The Best Trail Running Shoes

1. ON CLOUD VENTURE

Ons are very popular right now. But don’t be fooled; they are also competent. The On Cloudventure is an excellent example of a popular type of shoe that is also very capable. They are comfortable and fit well, so you can run a long way in them without getting blisters or other injuries.

The ‘clouds’ on On’s distinctive shoes (the brand’s name for the holey bits on the outsole) will give you a comfortable ride. They are also responsive. The zigzag placement of each lug provides brilliant traction. It makes them a great platform for running on trails with loose and rocky terrain, but they also forgive so they can be used on roads.

The upper is constructed from a two-layer material that is breathable. It ensures that your feet will not become hot and sweaty. The inside has a high-end look and feels to it. It also has a small amount of padding around the ankle. The heel collar comes higher around the Achilles, but it is not too much to be annoying.

2. HOKA ONE ONE EVO MAFATE 2

Hoka One One is a company known for its chunky midsoles. If you want a comfortable ride, Hoka is a good option. However, they can be unstable for some people, so be careful if you have a history of ankle rolling. The shoes are made from durable material and have plenty of room in the toe box.

The Vibram Megagrip rubber outsole and 5mm lugs on these shoes give them excellent grip in wet and dry conditions. They are not the lightest or most responsive shoes, but they are perfect for long runs on difficult trails or training sessions when you don’t want to wear out your body. These shoes are very forgiving on your joints and will help you stay in good shape.

3. SAUCONY PEREGRINE 10

Peregrine’s latest release, which first debuted in 2011, is perfect for nearly any off-road surface. The outsole is made from a soft rubber which makes it grippy, and when paired with the 5mm lugs, you will be ready for anything.

This running shoe is not very plush, but it has enough cushioning in the midsole to feel firm and comfortable when you run. It makes you feel connected to the ground, so you know what is happening under your feet. It has a thin, lightly cushioned mesh with a synthetic overlay upper that offers excellent breathability and durability.

A nice feature of these shoes is that they have a rock plate on the forefoot. It protects your feet from sharp rocks. Although they are not the lightest sneakers available, they do not make an excessive effort to be complicated. The upper is simple, and it provides a comfortable ride.

4. LA SPORTIVA BUSHIDO II

This Italian outdoor gear manufacturer has been in business for over 90 years. You probably saw some of their products while you were traveling in Europe. They make hiking shoes designed to be worn on rocky ground. The Bushido II is a newer, less bulky model that provides stability and support on all trails.

The shoes have a lot of traction, so you don’t need to worry about slipping on different surfaces, like gravel, mud, snow, or rocks. The midsole has distinctive pairs of lugs that help with grip and cornering.

Your shoes have a rock plate in the front to protect your feet. They also have a toe cap to protect your toes, and the upper is made from breathable material. The heel collar is not too high so it won’t rub against your ankles or Achilles tendon.

5. SALOMON S/LAB ULTRA 2

Salomon’s updated top-of-the-range shoe offers a cushioned yet firm and responsive ride. It is ideal for medium to longer-length trail runs – and for trail races. The upper is quite formidable and has overlays on the sides and a nice rubberized toe bumper to withstand any stubbing into rocks.

These shoes are really easy to put on and take off. The tongue is stretchy and attached to the sole so it won’t move around. The laces are tied to a toggle, which makes it fast to put them on and take them off. The outsole is durable and suitable for different types of terrain. It has an excellent grip, and the lugs aren’t too big, so they’ll be good on compacted terrain. They have an 8mm heel drop, which is suitable for runners who want to run on uneven terrain or people who strike their heels when they run. Remember that these shoes tend to run a little large, so you might want to size down by half or even a full size.

Best Trail Running Shoes

Many different types of running shoes are perfect for trail running. It means that there is an ideal shoe for every foot, every trail, and every terrain. You can find shoes perfect for you by trying on many different pairs and finding the ones that feel best when you run.

The only disadvantage of having so many alternatives is deciding which to purchase! We’ve tried to make things easier by selecting 17 models of the best trail running shoes that should work for almost everybody in any weather!

1. Hoka Speedgoat 5

The Hoka Speedgoat was popular when it first came out and has only improved over the years. There are a lot of well-cushioned shoes, but the Hoka Speedgoat 5 stands out from the rest.

The cushioning in these shoes is good, but it’s not too much. It helps run on trails. The outsoles have big lugs that help with traction on different surfaces. The new lug design provides even more grip.

