Best Trail Running Shoes: Finding the Perfect Trail Running Shoes for You
If you’re looking for a versatile and durable shoe to take your outdoor running adventures to the next level, trail running shoes are a great option. With features designed specifically for off-road running, these shoes can provide stability and traction on uneven surfaces while also protecting your feet from debris and harsh elements. But it all starts with this list of the best trail running shoes and finding the right option for you.
This list of the best trail running shoes will spotlight the top options and will help you find the perfect pair of trail shoes for you. Whether you’re looking for a lightweight trail shoe, an all-terrain option, or something in between, this list will help you find the perfect fit.
After you finish with this list of the best trail running shoes, our lists of the best outdoor clothing brands, best fitness websites, and best energy shots will also provide some more excellent running and exercise-related content for you.
Top 20 Trail Running Shoes:
1. Hoka One Trail Running Shoes
Price: $144.30 – $198.30
Highlights: Vibram Megagrip outsoles, Traction Lugs, and a half-ounce lighter in weight than before.
About Shoes: The Hoka One Speedgoat 5 is a trail runner’s dream come true. If you’re looking for a high-performance pair of shoes that will give you the ultimate cushioning and flexibility requirement, then the Speedgoat 5 is just what you need.
Featuring Vibram Megagrip outsoles and Traction Lugs for unparalleled traction on any terrain, it provides you with unrivaled stability in more conditions than ever before. Even better, it has shed an incredible half ounce in weight, so your running endeavors are now lighter than ever. So if you’re out hiking or taking on a challenge run, these sneakers won’t be weighing you down.
2. Salomon Sense Ride 4 Trail Running Shoes
Price: $74.19 – $95.00
Highlights: Moderate cushioning of 27MM in the heel, a generously sized toe box for wide feet, and Contragrip rubber outsoles.
About Shoes: If you’re looking for an excellent trail running shoes, then look no further than the Salomon Sense Ride 4. Versatile enough to take you from cross-country runs to long ultra-distance endeavors and everywhere in between, these shoes have all the features you need to stay safe and supported during your chosen trails’ adventures.
The moderate cushioning (27MM in the heel) provides a comfortable cushion as you run, while a generously sized toe box helps accommodate wide feet. Plus, the full Contragrip rubber outsole gives a reliable grip on any terrain.
3. Nike Pegasus Trail 4 Trail Running Shoes
Price: $139.99
Highlights: A gaitor collar that shields against small debris, traction from sticky rubber outsoles, and a comfort-fit upper.
About Shoes: These waterproof, breathable shoes are designed for all-around performance, whether you’re blazing through muddy trails or facing down rugged uphills.
With a gaiter collar that shields against small debris and light rain, superior traction from sticky rubber outsoles, and an incredible comfort-fit upper, these shoes will have you challenging boundaries with a spring in your step like never before. Forget about dealing with soggy wet squishes and keep your feet dry and light as they power you over mountains large and small.
4. Saucony Peregrine 12 Trail Running Shoes
Price: $78.11- $84.95
Highlights: A breathable but secure upper, molded lugs and cushioning in the midsole, and superior traction and underfoot protection.
About Shoes: When you slip your feet into a pair of Peregrine 12s, you’ll feel the difference—less weight than ever before, and an upgrade of the sock liner adds just the right amount of bounce. The breathable yet secure upper keeps your feet cool and secure, while the midsole offers support with molded lugs and cushioning for those tricky off-road terrains.
5. ALTRA Lone Peak 6 Trail Running Shoes
Price: $139.95
Highlights: Zero-drop construction, an extra roomy toe box, and a flat footbed to keep your feet in their naturally flat and splayed position.
About Shoes: With their zero-drop construction and extra roomy toe box, these top shoes offer ergonomic comfort like none other. The flat footbed ensures your feet stay in their naturally flat and splayed position, eliminating any pressure spots, hot spots, or blisters that could put a damper on an otherwise fun run.
They’ve already recommended these shoes to dozens of friends, who have been amazed by the supportive cushioning and superior arch support they provide—not to mention the way they allow your feet to breathe while you run.
6. Topo Athletic Ultraventure 3 Trail Running Shoes
Price: $144.93 – $149.95
Highlights: A plush EVA foam midsole, Vibram outsole tread for extra traction, and a wide toe box.
About Shoes: Discover ultimate comfort and a rugged, stylish look. A plush EVA foam midsole delivers the cushioning you need for superior performance across trails of all types. Meanwhile, the Vibram outsole tread provides trusted traction for confident strides on any terrain.
The wider-than-average toebox ensures plenty of room for your toes to move and breathe, even when your workouts become more extreme. These shoes are perfect for ultrarunners who want something that can handle long-distance miles in style and without fail.
7. Brooks Cascadia 16 Trail Running Shoes
Price: $129.95
Highlights: An 8mm heel-to-toe drop, mesh uppers reinforced with TPU Maxifilm layers, and a classic but modern look.
