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The freeing feeling of jogging down a quiet trail or winding through the trees makes trail running a liberating activity for those who take it up. And having a pair of shoes that's comfortable, stable, and offers the right traction for wherever you're running is key.
Finding the right shoes is not a one-size-fits-all approach — we've been on a continuous quest since 2013 to figure out which shoes are best for what trails and running styles. Over the years, we've logged tens of thousands of miles in hundreds of pairs of shoes. Each pair sees at least 60 miles of trails, from ultra-distance marathons to fast-packing adventures and everyday jogs to crappy weather slogs. We know your goals and your feet and your trails are your own — it's our mission to help identify the shoes that can take you there, better.
The best overall shoes are the Saucony Peregrine 15. These offer all-day comfort with some of the best traction and foot protection that we have seen. It is no wonder why they keep making their way to the top of our list time and time again.
For running on a budget, the Hoka Torrent 4 is our pick. Across the board, they do well and have a little for any type of runner, new or experienced.
Through pretty much every type of terrain and weather conditions, our expert team of runners has put the top running gear to the test, to help you enjoy your miles. From socks and shorts to sports bras and gaiters, we're here to help.
Editor's Note: We updated this review on November 3, 2025, with all new testing and even more miles spent on the trails to find the best shoes.
The Saucony Peregrine 15 rides like your forever favorite road running shoe, making it a top choice for runners seeking familiar comfort on the trails. Its multidirectional lug traction and updated cushioning make it a reliable and affordable choice for runners. The redesigned Peregrine offers well-rounded comfort, making it an awesome choice for new runners and those who intend to spend extra time on the trails. The Peregrine demonstrates a strong value and is a reliable trail shoe.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Heel Stack Height
30 mm
Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop
4 mm
Rock Plate
Forefoot Rock Guard
Measured Lug Depth
5.6 mm
Measured Weight
7.78 oz
The Saucony Peregrine 15 is not the most technologically advanced trail shoe on the market. This is a double-edged sword, since the latest tech can help shoes become even lighter and more powerful. One tester testifies, “I appreciate the simplicity of this shoe — it's one of the reasons I continue to reach for it.” Newer materials often result in a higher price tag, which we love that the Peregrine does not have. Runners seeking an affordable, do-it-all shoe will enjoy the ride of the Peregrine. Tech-minded runners might seek out a shoe with a bit more pizzazz.
We have tested numerous previous versions of this shoe and found them all to have excellent features that we continue to recommend. While improvements have been made to the Peregrine over the years, if you find the Peregrine 14 in your size for a good price, we still recommend these excellent shoes.
The Peregrine 15 is a trail shoe that we can't stop reaching for thanks to its versatility and comfort.
The Hoka Torrent 4 is an approachable shoe for any runner, regardless of where they are on their journey. This shoe is ready for most trails you put in front of it, with steady traction across various surfaces, and a secure design that helps prevent ankle rolls. They have just 4 millimeters of drop between the heel and toe, which feels more natural underfoot and lends to a more stable feel.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Heel Stack Height
29 mm
Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop
4 mm
Rock Plate
No
Measured Lug Depth
5.0 mm
Measured Weight
7.36 oz
The midsole of the Torrent 4 is on the stiffer side, though it still has enough bounce to keep you moving. Still, they aren't as plush as many Hoka shoes. If you prefer that more relaxed feel underfoot, the Altra Lone Peak 9 is worth a read. The stiffness of the sole isn't inherently a problem, though, as this aids in the stable feel of the shoe and can tackle more rugged terrain. All things considered, it's rare to find a well-rounded shoe in an affordable package, but Hoka did so with the Torrent.
