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We've run thousands of miles to test the top 69 pairs of men's and women's trail running shoes from the most compelling manufacturers like Hoka, Salomon, Brooks, Saucony, Altra, La Sportiva, Nike, and more.
We run trails year round, in all weather conditions, to constantly test the latest models of shoes. Over thousands of miles, we've uncovered which are best for what types of runners and surfaces.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
By Ally Arcuri ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ Updated July 14, 2025
Having the right pair of trail running shoes that match your running style, goals, and terrain makes all the difference to your ability to enjoy the journey. It's imperative that your shoes offer the right amount of security and traction to keep you safe, as well as a level of cushioning and stability that feels good in your feet and legs.
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.
Both our men's and our women's testing teams love the Salomon S/Lab Ultra 3. These stable and responsive shoes continue to impress us with some of the best traction in sloppy terrain that we have encountered. For a value buy, our entire testing team solidly recommends the Brooks Divide series. This shoe is comfortable, affordable, and does everything a beginner trail runner needs. (Plus, these shoes can still be found in previous versions at a discount — making them an even better buy.)
Editor's Note: This top trail running shoes roundup was updated on July 14, 2025, to include more specific details on what we love about the top shoes and who we think they would be best for.
Who this is best for: Trail runners looking for a responsive, high-performance shoe that can handle everything from technical singletrack to ultra-distance races will find their match in the Salomon S/Lab Ultra 3. It's a solid pick for seasoned runners who want a precise fit and versatile traction and are willing to spend a bit more to have it all. Keep in mind that the fit runs a bit narrow, and taller socks are a good idea for comfort and protection around the snug heel collar, which is designed to keep debris out on bushier trail runs.
Why we love it: The whole testing team unanimously adores the S/Lab Ultra 3. I have tested past iterations, and Solomon just keeps putting out a shoe that continues to impress year after year. “This shoe just moves with you — I've never felt something this responsive and stable on such gnarly terrain, and it still feels like a second skin,” one tester shared. The tailored and breathable upper has a socklike fit that helps improve trail-feel, while the sturdy midsole and multidirectional lug pattern offer a dialed-in combo of comfort, protection, and grip. It is my go-to for long, demanding runs across variable terrain.
Our female testing team also fell in love with Salomon S/Lab Ultra 3 due to its fit, feel, and overall trail capabilities.
Should you buy it? If you're after a dependable and high-performing trail shoe and are okay paying a premium, the S/Lab Ultra 3 is absolutely worth it. “I've logged hundreds of miles on rocky alpine routes and they're still going strong—worth every cent,” said one reviewer. The price isn't low, and I had a small gripe with the lace pocket, but the shoe's comfort, responsiveness, and durability make it a smart investment for serious trail runners. For newer runners or those on a tighter budget, there may be better starter options, but few match the overall quality of the S/Lab.
Weight (per shoe, men's size 10.5): 10.64 oz | Measured Heel-Toe Drop: 8 mm
Weight (per shoe, women's size 6.5): 8.05 oz | Measured Heel-Toe Drop: 9 mm
Who this is best for: Hoka recently released the Mafate Speed 4, and it rides like a dream. It is an all-around trail shoe that will suit most runners and most conditions; new runners will appreciate the forgiving Profly midsole and confident traction, while trail veterans will love the sleek fit and agility-inspiring bite of the outsole. Trail runners who want to take on a variety of terrain types but can only spare the cash for one pair of shoes should consider the Mafate. Its forgiving midsole and rocker make it a shoe that feels at home on sandy, flowy trails and fire roads alike.
Why we love it: Hoka did away with their overbuilt, seriously stacked style with the creation of this shoe. The Mafate is only slightly taller and wider than average, with an undercarriage that offers cushion and protection yet still provides the stability and trail feel that is necessary for technical tracks. Hoka combined this with a deep lugged Vibram outsole that packs a powerful punch on the trails. The durable textiles in the forefoot provide excellent protection while maintaining breathability. While no shoe can claim universal comfort, the Mafate strikes a comfortable balance for trail endeavors of all kinds.