About Shoes: These are some of the best trail running shoes around and have such a long legacy. With almost two decades of winning formula, runners, from classic veterans to newbies, can trust that these shoes provide amazing support and just the right amount of cushioning.
The 8-millimeter heel-to-toe drop gives you plenty of stability while you move between different terrain while still having a smooth ride on pavement. Kill it in style with this classic but modern look.
Make sure your trail runs have maximum breathability and feel lightweight with their mesh upper that is made airy yet strong with reinforced TPU Maxifilm layers.
8. Salomon Speedcross 6 Trail Running Shoes
Price: $132.69 – $177.10
Highlights: Full rubber outsoles, long-widely spaced lugs that grip the ground firmly, and a single-pull lace system.
About Shoes: These top trail running shoes are an amazing combination of comfort, support, and confidence while taking on any terrain. These shoes give you full rubber outsoles with long, widely spaced lugs that grip the ground firmly at each step.
The upper layer is snug-fitting and supportive—essential for control when navigating tricky surfaces like snow or mud. It’s not just about the outsoles, though; Speedcross 6 also features a generous cushioning midsole for extra shock absorption and protection.
Oh, and don’t forget about the stylish single-pull lace system that makes putting on your shoes a breeze. Whether you’re tackling sand dunes or wet leaves, Salomon Speedcross 6 Trail Running Shoes will get you through it all with tenacious stability and unbeatable traction.
9. Hoka Mafate Speed 3 Trail Running Shoes
Price: $199.99 – $210.15
Highlights: A durable construction, extreme grip for black diamond trails, and ample cushioning for impact absorption.
About Shoes: Put on the Hoka Mafate Speed 3 Trail Running Shoes and experience ultimate versatility, comfort, and performance for your next trail running adventure. Whether you’re tackling a tough mountain ascent or rushing back down steep terrain, these shoes are designed to assist you every step of the way.
Their durable construction and lightweight feel will make them ideal for anything you encounter while navigating challenging terrain. With enough grip to easily tackle black diamond trails and ample cushioning to absorb impact when darting downhill, the Mafate provides an unprecedented level of support without compromising on performance.
10. Brooks Catamount 2 Trail Running Shoes
Price: $169.95
Highlights: Propulsion plates, impeccable construction that guarantees durability, and cushion in the midsole.
About Shoes: Made from lightweight materials with superior breathability, these shoes are designed to get you on your feet and inspired for whatever workout or race awaits.
With both cushion and Propulsion Plates for your every step, this shoe features true versatility and goes above and beyond when it comes to keeping you safe, secure, and worry-free. Plus, the impeccable construction guarantees long-lasting comfort throughout your training sessions.
11. La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Trail Running Shoes
Price: $164.95
Highlights: A robust construction that prioritizes traction, FriXion XF 2.0 rubber, and a full-length rock guard.
About Shoes: With these lightweight and comfortable shoes, you’ll be ready to tackle any off-trail terrain – from scrambling 14ers in Colorado to traversing glaciers in the PNW or ridge-running in the Wasatch. It features robust construction that prioritizes maximum traction, wrap-around protection, and superior support.
The FriXion XF 2.0 rubber is incredibly sticky and provides exceptional grip on wet, rocky surfaces. A full-length rock guard and generous heel and toe bumpers provide extra cushioning against jagged rocks and uneven trails. Experience superior comfort with every step while still keeping your feet secure while running up steep inclines or crossings streams on rugged terrain.
12. Salomon Pulsar Trail Running Shoes
Price: $129.80
Highlights: A propulsive sole that kicks back energy, a moderate heel-toe drop, and an “Energy Blade” TPU plate to boost your responsiveness.
About Shoes: These shoes have been designed with the outdoor runner in mind – durable cushioning to support your every stride and a propulsive sole that kicks back energy for maximum speed.
The moderate heel-toe drop will make them feel natural for both low-drop and high-drop runners alike, while Salomon’s “Energy Blade” TPU plate technology boosts your responsiveness like never before. With reliable traction and a secure inner-fit sleeve, you can go further than ever before with enhanced energy and comfort.
13. Altra Olympus 5 Trail Running Shoes
Price: $179.95
Highlights: Zero-drop, a wide-toe box that promotes natural movement, and extravagant cushioning with a great amount of midsole.
About Shoes: These top trail running shoes give you an outstanding combination of Altra’s zero-drop and wide toe box that promote natural movement with a great amount of midsole. It restricts nothing while providing extravagant cushioning, comfortable responsiveness, and secure stability.
What’s more, is that it cuts more than half an ounce per shoe from the previous version. With this spectacular performance-oriented design, who wouldn’t want to go out there and set their pace?
14. Topo Athletic MTN Racer 2 Trail Running Shoes
Price: $139.93 – 144.95
Highlights: A wide-toe box, a Vibram Megagrip sole for unparalleled traction, and a five-millimeter drop.
About Shoes: Hit the trail running with confidence and ease when you lace up a pair of Topo Athletic’s MTN Racer 2 Trail Running Shoes. These technical shoes feature a wide toe box, locked-in waist, and heel to give your feet all-day comfort to last throughout your marathon or ultramarathon runs.