The Hoka Speedgoat 6 is a great choice for the trails, no matter which one you're headed out on. They are comfortable to wear for hours on end, and even a few extra once you've finished your run, and we were thrilled with the support offered on the trail. Our even tester noted, “These shoes are easy to wear all day.” With the multidirectional grip, these confidently took us up peaks in the Rockies and along sandy trails oceanside. The Speedgoat 6 is very lightweight at just 7.57 ounces per US 6.5, which is a feat considering how stable and capable they are.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Heel Stack Height
32 mm
Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop
5 mm
Rock Plate
No
Measured Lug Depth
4.0 mm
Measured Weight
7.57 oz
If you're familiar with Hoka's fit, you might find these a bit narrower; in that case, we recommend ordering the “wide” version of the shoe. You might also be surprised that they are firmer than typical Hokas. Like the Hoka Torrent 4, this can have benefits for traction, stability, and protection from jagged rocks. However, it might take a few runs to get used to it. We have tested the previous versions of the Hoka Speedgoat and are very impressed with this most recent update.
The Topo Ultraventure 4 is among the most comfortable shoes in our lineup, with plenty of wiggle room for your toes and supportive cushion underfoot. These trail shoes excel at many things, but long runs and steep trails were where they shone brightest. Still, they do well for everyday runs with our tester Becca Glades saying, “I prefer a natural-shaped toe box, so these are my go-to shoes for quick gravel runs from my house and longer days in the mountains.” The landing is absorbed through the thick midsole, yet we wouldn't consider it “plush.” The cushion is still stiff and bouncy enough to support your stride.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Heel Stack Height
34 mm
Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop
7 mm
Rock Plate
No
Measured Lug Depth
3.4 mm
Measured Weight
7.90 oz
The Ultraventure 4 features a wide toe box and snug heel, as opposed to our other favorite shoe for wide feet, the Altra Lone Peak 9, which is more generous throughout the shoe. This allows the Ultraventure to be cinched down enough for those with regular-width feet; however, those with particularly narrow feet might find the toe box too roomy. Much of the fit will come down to personal preference, but we still think it is worth a try if you want a more cushioned ride.
The La Sportiva Bushido III has always been a sensitive and trail-ready running shoe. This version has numerous improvements, making it a trail shoe that we eagerly deem the best for running seriously rugged terrain. With an ultra-protective toecap, well-tractioned outsole, and an intimate trail feel even with a rock plate, the Bushido is ready to tackle a variety of terrain types. Our lead tester calls this shoe her “partner in crime” when heading into serious crud. If you are seeking a durable, do-it-all trail shoe that will elevate your running endeavors to new heights, we love this alpine-ready superstar.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Heel Stack Height
28 mm
Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop
7 mm
Rock Plate
1.5 mm dual-density compressed EVA rock-guard in forefoot
Measured Lug Depth
3.8 mm
Measured Weight
9.11 oz
The Bushido III is on the heavier side, but it's well-balanced, so we didn't mind the extra few ounces. The exceptional sensitivity of the Bushido takes a bit of time to adjust to, but once your feet adjust and your small muscles start engaging, it's easy to enjoy the ride it provides. The ability to feel the terrain beneath you and make micro-adjustments as you run seriously levels up the trail experience. If your runs take you through creeks, puddles, and rivers, know that the Bushido doesn't dry out as readily as flimsier-built options. Trail enthusiasts seeking a burly, well-tractioned shoe that is suitable for nearly all trail occasions will love everything the high-scoring Bushido offers.
We've tested the previous version of this shoe, the Bushido II, as well. It doesn't have nearly the impressive traction as version III does and isn't quite as comfortable. It's still a pretty solid shoe, though, and for a past-season sale price, it could be a solid choice for you.
Through creeks, snowfields, and across alpine peaks, the Bushido III is a rugged trail shoe with excellent traction through the worst conditions and great sensitivity to keep you moving on technical terrain.