Should you buy it? There aren't many reasons not to buy the Mafate Speed, but there are a few things you should know. The heel collar has a tendency to let in sand and debris, and I recommend wearing taller socks if you're running on less-maintained trails. Additionally, at 7.96 ounces (per shoe in women's size 6.5 US), this shoe is heavier than what I would normally race in. Will the weight prevent me from ripping up my next few races in it? Heck no. Based on its comfort, protection, versatility, and traction, I have no issues wearing the Mafate on all kinds of trails or recommending it to a friend.
Weight (per shoe, women's size 6.5): 7.96 oz | Measured Heel-Toe Drop: 3 mm
Weight (per shoe, men's size 10.5): 10.95 oz | Measured Heel-Toe Drop: 3 mm
The Mafate is a fantastic shoe for runners seeking a versatile, well-balanced trail experience. It offers agility, comfort, and enough responsive bounce for runs of all distances.
Who this is best for: The Brooks Divide 5 is my go-to value recommendation that packs a load of performance. It is a great option for beginners or those just getting into trail running, but it also makes a lot of sense for runners tackling a variety of terrain, from paved roads to light or moderate trails. The Divide 5 is an easy recommendation for runners in more urban areas.
Why we love it: For many iterations now, the Divide has given beginners and trail runners high versatility and impressive comfort without breaking the bank. Brooks recently updated its midsole material to be lighter and slightly more compressive, which livens up the Divide 5 without sacrificing its well-loved stability. Often, fatigue sets in when you're trying to push the distance, and the added support features like a wider platform and higher heel drop provide a good base for consistency when your body's normal running form starts to break down. At the end of a hard effort, these tweaks can help you maintain good form and keep your focus on a strong finish.
This shoe is also in our women's lineup, where it became a solid favorite thanks to its value and moderate trail capabilities.
Should you buy it? While we love the blend of performance and affordability of the Divide 5, it's not the best option for technical terrain. Its higher stiffness can feel overly rigid, which leads to less confidence in off-camber terrain. Your experience level will allow you to push the model into steeper and rougher terrain, but those with average experience may want something more rugged if they plan on heading down technical ridgelines or mountainous terrain. But for versatility in urban areas, gravel paths, and city parks, the Divide 5 is a no-brainer.
Weight (per shoe, men's size 10.5): 10.55 oz | Measured Heel-Toe Drop: 11 mm
Weight (per shoe, women's size 6.5): 7.85 oz | Measured Heel-Toe Drop: 11 mm
Who this is best for: The Peregrine series is an easy choice for trail runners who want strong performance without the hefty price tag. It's ideal for those who mainly stick to technical terrain but need a shoe that can handle stretches of pavement on the way to their favorite trail system. Whether you're lacing up for daily trail jogs or venturing into more rugged alpine zones, the Peregrine 15 is versatile enough to keep up.
Why we love it: With sharp 5.6 mm lugs, the Peregrine 15 is equipped for high alpine adventures, but its midsole is perfectly ready to take you through your daily runs as well. It brings durability, traction, and comfort in one streamlined package, and does so at a fraction of the price of similarly performing models. Saucony kept the traditional fit I've always liked — roomy toe box, padded tongue, and a heel collar that locks the foot in securely — but updated the build just enough to feel modern and trail-ready. Its 30 mm stack height and 4 mm drop strike a balance between ground feel and protection, making it feel nimble yet forgiving underfoot.
The previous version is also still a top-tier choice — it's widely available online at up to 50% off, making it a seriously smart budget buy.
Should you buy it? If you're after a no-fuss trail shoe that delivers on comfort, traction, and value, the Peregrine 15 won't disappoint. However, if you're a seasoned trail racer looking for cutting-edge speed features like a carbon plate or rocker geometry, this shoe might feel a bit too classic. The Peregrine doesn't have the flash of some premium racing models, but for steady, confident trail miles, it's a solid and affordable performer that continues to earn its spot in our lineup.
