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Happy feet make the trails a whole lot more enjoyable. Choosing a shoe that blends your running style, location, and goals can be the difference between enjoying your run and never wanting to put a trail shoe on again. Our team is here to help, with a panel of experts far and wide.
Since 2013, we have tested hundreds of trail runners, ticking off Icelandic fastpacks, mountainous ultramarathons, and alpine runs across Peru and around Lake Tahoe. We run in sweltering desert summers, on icy winter trails, and through the muddy mess of shoulder seasons to compare traction, comfort, stability, sensitivity, and protection. Then, we head to the lab to cut these shoes up and analyze features and construction.
For men, the Saucony Peregrine 16 takes our top spot with its new grippy outsole and versatile all-terrain performance.
For women, the Hoka Speedgoat 7 earned our highest honor for its balanced blend of cushioning, traction, and stability.
If you are looking for the best bang for your buck, the Hoka Torrent 4 delivers a well-rounded package at a price that is hard to beat.
Editor's Note: This review was updated on April 22nd, 2026, with updated awards for the Saucony Peregrine 16, Hoka Speedgoat 7, Nnormal Kjerag 02, and Salomon Speedcross 6.
Transformed wet rock grip with new Vibram compound
Extended comfort range for longer distances
True-to-size fit with secure midfoot lockdown
Competitively priced for its performance
REASONS TO AVOID
Not built for sustained mud or deep snow
Slightly less breathable upper than predecessor
Who this is best for: The Saucony Peregrine 16 is the shoe we hand to runners who ask, “What one pair should I buy?” It handles everything from casual strolls to technical ridgelines with confidence and comfort. The foam midsole makes longer efforts more comfortable without sacrificing the precise, technical feel the Peregrine line is known for. New and experienced runners alike will appreciate the familiar athletic fit, and our team of female testers was equally impressed.
Why we love it: On exposed ridgelines in Southwest Colorado, the Peregrine 16 gripped confidently on both dry and wet rock, while the low stack and secure fit encouraged quick, responsive footwork. Then, on less-demanding singletrack, the added foam made longer miles genuinely comfortable in a way older versions could not manage. Lead tester Matthew Richardson notes, “The Vibram outsole upgrade solves the Peregrine line's longest-standing weakness, and the added cushioning extends its range without dulling the technical feel.” It is rare to find a shoe that handles both technical descents and relaxed distance running this well, and that versatility is what separates it from the rest of our lineup.
Should you buy it? If you want one trail shoe for the widest range of conditions, the Peregrine 16 is hard to beat. It sits at a competitive price for what it delivers, making it accessible whether you are building a quiver or choosing one shoe to cover everything.
Who this is best for: The Hoka Speedgoat 7 is best for runners who want one trail shoe that can truly do it all. Its balanced blend of cushioning, traction, and stability makes it a great fit for a wide range of runners, from beginners exploring local trails to experienced athletes tackling technical terrain. If you're looking for a reliable, comfortable, and versatile option that performs well across most conditions without requiring much thought, this is the shoe most likely to work for the most people. Our male testers were also impressed by what the updates to this shoe brought to the table, claiming, “The Speedgoat 7 gets back to what made this line popular.”
Why we love it: Our testers love the Speedgoat 7 because it strikes that rare balance between comfort, traction, and stability without overcomplicating things. It feels good right out of the box, performs consistently across a wide range of terrain, and offers enough protection for long miles without feeling bulky. It's the kind of shoe you can grab for almost any run and trust it to deliver, which is exactly why it stands out as such a well-rounded favorite. Both our male and female teams loved how light this shoe felt underfoot, making it an easy shoe to reach for as the days (and the adventures) are getting longer.
Should you buy it? We recommend the Speedgoat if you want a reliable, do-it-all trail shoe that delivers strong and consistent performance across a wide range of terrain. It's not the most flashy or specialized option, but if you value a shoe that feels good, performs well, and can handle everything from daily runs to technical trails, it's an easy and confident choice.
It isn't often we get a trail shoe that we can rave about. The Speedgoat fits the bill because it can appeal to so many different runners looking to tackle so many different terrain types.