The Altra Lone Peak 9 has gone through a lot of changes over the years, but remains a favorite among zero-drop running enthusiasts for good reason. This iteration features a comfortably wide toe box, a measured 1 mm drop, and a rock plate that makes it well-suited for tougher terrain. Low-drop enthusiasts will enjoy this plush yet rugged take on a minimal differential shoe. The lateral edges, wide platform, and low-riding heel make the Lone Peak one of the most stable trail running shoes in our lineup — and the best low-drop trail shoe around.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Heel Stack Height
24 mm
Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop
1 mm
Rock Plate
StoneGuard plate
Measured Lug Depth
3.7 mm
Measured Weight
8.60 oz
The toe box of this iteration of the Lone Peak feels a bit overblown in its width. While not a total dealbreaker, it's noticeably wider and roomier than previous versions. One tester says, “I love how comfortable this shoe is — even with a thin sole and high ground feel.” Runners who want a high-performing, low-drop shoe that will accompany them from neighborhood trail runs to more ambitious mountainous goals will appreciate what this noteworthy 1 mm drop shoe offers.
We actually like previous versions of the Lone Peak better than this one. Both the Lone Peak 8 and the 7 have the same excellent traction and stability, but a better fit through the toe box — and both are still sold for less than their original retail value.
Trail runners who are dedicated to the low-drop game will find that the Lone Peak 9 is one of the best options available.
La Sportiva has been on a run of making all-terrain, race-ready shoes. Imagine our delight to finally be acquainted with an energetic yet comfortable trail racing shoe. Enter, the La Sportiva Prodigio Pro. From tip to tail, the Prodigio is built for racing. With a nitrogen-infused midsole and its clear rocker shape, this is a shoe that is built to move with you as you propel yourself to new racing heights, both literally and figuratively. Our testing team is singing this shoe's praise, saying, “This shoe came to PLAY!” The Power Wire mesh upper is as breathable as it is tough, offering structure and reinforcement on the gnarliest of trails.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Heel Stack Height
27 mm
Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop
3 mm
Rock Plate
No
Measured Lug Depth
3.6 mm
Measured Weight
7.72 oz
The sockliner upper adds an enjoyable level of protection to the Prodigio Pro, but it may narrow the scope of runners this shoe comfortably fits. As we often recommend, it is worth trying these shoes on before shelling out the cash to own them. New trail runners might find that the Prodigio Pro is simply more shoe than they bargained for, taking it out of contention for mellow daily runs. Speed demons and race-focused pace-chasers will love the energetic bounce, svelte exterior, and overall fierceness of this latest offering from La Sportiva.
The Prodigio Pro is built to find your speed in. It may not be a new trail runner's dream shoe, but it will delight veteran trail runners with its tech-minded build and responsive midsole.
The updated Nike Pegasus Trail 5 is a solid crossover shoe to take you from pavement to trails and back again because of its ample midfoot cushion and familiar-feeling fit. This shoe wears like many other shoes built by Nike, with a comfortable fit that many will appreciate. Its softer midsole and forgiving outsole materials allow it to feel insulated and ride neutrally on paved surfaces — and looks good doing it. One tester confessed, “I love how this shoe looks so much, and I'm glad it's got the comfort and runnability to back it up.”
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Heel Stack Height
31 mm
Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop
9 mm
Rock Plate
No
Measured Lug Depth
3.5 mm
Measured Weight
7.70 oz
The elements of the Nike Trail Pegasus 5 that make it a worthy crossover contender also detract from its ability to run more technical terrain. While the lugs are equipped for techier trail features, the softness of the midsole doesn't promote the agility needed when tackling challenging terrain. The upper of the Trail Pegasus is comfortable but perhaps a bit too flexible, detracting from this shoe's durability and rock protection. Runners who enjoy the fit of a classic Nike and want a crossover shoe for mild to moderate terrain or everyday wear will find joy in running in the latest version of the Trail Pegasus.
For mild to moderate trail and road needs, the Pegasus Trail 5 strikes a solid balance of comfort and function, making it a trail shoe we recommend.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
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How We Tested Women's Trail Running Shoes
We've tested hundreds of women's trail running shoes in rugged conditions to determine the best options for performance, comfort, and durability. We've hiked up towering passes in Peru, run over summits in the Rocky Mountains, jogged over dry singletrack in the desert, raced across the beaches of California, and explored the most remote parts of the Pacific Northwest.
