9 Best Trail Running Shoes

You know I love to test and review products, but I also love getting feedback on what other runners are already loving. In a recent, IG Stories poll over 1200 of you responded with 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!

What was really clear in looking through the responses is a VAST majority of you are running in the same models. And when I specifically asked for feedback from my ultra running friends they validated your choices.

Unlike their road-running counterparts, these shoes are purpose-built to withstand the unpredictable terrains, offering features like enhanced traction, stability, and durability.

Join me on this exploration of the top trail running shoes to get your miles started with the best cushion, fit and traction!

9 Best Trail Running Shoes

I don’t have a best overall trail shoe because I’ve found you all have 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

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 model.

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.

Ultra runner Camilla taking the Lone Peak on adventures.

The Altra Lone Peak is a great choice whether you’re going on a short hike or training for an ultramarathon.

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.

• 11 oz. Men’s / 9.2 oz. Women’s
• Zero drop model mens heel toe drop is no change
• Minimal to moderate cushion
• Canted lugs for tons of grip and a good stone guard for technical terrain
• Available now for $130

This is one of the few models they’ve made it up to version 7, which says a lot. It means runners are repeatedly asking for the shoe and love it (otherwise they stop making it!).

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.

Note if you opt for an older version of Altra trail shoes they may not be as breathable based on previous runner reports.

Best Technical Trail Shoe with Cushion – Hoka Mafate

The HOKA Mafate Speed is a rugged trail running shoe that is built to handle the toughest rocky terrain. In fact, it’s a super similar shoe to the Speedgoat with a very similar amount of cushion.

This shoe is going to fit just a bit more narrow than the Hoka Speedgoat, so if you feel like that’s been a too loose cushy shoe…here’s your better choice. It’s also going to have just a bit more arch support and a more breathable upper.

Ultra runner Tara has said “What keeps me coming back is the extra cushion in the forefoot which allows for more stability and comfort in rugged terrain. Likewise the lugs on the Mafates are designed for pivotal technical maneuvering, yet you could run on the road in these and be comfortable.”

It has a Vibram outsole that provides excellent traction on wet and dry surfaces. Truly we’re talking some serious grip here and that’s something I LOVE when hitting more technical trails.

This shoe is perfect for runners who enjoy exploring new trails and challenging themselves on tough terrain. The Mafate Speed is ideal for those who like to run at a fast pace and need a shoe that can keep up with their speed.

• Neutral Trail Running shoe
• 4 mm drop
• 8.5 oz women’s, 10.4 oz men’s
• Available in 4 colors
• Not available in Wide
• $185
• See all HOKA Mafate models (also includes a waterproof option and all gender option)

Best Wider Fit Trail Shoe – Brooks Cascadia

If you’re a trail runner and need a wider shoe, Brooks Cascadia has got you covered. It is an extremely protected shoe so you don’t have to worry about your feet getting banged up on rough terrain, while remaining light and agile.

I used these on all the trails when we first moved to Colorado! The GTX version will keep your feet dry for winter running or rainy days. These aren’t a shoe that I realized was a stability shoe while wearing it and for me that’s a win.

They’re also built for distance meaning they won’t wear down on you. Trail runners need shoes that offer stability and comfort whether their feet are wide or narrow. Cascadia delivers.

• 8mm heel drop
• 9.8 oz women’s, 11 oz men’s
• Available in Waterproof
•  $140
• See all current colors and sizes >>

Best Everyday Trail Run Shoe – Saucony Peregrine

At one time this was indeed my favorite trail running shoe. They made some adjustments around version 5 or 6 and I just didn’t love it anymore, so I haven’t gone back.

But that has been a few years and I’m hearing the ISO and 12/13 versions are back on par with what we all previously loved. I’ve talked with many running friends who went through the same process and are now back on board.

So let’s just say…there will probably be yet another purchase happening soon.

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.

• 4mm heel drop
• 8.5 oz women’s, 9.2 oz men’s
• Deeper lugs to help with wet and muddy terrain, also multi-directional for more grip
• There is also an ICE+ version which is really excellent for great traction on winter runs!
• See all available styles and sizes >>

Most Cushioned Trail Run Shoe – Salomon Ultra Glide

For years I was told Salomon is the GOAT, but my tests just kept telling me they were stiff. The Ultra Glide was a whole different experience. The whole shoe has more cushion from the heel collar to underfoot.

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.

While the shoe has a little bit of a rocker to it, I wouldn’t classify this as a race shoe. But it does have a good outsole grip and a nice transition over rocks, hills, etc.  What it does not have is a rock plate, so it’s not designed for super backcountry big days.

• 6 mm drop
• 9.9 oz women’s, 10.2 oz men’s
• See current sizes and pricing >>

Best Speed Trail Running Shoe – Cloudultra 2

Welcome to their trail shoe with the highest amount of cushioning. The flip release on the shoe laces, also makes it easy to adjust the tigthness 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.

**My personal test of this is coming shortly! I’ve been told by so many they adore it, that I included before testing.

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.

These are excellent trail running footwear for all distances up to and including the marathon.

• 6 mm heel drop
• 8.64 oz
• $179

Best Road to Trail – Nike Pegasus Trail

This has become my husbands favorite shoe for heading out to run the dirt roads or gravel paths near the house.

In fact the Pegasus Trail 3 was rated one of the best trail shoes by a few magazines for it’s comfortable fit and easy transition from road-to-trail! And the Pegasus Trail 4 is going to live up to its namesake.

I told David nothing about the shoe before having him join me on the trail for a run. His first comment was “these feel so much softer and flexible, more like a road shoe than a trail shoe. It’s really comfortable.”

The big thing he was noticing is the lack of a rock plate, which does make the shoe more flexible and allows it to feel softer.

• Heel drop: 9mm
• Weight: 10.2 oz men’s,  8.2 oz women’s
• Available in waterproof
• See all available colors and sizes >>

My Current Go To Trail Run Shoe – 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.

• 5 mm drop
• 7.7 oz women’s, 8.9 oz men’s
• Available in 6 colors
• Available in Wide in some colors
• $145
• See all HOKA Challenger models(including low and waterproof GTX)

Other honorable mention trail running shoes

There are so many other options that I could go in to!

• Merrell Trail Glove – A favorite of those who prefer a more barefoot feel. You’ll get traction, but keep that ground contact feel.
• North Face Altamesa 500 – A new to the market shoe that is get some rave reviews for the cushion! Once I get a chance to test, I’ll be updating!

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!

Looking for more reviews to find the best things for you run?

Checkout our full page of my must have running gear reviews and guides to save you time searching and money! I share what’s worked for me and fellow runners, along with what wasn’t worth the price tag.

A few common requests:

• How to Clean Your Running Shoes
• Affordable massage guns for runners
• Best HR monitors (from watches to straps)
• Best running socks (lightweight to compression)
• Best sunglasses for running

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