Best Trail Running Shoes of 2026

Our favorite trail running shoes are the ones we forget we're wearing—they provide traction, stability, and comfort across all terrain. We've been testing trail runners for years, and The North Face Vectiv Enduris 4 is perhaps the most complete shoe we've ever tested for tackling trails. The Enduris 4 offers a lively and comfortable ride, an accommodating fit, and unmatched versatility. Of course, one shoe won't fit everyone perfectly (though it comes close); we also have recommendations for wide feet, ultramarathons, mountain running, and other trail running missions you might have. If you prefer running on the road, read our article on the best running shoes, or if you want to slow down on the trail, read our article on the best hiking shoes.
 

Our Team's Trail Running Shoe Research

• Best Overall Trail Running Shoe: The North Face Vectiv Enduris 4
• Runner Up Best Trail Runner: Hoka Speedgoat 7
• Best Budget Trail Running Shoe: Altra Lone Peak 9
• Most Comfortable Trail Running Shoe: Salomon Ultra Glide 4
• Best Light and Fast Trail Runner: Norda 005
• Best For Ultra-Distance Racing: La Sportiva Prodigio Pro
• Best Mountain Running Shoe: La Sportiva Bushido III
• Other Excellent Trail Running Shoes
• What About Boutique Trail Running Brands?
• Tested and Dismissed
• Comparison Table
• Our Testing Process
• How to Choose Trail Running Shoes
• Trail Running Shoes FAQs

Best Overall Trail Running Shoe

The North Face Vectiv Enduris 4 ($180)

Weight: 1 lb. 4.2 oz. (men's), 1 lb. 1.9 oz. (women's)
Cushioning: 32mm heel, 26mm toe
Drop: 6mm
What we like:  A true all-arounder that excels on varied terrain across distances.
What we don’t: Fit is a touch finicky, and the forefoot plate may rub depending on foot shape.

To our minds, the best trail running shoe is the one you want to wear most often, and right now, that's The North Face Vectiv Enduris 4. Use-case is always important when selecting a trail shoe, but the Vectiv Enduris 4 is so versatile that it offers a one-and-done option for most trail runners. The nitrogen-infused TPU Dream midsole features Vectiv 3.0 plates to create a ride that is at once comfortable and bouncy underfoot, without feeling wild or unstable (fans of the older Vectiv Pro shoes may remember how fun but unruly those shoes felt). As for fit: We love the serrated laces for a secure tie-down, the heel counter is more comfortable than previous versions, and the forefoot feels spacious enough for wide feet without being excessive or sloppy. The Vectiv Enduris 4 feels just as good running fast on gentle singletrack as it does on an all-day adventure with tons of vert—we'd happily race in this shoe just as we happily train in it. While the outsole isn't class-leading, we found it perfectly reliable even on some wet trails.

Our only potential holdups with The North Face Vectiv Enduris 4 are related to fit. In our experience, TNF trail running shoes have a long, spacious forefoot, and while the Enduris 4 feels true-to-size, it's well worth trying on your normal size to see if you need to opt for a half size down. With that in mind, the forefoot Vectiv plate may rub on the inside of the ball of your foot, depending on the length of your toes, but it's a far cry from the old Vectiv plates practically eating away the shoe upper. If the Vectiv Enduris 4 fits you right, you won't need another trail running shoe all season. 
Get the Men's TNF Vectiv Enduris 4  Get the Women's TNF Vectiv Enduris 4

Runner-Up Best Trail Runner

Hoka Speedgoat 7 ($165)

Weight: 1 lb. 3.4 oz. (men's), 1 lb. 0.6 oz. (women's)
Cushioning: 37mm heel / 32mm toe
Drop: 5mm
What we like: Standout comfort and traction in a secure, stable package.
What we don’t: Still very narrow, and it isn't a leader in responsiveness. 

It's a credit to Hoka that it continues to improve on a long-loved shoe, and the Speedgoat 7 is our favorite of the last few generations. The newest model finally incorporates supercritical EVA foam in the midsole, elevating underfoot comfort and improving responsiveness. The platform feels similar to previous iterations, with a signature snug fit throughout the mid and forefoot, though the 7 feels a touch shorter than the 6. The Vibram Megagrip outsole is as grippy as ever, and on steep climbs or descents over technical terrain, we felt incredibly poised. While some supercritical foams can feel a little spongy and easy to wash out, the Speedgoat 7 felt stable and firm on both difficult and mellow trails. If you have liked the Speedgoat in the past, then you will love the 7. 