Our test teams organize their lives around running. They are thrilled that their hard work can help you find the right shoes.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Some of our main testing locations are Montaña de Oro State Park on the rugged coast of California and the iconic Lake Tahoe. Both locations offer sweeping vistas and scenic peaks — and hundreds of miles of trails with enough slippery scree to test an army of running shoes. Each pair of shoes in our lineup has logged at least 60 miles — some with over 1,000 miles if they last that long. Our review compiles this data to give you recommendations for your best trail sidekick — or two.
The Scoop on Our Stack Height Measurements
There is no industry standard that companies follow when reporting stack height. As you might imagine, different brands use different methods to calculate this important measurement.
In order to offer a standardized and directly comparable view of all the shoes we test, we cut up US size 6.5 shoes and measure them according to the definitions of stack height and heel-toe drop set by World Athletics, the international organization and governing body for running competitions. This defines where and how to take these measurements and includes everything between your socks and the ground.
Our field testing of trail running shoes is divided across five rating metrics:
Comfort and Fit (35% of overall score weighting)
Stability (25% weighting)
Traction (20% weighting)
Foot Protection (15% weighting)
Weight (5% weighting)
We love ripping up trails in the shoes we test, but we also take the time to assess their unique differences from a more scientific standpoint.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Why Trust GearLab
Our main tester, Ally Arcuri, is an avid trail runner, an exercise specialist, and a cancer survivor. Ally has been running trails for nearly two decades and has honed her expertise along the way. She has taken on ultramarathons in the Rocky Mountains and is currently training for shorter, speedier trail races. Ally has a degree in kinesiology from Cal State Fullerton and utilizes her knowledge of biomechanics heavily while assessing each pair of shoes. She lives next door to Montaña de Oro State Park in California, though she attributes her love of trails to her upbringing in the wilderness of South Lake Tahoe.
GearLab editor and tester, Becca Glades, joins Ally in the quest to find the best trail running shoes. Becca lives in northern Colorado, where she frequents Rocky Mountain National Park and the Indian Peaks Wilderness, allowing her to run in some of the best that the High Rockies have to offer. Becca has been competing in triathlons since 2018, most of which have been on gravel trails around the state. Her favorite runs are medium-length and leisurely, focused on enjoying the scenery, and maybe summiting a peak along the way.
We have been testing trail running shoes for many years, taking them far and wide.
Credit: Becca Glades
Analysis and Test Results
Our trail running shoe lineup spans a wide range of options, thoroughly tested to highlight even the subtlest differences in performance. After scoring each shoe across multiple metrics, we provide a comparative ranking and an in-depth guide to help you find exactly what you need.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
The Saucony Peregrine 15 is a high-value trail running shoe. It provides long-lasting comfort and is a durable trail shoe that costs less than many more popular options. This versatile trail shoe places comfort at its core and, on its 15th iteration, has truly hit the nail on the head. The Peregrine is a well-tractioned, traditionally-fitting shoe that our expert testers do not hesitate to recommend to their friends, family, and you.
The Hoka Torrent 4 offers excellent value with its durability, versatile performance, and affordable price. Its stable rigidity and thoughtful lug pattern make it suitable for a variety of trails, reducing the need for multiple shoes while delivering consistent, reliable performance. Time after time, the Torrent stands out as a shoe that offers a cost-effective approach to performance.
The Peregrine 15 offers a well-rounded package for any runner at a reasonable price.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Comfort and Fit
Comfort and fit are subjective and historically challenging to test, as they vary widely among runners. We evaluated each shoe holistically, considering factors like toe box spaciousness, midfoot width, and heel collar comfort, and noted how long it took for each pair to feel natural on our feet. Some shoes are almost 'universally comfortable,' appealing to most runners, while niche designs cater to more specific preferences.
We enlisted a team of runners to try out every shoe in our lineup and give feedback about their overall fit and level of comfort during runs.
