproof – in some cases above the quick drying nature or the waterproof element was helpful
If you’re just getting started, checkout these new trail runner tips. They were a lifesaver for me!
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