The Speedgoat has been upgraded. It is now half an ounce lighter per shoe. It might not seem like a lot, but it will make a difference for races that are 5k or shorter and for longer races. The upper has also been simplified to reduce the chances of developing hotspots.

2. Saucony Peregrine 12

The Saucony Peregrine has changed a lot in the past ten years. It started as a shoe for racing, but now it is more like a classic everyday trail shoe. Even though it is still an everyday trail shoe, it has moved a bit back toward its racing roots. It is because it is lighter and more responsive than the previous version.

The Peregrine 12 is not a flashy shoe but does well in traction, cushioning, and protection. It also has a breathable upper and is now lightweight. In short, it just works well.

3. Brooks Cascadia 16

The Brooks Cascadia is an old model of a running shoe, but it is still a good one. Brooks designed this shoe over a decade ago, and it has been popular ever since.

The Cascadia is a shoe that does well on a variety of trails. It also works well as a road-to-trail shoe. The heel-to-toe drop on the Cascadia is 8mm, which makes it accessible for most runners.

The Brooks Cascadia 16 has a new midsole that is taller than the old Pivot Post system. It provides a stable and moderately cushioned ride known for being good on rocky terrain. Additionally, the Ballistic Rock Shield offers plenty of protection from rocks.

The Brooks Cascadia 16 is a good shoe for straightforward performance. It has a gusseted tongue and gaiter attachment points. The primary tester liked it and said it was comfortable. They also said it was like a “trustworthy commuter car.”

4. Altra Lone Peak 6

The Altra Lone Peak 6 is a versatile shoe that can be used for multiple purposes. Many individuals use it for running on roads or trails or going to the park. It is also great for increasing lower leg strength and mobility when you’re not running.

People love the Lone Peak because it is a moderate trail shoe with good cushioning and grip. It also has a spacious toe box, which hikers appreciate.

The Altra Lone Peak 6 is a shoe that offers exceptional levels of comfort. It has a high-quality top, comfortable padding, and a generous toe box. The great bulk of the improvements was concentrated on the key areas. The number of stitches and overlays has been reduced. It makes the shoe lighter than earlier versions. The updated upper still provides good foot lockdown and breathability/drain ability.

The Lone Peak 6 is similar to previous generations in that not much has changed. It still has good lockdown and breathability. However, it fits a bit smaller than the Lone Peak 5.

The fifth generation Lone Peak is as cushioned as ever, with an upgrade to more robust AltraEGO foam. On most trails, the shoe maintains good traction. Overall, the Altra Lone Peak 6 provides a smooth and responsive ride.

Some people love Altra’s zero-drop platform because it is comfortable for them. For others, it can be challenging to get used to. If you are new to low- or no-drop shoes, start gradually building up your mileage in Altras. Let your calves and Achilles recover between efforts, so you don’t get sore.

5. Salomon Speedcross 5

The Brooks Cascadia is an excellent running shoe because it lasts long. The Salomon Speedcross line is also a good running shoe. It has stayed for a long time too. People like it because it is a top performer and people can buy it easily.

The Speedcross line is unique because it combines a challenging upper and a heavily lugged outsole. No matter the terrain or conditions, you can count on the Speedcross to help you get where you’re going.

The Speedcross 5 is a great running shoe. It is better than the Speedcross 4 because it can be used for longer distances. The toe box is wider, so your feet have more space. The midsole is thicker, so you have more cushioning when you run.

The Salomon Speedcross 5 is a good shoe for running long distances. It is also durable and can withstand many miles.

6. Brooks Catamount

The Brooks Catamount is the perfect shoe for people who want a good shoe that is light, breathable, and has a lot of cushioning. This shoe also has a nice rocker, which makes it even better. We love this shoe at iRunFar headquarters and think you will too!

The Catamounts could be good shoes for your first 100-mile race or just for running every day. People who tested the shoes found them very comfortable. Still, the shoes ran even better after people had worn them for a few miles. You will likely love the Catamount so much that you will hit the 100-mile mark within the first week you have them.

7. Altra Olympus 4

The Altra Olympus 4 is the most comfortable sneaker on this list. Some people think it’s strange because it has a wide toe box and zeroes drop, designed to let your feet move naturally. But even though it seems odd, some people love it because it gives them more support.