This fifteenth iteration of the Saucony Peregrine is stuffed with comfort from its tongue to its sole. We tout this shoe's overall awesomeness because it rides like a typical road shoe, negating the need to have a “break-in” period to adapt to the ride a shoe offers. The Peregrine runs ever so slightly on the narrow side, but Saucony offers a wide version, allowing more runners to find a comfortable fit.
Each trail running shoe offers its own brand of comfort, some of which will work with your anatomy and some that may feel a bit off. Listening to your body is a surefire way to find a shoe that is perfect for you.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
On the other hand, the Topo Ultraventure 4 and Altra Lone Peak 9 run on the wide side, though both have two very different fits. The Ultraventure offers a wide toe box with a more snug heel. They have 34 millimeters of stack under the heel, which is on the higher end. Meanwhile, the Altra Lone Peak 9 fits wide throughout the forefoot and heel and has just 24 millimeters under the heel—the lowest stack height in our lineup. It also has a zero heel-to-toe drop, so they have a more natural feel compared to most trail running shoes. We found both shoes very comfortable. If you don't have wide feet, don't let the “wide” toe box scare you away. Many narrow-footed runners, and even our narrow-footed testers, are loving the natural toe splay that these shoes allow, and many even find it useful for traction and stability.
Shoe ExteriorShoe Interior
The Lone Peak has a natural shaped toe box that allows your toes to splay as you run.
The Speedgoat 6 is another that kept our feet happy mile after mile. The shoe is very breathable and well-suited for warm weather or those whose feet tend to run hot. The upper is also strong, but not abrasive. Meanwhile, the cushion under the feet is bouncy without being overly plush.
One of the perks of the Speedgoat 6 is how breathable they are, confirmed by in-use testing and our in-lab breathability test shown here.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
The La Sportiva Prodigio Pro is a shoe that needs a break-in period to see its full comfort potential. Out of the box, they were a little rigid, but this worked itself out after a few runs. The upper is superb, with the knit sockliner molding precisely to our feet. The shoe is well cushioned in the right places, like around the heel and tongue. These shoes fit narrow to medium-width feet best, and they are not available in a wide size.
The Prodigio Pro is a comfortable choice for experienced runners with narrow to medium-width feet.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Stability
A stable shoe moves in harmony with your foot as you adjust, helping prevent rolled ankles or more serious injuries. Strong upper textiles and lateral supports further enhance surefootedness on uneven terrain. Trail running shoes often have a smaller heel-toe drop than road shoes (usually around 5-8 mm) to keep your foot closer to the ground for improved stability.
We considered each shoe's security on our feet, performance over uneven surfaces, vertical height, and overall feeling when running varied terrains to assess their stability.
The Lone Peak 9 is an ultra-stable shoe, though through entirely different mechanisms than most trail shoes. Instead of relying on torsional support and rocker geometry, Altra uses a wide toe box that lets your toes spread out and a thinner sole to allow your heel to ride lower to the ground. This helps to engage your lower leg and foot muscles, which in turn stabilizes you.
The stability of the low-riding Lone Peak 9 by Altra makes it a solid choice for long runs when you know you'll be finishing on fatigued legs.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
The La Sportiva Bushido III has a low ride, with only 28 millimeters of cushion under the heel. This aids in a sense of control. The side walls of the shoe also kept our feet securely in place.
The Bushido III has excellent stability with a close-to-the-ground feel.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Not all shoes need to be low to the ground to be stable. We found the Topo Ultraventure 4 to have plenty of stability. The foot-shaped toe box allows the toes to splay, which can promote natural stability, like when you are barefoot. This can help you engage more muscles in your feet to keep you sure-footed. Still, they offer a thicker cushion under the foot, so any instability is offset by the wide base.
Though a taller stack height, the wide base and roomy toe box allow for a sense of natural stability.
Credit: Becca Glades
The Hoka Torrent 4 is — according to our standardized measurements — a 4 mm drop shoe with a more svelte profile. The Torrent has a way of absorbing the impact of rogue rocks and missteps that feels supremely stable. The Hoka Speedgoat 6 offers a similar approach to stability but with a Vibram outsole and slightly wider base of support.
