The 10 Best Trail Running Shoes
If you have found a pair of road running shoes that work for your daily and long distance trail runs, then good for you! But, for the rest of us, we could all use a pair of durable trail running shoes for getting us over the hills and across varying terrains. Lucky for us, the experts at the leading shoe brands have drastically improved the overall performance of their trail running shoes over the past few years, and with that, we could put our trust (and feet) in their hands with confidence. In the following guide, we reviewed 10 of the best trail running shoes that you can buy today. Read on to find out our top pick! You’ll thank us later.
Best Trail Running Shoes: Product FAQ
1. What Are Trail Running Shoes?
2. What Do Trail Running Shoes Do?
3. How Do Trail Running Shoes Work?
4. Where Can You Buy Trail Running Shoes?
How We Reviewed
The following products were reviewed based on the following parameters: Features, Pros & Cons, Price, and Where to Buy. We were mainly concerned about the shoe’s sizing, breathability, mid-foot support, arch support, traction, grip, and finally, durability.
Overall Price Range of This Product
(and Similar Products)
Trail running shoes range in price from around $40 to $430. Some trail running shoes cost more because they feature a more rugged outsole, are made with Vibram soles, are more lightweight, or are coated with GORE-Tex waterproof technology.
What We Reviewed
- The fourth generation of our legendary Speedcross lug pattern is an even hungrier monster...
- Feel one with the trail with a precise combination of Sensifit with Quicklace, performance...
- Just enough to provide protection for technical trail running; Features mid feather upper...
Features
The first product on our list of the best trail running shoes is Salomon Women’s Speedcross 4. Made with 100% textile and synthetic materials, these sturdy shoes are the fourth generation of Salomon’s Speedcross family. Featuring a rugged lug pattern, these shoes are designed for tackling soft and technical trails. Combining Sensifit technology with Quicklace, these shoes offer convenient lacing and performance that lasts. Finally, these shoes feature a protective mid-foot construction to keep your feet cushioned on hard surface terrains. Each pair comes with Salomon’s 2-year limited warranty.
PROS
CONS
- Rearfoot GEL Cushioning System: Attenuates shock during impact phase and allows for a...
- Removable Sockliner: A sockliner which can be removed to accommodate a medical orthotic.
- Removable Sockliner: A sockliner which can be removed to accommodate a medical orthotic.
Features
The ASICS Women’s Gel-Venture 6 Running Shoes are made with imported synthetic materials and a rubber sole. As the second product on our list of the best trail running shoes, this pair features Rearfoot GEL Cushioning System to absorb shock during foot landings while providing a smooth transition to your mid-foot stance.
These shoes also feature a removable sock-liner for those who need to use a medical orthotic. For the outsole, these shoes come equipped with reversed lugs to provide traction on a variety of terrain and to provide support during both uphill climbs and downhill runs. Finally, the outsole contains ASCIS High Abrasion Rubber for added durability and stability.
PROS
CONS
- Lining: Fixed Adaptive FIt (stretch liner)
- Upper Material: stretch mesh, TPU overlays
- Closure: Adjustable 360 Support System (lace and drawcord)
Features
The Arc’teryx Norvan VT GTX Trail Running Shoe features synthetic imported materials, including a durable air-permeable mesh upper for added breathability and comfort. These stylish shoes truly deserve a spot on our list of the best trail running shoes. They feature a rugged TPU film to protect the heel, forefoot, and other high abrasion areas. Meanwhile, a zonal stretch liner lines all around the shoe for an even more customized fit. You can also count on Arc’teryx’s Trail Performance Geometry to bring you 360 degrees of comfort. Finally, these shoes feature GORE-Tex liner technology for keeping your feet dry.
PROS
CONS
- Trail runner featuring protective toe bumper, gusseted tongue, and padded collar
- Traditional lacing system
Features
The New Balance Women’s Leadville V3 Trail Running Shoes feature 100% imported fabric and synthetic materials. These durable shoes are on our list of the best trail running shoes for a reason: they are affordable and they live up to their claims. Featuring a protective toe bumper to protect your toes from rocks, these shoes also feature a gusseted tongue and padded collar for a secure and comfortable fit. Finally, unlike some of the other products here, these shoes feature a traditional lacing system.