Plenty of trail runners don't fit well into the Speedgoat—that narrow fit might lock you in, but it can feel suffocating if you have wider feet. Additionally, the supercritical EVA is a welcome addition, but it still doesn't feel as peppy as the trail runners we've tested. Ultimately, that's why we gave the edge to The North Face Vectiv Enduris 4, which feels more lively underfoot. That said, few shoes offer such a complete package at this price, and the Hoka Speedgoat 7 has quickly become one of our go-to daily trail running shoes.  
Read more: Hoka Speedgoat 6 review, Hoka Speedgoat 2 review
Get the Men's Hoka Speedgoat 7 Get the Women's Speedgoat 7
 

Best Budget Trail Running Shoe

Altra Lone Peak 9 ($145)

Weight: 1 lb. 6.4 oz. (men's), 1 lb. 2.6 oz (women's)
Cushioning: 25mm heel/toe
Drop: 0mm
What we like: A comfortable, wide-fitting shoe available at a great price.
What we don’t: Sluggish, slipper-like feel; too roomy for some.

The Altra Lone Peak 9 consistently shines as an excellent option for wide and/or finicky feet. The signature wide toe-box and zero-drop setup make it a sought-after choice for a more natural running experience. And it's true, we love the Lone Peak for those reasons, but it doesn't get nearly enough credit for the value it offers at $145. In the latest iteration, Altra added a more abrasion-resistant ripstop mesh upper and improved traction with an upgraded MaxTrac outsole. True to its trail-worthy intentions, the Lone Peak retains a rock plate and gaiter attachments (the heel and tongue pulls are a big plus, too). The ethos remains: This is a versatile trail runner for anyone who struggles with the fit of narrow or high-drop shoes. And for a reliable all-arounder, especially for those who want a more natural running experience, it's tough to find more for the money. 

To be sure, the wide, zero-drop design isn't for everyone, and those accustomed to a more traditional trail runner might find the Lone Peak sluggish, under-cushioned, and lacking in arch support. It can feel a little dead, especially during faster runs, and the standard model's rubber wears out faster than we'd like. That said, Altra now offers the Lone Peak 9+, which includes a Vibram outsole for $15 more, though that puts it out of budget territory (traction is mostly unchanged, but durability seems improved). Yes, there are cheaper shoes, but on trail, where protection and traction really matter, we don't recommend sacrificing for less, and the Lone Peak 9 is a very complete shoe for the price. 
Read more: Altra Lone Peak 8 review
Get the Men's Altra Lone Peak 9  Get the Women's Altra Lone Peak 9
 

Most Comfortable Trail Running Shoe

Salomon Ultra Glide 4 ($160)

Weight: 1 lb. 4.1 oz. (men's), 1 lb. 2 oz. (women's)
Cushioning: 41mm heel / 35mm toe
Drop: 6mm
What we like: Comfortable upper and midsole; very grippy outsole.
What we don’t: Still will be too narrow for some feet; not as responsive as top picks. 

Few brands can match the legacy of Salomon's great trail running shoes, but the Ultra Glide 4 might just be our favorite yet. Sure, it's an absolute workhorse in terms of versatility, but the all-around comfort is where this shoe really shines. The latest Ultra Glide is a max-cushion shoe, with 41 millimeters of optiFOAM in the heel and 35 millimeters in the toe. The feel is plush without being overly soft, and the midsole foam visibly wraps the foot high on the sides, which contributes to a very planted feel for such a high-stack shoe. The outsole features a funky-looking wave pattern; we were hesitant that we might feel it underfoot, but it actually provides excellent traction. It doesn't stop there, though, and the upper feels very secure and breathable (even the black color we tested felt among the more breathable in the test). Finally, we've come to celebrate the Salomon speed lace, which makes dialing in fit so simple. 