Shoe ExteriorShoe Interior
The low-to-the-ground feel and rigidity of the Torrent 4 helps make it feel more stable than many.
Not all shoes need to be stable on all surfaces to be a good shoe. The Brooks Cascadia 19 proved this to be true during our testing. While we wouldn't take these on technical terrain due to the rigidity and width, they are excellent on gravel and lightly rolling hills. We enjoyed these on flat paths around nearby lakes and enjoyed the stable ride they offered.
For short runs on gravel, the Brooks Cascadia 19 is a solid, stable choice.
Credit: Becca Glades
Traction
The outsole design of a trail shoe can make or break your experience. When it comes to traction, it is valuable to decide what kind of trail you'll be running the most and then decide on some contenders from there.
Most trail runners spend most of their time running on hardpack trails. These traction metric scores include input from all the surfaces we tested shoes on, with weighted consideration given to the surfaces most people spend the most time on.
We tested each pair of shoes on slick, muddy trails, loose, scree-covered mountains, beaches, bike paths, and many terrain types in between. No trail shoe is completely slip-resistant, but they all provide significantly more grip than running shoes built only for pounding pavement.
Traction Ratings on Difficult Surfaces
Product
Loose Trail
Mud
Slick Rock
La Sportiva Prodigio Pro
5
5
5
Asics Trabuco Max 4
5
5
4
Brooks Catamount 4
5
4
5
Hoka Speedgoat 6
5
4
5
Altra Lone Peak 9
5
4
4
Hoka Tecton X 3
4
4
5
Hoka Torrent 4
5
4
4
Nike Zegama 2
5
4
4
La Sportiva Bushido III
5
3
4
Nike Pegasus Trail 5
4
4
4
Salomon Speedcross 6
5
3
4
Saucony Peregrine 15
4
3
4
Hoka Challenger 8
3
3
4
Topo Ultraventure 4
3
3
4
Brooks Cascadia 19
2
3.5
4
If you often find yourself running on suboptimal trails, we're right there with you. Here's how each shoe performed on difficult terrain and in sloppy situations.
Lug design heavily influences a trail shoe's traction and stability. Multidirectional, textured lugs, usually those around 4 mm deep, provide a secure hold, while sticky rubber compounds further enhance grip, helping runners feel confident on both packed dirt and uneven terrain. Vibram outsoles often outperform other compounds, but there is no hard-and-fast rule about what a trail shoe's outsole should be comprised of. The Prodigio Pro was one of the few that did well across all tricky surfaces, including loose trail, mud, and slick rock, for many of the reasons listed above.
No shoe will ever perform perfectly on all surfaces, but shoes with tacky outsole and multidirectional, pointed lugs often have a leg up when it comes to keeping you upright.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
The Hoka Speedgoat 6 and Brooks Catamount 4 also seamlessly tackled these tricky surfaces. The Speedgoat has 4 mm lugs, while the Catamount has 3.4 mm deep lugs. Both bit down in scree and loose dirt, while effortlessly sticking to slick rock.
The Brooks Catamount 4 has excellent traction on most surfaces.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
The Lone Peak takes a slightly different approach to traction. Sure, the grip is good, but some of this shoe's magic lies in its ability to let you steer the ship. Even with a rock plate embedded into its outsole, the Lone Peak offers a dynamic feeling ride that builds confidence on uneven terrain.
The Lone Peak includes a partial rock plate, a wide base, and a zero heel-to-toe drop design that lets you take control.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
In some cases, shoes with the best traction do not make the best companions for mild-to-moderate trails. Bitey, sharp lugs tend to wear down when worn on abrasive surfaces like pavement, deeming “ruggedly tractioned shoes” less desirable as crossover shoes.
The Nike Pegasus Trail 5 stands out as a notable crossover shoe due to its moderate traction pattern and midsole cushioning. It has solid traction for standard hardpack trails, but enough cushioning to still be comfortable on pavement.