Who this is best for: The Hoka Torrent 4 is a well-rounded shoe that offers comfort, traction, and support. If you need a shoe that can tackle light to moderate terrain and keep your feet happy without breaking the bank, these are a great choice. These shoes can tackle short and medium-length trail runs (under 50 miles). Rolling hills and gravel paths are no problem for these.
Why we love it: Both our women's and men's trail running teams loved this shoe for its underfoot experience. They aren't plush, like many Hoka shoes, but they are still cushioned, stable, and comfortable. This allows for a confident ride on many terrain types. Our lead tester for our men's review remarks, “The Torrent has great stability features for such a light model. Its width aids in support without increasing the weight.”
Should you buy it? Trail running shoes can easily cost you a pretty penny. We are happy to recommend a shoe that performs well and is wallet-friendly. These shoes have a snug, neutral fit, unlike some of Hoka's wider options. If you have wide feet, these won't be the best choice, and they aren't available in wide. For anyone else looking to run just a few miles or quite a bit more, these are a worthy choice.
Quicklace system doubles as an everyday convenience
Surprisingly comfortable for extended wear
Deep lugs shed debris between strides
REASONS TO AVOID
Cleat-like feel on dry hardpack surfaces
Highest drop in the lineup at 12 millimeters
Who this is best for: The Salomon Speedcross 6 is built for runners who regularly face mud, snow, wet grass, and loose soil. Its Mud Contagrip outsole with deep arrow-shaped lugs provides grip that nothing else in our lineup can match, especially on soft surfaces. But what surprised us in this round of testing is how much this shoe excels beyond the trail. The Quicklace system makes getting in and out effortless, and the midsole cushions comfortably for hours on and off the trails.
Why we love it: The traction on soft surfaces is genuinely special. On steep grassy uphills during alpine approaches, the Speedcross 6 bites into the surface and holds without slipping. In sustained muddy sections, the lugs grip, pull, and shed cleanly between strides. The Quicklace system is one of our favorite features on any shoe: one pull to tighten, tuck the excess into the lace garage, and you're moving. These have even become one of our testers' daily shoe.
Should you buy it? If your regular runs involve soft dirt, mud, or wet terrain, the Speedcross 6 is the clear choice. Its versatility as a daily shoe only adds to the appeal. The main limitation is hardpack: on dry, firm surfaces, the aggressive lugs create a disconnected, cleat-like sensation that makes the shoe feel less precise than models with lower-profile tread patterns. But on the surfaces it was designed for, the Speedcross 6 is in a class of its own, and the everyday comfort and convenience make it easy to justify as more than just a trail shoe.
Weight (per shoe, men's size 10.5): 11.08 oz | Measured Heel-Toe Drop: 12 mm
Versatile enough for racing or more relaxed efforts
REASONS TO AVOID
Heavier
Dries very slowly
Who this is best for: The La Sportiva Bushido III is a capable shoe with traction that can handle just about every kind of trail condition. Whether you're heading into slick spring snow, rocky alpine terrain, or long summer trail runs, the Bushido III has the stability, breathability, and protection to make it your go-to pick year-round. It's a great fit for those who don't want to buy a different shoe for every season or surface.
Why we love it: We keep reaching for the Bushido because of how sensitive and responsive it feels underfoot. This is the one we trust when we need precise feedback from the trail, when every step matters. Its secure heel lock supports quick adjustments and high-speed confidence, while its durable build, toecap, and lugs give it the bite and toughness to go anywhere. The Bushido III strikes an ideal balance between agility, structure, and comfort, and it's priced surprisingly accessibly for such a versatile performer.
Should you buy it? If you're looking for something ultralight or minimal, the Bushido might feel a bit heavy. But given how much protection and stability it offers, that's a tradeoff we're more than happy to make. For anyone seeking one tough, all-season trail shoe that can do it all, from fast runs to rugged explorations, the Bushido III comes with a strong recommendation from the GearLab team.