Those who know the traditional fit of Salomon shoes may be scared off by the Ultra Glide 4, and indeed it's still a narrow shoe, but we found it to be more generous than its racing-oriented sibling, the S/Lab Ultra Glide 2 (which we also love). There is a wide version, but we found that even runners with slightly wider feet could make the standard width work. The Ultra Glide 4 may be extremely comfortable, but it sacrifices a bit of performance for that softer all-around feel, and ultimately, that elevated our top picks above it. However, if mellower miles over varied terrain is your thing, this is an ideal fit. 
Get the Men's Ultra Glide 4 Get the Women's Ultra Glide 4
 

Best Light and Fast Trail Runner

Norda 005 ($325)

Weight: 15.1 oz. 
Cushioning: 28.5mm heel / 21.5mm toe
Drop: 7mm
What we like: Genuinely stunning underfoot response and nimbleness.
What we don’t: Expensive; lack of heel and upper structure won't work for everyone. 

The Norda 005 is one of those shoes you truly have to try to understand the buzz. The boutique Canadian brand has created some premium trail running shoes over the last couple of years, and the 005 is easily our favorite. It practically redefines what a trail shoe can be, and the lightweight construction (just 15.1 oz. per pair) and bouncy Arnitel TPEE foam make this a fast and exciting trail shoe. It makes for an excellent racing shoe, especially for sub-ultra distances (anything longer, and we want a little more stack and protection). The new Vibram Megagrip Elite outsole is the first of its kind, and while it doesn't look particularly aggressive, we found it kept up with other favorite outsoles, especially on wet or slippery surfaces. We love Norda for its wide yet secure fit across shoes, and the 005 allows your toes some freedom while snugging up well around the midfoot and ankle. And the Dyneema upper (a super-strong fiber commonly used in ultralight backpacking gear) is more breathable than previous Norda shoes, yet still feels highly durable. 

The 005 does have marginally more ankle support than the 001A in the form of ankle pillows, but we still prefer a bit more—sure, it's a weight tradeoff, but for longer-distance running, structure helps. Of course, Norda shoes can't be talked about without mentioning price, and at $325, this is one of the priciest trail shoes. That said, runners have reported getting more than 1000 miles out of Norda shoes (we have a pair of 001s with about 200 miles on them, and they look and feel new, aside from some trail dirt), so from a value standpoint, you're actually getting a solid deal. Plus, we think the pure joy factor of running in the 005 is worth it—if you're someone who likes to zip down trails and participate in trail races, this should be on your list. 
Get the Men's Norda 005 Get the Women's Norda 005
 

Best Ultra-Distance Racing Shoe

La Sportiva Prodigio Pro ($225)

Weight: 1 lb. 1.8 oz. (men's), 15.8 oz. (women's)
Cushioning: 34mm heel / 28mm toe
Drop: 6mm
What we like: An evolution in the trail racing space—comfortable, bouncy, and protective.
What we don’t: Fit is always a question with La Sportiva; the upper is a little warm.

As far as shoes that elevate a category, the La Sportiva Prodigio Pro has combined lightweight protection, cushioning, and response in a way we've yet to experience in other trail racers. TPU is gaining traction in trail shoes (our top pick, the Vectiv Enduris 4, has TPU foam too), and the Prodigio Pro's nitrogen-infused variety is wrapped in EVA—the combined effect is highly responsive yet stable, firmly protective yet comfortable. If you participate in ultramarathons, the Prodigio Pro provides ample underfoot foam (34mm in the heel, 28mm in the toe) while still feeling streamlined and race-day ready. The upper is very protective and secure (albeit a little warm), and we're big fans of the sock-like gaiter for keeping rocks and dirt out of your shoes. Better yet, La Spo has some cushioning in the tongue to prevent rubbing from the laces (other sock gaiter shoes, like the Hoka Tecton X3, can rub if laced too tightly). The outsoles (so-called Frixion XF 2.0) feel reliable going up or down hill, and have held up super well to miles of abuse. And all this at just under nine ounces per shoe in men's sizing. 

You may notice that the Prodigio Pro doesn't feature a plate in the midsole, and while a few trail racers have found success with one, the internal TPU layer seems to function a bit like a flexible plate, with more pliability and ground-adherence. And folks who race ultras but run a bit slower might want more stack height (the Brooks Cascadia Elite is worth a look for both). Additionally, the upper on the Prodigio Pro is a touch warm, but it remained comfortable over distance. Finally, if you don't know your La Sportiva size (typically labeled in EU sizing), we always recommend trying on a pair, as we regularly need to size up. 
Get the Men's Prodigio Pro Get the Women's Prodigio Pro
 

Best Mountain Running Shoe

La Sportiva Bushido III ($160)

Weight: 1 lb. 5.2 oz. (men's), 1 lb. 1.6 oz (women's)
Cushioning:  19mm heel / 13mm toe
Drop: 6mm
What we like: A superb technical shoe with awesome traction.
What we don’t: Too much grip and not enough cushion for high-mileage outings and daily training.