If wearing a shoe from your front door to a neighborhood trail sounds perfect for you, shoes like the Nike Trail Pegasus 5 might be a better fit than those outfitted with the most intense traction.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
The Hoka Challenger 8 also makes a solid crossover shoe because of its plush, thick stack. Both shoes feature a slightly softer outsole material, helping maintain their structure when worn through neighborhood streets on the way to meandering trails.
The Hoka Challenger isn't the most robust on loose trails, but it makes a great road and trail crossover.
Credit: Becca Glades
Sensitivity — or the amount of trail texture and ground feel you have underfoot — also directly impacts traction. Shoes like the La Sportiva Bushido III excel at delivering clear trail feedback, letting runners better engage with the surface beneath them and optimize traction with every step.
The traction is the Bushido is some of the best we've had the pleasure of testing.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Foot Protection
When considering the foot protection of a shoe, we systematically look at different elements and how they work together to create cohesive protection while bombing down (or up) trails. This includes underfoot protection as well as features like toecaps, debris-resistant fabric, and ankle gaiters.
Considering all the elements that go into foot protection, here's the bird's eye view of how each shoe stacks up.
One of the first things we look for when it comes to foot protection is a rock plate. Rock plates can be made of different materials, but are most often plastic. They are small panels within the shoe's sole that protect your feet from feeling the sharp points of rocks as you travel over them.
The underfoot stack of a shoe provides protection for your soles. Sometimes a rock plate is embedded for additional protection, other times the shoes rely on cushioning to create this effect.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Thick underfoot stacks can also offer protection comparable to rock plates, so we evaluate shoes based on overall foot protection rather than just their inclusion. We also assess the toecap of each shoe for overall protectiveness. Some toecaps are constructed of a thin, flexible rubber coating that provides little protection. Other shoes have straight-up bumpers at the front, which can offer more than enough protection from accidental toe stubs.
Keeping your toes protected during a run can make or break the experience. We prefer to keep stubbed toes away.
Credit: Becca Glades
If you want a trail running shoe that prioritizes underfoot cushion for protection, we enthusiastically recommend a few of Hoka's offerings. The Challenger 8 and Hoka Speedgoat 6 are divergent in the types of runners and terrain they best serve, but they all have one thing in common — thick, highly protective underfoot stacks, neither of which has a rock plate.
The thick sole under the Challenger 8 dampens steps on sharp rocks and tree roots.
Credit: Becca Glades
The style of a toecap is a great way to suss out what kind of terrain a shoe is designed for. Shoes with more rigid toecaps tend to be made for rockier, tougher terrain, while shoes with a lamination-style toecap are more equipped for flowy, sandy trails.
Many of the shoes we tested also have a “GTX” version, where Gore-Tex is used to add water protection. If you know you'll be tackling a lot of water, look for this option — just know it's likely to be less breathable and more expensive.
The Topo Ultraventure 4, for example, has a more flexible toecap and is made for moderate trails. It has a 27 mm stack in the forefoot and a 34 mm stack at the heel, which provides ample underfoot protection.
Though no rock plate, the toe cap and cushion underfoot kept our feet protected during our runs.
Credit: Becca Glades
The La Sportiva Bushido III is built to be protective. It offers a solid toecap and, even though it offers a more intimate ground feel than other shoes, its abrasion-resistant outsole protects feet from sharp trail features. The density of the heel collar helps deflect sand and grit, further adding to this shoe's high-powered protection.
If you are a trail runner who hates getting sand or small pebbles in your shoes, we recommend investing in a pair of ankle gaiters. These affordable ankle protectors attach directly to your shoes — many trail running shoes actually have specific features designed to hold gaiters in place.
Hoka's latest carbon-plated shoe, the Hoka Tecton X 3, actually comes with an attached ankle gaiter that does an outstanding job keeping flying sand and debris from getting inside the shoe. The attached gaiter might not be everyone's cup of tea, but it's certainly effective.