The Altra Olympus 4 is a great trail shoe for people who want a comfortable and worry-free ride. The shoe has a roomy toebox and good cushioning, as well as a more responsive ride than earlier versions of the shoe.

The Olympus is a maximal cushioning shoe with good traction. It has a Vibram Megagrip outsole with moderately lugged tread.

8. Salomon Sense Ride 4

Salomon’s Sense Ride line was created as a shoe for running on roads and trails. The shoes have inserts that reduce vibrations and make running more comfortable and efficient.

The midsole and the shoe’s moderate structure give the Sense Ride some stability. It’s a terrific choice for someone just starting on trails or who wants a little more help.

The Sense Ride 4 shoe has a Contagrip outsole that performs well on different types of terrain, including while ascending and descending. It makes it a good choice for people who want a versatile shoe. The shoe also fits better than many Salomon models, especially in the toe box.

Some people who have not been able to buy Salomon shoes in the past might want to try them again because of the new Sense Ride 4. This version is better for road running than earlier models.

9. Nike Pegasus Trail 3

The Nike Pegasus Trail 3 is an excellent choice for runners who do both long trail runs and runs on roads and trails. This shoe shines because of its React mid foam, which makes it feel alive, and the brand’s many years of designing good shoes. So it’s no surprise that this shoe is well-constructed and durable.

The Nike Pegasus Trail 3 is a good shoe for running on trails. It has a rockered, extended heel similar to some of Nike’s newer shoes. It may not be the ideal choice for running in really wet or muddy circumstances or for a lightweight shoe for shorter events. But it is a good choice for most other trail running types.

10. Hoka One One Torrent 2

The Hoka Torrent 2 is a good racing shoe for nearly any race distance. It has a grippy outsole and a responsive yet moderately cushioned midsole. The Torrent 2 is defined by Hoka as “a seemingly contradictory blend of cushioning and quickness,” and that description is accurate.

The Torrent 2’s upper is more spacious than some other Hoka models. It helps your toes to expand and feel at ease. The Torrent 2 also stays securely in place on steep descents.

11. Topo Ultraventure Pro

The Topo Ultraventure Pro is a good option for someone looking for a lot of shoes without wanting to go to maximal cushioning. This shoe has a lot of structure and protection with a generous midsole, a rock plate, and a protective upper. The Ultraventure Pro offers plenty of traction, even in wet or rocky situations, with a well-lugged Vibram Megagrip outsole.

It is a tremendous all-day shoe. It isn’t too heavy, and it fits well. Our primary tester liked it and said it would be suitable for everyone. If you have worn other Topo shoes before, you will like this one too because it has a softer ride that lasts a long time.

12. ALL BIRDS TRAIL RUNNER SWT

The Trail Runner SWT is the first running shoe designed by Allbirds specifically for trails. It features a breathable one-piece upper, durable ripstop protection, and a water-repellent finish.

The shoes are incredibly long-lasting. The upper is comprised of TENCEL Lyocell (Eucalyptus tree fiber) and ZQ Merino Wool, both of which are FSC-certified. In contrast, the SweetFoam midsole is made with sugarcane-based green EVA. The outsole is FSC-certified natural rubber; the seam tape and heel counter are bio-based TPU material.

The eyelets are bio-based nylon, as are the shoelaces produced from recycled plastic bottles.

The Allbirds Trail Runner SWT is a sustainable shoe that doesn’t cut corners on comfort or performance. The company claims that you can wear them without socks, and they’ll still be comfortable. We can confirm this is true because the lugs provide the right amount of grip on softer surfaces without reducing grip on the pavement. It was making them perfect for mixed terrain training.

13. INOV-8 TRAILFLY ULTRA G 300 MAX

The Trailfly Ultra G 300 Max is the first Ino-8 trail running shoe that uses graphene. This shoe has a midsole with the Inov-8 G-GLY. This G-FLY midsole is better than standard EVA foam because it is more resilient and gives back more energy.

The Trailfly Ultra G 300 Max shoes are not necessarily the best shoes made by Inov-8, but they are still good shoes. They are agile and comfortable. Even though the G-FLY midsole is a bit chunky, the Boomerang insole makes them very comfortable to run in.

There are 35’multi-directional 4mm deep lugs and vertical grooves carved into the rubber on the outsole. According to Inov-8, it helps your foot’s metatarsal bones to move more independently. The lugs provide adequate traction on the semi-hard ground, but we wouldn’t wear the shoes on highly slippery surfaces.

