It’s mid-October, and temperatures are dropping. Leaves are falling, making it prime time to lace up your trail running shoes, grab some friends and go on an off-road adventure!
Today’s trail-running shoes are more advanced than ever, incorporating cutting-edge materials, more cushion, wider toe boxes, and clever blends of foams, plates, fabrics, outsole rubbers, and lug patterns. This combination results in shoes that excel across diverse terrain like never before.
A great pair of trail shoes provides enough comfort and grip to go unnoticed on the run. All the models that made our list have taken the best elements from the past and incorporated modern materials and components with innovative designs to enhance performance and protection while staying out of the way.
Things to Consider When Buying Trail Running Shoes
Asking these questions will help ensure you choose the right trail running shoes for your needs and preferences. Asking these questions will help you choose the right trail running shoes for your needs and preferences.
Consider whether you’ll run on rocky, muddy, or well-groomed trails, as this affects the type of grip and cushioning needed. Does the shoe have rock plates or toe caps to protect against sharp rocks and roots? This is especially important in certain regions.
Does the shoe offer enough traction for the terrain you’ll encounter? Deep lugs are better for muddy trails, while smaller ones may suffice for dry, rocky paths.
Do you prefer a more cushioned shoe for comfort on long runs, or a minimal shoe for a more connected, responsive feel?
Do you need waterproof protection (like Gore-Tex) for wet conditions, or would you prefer breathable shoes that dry quickly after water exposure? Most of the shoes shown below offer a waterproof version.
Does the shoe’s drop (difference between heel and forefoot height) match your running style?
Lower drops promote a more natural footstrike, while higher drops may be more comfortable for heel strikers.
Do you need waterproof protection (like Gore-Tex) for wet conditions, or would you prefer breathable shoes that dry quickly after water exposure?
If you have specific gait issues (like overpronation), does the shoe provide the support needed to maintain proper alignment and prevent injury? If you are unsure of this, we suggest visiting a local running store.
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Altra Timp 5
Weights: 8.6 oz. (women’s); 9.8 oz. (men’s)
Heel-Toe Offset: 0mm; 29mm stack height
Retail Price: $155
The Altra Timp 5 is a versatile trail running shoe designed for comfort and durability on a variety of terrains. It features a spacious toe box for natural foot splay, promoting a comfortable fit during long runs. The shoe incorporates Altra’s signature Zero Drop platform, which encourages a natural stride and helps reduce the risk of injury.
With a moderate amount of cushioning, the Timp 5 balances responsiveness with protection, making it suitable for both technical trails and smoother paths. The outsole offers excellent traction, providing grip on slippery surfaces. Overall, the Timp 5 is ideal for runners seeking a reliable and comfortable shoe for longer distances in varied environments
HOKA Challenger 7
Weights: 9.9 oz. (women’s 8); 8.9 oz. (men’s)
Heel-Toe Offset: 5mm
Retail Price: $155. Select colors and sizes for $115.
The HOKA Challenger 7 is a highly versatile trail running shoe, designed to excel on both trails and roads. It offers a lightweight, cushioned experience, with a midsole made from HOKA’s signature EVA foam for superior shock absorption and comfort during long-distance runs. The shoe’s outsole features multi-directional lugs that provide solid traction on various surfaces, from gravel to dirt paths, while still performing well on pavement.
The breathable mesh upper enhances ventilation, keeping the foot cool while also offering protection and durability against trail debris. The Challenger 7 has a comfortable fit with a roomy toe box and a padded heel collar that ensures security and support on technical terrain. Despite its trail-running design, it remains lightweight, reducing fatigue over long runs. The HOKA Challenger 7 is a great choice for runners looking for a hybrid shoe that seamlessly transitions between road and trail running, delivering comfort, durability, and reliable performance.
LaSportiva Prodigio
Weights: 8.1 oz. (women’s); 9.5 oz. (men’s)
Heel-Toe Offset: 6mm;
Retail Price: $155
The La Sportiva Prodigio is designed as a versatile, high-performance trail running shoe suitable for technical terrain and long-distance runs. Its standout feature is the nitrogen-infused XFLOW foam midsole, which offers a balance of cushioning and responsiveness, providing durability and protection across various terrains. The shoe’s Progressive Rocker and wide footbed enhance stability, while its large 4 mm multidirectional lugs ensure excellent grip, especially on uneven or slippery surfaces.