With a five-millimeter drop, slightly firmer cushioning, and Vibram Megagrip sole for unparalleled traction, these shoes make tackling any terrain worry-free. Best of all, it comes in at a lightweight — so you won’t feel bogged down on those longer runs.
15. SCARPA Golden Gate ATR Trail Running Shoes
Price: $122.24 – $159.00
Highlights: An upper designed for breathability, delicate padding at the ankle, and a snug sock-like liner.
About Shoes: Transform your runs and take them to the next level with SCARPA’s Golden Gate ATR Trail Running Shoes. Perfect for running on trails, roads, pavements, and gravel, these comfortable shoes provide all-terrain protection.
The upper is expertly designed for breathability yet reinforced for durability as you explore new routes on your training runs. Combining delicate padding at the ankle with a snug sock-like liner, these trail running shoes exude comfort while offering a perfectly secure fit.
With an opulently plush dual-density midsole – softer at the heel and firmer towards the front – they ensure that every step you take brings along maximum impact absorption and unbeatable spring propulsion.
16. Topo Athletic MT-4 Trail Running Shoes
Price: $111.29 – $124.95
Highlights: Two layers of foam, a ground feel while shielding it from bumps in the road, and 10% more cushioning on the top layer.
About Shoes: Introducing the MT-4 Trail Running Shoe from Topo Athletic, one of the best trail shoes for runners of any ability. If you’ve been considering taking the trail by storm but aren’t ready to take the plunge into a true zero-drop design, start here. You’ll get your feet wet with two layers of foam that provide an unbeatable combination of comfort and protection.
The dual-density midsole is made up of a top layer that has 10% more cushioning than the bottom layer, so you can be sure that no hidden rocks or roots will surprise you. For short distances, your feet will especially appreciate this compound providing ground feel while shielding it from any bumps in the road – perfect if you’re new to trail running.
For experienced runners considering taking on longer distances, consider making another model your pick, as testers found that the cushioning wasn’t sufficient for long runs on all terrains.
17. Saucony Xodus Ultra Trail Running Shoes
Price: $105.34 – $149.95
Highlights: Combines two different foams, style, and performance in one.
About Shoes: These shoes are designed to get you through your most challenging races in style and comfort. Thanks to their dual-density midsole, combining two different varieties of foam, these shoes offer amazing cushioning, stability, and speed in a lightweight package.
With an excellent combination of performance and style, the Xodus Ultra is the best trail running shoe of 2022. So if you’re ready to take your racing to the next level, then make sure you have a pair of Saucony Xodus Ultras in your running arsenal. Go farther with confidence, knowing that your feet will be taken care of by one of the top brands in running gear.
18. Inov-8 Trailfly G 270 Trail Running Shoes
Price: $62.90 – $100.49
Highlights:
About Shoes: Go the distance with Inov-8’s Trailfly G 270 Trail Running Shoes. These dynamic shoes are built for long-distance running and keep you comfortable from start to finish. Our wear-testers have given these top marks after short runs, and mechanics tests have among the highest scores for energy return.
A Powerflow foam midsole provides cushioning that absorbs impact, while tiny beads add extra comfort in the footbed; plus, it returns more energy to get your feet going on their next step.
19. Salomon Ultra Glide Trail Running Shoes
Price: $124.26 – $228.80
Highlights:
About Shoes: Lightweight, durable, and supportive—these shoes are for passionate trail runners who love to explore and don’t want to sacrifice cushioned comfort or reliable performance.
With a lightweight midsole of EVA and Olefin and a thin rockplate, the Ultra Glide has enough plush cushioning to please believers in maximum cushion yet remains stable, springy, and predictable underfoot. Go wherever you like – these shoes will give you the support you need when navigating slippery surfaces or running up steep trails without compromising your speed.
20. La Sportiva Jackal Trail Running Shoes
Price: $109.95
Highlights:
About Shoes: Set your feet off on the ultimate adventure with La Sportiva’s newest addition, the Jackal Trail Running Shoes. Designed for the toughest of trails and conditions, this versatile pair will take you anywhere you want to go – from packed dirt to gravel and long-distance trails.
Built to last, these shoes have been built with a sturdy rock plate as well as a traction-enhancing Vibram FriXion rubber that will help you tackle any terrain with ease. Plus, their cushioning and roomy toe box provide unbeatable comfort and support all day long. Even after traversing sharp rocks and slippery surfaces in wet weather, these shoes will still look nearly new – making them perfect for even the most furious adventurers.
Best Trail Running Shoes Conclusion
Whether you’re an experienced trail runner or just getting started, having the right shoes is important. Trail running shoes provide stability and traction on uneven surfaces, as well as protection from debris and the elements.
With so many different options featured above on this list of the best trail running shoes, you are sure to find the perfect pair of shoes for your next trail run.
Do you have a favorite pair of trail running shoes? If you do, please feel free to share that below in the comments.