Weight (per shoe, women's size 6.5): 7.78 oz | Measured Heel-Toe Drop: 4 mm
Weight (per shoe, men's size 10.5): 10.11 oz | Measured Heel-Toe Drop: 4 mm
Who this is best for: The Salomon Speedcross 6 is made for runners who live for the challenge of sloppy, rugged, and unpredictable mountain terrain. If your typical trail run involves mud, snow, slick rock, or steep climbs, the Speedcross 6 offers the kind of grip and build that thrives in those conditions. It's not your everyday trail shoe — it's built for when the going gets messy, technical, and steep.
Why we love it: With its crampon-inspired design, the Speedcross features 5.5mm multidirectional lugs that deliver powerful, 360-degree traction. They even extend upward on the toebox for added bite on ascents. Combined with sticky outsole rubber, this shoe locks you in on slick granite, muddy switchbacks, or snowy slopes. It's the shoe I grab when I know the trail is going to be wet, rugged, or downright gnarly — and I need to trust every step. A fellow tester agreed, noting, “There's usually a trade-off between sensitivity and underfoot protection, but the Speedcross 6 walks a fine line that manages to keep a foot in both realms.”
Should you buy it? Not everyone needs what the Speedcross brings to the table. Its 12mm stack height and aggressive structure can feel unstable if you're mostly running on moderate trails, fire roads, or dry singletrack. It's not ideal for asphalt or desert heat either, where the lugs wear quickly and the upper retains heat. But if you already have a more general-purpose trail shoe and want a specialized option for technical mountain days, the Speedcross is a killer addition to your trail rotation.
Weight (per shoe, men's size 10.5): 11.08 oz | Measured Heel-Toe Drop: 12 mm
Weight (per shoe, women's size 6.5): 8.54 oz | Measured Heel-Toe Drop: 13 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, toe cap, and 3.8 mm lugs give it the bite and toughness to go anywhere. One tester wrote, “I found that I could truly feel the grip of these shoes across granite faces, which is incredibly uncommon in the world of trail shoes.” The Bushido III strikes an ideal balance between agility, structure, and comfort, and it's priced surprisingly accessibly for such a versatile performer.
We've also put previous versions of this shoe through our intensive testing. Though the Bushido II doesn't have quite this level of comfort and isn't outfitted with as impressive traction, it's still a great and versatile shoe. If you happen to find a pair on sale, it's a pretty solid, more budget-friendly choice.
Should you buy it? If you're looking for something ultralight or minimal, the Bushido might feel a bit heavy — it weighs in at 9.11 ounces. 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
Weight (per shoe, men's size 10.5): 11.60 oz | Measured Heel-Toe Drop: 8 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, especially if you are already accustomed to zero-drop shoes. Its roomy toe box and 25mm cushioning make it ideal for long distances, and the shoe performs equally well whether you're out for a trail run or loaded up for a hike. 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. The fit is snug through the heel and midfoot, but has a relaxed upper that feels more breathable and handles swelling during longer efforts. It's versatile enough for a variety of conditions and distances without losing its signature Altra feel.
This shoe also made it into our women's lineup. While still a good zero-drop option, our women's testing team found the added weight makes this iteration clunkier than the last, and chose not to give it an award.
Should you buy it? If you're used to traditional shoes, the zero-drop and close-to-ground feel of the Lone Peak 9 might take some getting used to. And while its fit is accommodating, our reviewer notes, “Personally, I prefer a more snug fit in the forefoot, but if you have wider feet or don't mind a little extra space, this shoe will work well for you.” Runners looking for a firm, locked-in upper may find it a little too relaxed. Still, this one is worth a second look for anyone who has already transitioned to zero-drop footwear and is looking for a plush, stable, and trail-ready shoe with solid grip.