Today's mountain athletes don’t think twice about taking on technical challenges with nothing more than a pair of running shoes and a day’s worth of supplies, and many of our go-to shoes come from climbing specialist La Sportiva. Their versatile Bushido III is a perennial favorite and excels on all manner of terrain, from soggy trails and snow to fifth-class rock and loose talus. Grippy FriXion rubber (a compound used on some of La Sportiva’s climbing shoes) gives you solid traction while scrambling, and the hardy tread grips remarkably well on soft terrain without being too overbuilt for firm ground. Tack on a durable upper with recently updated increased breathability, plus a protective toe cap and rock guard under the forefoot, and the Bushido is a confidence-inspiring workhorse of a shoe.

Compared to the Salomon Speedcross 6, the Bushido III has more versatile intentions for a variety of on- and off-trail terrain. Further, mountain runners will love the shoe’s low stack height (19mm in the heel), which lends stability and a solid ground feel. But this performance does end up feeling overkill on smooth paths, and the Bushido’s lightly cushioned midsole is less comfortable than all-around models like the Speedgoat, especially on high-mileage days. Still, for technical missions that demand high precision and a reliable grip, the Bushido is hard to beat.
Read more: La Sportiva Bushido III review (women's version)
Get the Men's La Sportiva Bushido III  Get the Women's La Sportiva Bushido III
 

Other Excellent Trail Running Shoes

Top-Tier Versatility

Norda 001A ($295)

Weight: 1 lb. 0.32 oz. 
Cushioning: 26mm heel / 21mm toe
Drop: 5mm
What we like: Run-on-anything option that lasts a long time; class-leading outsole.
What we don’t: Expensive and heel cup can rub; warm upper. 

Typically, when a brand takes a great shoe and makes minimal changes to it, we're left wanting more, but the Norda 001A is coming along swimmingly. The updated 001 features a new midsole (an Arnitel TPEE supercritical blend), so while it looks exactly the same as the prior model, the feel and performance are perceivably elevated. Fans of wider-fit shoes will love this one, and Norda recommends wearing a half size up (which rang true for us). With perhaps our favorite outsole in the space right now (the Norda-specific Vibram Megagrip with Litebase), this shoe can truly tackle any trail with poise. The new foam feels like you're running on a higher stack shoe (26mm in the heel is fairly low by today's standards), and response, comfort, and stability are all superb.

Okay, we admit it, we still want a little bit more out of the next version of the 001A. It's so close to a perfect all-around shoe, but the ankle collar and tongue still leave a bit to be desired. Even after many miles and runs in the shoe, some days we'll experience rubbing from trail dust or an imperfect lacing that just knocks the 001A out of our top picks. And while the Dyneema upper feels nearly indestructible, it is pretty warm. While the shoe feels great out of the box, it doesn't really break in and soften up the way other options will. For that reason, if the 001A fits you right and feels good around the ankle, there are perhaps no better options, but we think more runners will be better suited to our top picks. 
Get the Men's Norda 001A Get the Women's Norda 001A
 

Our Favorite Trail Super Shoe

Brooks Casadia Elite ($275)

Weight: 1 lb. 2.88 oz. (men's), 1 lb. 1.6 oz. (women's)
Cushioning: 40mm heel / 34mm toe
Drop: 6mm
What we like: Super lively underfoot with a secure, comfortable upper.
What we don’t: Feels a bit too high-stack on steep descents. 

If you want a true trail super shoe (read: plated with PEBA foam), our confident recommendation is the Brooks Casadia Elite. While the super shoe shift from road to trail brought bouncier midsoles and carbon plates, the initial infusion felt like it didn't fully translate (early trail super shoes were fast but unstable). The Brooks Casadia Elite beautifully combines an aggressive and fast ethos with long-haul comfort and a poised trail-feel. Its carbon/Pebax plate runs around the perimeter of the Pebax DNA Gold midsole, so while it might not propel you in the same way an AlphaFly does, it feels a lot more stable on uneven terrain. The upper is another sock gaiter hybrid setup, which we've come to enjoy in racing shoes and trainers alike, and the foam pillow helps prevent uncomfortable lace rub. The Matryx upper is rather breathable and holds up well to the trials of the trail. If you're an ultra-runner looking for a true super shoe that feels beautifully fine-tuned to trails, it's hard to find fault with the Cascadia Elite.