The Trailfly Ultra G 300 Max trail running shoes are perfect for people who love to run off the beaten path. The shoes have a lightweight, breathable upper that is also very comfortable. You won’t feel weighed down by the shoes, but you will still be protected from any debris you might encounter on your run.

14. ADIDAS TERREX SPEED ULTRA

The Adidas Terrex Speed Ultra shoes are meant for speed. We tested them and found that they are swift. The shoes are so fast that Adidas set the speed to the max and forgot to put in a switch to turn it down. These shoes are very agile and ready to go when you put them on.

The midsole and Lightstrike cushioning work together to produce speed and explosiveness not previously seen in trail running shoes. The shoes are also light, which makes you feel like you’re going even faster. They weigh only 277 grams, 100 grams less than the Inov-8 Trailfly Ultra G 300 Max.

The Terrex Speed Ultra appears to be designed for racing. The fit is tight and narrow, suitable for races but not for comfort or when you want to run longer than an hour. The slender upper might be a bit bothersome if your feet are narrow. It wasn’t uncomfortable, just a bit tight.

The Continental rubber outsole makes the shoes good at gripping wet, hard surfaces. However, because the lugs (the ridges on the sole of the shoes) aren’t particularly deep, we wouldn’t wear them on muddy trails. Adidas Terrex Speed Ultra is suited for trail and road running; In other words, most people will wear them that way.

15. NEW BALANCE FRESH FOAM HIERRO V6

The New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro series strives to stand out from the crowd of trail running shoes. They look lovely on the trail, in the pub, and on family walks.

The Hierro v6 shoes will perform well on the trail. They have a Fresh Foam midsole which makes every step comfortable. Even though they are not as soft as road running shoes, they are still comfortable. It is because of the extra protection underfoot.

The Vibram MegaGrip can help you descend safely and provides some grip when trying to attack hills. The Hierro v6 is not relatively as grippy as the Inov-8 Trailfly Ultra G 300 Max. Still, you don’t need a crazy aggressive grip for every surface.

The synthetic and mesh upper uses’ zonal’ TPU threads for support and protection in high-wear areas. The upper is well-padded, which might warm your feet, but it works well with the ultra-cushioned lower half of the Hierro v6. We wouldn’t put a thin mesh upper on such a plush midsole.

16. HOKA ONE ONE ZINAL

Hoka is famous for its chunky midsole, which is found in some of its best running shoes, like the Hoka One One Carbon X and the Hoka One One Mach 4.

The Zinal trail running shoe is perfect for running on difficult terrain. The PRO FLY Midsole has a dual-layer system that makes it very comfortable to wear. The Vibram Litebase outsole ensures good traction even on surfaces with little grip.

The low-profile construction of the Zinal allows your feet to breathe and move naturally without much restriction. Because the Zinal is narrow, the recycled yarn mesh upper provides some extension. The shoes are not at all unpleasant, and you won’t want to take them off if you run fewer than 15 kilometers. After all, the Zinal was built for shorter runs (about 10k), and it excels at them.

17. SALOMON ULTRA GLIDE

Salomon is a well-known brand in the trail running community. However, their new Ultra Glide shoe is something different. It is the brand’s first attempt at making a cushioned trail running shoe, similar to New Balance’s Hierro v6 model. It is an excellent initial effort after a few weeks of testing.

The Salomon Ultra Glide has a snug fit thanks to its SensiFit upper. It means that the shoe will fit tightly around your foot. It’s not too tight, but it’s snug.

The Energy Surge midsole, combined with a redesigned rocker shape, provides a dynamic ride. The Salomon rocker isn’t as pronounced as Hoka’s distinctive early-stage Meta-Rocker, but it has promise.

Salomon trail running shoes are a great option if you want a comfortable ride. The Ultra glide provides the best of both worlds: Salomon performance and padding.

Comfort

It is proven that the more comfortable your shoes are, the less oxygen you need while you run. It means that good, comfortable shoes make you more efficient.

Many factors come into play, but it all boils down to this: you must try on the shoes and ensure no discomfort. The fit should be precise but not too strict, and you should always feel stable.

Traction

The outsole of a trail running shoe is designed for good grip on very technical terrain, both uphill and on steep descents. It has lugs that help it stay attached to the ground. They are usually made from hard carbon-type rubber, which provides extra grip and stability.