Weight (per shoe, men's size 10.5): 11.29 oz | Measured Heel-Toe Drop: 0 mm
Weight (per shoe, women's size 6.5): 8.60 oz | Measured Heel-Toe Drop: 1 mm
Who this is best for: The Topo MTN Racer 3 is a solid choice for trail runners, long-distance hikers, and backpackers who prioritize comfort over speed. I appreciated the roomy fit when covering long miles. It allows space for toe splay, and the extra comfort holds up well when fatigue sets in. If you're someone who values a roomy toe box, a low-profile feel, and reliable traction for traversing long distances over varied terrain, this shoe has a lot to offer. It's also a good choice for those who have wider feet.
Why we love it: What really sets the MTN Racer 3 apart is its well-designed toe box that mirrors the natural shape of the foot. Tester Ally Arcury shares, “In my opinion, the space in the toe box is one of this shoe's crowning glories.” It allows for generous toe splay without feeling sloppy, offering a secure yet comfortable ride. Combined with the Vibram outsole, this shape gives runners confidence even on tough, uneven terrain. The flexible upper adds to the comfort profile, and while the midfoot lockdown isn't the most precise, the tradeoff is worth it for the all-day wearability.
Should you buy it? If agility is your top priority, or you have narrow feet, the MTN Racer might feel a little too relaxed, especially in the toe box. It also doesn't have the most energetic midsole, so runners chasing speed might want to look elsewhere. But those seeking a trail shoe that handles everything from long trail runs to casual hikes and even backpacking, the comfort and versatility of the MTN Racer 3 make it a strong option.
Weight (per shoe, size 6.5): 7.87 mm | Measured Heel-Toe Drop: 6 mm
The anatomically shaped toe box allows for natural toe splay and long-distance comfort, while its thoughtful design pairs with the MTN Racer's grippy Vibram outsole to deliver confident control across varied terrain.
Who this is best for: The Nnormal Kjerag is designed for experienced trail runners seeking maximum responsiveness in a minimalist package. Developed with trail running legend Kilian Jornet, the Kjerag is the lightest shoe across both our men's and women's testing groups. Lead tester Matthew Richardson says, “I prefer this model for my speed and high-tempo days more than any other in the lineup due to this blend of comfort and weight.” It delivers a high-performance feel with excellent traction, making it ideal for those who value speed, sensitivity, and a race-day edge.
Why we love it: The Kjerag is impressive because, despite its featherweight design, it doesn't compromise on traction or durability. The Kevlar-reinforced upper adds durability without bulk, while the sticky outsole excels on technical surfaces. While somewhat stiff in the beginning, the shoe conforms to your foot over time to create a dialed-in, glove-like fit that enhances both performance and comfort. Lastly, due to the minimal design, Matthew said, “I felt connected with the trail while running in these. Their stripped-down weight added to my joy of running in nature.” Every design element feels intentional; this is a shoe built to move fast and stay nimble.
Should you buy it? While seasoned runners will likely love the Kjerag for its agility and sensitive trail feedback, it's not built for beginners or for long-haul comfort. The stripped-down design means minimal cushioning, which may not be ideal for new runners or those heading out on ultra-distance efforts. But for those with trail experience looking for a featherweight shoe that feels fast, fluid, and fiercely capable, the Kjerag is in a class of its own.
Weight (per shoe, women's size 6.5): 6.61 oz | Measured Heel-Toe Drop: 8 mm
Weight (per shoe, men's size 10.5): 8.05 oz | Measured Heel-Toe Drop: 8 mm
Who this is best for: The La Sportiva Prodigio Pro has a dynamic feel and sleek design that will fill your trail runs with speed and excitement. It is built with performance in mind, and this shoe features an energetic, unplated midsole that offers lively propulsion. 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. Tester Ally Arcuri says, “The spring in these shoes provides a legendary mountain running experience.” The XFlow Speed midsole provides bouncy, cushioned feedback without feeling overly soft, creating a ride that feels both fast and stable. 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? If you're a seasoned trail runner aiming to sharpen your edge, the 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. The streamlined upper, while effective for keeping out debris and hugging the foot, may feel too stiff for some. Runners looking to up the ante on their racing and pacing will likely love the performance-centered foundation that these shoes provide.
