We buy all the products we test — no freebies from companies. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission, which helps support our testing.
We ran thousands of miles of varying terrain in the 30 best trail running shoes from brands like Brooks, Hoka, Altra, La Sportiva, Salomon, 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 November 3, 2025
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 both men and women, we can't stop raving about the Saucony Peregrine 15 and Hoka Torrent 4. The Peregrine 15s are stable, comfortable, and capable of handling most trails for beginners and experienced runners alike. Meanwhile, the Torrent 4 offers a well-rounded package at a price that is hard to beat.
Who this is best for: The Saucony Peregrine 15 is an easy choice for trail runners who want strong performance without the hefty price tag. It's ideal for most runners, new or experienced, as they are versatile enough to handle rolling hills or alpine boulder fields. This shoe is dependable mile after mile and continues to be a favorite among our team for its unending comfort. The shoe fits similarly to a road running shoe, so if you are making your way from road to trail, these are a solid, familiar-feeling option.
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. Its 30 mm stack height and 4 mm drop strike a balance between ground feel and protection, making it feel nimble yet forgiving underfoot.
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, men's size 10.5): 10.11 oz | Measured Heel-Toe Drop: 4 mm
Weight (per shoe, women's size 6.5): 7.78 oz | Measured Heel-Toe Drop: 4 mm
Available for less than some of the other high-scoring options, the Saucony Peregrine is a capable trail running shoe that is ready to tackle adventures with you.
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 Hokas' 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.
Weight (per shoe, men's size 10.5): 9.4 oz | Measured Heel-Toe Drop: 5 mm
Weight (per shoe, women's size 6.5): 7.36 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. One tester said, “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
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 Hoka Speedgoat 6 is best for a runner who tackles various terrain and trail types. Find yourself on rocky inclines, rolling hills, gravel paths, and much more? These are a great option. They have a dense foam midsole, which lends itself to better stability and foot protection, though it can take some time to break in.
Why we love it: After we broke in the shoes, we were pleased with the support and stability they provided. We confidently took these on every trail we could find, with traction that exceeded our expectations. Lead tester, Ally Arcuri notes, “These were super grippy across various terrain types. The new lug pattern bites down well, even on sand-covered granite.”
Should you buy it: The Speedgoat 6 is a solid choice for runners who cross over many ground types. Keep in mind, they have a break-in period, so out-of-the-box comfort shouldn't be expected. The 'regular' width is on the more narrow side, so if you have wide feet or prefer extra wiggle room, we recommend ordering the 'wide' version.
Weight (per shoe, women's size 10.5): 10.58 oz | Measured Heel-Toe Drop: 6 mm
Weight (per shoe, women's size 6.5): 7.57 oz | Measured Heel-Toe Drop: 5 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.
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: 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? These make a great choice for anyone with wide feet or anyone who wants stability paired with cushion. Though a lightweight running shoe, it is rugged and ready to tackle whatever distance you throw at it.
Weight (per shoe, women's size 6.5): 7.90 oz | Measured Heel-Toe Drop: 7 mm
Who this is best for: The Nnormal Kjerag is designed for experienced trail runners seeking maximum responsiveness in a minimalist package. 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, lead tester 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, men's size 10.5): 8.05 oz | Measured Heel-Toe Drop: 8 mm
The Kjerag 02 is out now, promising increased comfort and energy return. We haven't finished testing this shoe yet, but will update our review when we're through.
The Kjerag is almost absurdly light, with great traction and a performance we love for upbeat trail runs.
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 wth 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.
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
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.
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
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.
Six key metrics were used to assess each shoe and tally its score:
Comfort and Fit (35%)
Stability (25%)
Traction (20%)
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
La Sportiva Prodigio Pro
9
7.4
8.3
7.3
Brooks Cascadia 18
7.9
8.5
7.2
8.4
Asics Trabuco Max 4
8.4
8.6
5.9
8.9
La Sportiva Bushido III
6.5
9
8
8
Salomon Speedcross 6
9
5
10
7.3
Nnormal Kjerag
8.8
8.5
7.5
6.4
Hoka Torrent 4
8.5
7.4
7.5
7.8
Saucony Peregrine 15
9
8
7.1
6.9
Hoka Speedgoat 6
7.4
7.1
7.8
8
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 7
7.4
6.9
5.5
6.8
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
La Sportiva Bushido III
7
8
9.5
8.5
Saucony Peregrine 15
8.5
7
8
8
Altra Lone Peak 9
8
8.5
7.5
7
Hoka Speedgoat 6
8
7.5
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
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
Asics Trabuco Max 4
6.5
6.5
6
7.5
Hoka Challenger 8
6.5
7
6
6
Nike Pegasus Trail 5
7
6.5
7
4
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 for You
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.
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
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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, measure your feet, and match their dimensions 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.
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.
—Ally Arcuri, Matthew Richardson, Matt Bento, Amber King, and Becca Glades