The upper is lightweight and breathable, made from a knit mesh with supportive overlays. It offers a roomy forefoot, which is an improvement for those who prefer more space compared to other La Sportiva models. However, the Prodigio still retains a snug fit thanks to its internal support system and gusseted tongue. This makes it a solid option for both technical and more moderate trails, though the narrow heel collar may cause discomfort for some runners.
Hoka Speedgoat 6
Weights: 7.7 oz. (women’s 8); 10.2 oz. (men’s 9)
Heel-Toe Offset: 6mm; 32.5mm (heel), 26.5mm (forefoot)
Retail Price: $150. On sale now for $112 at REI.com.
The Hoka Speedgoat 6 is a trail running shoe designed for tackling technical terrain with enhanced comfort and stability. It builds on previous iterations by offering a lighter, more breathable upper with improved drainage, allowing for better performance in wet conditions. The shoe features a Vibram Megagrip outsole with deep, aggressive lugs, providing exceptional traction on a variety of surfaces, from mud to rock. The midsole includes Hoka’s signature cushioned EVA foam, delivering a plush ride while maintaining responsiveness for long distances. The overall fit has been refined, with a roomier toe box for greater comfort on extended runs. Despite its maximal cushioning, the Speedgoat 6 maintains a balanced feel, making it versatile for both technical trails and less demanding terrain. It’s a favorite for those seeking a durable, comfortable shoe capable of handling the rigors of off-road running.
Brooks Cascadia 18
Weights: 9.9 oz. (women’s 8); 11.1 oz. (men’s)
Heel-Toe Offset: 8mm
Retail Price: $140
The Brooks Cascadia 18 is a trail running shoe designed for durability, stability, and comfort on rugged terrains. When you are on version 18 of something, chance are you are doing something right. Known for its reliable traction, it features an updated TrailTack rubber outsole for improved grip on both wet and dry surfaces. The midsole is enhanced with DNA LOFT v2 cushioning, which provides a softer, more responsive ride while maintaining the shoe’s semi-lightweight structure. The shoe’s pivot post system helps to stabilize the foot, making it adaptable to uneven ground. With a lightweight upper made of recycled materials, the Cascadia 18 offers a breathable fit while protecting the foot from trail debris. The Cascadia 18 is ideal for runners who want a more traditional shoe with a balance of cushioning, protection, and versatility on various trail conditions.
Alta Olympus 6
Weights: 11 oz. (women’s); 12.2 oz. (men’s)
Heel-Toe Offset: 0mm; 33mm stack
Retail Price: $175
Introducing the Prodigio, a revolutionary new trail running shoe featuring new XFlow™ foam; a nitrogen-infused EVA supercritical foam technology that provides unparalleled cushioning, stability and energy return making it the ultimate choice for trail runners demanding the best. Weighing in under 300g, the Prodigio is lightweight and responsive, helping you to move faster and more efficiently on the trail. Don’t worry about being a Mountain Running prodigy – with the La Sportiva Prodigio, anyone can experience revolutionary trail running technology.
Saucony Peregrine 14
Weights: 7.7 oz. (women’s 8); 10.2 oz. (men’s 9)
Heel-Toe Offset: 6mm; 32.5mm (heel), 26.5mm (forefoot)
Retail Price: $150. On sale now for $112 at REI.com.
The Saucony Peregrine 14 is a versatile trail running shoe designed for runners looking for durability, comfort, and traction across varied terrains. Built with a rugged PWRTRAC rubber outsole, it offers exceptional grip on wet and dry surfaces, making it ideal for technical trails. The shoe features a responsive PWRRUN midsole, providing a balanced blend of cushioning and support for long runs without sacrificing ground feel. Its lightweight upper is engineered with a breathable mesh material, complemented by an improved fit that enhances lockdown and stability during runs.
Additionally, the Peregrine 14 has an embedded rock plate for added protection against sharp objects, ensuring that runners can confidently tackle rocky paths. With its combination of performance and comfort, the Saucony Peregrine 14 continues to be a popular choice for trail enthusiasts seeking a reliable and agile shoe.