Weight (per shoe, women's size 6.5): 7.72 oz | Measured Heel-Toe Drop: 3 mm
Weight (per shoe, men's size 10.5): 9.79 oz | Measured Heel-Toe Drop: 5 mm
La Sportiva found a great balance with the Prodigio Pro, making a shoe that offers stable support, good energy return, and durability through the long haul.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
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.
If there's something to measure or dissect (or both), we've probably done it, all in the name of helping you find the best trail runner for your needs.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Six key metrics were used to assess each shoe and tally its score:
Comfort and Fit (25%)
Traction (20%)
Stability (15%)
Foot Protection (15%)
Weight (15%)
Sensitivity (10%)
Saturating the shoe and observing how much water penetrates our socks is one of the most effective ways to evaluate the water resistance of a pair of shoes. After that, we conduct a survey to determine how long each shoe takes to dry.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
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. Ally was set up for success by Amber King, who has tested trail running shoes for GearLab since 2014 and completed ultras like the Bryce Canyon 50 miler, and the Telluride Mountain Run, a 38-mile ultra with over 14k of elevation gains and losses. She's also a passionate fastpacker whose missions take her around the globe.
Shoes, shoes, and more shoes. From the lab to the trail and back again, we've spent an outrageous amount of time geeking out for your benefit.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The men's team includes Matt Bento and Matthew Richardson. Matt B. started running in high school and learned to love cruising trails in Yosemite Valley when temps hit the 90s, and it was too hot to climb. He worked up to 40-mile loops into the high country. Matthew 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.
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?
You want to run on a trail. It doesn't have to be complicated, yet the overload of shoe options and their jargon-filled descriptions don't help matters. Since trails expose your feet to rocks, roots, mud, dirt, and debris, trail running shoes are more protective and agile than road running shoes. They're often stiffer than road shoes, with more aggressive traction to stabilize your foot across uneven terrain. They can even include a rock plate or a protective, dense midsole to cushion your feet against rocky impacts.
The cleat-like lugs underfoot are larger and more aggressive and are sometimes covered with tacky rubber to increase your grip on variable terrain. The upper materials work to balance the need to withstand more abrasions from rough granite or overgrown vegetation with the need to breathe well enough to keep your feet dry and comfortable — especially since you're likely to run into rain or creek crossings. Some trail running shoes even include ankle collars to block debris.
Our men and women test teams have logged countless trail miles over the last decade to help you find an ideal trail running shoe.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
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
Traction
Stability
Foot Protection
Norda 002
8.5
9.5
8.5
8
Salomon S/Lab Ultra 3
9
7.5
8.6
9
Hoka Mafate Speed 4
8.8
8.7
8.2
7.7
Nnormal Tomir 2.0
7.7
9.5
7.9
7.6
La Sportiva Wildcat
7.9
7.8
8.3
8.5
La Sportiva Prodigio Pro
9
8.3
7.4
7.3
Brooks Cascadia 18
7.9
7.2
8.5
8.4
Asics Trabuco Max 4
8.4