There's no doubt that the Casadia Elite is a high-stack shoe—40 millimeters of Pebax foam under your heel is welcome in mile 50 of a race. But we did find that when descending fast, this shoe felt just a touch tall underfoot. And it's not heavy for how robust a shoe this is, but the La Sportiva Prodigio Pro and Norda 005 are both lighter racing options (though both lack a plate).
Get the Casadia Elite 
 

What About Boutique Trail Running Brands?

There's no doubt about it: Trail running is a growing sport. That growth has spawned a handful of boutique brands, and we couldn't be more excited about what they're bringing to the table. For shoes alone, small companies like Norda, NNormal, Speedland, and Mount To Coast are elevating what trail runners can be with super-foams and other innovative materials. Plus, a handful of apparel companies like Satisfy and Roark are making excellent trail-oriented running clothes. All that is to say, the future is bright for trail. We love to see legacy brands pushed to innovate by the up-and-comers, because in the end, we trail runners all win to the tune of better-performing, longer-lasting gear. 

Tested & Dismissed Trail Running Shoes

We removed the Salomon S/Lab Pulsar 4 because it doesn't offer enough versatility for the price, and while it's fun for faster efforts, we found Salomon's own Ultra Glide 4 and S/Lab Ultra Glide 2 to be more complete shoes (read our full Salomon S/Lab Pulsar 4 review). We also removed the Salomon Speedcross 6, as the four-year-old shoe no longer delivers the performance benefits of modern trail running shoes. It still makes a solid hiking shoe, but we prefer to run in livelier and more comfortable options (read our full Salomon Speedcross 6 review). 

We removed the Saucony Peregrine 15 as the newer Peregrine 16 is now available. We're in the process of testing that, but in the end, the 15 was starting to fall behind other top options in the space. 

We found that the On Cloudultra 3 couldn't quite match the well-rounded performance of our top picks, especially given the price is creeping up toward $200. 

The Brooks Catamount 4 is a fun, lightweight shoe, but it couldn't match the performance and comfort of the Norda 005. We also dropped the Brooks Cascadia 19, as the 20 is nearly here (we're currently testing), and the 19 is starting to fall behind shoes with better foam blends (though the Cascadia Elite is excellent). The Brooks Divide 5 fell off as our budget pick because it became hard to find, and the price often crept up to the cost of our other top picks. 

Wide-footed runners will enjoy the Topo Mtn Racer 4, and indeed, we still love the fit and comfort of that shoe, but we think the wide versions of top picks offer better performance and versatility. 

The NNormal Tomir 2.0 is still a great shoe if the slim fit works for your foot, but the performance package and durability chops are met or exceeded by the competition. 

Ultimately, the Hoka Mafate X was just too heavy to justify leaving on the list, and we found the Brooks Cascadia Elite to provide far more appeal as a max-stack ultra-distance shoe. We also tried the new low-stack Hoka Zinal 3, but found the upper to be a bit wishy-washy for a speed-oriented shoe. 

The La Sportiva Prodigio Max and Prodigio 2 are both solid shoes, but they didn't surpass any of our max cushion or daily trail options, and the Prodigio Pro is so good for racing that it was our confident pick among the bunch. That said, either would make a great training companion for the Pro if your foot is a good fit for the lineup. 

The Nike Zegama 2 and Nike Pegasus Trail 5 also didn't make the latest cut, and while we appreciate the road-to-trail outsole of the Pegasus Trail 5, the shoes have started to feel dated and underperform in terms of support compared to more backcountry-oriented brands. We're testing Nike's new ACG line and will update this with our findings. 
 

Trail Running Shoe Comparison Table

About Our Testing Process

The Switchback Travel team has been cruising mellow mountain singletrack and boulder-strewn trails for years. Editors Nathan Lemin and Chris Carter, along with contributing editor Maggie Slepian, provided on-trail testing for this guide. Our current selection of trail runners is the result of continued real-world testing and feedback from seasoned contributors and the running community as a whole. 