Vibram soles are famous because they are very good at resisting wear and tear. They are often used on hiking shoes. Some brands make running shoes with Vibram MegaGrip soles.

Different lugs and degrees of protection are utilized for each level of protection according to the terrain. For instance, shoes designed for easier trails have shorter lugs. On the other hand, other models have lugs that are more extended and have a snow outsole tread pattern that is harsher.

Overall, many trail shoes are designed to be suitable for ultramarathoning. They offer a versatile configuration that can handle most types of terrain. That is the case with the Hoka Speedgoat 4, one of the most popular shoes. It has a versatile design includes 5 mm lugs on its outsole to ensure good traction on muddy ground and snow.

Stability

Stability is essential when it comes to shoes. The grip of the shoe’s outsole and how tight it fits your foot are both factors that contribute to your stability. If the shoe doesn’t have enough grip for the terrain, you plan to walk on, you might slip and lose your balance.

If the platform’s foothold and the shoe’s top are not tightly fitting, the shoe may be wobbly on uneven terrain and lead your ankle to twist.

Protection

Trail shoes protect your feet from dangerous things you might find while hiking. For example, they have a toe bumper to protect your feet from getting hurt if you kick something.

Some shoes have a rock plate in them. A rock plate is a piece of metal or plastic that goes between the midsole and the outsole. It helps protect your foot from rocks and makes the shoe more comfortable to run on rocky terrain.

The upper is also sturdy and can prevent tears and scratches. Sometimes, people sew or fuse overlays onto the upper for extra protection. The upper should be dense, so it is more durable, but make sure it still breathes well!

Cushioning

No one answer fits everyone. It can depend on your body type and what you like. The answer will change as you gain experience and learn more about what you prefer.

A consensus is that wearing comfortable shoes is best when running long distances. Even some of the most famous minimalist runners, like Anton Krupicka, have changed their minds and started wearing shoes with high-stack cushioning. Scott Jurek, one of the most legendary ultra runners, always stuck to his comfortable Brooks Cascadia shoes even though Christopher McDougall’s book “Born to Run” is an ode to barefoot running.

Some research shows that minimalist shoes can increase the risk of injury for athletes who weigh more than 157 lbs (71 kg). However, this does not apply to everyone. Suppose you are looking for your first pair of trail running shoes. In that case, choosing a level of cushioning similar to the cushioning in your regular road shoes is best. Suppose you are looking for your first pair of running shoes. In that case, it is best to choose an intermediate level of cushioning and then make adjustments later.

Breathability

Feeling a light breeze on your feet is always pleasant, especially when times are bad. Sadly, it’s a rare occurrence with trail shoes because of the tight weave used in their manufacturing to protect your feet from path debris.

To prevent overheating and excessive perspiration on the trails, you might wish to choose shoes with a thin, breathable top if you live on dry terrain and it doesn’t rain. The Brooks Cascadia 16 and the Nike Air Zoom Terra Kiger 7 are both wise choices for maximum breathability.

Waterproofing

The uppers of trail running shoes are closed-textured to prevent water from entering the shoe. The materials used are water-repellent and engineered to dry quickly.

Trail running shoes protect your feet from getting wet. The different levels of waterproofing mean that the shoes can protect your feet from different amounts of water. Most uppers are least water-repellent so that they can let in just a little bit of water, like if it’s light rain or if you step in a shallow puddle. It is usually okay since the shoes also dry quickly.

If you live in a wet region and you get tired of your feet getting wet every time you run, you may want to try waterproof trail running shoes. Shoes with Gore-Tex (or similar material) can help keep your feet dry.

 So, we don’t recommend them.

Heel-to-toe drop

The heel-to-drop is the difference in height between your heel and your forefoot. A shoe with a heel-to-drop of 30 mm and a forefoot height of 26 mm has a drop of 4 mm.

Heel-to-drops change depending on the season. They used to be much higher (10-12 mm), but now more and more brands are making shoes with lower offsets (4 mm or less).

And, of course, there is Altra Running which only offers shoes with zero drops to respect the natural position of the foot and the human body’s anatomy in general.

Different people have different opinions about how much drop is comfortable. The only study that has been done so far (to our knowledge) showed that there was no difference in injury risk between different drop levels. So, it is up to you to decide what drop level you are most comfortable with. You may find that a lower or higher drop level is more comfortable for you as you gain more experience.