Weight (per shoe, women's size 6.5): 9.11 oz | Measured Heel-Toe Drop: 7 mm
Who this is best for: The Altra Lone Peak 9 is a great choice for runners and thru-hikers looking for reliable all-day comfort, a spacious toe box, and a stable, low-riding shoe. Its traction makes it a good choice for loose and technical terrain. Lead tester Matthew Richardson mentions, “The stability is one of my favorite perks of a lower platform. It allows for a softer cushion feel compared to many taller shoes that use denser foams for support.” Those who like a soft, natural ride and want a good ground feel without sacrificing protection will get along well with the Lone Peak 9.
Why we love it: The Lone Peak 9 continues to deliver the out-of-the-box comfort the series is known for, with updates that improve confidence on tricky terrain. The new ripstop upper has better durability, while the tweaked midsole and outsole compounds keep things agile and responsive underfoot. It's like the comfy sweatpants version of a trail shoe, and this line has long been a favorite for days when distance and comfort matter more than pace.
Should you buy it? If you are in the market for a low-drop shoe, this is the one we recommend. The Lone Peak remains a tried-and-true choice for trail runners, offering generous forefoot space, reliable traction across varied terrain, and impressive durability mile after mile. While runners who prefer a more energetic ride with extra bounce and plush cushioning may find its flatter profile underwhelming, the shoe's consistency, stability, and overall dependability continue to make it a favorite for those who value reliability over flash.
Who this is best for: If you like the sound of a wide toe box and stable cushion underfoot, the Topo Ultraventure 4 is for you. The generous toe box allows for your toes to move freely, while the heel cup is secure for an athletic fit. The cushion underfoot isn't too stiff or too soft. Instead, it offers a balance of comfort during the heel strike, but enough support in the midfoot to keep you moving without aches and pains.
Why we love it: We were thrilled to find another shoe with a natural toe box, and we love that this one offers a cushioned experience. Even our testers with narrow feet enjoyed this shoe as the laces were able to be cinched down enough to keep their feet secure. Our tester, Becca Glades, said, “I wore these up a 13,000-foot mountain and had enough support and traction the entire time. On the way down, I was happy for the cushioned landings.”
Should you buy it? The Ultraventure 4 is a great choice for runners with wide feet or anyone seeking a stable, well-cushioned ride. Despite feeling relatively lightweight, they're built with a rugged, trail-ready design that can confidently handle a wide range of distances and terrain.
Weight (per shoe, women's size 6.5): 7.90 oz | Measured Heel-Toe Drop: 7 mm
Vibram Litebase grips confidently on rock and hardpack
Updated midsole adds comfort without losing ground feel
Wider toe box improves fit over the original
REASONS TO AVOID
Minimal underfoot protection on sharp terrain
Slim midfoot profile limits wider foot shapes
Premium price
Who this is best for: The Nnormal Kjerag 02 is designed for experienced trail runners who want to feel every contour of the trail beneath their feet. The midsole is lively and responsive enough for longer distances. Meanwhile, the widened toe box (compared to the 01) is more accommodating to various foot shapes, but still not for wide feet. These also breathe and drain fast.
Why we love it: We love the no-insole design of the Kjerag 02. Your foot sits directly on the midsole with no barrier, which helped us feel more beneath our feet with each step. The chevron-shaped lugs bite into rock, hardpack, and packed dirt with outstanding adhesion, and the full rubber coverage holds up well over miles. Every design element feels intentional: this is a shoe built to move fast and stay nimble.
Should you buy it? If you run technical terrain at speed and value ground feel above all else, the Kjerag 02 is built for you. Runners who split time between trail races and fast training days will appreciate how quickly it turns over and how responsive the midsole feels. The main limitations are increased fatigue and loose ground traction. There is no rock plate, so sharp rocks transmit through the thin sole on sustained technical ground, and the smaller lugs don't do great in loose terrain. The narrow midfoot profile excludes wider foot shapes, and unisex sizing runs large (we recommend sizing down half a size). But for sheer speed, sensitivity, and hard-surface grip in a featherweight package, the Kjerag 02 is in a class of its own.
Weight (per shoe, men's size 10.5): 9.11 oz | Measured Heel-Toe Drop: 5 mm
Who this is best for: If you're a seasoned trail runner aiming to sharpen your edge, the La Sportiva Prodigio Pro delivers the tools to push your pace. It's responsive, grippy, and built for the kind of high-effort days where you want every ounce of the shoe working in your favor. That said, it may be too specialized for beginners or those still exploring trail running. Its snug, race-ready fit is paired with an excellent grip. This combo gives trail runners a powerful tool that's both fun and formidable, especially if you like to move fast on challenging terrain.