We put trail running shoes through a variety of use-cases—from after-work jaunts on local trails to organized ultramarathons—to gauge their performance. We want to try each shoe on as various of terrain as possible to identify which scenarios best suit each top pick. Stability, cushioning, traction, response, and weight are all key factors we consider when assessing a shoe's merits, and each model must prove itself over many miles before earning a spot on our list. Finally, as mentioned, the competition for the trail-shoe podium is fierce and always evolving. Our list is pared down to the absolute best, but we're constantly testing new and noteworthy shoes as they become available.
 

How to Choose a Trail Running Shoe 

• Weight
• Traction
• Cushioning
• Heel-to-Toe Drop
• Stability
• Waterproofing
• Breathability
• Toe Protection
• Midsole Plates
   

Weight

We put a high priority on weight when considering a trail running shoe. Feathery designs will feel light on your feet and are perfect for speedwork, while heavier shoes with maximum cushioning are often more ruggedly built for off-trail exploring. Each design has compromises: Many lighter options lack overall protection and support, while overbuilt designs can be fairly cumbersome on easy trails. As materials and trail shoe design evolve, we're finding that even some max-cushion shoes can achieve a low overall weight, and in general, trail runners are getting lighter while maintaining cushioning and protection.
 

Traction

Traction is one of the areas where we see the most variation among trail runners. In general, the grip level provided will follow the intended trail usage. Shoes for lighter trails may feature a combination of outsole rubber and exposed midsole foam, which lends a lightweight, springy feel but can be prone to slipping on slippery rocks, roots, and mud. On the other hand, shoes built for rugged trails often have a full-rubber outsole for excellent traction in mountainous terrain, such as snow, boulder hopping, and scree. 

Looking closer at the nitty-gritty of traction, an outsole’s rubber compound, tread depth, and tread pattern all play a role in maximizing grip. Shoes that have sticky, approach-shoe-like rubber, like the La Sportiva Bushido III, excel on rock, while others that have a softer and more pliable feel often do better in mud. Secondly, tread depth (lug depth as defined by millimeters) isn’t listed by all manufacturers, but you can get a good idea of the size by looking at an image of the sole. Tall lugs, like those on the Salomon Speedcross 6, provide excellent bite in loose ground, but their raised profile can reduce stability. Finally, the tread design should be considered: Widely spaced, tall lugs with a soft compound will outperform tightly spaced, short lugs, and sticky rubber in mud, and the reverse is typically true over rock or hardpack.
 

Cushioning

We often refer to cushioning as “stack height," or the measured height from where the foot sits inside the shoe to the ground, but there's more to the equation, including the foam used in the midsole. And to be sure, trail running shoes are trending higher in stack height. Models may range from minimalist to heavily cushioned, with most generalist options often falling around 34mm in the heel these days. Minimalist designs with low-profile midsole foam can be nimble and provide a close groundfeel, but we've experienced sore feet after long days in shoes with less than 20 millimeters of stack height. Conversely, much more than 40 millimeters can feel nice and plush underfoot, but cumbersome and unstable. 

The varieties of foam used in trail running midsoles are growing, much to our benefit. Used to be, standard EVA foams were the most common, but now many companies are infusing nitrogen or otherwise creating supercritical foams. Some are even using TPU (a denser foam found in The North Face Vectiv Enduris 4 or La Sportiva Prodigio Pro) or TPEE (like Arnitel's foam in Norda). These more responsive foams allow brands to fine-tune performance and protection without the need for added plates, leading to very lightweight, protective, and fast trail runners. 

Heel-to-Toe Drop

As the name indicates, the heel-to-toe drop is the difference in shoe height from the heel to the toe. This spec was barely on the radar of folks outside the hardcore running community until the zero-drop fad hit a few years ago. Many all-rounder shoes have a drop of 4 to 8 millimeters, which can work well for both heel and midfoot strikers. True zero-drop shoes have a 0-millimeter drop, encouraging a mid- or forefoot landing. And many rugged-trail models have the most dramatic drops, often 8 to 10 millimeters, but those can feel excessive when running downhill. In this round of testing, we didn't select any picks with a drop of more than 7 millimeters. 
 