The included gaiter changes the way the midfoot parlays up onto the ankle. We found this feature to be functional and fun, though it might not be what every runner is looking for.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
The Salomon Speedcross 6 is one of the best shoes for navigating sloppy, obstacle-riddled terrain, partly due to its excellent protection. It has a burly toe bumper and a super-fine, woven mesh upper. The Speedcross does a great job deflecting water as you splash through puddles — though it takes longer to dry once it does soak through.
The Speedcross 6 is built to keep out everything you run through and keep your feet floating easily over uneven terrain.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Weight
Weighing trail running shoes is one thing, but weighing them and assessing how that weight feels as you run is a whole different ball game. We do both. First, we weigh each shoe — in women's US size 6.5 — right out of the box. Then we assess how the weight and balance feel on our feet while running. It's worth noting that technological advances in running shoe materials put our entire current lineup within about 2.5 ounces of each other.
While not everyone wants a light pair of shoes, sometimes cutting ounces can be the right call.
The Brooks Catamount 4 is one of the lighter shoes in our lineup and offers solid everyday performance for its impressively low weight.
While not an overall high scorer, the Brooks Catamount 4 is a lightweight and race-ready shoe that provides comfort and reliable traction without weighing you down.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
On par with it is the Hoka Torrent 4, which weighs 7.36 ounces. Because of their thick soles, both shoes appear heavier than they actually are, which is a welcome surprise.
Some shoes are lightweight and have a fit and balance that help them feel that way on the trail.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
A handful of the most well-featured shoes regarding protection score the lowest in the weight metric. The Salomon Speedcross 6 is a rather niche shoe that scored low in this metric. However, the relatively higher weight of the Speedcross is worth it if you consistently run on muddy, mucky trails. The weight rides low, which is a unique feeling if you are accustomed to a more traditional fit. But the beef and weight distribution of the Speedcross allow it to do what it needs to, which is to keep you upright on slippery, hilly terrain.
The Salomon Speedcross is a go-to recommendation for runners who want to get messy, as it thrives when caked in mud while traversing a downpour.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Other Notable Trail Running Shoes
As we've mentioned, we have tested a lot of trail running shoes with many of the top contenders battling it out for coveted GearLab awards. The trail running shoe market is flooded with other trail running shoes that all boast positive qualities. Even shoes that didn't end up in our discussion are worth pursuing if their specific cocktail of attributes sounds like a match for you.
The Nnormal Kjerag is a lightweight, high-octane trail shoe that is built for flying. Rather niche in its deign, it isn't going to be a match for all runners, but those who love it will find it's all they desire.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
The North Face Vectiv Enduris 4 — Among our favorite trail shoes to date for its comfort, minimal break-in, high-stability, and confidence-building traction pattern for long-term comfort.
Nnormal Kjerag — One of the most minimalistic yet technical options on the market, this ultralight shoe is ideal for those who want to feel every detail of the trail beneath their feet.
Altra Mont Blanc Carbon — Though not a World Athletics standards zero-drop shoe, this carbon-plated racing shoe still runs like it.
Merrell Agility Peak 5 — With a seriously grippy outsole, this trail shoe is a reliable do-it-all option for hitting the trails, even if you're walking.
Salomon Thundercross — A unique combination of pillow-like cushioning and impressive traction via multidirectional lugs makes this a comfortable model for rugged runs.
Nnormal Tomir 2.0 — This seriously protective shoe has a beefy toecap and anchor-like multidirectional lugs, making it a serious contender for rocky trail running.
Nike Ultrafly — An extremely stylish lifestyle shoe with everyday comfort that can level up to tackle the occasional, mellow trail.
No matter where your trail runs may take you, we hope it's a blast.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Conclusion
Your running style and terrain preferences will determine which trail running shoe suits you best. While no single shoe is perfect for every runner, exploring the strengths and subtleties of some of the top trail running shoes can help you find a pair that inspires you to hit the trails with confidence. Happy trails!