Why we love it: What makes the Prodigio Pro so compelling is its ability to deliver both comfort and responsiveness over long miles. We love the bounciness of the midsole because it pairs so beautifully with the agility-focused fit. Even on steep or technical sections, our testers found the shoe impressively secure. The breathable Power Wire mesh upper adapts to your foot while maintaining a firm hold, encouraging confident footfalls through variable conditions.
Should you buy it? Runners looking to up the ante on their racing and pacing will likely love the performance-centered foundation that these shoes provide, though we suggest new runners consider a more neutral option.
Designed to balance responsiveness with serious running prowess, the Prodigio Pro offers enough cushion for the occasional road run and enough strength for climbing mountain peaks.
How We Tested
After well over a decade of testing trail running shoes, our men's and women's review teams don't lack experience. We've racked up in-depth reviews of more than 300 pairs of trail running shoes, running at least 60 miles in each pair. We've covered thousands of trail miles to bring you this review and help you find your next favorite pair.
Our testing process starts with meticulous research to help us choose the best shoes on the market to buy and test side-by-side. Then, we hit the trail, taking detailed notes about each shoe's performance along the way. After that, we spend time with them in the lab, weighing, cutting open, and measuring the significant details of each pair, thoroughly examining them to determine what features contributed to our experience on the trail and how well they could hold up to all the abuse.
Five key metrics were used to assess each shoe and tally its score:
Comfort and Fit (40%)
Stability (25%)
Traction (15%)
Foot Protection (15%)
Weight (5%)
Together we have run thousands of miles over the years testing trail running shoes, all with a common goal: find the very best. Credit: Becca Glades
Why Trust GearLab
Ally Arcuri leads our women's test team. She is a trail runner and cancer survivor with a degree in kinesiology from Cal State Fullerton. She uses her biomechanics background to assess each shoe's construction down to every detail.
The men's team is led by Matthew Richardson. Matthew avidly runs mountains in his native southwest Colorado. He's run the Chicago Basin 14ers in a day and finished in the top ten at the Telluride Mountain Run. So, you know, we run.
Our team has traveled far and wide to test these shoes. From desert floors and sandy beaches to high alpine trails, we are out there running in each and every shoe to see how they hold up.
We spend months running miles and miles in these shoes across variable terrain to get a true picture of how they perform, and then chop them up in our lab to see what's inside.
What Makes It a Trail Running Shoe?
With all the running shoe options on the market, you might be asking yourself, “Can I just trail run in my regular sneakers?” We don't blame you for asking that, and while you can, you'll likely have a much better time in a pair of shoes that match the environment. So, what makes it a trail shoe and not a road running or classic athletic shoe?
Aggressive outsole: If you look at the bottom of a trail running shoe, you'll see deep lugs, and often a lot of them. Road shoes tend to have a smoother appearance. The materials are also different. Regular athletic shoes are typically softer foam underneath, while trail running shoes have a grippy rubber.
Foot protection: Trail shoes are built to handle more rugged terrain, as compared to a road running shoe. Therefore, more foot protection is essential. Many shoes have a rock plate, which is a protective layer between the midsole and outsole. This is aimed at cushioning and protecting your feet against sharp rocks and twigs. The upper construction of trail shoes also tends to be more burly (often still breathable), so that if you scrape across a rock or tree, you won't damage the shoe.
Stability and stiffness: Compared to normal athletic shoes and road running shoes, trail running shoes tend to be stiffer. This, paired with the aggressive traction, can stabilize your feet on uneven terrain, so you stay upright and moving.
Trail running shoes can handle much more than road running shoes, thanks to their grippy traction and stability on unstable surfaces. Credit: Matthew Richardson
Budget
Running shoes are spendy, and you'll go through them surprisingly quickly. According to Runner's World, they last somewhere between 300 and 500 miles. If you run 20 miles a week, they'll work well for three to six months. Consider that when weighing the price of your next pair.