5.9
8.6
8.9
La Sportiva Bushido III
6.5
8
9
8
Salomon Speedcross 6
9
10
5
7.3
Nnormal Kjerag
8.8
7.5
8.5
6.4
Hoka Torrent 4
8.5
7.5
7.4
7.8
Merrell Nova 4
8.3
7
7.4
7.6
Hoka Speedgoat 6
7.4
7.8
7.1
8
Hoka Tecton X 3
8.6
6.3
7.3
8
Topo Ultraventure 4
8.3
6.9
7.3
7.5
Brooks Catamount 4
7.8
6.8
7.5
7.6
Craft Pure Trail
6.6
6.9
8.6
7.4
Brooks Divide 5
7.8
4.8
9
7.9
Altra Lone Peak 9
7.9
6.7
8
6.5
Saucony Peregrine 15
8.4
7.1
6.7
6.9
Nike Wildhorse 8
7.5
6.8
7.1
6.9
Nike Ultrafly
7.2
6.3
7.4
6.8
Salomon Sense Ride 5
5.5
5.3
8
8.8
Hoka Challenger 7
7.4
5.5
6.9
6.8
Salomon Ultra Glide 2
6.5
5.3
7.1
7
Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra
6.8
5
5.5
7.8
Above are the scores from four of our six testing metrics, 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
Traction
Stability
Foot Protection
Hoka Mafate Speed 4
9
8.5
8
7.5
La Sportiva Bushido III
7
9
8
8.5
Speedland GS:PDX
8
8.5
7
8.5
Saucony Peregrine 15
8
8
7
8
Hoka Tecton X 3
8.5
8
7
7.5
Topo MTN Racer 3
9
8
7
7
Salomon S/Lab Ultra 3
8
8
8
7
La Sportiva Prodigio Pro
8
7.5
7.5
7.5
Topo Ultraventure 4
8
7
8
7.5
Altra Mont Blanc Carbon
6.5
8
7
8.5
Altra Lone Peak 9
7
7.5
8.5
7
Merrell Agility Peak 5
7
7.5
7.5
8
Merrell Antora 3
7
7
8
7.5
Hoka Speedgoat 6
7
7.5
8
7
Altra Experience Wild
7.5
7.5
7.5
6.5
Salomon Thundercross
7.5
7.5
6.5
7.5
Nnormal Tomir 2.0
5.5
9
6
8
Hoka Torrent 4
6.5
7
7.5
7.5
Salomon Speedcross 6
5.5
9
5
9
Asics Trabuco Max 4
7
6.5
7
7.5
Craft Pure Trail
6.5
8
6.5
7
Hoka Challenger 7
7
7
7
7
Salomon Ultra Glide 2
7.5
6.5
7
7
La Sportiva Jackal II
6
8.5
6.5
7
Brooks Catamount 4
6.5
7.5
7.5
6.5
Salomon Sense Ride 5
7
6
7
7
Brooks Cascadia 18
6.5
7.5
7
6
Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra
7
7.5
5
7
Brooks Divide 5
6.5
5
8
7
Nnormal Kjerag
6.5
7
7
6
New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v8
6
6.5
4.5
6.5
Nike Zegama 2
6.5
7
3
6
Nike Ultrafly
3
5
5
4
Here are the results from four of our six test metrics for women's trail running shoes. To get the complete breakdown, visit our full review.
How to Choose the Best Trail Running Shoes for You
Depending on what type of trails you are planning 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 on even 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.
Types of Trail Running Shoes
Shoe Aggressiveness
Light Conditions
Rugged Terrain
Extreme Topography
Protection Level
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
Flexibility
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
Rock Plate
✖
Support
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
Lugs
Low profile
Deeper and multidirectional
Deep, multidirectional, and durable
Waterproof
✖
Sometimes
Best For
Mix of roads and trails
Mixed trail difficulties
Off-trail and difficult terrain
Light Trail Runners
Light trail running shoes closely resemble road running shoes, but have a few subtle features to increase 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 hard-core counterparts, these lightweight designs are a great choice for those who like to move fast on less complex terrain.
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.)
Your feet don't need as much protection if you stick to smooth, rolling trails.
Credit: Ryan Baker
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.
More protective shoes help save your feet with burlier toe boxes and tread that extends to form a protective cap.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Rugged trail shoes have more robust protection in the form of 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.