PROS
CONS
- More breathable and durable upper
- More flexible midsole due to the addition of InnerFlex
- Widened heel and outsole groove for stability and traction
Features
The Altra AFM1859F Men’s Olympus 3 Trail Running Shoes feature a durable mesh upper for great breathability and comfort. Built with a flexible midsole using Altra’s Innerflex technology, these shoes offer top-of-the-line support and cushioning unmatched with the other products on this list of the best trail running shoes. Featuring a widened heel and outsole groove for added stability and traction, these shoes are designed to handle tough and technical terrain.
PROS
CONS
- Mesh & TPU upper; Vegan friendly
- Trailprotect pad for underfoot protection
- Breathable mesh lining, Vibram TC5 outsole
Features
As the only product from Merrell on this list of the best trail running shoes, the Merrell Men’s Trail Glove 4 Runner feature a minimalistic design but a maximalist performance. These shoes feature a sock-like feel for a more natural running style. In addition, these shoes feature a Vibram TC5 outsole for added cushion and support where you need it. Finally, these shoes are made with a mesh, TPU upper for great breathability and comfort. Choose from over a dozen stylish colors.
PROS
CONS
- Traction trail shoe featuring ventilated air mesh upper with three stripes at side
- Smooth heel-to-toe transition with the injected EVA midsole
- Polyester fabric and a nonslip footbed for added comfort
Features
The adidas Performance Men’s Thrasher 1.1 M Trail Running Shoe is made with 100% textile and synthetic imported materials and features a rubber outsole for added traction and grip. Like many of the other products on our list of the best trail running shoes, these shoes feature high-quality rubber for handling aggressive trail conditions. Meanwhile, the ventilated air mesh upper allows the feet to breathe, while the midsole’s EVA foam lining provides added support and shock absorption. Finally, these shoes are made with a durable polyester fabric and a non-slip footbed for lasting durability.
PROS
CONS
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Features
The North Face Ultra Endurance Running Shoe is a top contender for the number one spot on our list of the best trail running shoes. These shoes feature a mesh upper for added breathability, and a welded TPU and suede mid-foot support overlays for added support and impact absorption. These shoes also feature a gusseted tongue to keep debris from getting inside your shoes.
Also featuring an Ultra Protect CRADLE heel-stability technology, these shoes deliver long-lasting comfort so you can run as long as you desire. Finally, for the outsole, these shoes feature a Vibram Megagrip outsole for traction and grip not found in most other trail running shoes.
PROS
CONS
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Features
The New Balance Men’s MT10V1 Minimus Trail Running Shoes feature a Vibram sole for top-of-the-line traction and stability. These shoes also feature an Acteva midsole for added support and cushioning you can depend on. Whether you are taking these shoes on a long-distance run or for a quick mile, you can find joy in knowing that your feet will stay dry and smell fresh when you are done. That’s because these shoes come pre-treated with an anti-microbial coating to reduce odor—the only product on our list of the best trail running shoes to do that.
Pros
Cons
- Internal slip-on construction fits the foot like a sock without causing excessive pressure
- Outsole lugs have rounded edges and wrap over the midsole to provide added traction and...
- Upper: Air Mesh/Thermal Adhesive Microfiber/High Frequency Welded Ripstop/ TPU Toe Cap;...
Features
Last on our list of the best trail running shoes is the La Sportiva Bushido Running Shoe. It features an award-winning design for tackling technical terrain. These lightweight shoes feature a low profile and STB Control construction for added responsiveness and stability. Featuring a rugged outsole with rounded lugs, as well as a dual-density FriXion XT V-Groove with Impact Brake System, these shoes deliver enhanced stability and cushioning on aggressive terrain.
Pros
Cons
The Verdict
After reviewing all 10 products based on the four parameters, we present our verdict for the best trail running shoes you can buy today: the Merrell Men’s Trail Glove 4 Runner. Don’t let this shoe’s minimalistic design fool you. This aggressive runner features a Vibram TC5 outsole designed for providing excellent traction on technical and aggressive terrain. For the upper, this shoe relies on mesh TPU materials for enhanced breathability and comfort. Overall, these affordable shoes are durable, versatile, and lightweight.
If you are looking to replace your old pair of trail running shoes, or are thinking of buying your first pair, be sure to check out Merrell Men’s Trail Glove 4 Runner! We hope you’ve found this guide helpful.