Men's Trail Runners
To see a detailed analysis of the products we pitted against each other, check out our full review of men's trail running shoes. The chart below shows the overall scores of each pair tested.
Key Metrics Scores of Men's Trail Running Shoes
Product
Comfort and Fit
Stability
Traction
Foot Protection
Nnormal Tomir 2.0
7.7
7.9
9.5
7.6
Brooks Cascadia 19
8.5
8.5
7
8.4
Saucony Peregrine 16
9
8.2
8
7
Salomon Speedcross 6
9
5.8
10
7.3
La Sportiva Prodigio Pro
9
7.4
8.3
7.3
La Sportiva Bushido III
6.5
9
8
8
Nnormal Kjerag 02
9
8.3
7.6
6.5
Hoka Torrent 4
8.5
7.4
7.5
7.8
Hoka Speedgoat 7
7.8
7.3
7.9
8.2
Asics Trabuco 14
7.9
8.4
6.2
7.8
Altra Experience Wild 3
8.3
7.8
7
7.2
Topo Ultraventure 4
8.3
7.3
6.9
7.5
Brooks Catamount 4
7.8
7.5
6.8
7.6
Altra Lone Peak 9
7.9
8
6.7
6.5
Nike Pegasus Trail 5
8
7.5
5.8
7.5
Hoka Challenger 8
8
5.9
6.5
7
Above are the scores from evaluating the performance of men's trail shoes. Check out our full review to see our complete set of results and comparisons.
Women's Trail Runners
Our female runner test team put in the work to assess the best women's trail running shoes side-by-side. The individual scores for key metrics in our current lineup of those shoes are shown below.
Key Metric Scores of Women's Trail Running Shoes
Product
Comfort and Fit
Stability
Traction
Foot Protection
Hoka Speedgoat 7
9
8
9
7.5
La Sportiva Bushido III
7
8
9.5
8.5
Altra Lone Peak 9
8
8.5
7.5
7
Salomon Genesis
7.5
8
8
7.5
Saucony Peregrine 16
8
6.5
8.5
7
La Sportiva Prodigio Pro
7.5
6.5
8.5
7.5
Hoka Torrent 4
7
7.5
7.5
7.5
Topo Ultraventure 4
8
8
6
7
Asics Trabuco 14
6.5
7.5
7
7.5
Hoka Tecton X 3
7.5
6.5
6.5
7.5
Brooks Catamount 4
6
7
8
6.5
Brooks Cascadia 19
7
7
6
7
Hoka Challenger 8
6.5
7
6
6
Nike Pegasus Trail 5
7
6.5
7
4
Altra Experience Wild 3
6.5
6
6.5
5.5
Salomon Speedcross 6
5.5
4
7
8
Nike Zegama 2
6.5
3
6.5
6
Here's the breakdown of women's trail running shoe test scores. To get the complete picture, visit our full review.
How to Choose the Best Trail Running Shoes
Depending on the type of trails you plan to run, you'll want different levels of traction, stiffness, and durability. You might also think that the amount of cushioning a shoe has will dictate the type of trails it is best suited for, but this isn't always the case. Some runners prefer maximum cushioning, even on the smoothest trails, while others want enough sensitivity to feel every rock and root beneath them. Generally, there are three types of trail shoes: light, rugged, and extreme.
These shoes saw lots of different trails and conditions along the way. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Get the Right Fit
Of all the options out there, with various types of outsoles and uppers, nothing is as important as comfort and fit. We recommend ordering a few pairs to see which fits the best. Don't be shocked if you need to size up or down depending on the brand. Some brands are known to run slightly large or slightly small. Likewise, some brands and shoes fit narrow or wide. We have included information on how these shoes fit, but we always recommend trying them out for yourself before settling on a specific pair.
Altra is known to favor regular to wide feet due to the generous toe box, but those with narrow feet have also appreciated the newer models they have released, which have better cinch down. Credit: Matthew Richardson
Light Trail Runners
Light trail running shoes closely resemble road running shoes, but they have a few subtle features that enhance foot protection, agility, and traction. They're a great option if you alternate between runs around town and trail runs on the weekends. Offering less protection than their hardcore counterparts, these lightweight designs are a great choice for those who prefer to move quickly on less complex terrain.