Stability

Trying to move fast over rough terrain in a pair of lightweight low-top shoes may seem like asking for an injury, but today’s trail running shoes offer a stable ride resistant to ankle rolls. This starts with a solid platform that's wide and rigid enough to sustain hard impacts on uneven ground—a great example is the Topo Athletic Mtn Racer 4. The chassis—the perimeter of the base of the shoe—is often beefed up to create that solid base. In addition, some shoes include a shank, a semi-rigid piece of plastic or nylon between the midsole and outsole for added stiffness. Finally, some manufacturers create reinforced overlays around the heel cup for added structure and rollover protection. The relative stiffness and stability of a shoe often correlate with its intended use: A mountain-oriented shoe like the La Sportiva Bushido III is stiffer and has more structure, while lighter trail runners like the Brooks Catamount still provide protection but have fewer reinforcements and overlays. 

Breathability

The ventilating ability of a shoe is one of the most important factors for runners. Nylon mesh is a common material used in trail running shoes for increased breathability. To retain durability, many manufacturers combine a tight weave with a thin fabric to resist tears and keep air flowing. Some are more accomplished than others, and we recommend looking for shoes built with mesh and few overlays if you want breathability. That said, if you frequent rocky trails that tear up lighter shoes, a more robust knit like that of the La Sportiva Prodigio Pro is recommended.
 

Toe Protection

Trail running naturally puts you in terrain more challenging and potentially hazardous than what you’ll find around town, and we love any added toe protection from your shoe’s construction. Trail running shoes often include a rubber toe guard or cap that can absorb direct hits. Because of the lightweight intent of a trail runner, the toe protection isn’t as substantial as a hiking shoe, but it should prevent your toes from turning black and blue should you accidentally kick a rock or root on the trail.
 

Midsole Plates

Much in the same way that a protective toe cap isolates you from a sharp rock or other trail debris, lightweight rock plates are inserted between the midsole and outsole on many trail shoes. Additionally, more and more brands are putting speed-oriented plates for propulsion in trail shoes, a piece of tech from road running. These plates vary in thickness, coverage, and materials, ranging from thin, flexible ESS foam under the ball of the foot to a stiff TPU shank or a carbon plate. The amount of protection and/or propulsion needed depends on personal preference and the terrain you'll be running on (more miles on rough trails will merit burlier protection). We're finding that lately, brands don't always need to include a shank/plate for protection due to evolving midsole materials.
 

Lacing Systems

Most shoes use a standard lace-up method, but brands like Salomon are doing things differently with a single-pull “Quicklace” system on their trail runners. It only requires a single pull, and you can tuck away the excess laces and forget about them. We’ve found that the laces hold securely, but for runners with finicky feet who need to customize the fit, there isn’t a quick-lace solution: they will fit equally tight all around. If quick-laces aren't your thing, we also like our trail running shoes with serrated laces, which lock together better and prevent unwanted loose shoes on a technical section of trail. 
 

Trail Running Shoes FAQs

Should I wear zero-drop trail running shoes?

We believe heel-toe drop is a matter of comfort and personal preference. Many people like a moderate drop in their trail running shoes, while others prefer a zero-drop design like the Altra Lone Peak. While there was a trend toward lower-drop shoes, performance and injury-prevention claims are hotly debated, and we tend to think there's a good reason most competitive trail runners don't use zero-drop shoes. No matter what you choose, it's important to avoid major changes to your shoe design without easing into it (mileage-wise). Jumping from a six millimeter shoe to a zero-drop shoe and heading out for 10 miles might cause significant injury. We like to mix in runs in low- or zero-drop shoes about once per week; that way, we keep various leg muscles adaptable and avoid injury from sudden or excessive changes. 

What about waterproof trail runners?

Wet feet are a common reason for going home early, and many trail shoes are available in waterproof versions that feature a waterproof, breathable membrane (often Gore-Tex) between the outer fabric and the shoe’s inner lining. These shoes are a few ounces heavier per pair and $15 to $40 more, but the waterproofing is effective and makes sense in cold weather, when wet feet become cold feet in a hurry.