Both of these shoes have 5 mm lugs, those on the left work well on hard, rocky surfaces thanks to their wide spacing. The narrow lugs on the right are best suited to softer, smoother trails.
Credit: Jill Rice
Extreme Trail Runners
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. Essentially a pair of rugged trail shoes on steroids, these extreme trail running shoes are made of the most resilient materials. They usually offer maximum torsional rigidity (think twisting the sole of your foot), and offer great foot protection, but due to their stiffness, they can take time to get used to.
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.
We wouldn't call this running, but if a section of the trail you want to tackle looks like this, you'll want shoes that can handle it.
Credit: Jonnah D.
Consider Your Trails 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 what most people would call a hiking trail. You'll want an extreme, off-trail option if your run requires a map, compass, and multiple route-finding sessions.
Components of Traction
Outsole
Lug Depth
Dry / Easy Traction
Wet / Sloppy Traction
Salomon S/Lab Ultra 3
Salomon Contagrip MA
3.5 mm
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
Hoka Mafate Speed 4
Vibram Litebase Megagrip
5.3 mm
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
Hoka Speedgoat 6
Vibram Megagrip
4.6 mm
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
Saucony Peregrine 15
PWRTRAC
5.6 mm
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
Salomon Speedcross 6
Salomon Mud Contagrip
5.5 mm
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
La Sportiva Bushido III
Bi-Compound FriXion XT 2.0 V-Groove3
3.8 mm
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
Altra Lone Peak 9
MaxTrac
4.0 mm
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
Topo MTN Racer 3
Vibram
4.3 mm
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
Nnormal Kjerag
Vibram Litebase Megagrip
3.0 mm
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
Brooks Divide 5
TrailTack rubber
2.8 mm
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
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.
In desert climates, you'll want shoes that release heat and moisture to let your feet breathe and that hold traction in sandy terrain.
Credit: Matt Bento
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.
One of the benefits of a minimally cushioned shoe is how connected you feel to the trail, enabling nimble foot placement.
Credit: Amber King
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.
Mid-range cushioning can make for an incredibly versatile shoe, allowing you to feel the trail without being injured by it.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Maximum
Hokas are a classic example of a maximum cushion shoe. I go for these soft, floaty shoes on days with a lot of elevation gain and loss or when my muscles and joints need extra love. They do a lot to reduce the strain of repetitive downhill pounding. The downside is that they often lack a feeling of connection to the trail, and they aren't my first choice for fancy footwork. Racers may feel like they lose energy by pushing off against a cushioned base, but many praise the style for keeping their legs fresh longer. This category is evolving; some modern shoes provide impressive energy conservation and transfer.
When you have many, many miles to cover, the comfort of a maximally cushioned shoe can make all the difference to your joints.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
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 manufacturers' claims. This is because there is no industry standard for these measurements — companies can do or say whatever they like. Our measurements are at least standardized among all the shoes we've tested so you can get some helpful comparative information within our lineups. Our process follows the requirements set by World Athletics, the international governing body for running competitions, and includes the tread, all the cushioning, and the insole.
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.
Zero-drop shoes work best when you land every step in the middle or on the front of your foot. They don't offer enough support to land on your heel.
Credit: Jill Rice
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.
A higher heel-to-toe drop can sometimes make shoes feel unstable when on steeper trails.
Credit: Jill Rice
Get the Right Fit
Some shoe brands tend to run narrow, while others are known for their wide-toe boxes. It's always a good idea to break out the tape measure, get your foot's dimensions, and match them to the sizing tables on each brand's website. This is especially important if you're trying a new shoe brand or it's been a while since you ordered; your shoe size can shift over time.
Every trail shoe fits a little bit differently. From well-contoured heel collars to wide toe boxes to strong arch support, there is a shoe that will suit each runner's unique anatomy perfectly.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
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.
Our trail running test teams log miles in each of these shoes so you can find to perfect fit.
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.
—Ally Arcuri, Matthew Richardson, Matt Bento, and Amber King