Lead tester Matthew's favorite shoe is the Nnormal Kjerag 02, here he is for an afternoon trail run in Southwest Colorado. Credit: Matthew Richardson
They are also often more flexible, offering moderate support on rough terrain. They tend to have lower-profile lugs since you don't need top-notch traction on consistent surfaces, and they can catch awkwardly on pavement. The upper portion of these shoes also tends to be made of less durable materials since they won't need to weather as much abuse. (This can also make for a less expensive shoe, which we always appreciate.)
Light trail runners are great for rolling terrain that doesn't have many obstacles, like rocks or boulder fields. Credit: Becca Glades
Moderate and Rugged Trail Runners
This is the sweet spot for most people on most trails. Rugged trail running shoes offer enough foot protection to tackle the majority of terrain without the extreme stiffness and traction of off-trail versions. If your favorite trails aren't consistently smooth and flat, but you aren't leaving the path to scramble across a mountainside, these shoes are for you.
Most trails fall into the moderate to rugged category, where some obstacles are present but no technical scrambling is required. Credit: Becca Glades
Rugged trail shoes offer more robust protection, featuring rock plates or densely padded EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) foam midsoles. The upper fabric is tough, with a more pronounced toe guard. The upper and the platform offer enough support and rigidity to stabilize your foot on uneven ground and steep descents without being so stiff that a lengthy break-in period is required.
Testing shoes in early winter to assess weather resistance and traction. Credit: Matthew Richardson
Rugged trail shoes offer high-quality traction. Larger lugs organized in patterns provide a multidirectional grip on a range of trail angles and surfaces, like loam, sand, gravel, and rock. Widely spaced lugs work well to grip muddy trails while allowing the muck to shed easily to avoid slowing you down. Some of these shoes are covered with soft rubber that offers maximal grip, but these compounds tend to wear down quickly. Others opt for tougher rubber that is less grippy but lasts longer. All these extra features add up to extra ounces. While these aren't the lightest shoes, they are more durable than light trail runners and often last longer.
Hitting some quick downhills? You'll want to ensure stable traction is involved. Credit: Matthew Richardson
Extreme Trail Runners
Extreme trail running is the least common of the bunch, and most of the shoes we recommend are within the other two categories. If you've ever looked up at a random rocky mountain and thought, “I'd like to run straight up that,” these shoes may be for you. These shoes have a balance between stability and agility, as precise footing is often necessary.
When you're running on terrain like this, a literal lava field in Oregon's Mt. Jefferson Wilderness, you need a burly, protective running shoe. Credit: Andy Wellman
If you encounter snowfields or streams, you can find waterproof ones, but these tend to sacrifice breathability and can be heavier and stiffer than average. You may need to put some miles in to soften them, but they certainly secure your feet. Many shoes are available in both a regular and a Gore-Tex version, so if you think you see a shoe you like but want the added water resistance, check to see if Gore-Tex is an option.
Vibram Megagrip compound provides a dramatic traction upgrade over the previous version. Credit: Jonnah D.
Consider Your Route and Climate
Where do you normally run? If you stick to smooth trails and throw in the random road run, light trail running shoes will work wonderfully. Look for a rugged shoe if you like to run on loose terrain prone to moving underfoot. You'll want an extreme, off-trail option if your run requires a map, compass, and multiple route-finding sessions.
Mud Contagrip lugs with aggressive depth and spacing provide unmatched soft-surface grip. Credit: Matthew Richardson
Don't forget to factor in your climate. If you often find yourself slogging along on muddy or snowy trails in the spring, a waterproof shoe with large, mud-shedding lugs could be your best bet. If you live in dry and rocky climates, sticky Vibram rubber shoes will make you feel like a mountain goat.
Choosing a shoe that can handle the terrain you put in front of it is key. Credit: Becca Glades
Cushioning
How much cushion you want in your shoe depends on how much you like to feel the earth beneath you, how far you'll be going, and how easy you want to go on your joints. There are three general categories of shoe cushioning: barefoot or minimal, moderate, and maximum.