That said, we’re not huge fans of waterproof trail running shoes for a few reasons. Waterproof membranes significantly impact breathability, creating a ripe environment for clammy feet. What’s more, drying time suffers, as there's no way for water (or sweat) to escape once it's inside. Further, while they guard against low-lying puddles and streams, waterproof shoes do nothing to prevent water from entering at the ankle. In the end, we can see the appeal for shoulder seasons or winter, but for most runners, the tradeoffs aren’t worth it. For more on this topic, check out our article: Do You Need Waterproof Hiking Shoes? You can also see our top waterproof hiking shoes, which include plenty of trail-running options. 

What is Mountain Running?

Mountain running is experiencing a huge growth spurt, with more and more enthusiasts ditching heavy overnight gear for a pair of running shoes and a light pack. By our definition, this style of running takes you off-trail and into cross-country zones, where you might encounter anything from technical rock climbing and talus or boulder fields to glacier travel and steep snow—think ridge scrambling in the Rockies or peak bagging in the North Cascades. And you’ll need just the right footwear to tackle this complex terrain: A shoe that combines the light weight and comfort of a trail runner with the stability, grip, and durability of an approach or hiking shoe. By another definition, mountain running is a USATF-sanctioned sport in which elite runners race on short and steep courses. This is different from mountain running and requires a different skill set and a focus on much lighter footwear.

Fortunately, a whole class of mountain-running-specific shoes exists, engineered specifically for off-trail trickery. La Sportiva leads the field here, but designs from brands like Dynafit, Salomon, and Scarpa come in close behind (some of our favorites include the La Sportiva Bushido III and Scarpa Ribelle Run). Within this category, look for sticky rubber outsoles (Vibram Megagrip and FriXion are common compounds) with shallow lugs and a smooth patch near the toe for climbing performance. Many will feature a lower, more planted feel for stability on off-camber terrain, aided by moderate-to-light cushioning in the middle. Finally, they’re relatively stiff and have durable and protective uppers (we often strap crampons or microspikes to our mountain running shoes). For more, check out our editor's picks for the best mountain running gear.

What are gravel shoes or road-to-trail shoes?

Plenty of runners leave their front door and run on a mix of pavement and trails, but most trail running shoes aren't designed for pavement. With full rubber soles, firm midsoles, and more protective uppers, they’ll feel overbuilt and heavy, and the softer rubber compounds can wear out prematurely if subjected to a lot of road running. That's where gravel or road-to-trail shoes come in, a growing category among running brands. 

A few hybrid designs toe the line between the two worlds, including the Hoka Challenger and Altra Outroad, but their trail performance is so middling that we don’t include them in our main guide. The Brooks Divide 5 can handle pavement better than many other trail shoes, and there are a few new gravel-specific models, like the Salomon Aero Glide 4 GRVL or On Cloudsoma, that can handle pavement, gravel, and light trails. These shoes often feature some of the same components as road running shoes, including soft midsoles and airy mesh uppers, but a touch more protection or lug depth. Don’t expect them to be particularly great performers on either surface, but we do tend to pack gravel shoes when we're traveling, as the versatility is tough to beat.

Can I hike or backpack in trail running shoes?

Trail running shoes have become wildly popular for everyone from day hikers to thru-hikers. And it makes sense: With a lightweight and flexible build that doesn't skimp on traction, you can cover more ground with less effort. Further, most day hikers and thru-hikers keep pack weight to a minimum, so there’s less need for the stability and ankle support of a sturdy shoe or boot. Brooks' Cascadia has long defined this category of crossover trail shoes, and we see many hikers wearing the Hoka Speedgoat and the Altra Lone Peak. One editor who hiked the Triple Crown had nothing but rave reviews for both the Lone Peak and Speedgoat after thousands of miles of hard trail. Once he found the joy of hiking in trail runners, he never looked back.

But there are several issues. One is durability. It’s unlikely you’ll get as many miles out of your trail runners as you would a lightweight hiking shoe or full-on hiking boot, which are designed to handle more use and abuse. Second, with minimal materials and bulk, a trail runner does not offer the same amount of protection as beefier hiking footwear, especially those with generous rubber rands and leather uppers. Finally, we don’t recommend trail running shoes for heavy loads or rugged terrain, when you’ll want a more supportive option. But despite these potential downsides, trail runners seem to be here to stay as a popular hiking and backpacking option, and models like the Lone Peak and Speedgoats offer more durability over the long haul than one might imagine. If you want to take a deeper dive into the available options, check out our article on Hiking Shoes vs. Trail Runners.