Components of Cushioning
Cushioning Level
Stack Height
Trail Feedback
Foot Protection
Best For
Barefoot / Minimal
<15 mm
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
Zero-drop running, groundfeel, easy terrain
Moderate
20 - 35 mm
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
Balancing tricky trail navigation with underfoot protection
Maximum
30 - 45 mm
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
High elevation days, non-technical terrain
Barefoot or Minimal Shoes
Barefoot shoes largely function to protect your feet only from punctures and abrasions. They let you feel the trail beneath your feet with very little filter. They're usually flat, with no drop from the heel to the toe, forcing you to strengthen your feet and lower leg to provide the cushion and support many of us are used to getting from our shoes. If you're not used to this, you'll have to start very slowly with these shoes. Minimal shoes offer a bit more support with some midsole padding and as much as a 4 mm heel-to-toe drop. They are a good option if you'd like more trail feel but want to ease your body into it.
Some people will wear these kinds of shoes on the roughest trails out there, but they've (hopefully) put the time in to do so safely. If you're new to these shoe styles, they're best on trails with few obstructions since there is little material protecting you from getting a stubbed toe. Trust us on that one.
Minimalist shoes tend to have zero to low drops and are often more flexible through the upper and sole. Credit: Ally Arcuri
Moderate
Most trail shoes fall into the moderate cushion category, buffering the harsh feel of rocks and roots without feeling like you're running on marshmallow platforms. They offer moderate feedback from the trail, and this middle ground is great when you need quick footwork to navigate tricky trails but don't want to pay the price of landing hard on a sharp rock if you misstep.
Moderate shoes won't feel like a plush cloud, but they'll be more responsive and agile. Credit: Natalie Kafader
Maximum
Maximum cushioned shoes have thick mid and outsoles that dampen the trail feel, which has its pros and cons. On the one hand, the dampened effect is protective when moving over rough terrain. On the other hand, this can decrease the ground feedback. Many runners enjoy maximum cushioned shoes for routes with long downhills and longer trails at a casual pace. This category is evolving; some modern shoes provide impressive energy conservation and transfer.
Shoes like Hokas and the Topo Ultraventure are examples of shoes that have lots of cushion underfoot.
Heel-to-Toe Drop
The heel-to-toe drop is the difference between the shoe's heel height and toe height. Barefoot or zero-drop shoes have no heel-to-toe drop. Minimal shoes can range from a 1 to 4 mm drop. Moderate and maximally cushioned shoes can have a wide range, up to 10 mm or more.
A Word on Our Measurements
If you've perused some of our reviews, you might have noticed that our measured stack height and drop numbers don't always match the manufacturer's claims. This is because there is no industry standard for these measurements; companies can do or say whatever they like. We follow World Athletics guidelines, the international governing body for running competitions, to offer standardized measurements across all pairs we test.
Most of us started running, and even walking, in shoes with a moderate to pronounced heel-to-toe drop, and our muscles developed accordingly. If you switch to a lower heel-to-toe or zero-drop shoe, you'll need to give your body ample time to adjust. You may even need to change your gait. Since there is no extra padding for your heel in a zero or minimal drop shoe, you need to land on your mid or forefoot to dissipate the energy. This doesn't work for everybody, so if you're interested in transitioning to lower-drop shoes, you'll have better luck if you work your way down gradually over time.
The heel rides on the lower end of the spectrum, contributing to the bomber trail feel that this offers. Credit: Natalie Kafader
If you typically land on your heel when you run, higher heel rises may be better for you. Heel-to-toe drops of 7 mm and over are considered to be high heel-drop shoes, according to Running Warehouse, and are best for people who land heel first. Neither high nor low-drop shoes are definitively better; it all comes down to what you and your body prefer.
Whatever you choose and wherever you go, we hope you have the best time! Credit: Ally Arcuri
Conclusion
Shopping is fun and all, but we'd rather be trail running. After a decade of testing trail running shoes, we're thrilled to pass our hard-won knowledge on to you. Whether you've just started your trail journey or you're newly barefoot or maximum-cushion curious, we've tested a shoe for you. We hope this review helps relieve the pain of endless scrolling by directing you to an excellent option for your feet and running style.
