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There's nothing quite like the freedom of a quiet trail. But your run is only as good as your footwear, and finding the perfect balance of comfort, stability, and traction is rarely a one-size-fits-all process.
That's why we've been on a continuous quest since 2013 to figure out which shoes are best for every terrain and running style. Over the years, we've logged tens of thousands of miles in hundreds of pairs. Regardless of if its your first trail run or you're a seasoned pro, it's our mission to help identify the shoes that can take you there, better.
The best overall shoes are the Hoka Speedgoat 7. These versatile trail running shoes offer a comfortable, unimposing fit that combines beautifully with their grippy traction and wide base for stability. The Speedgoat is the top shoe our expert testers recommend for runners who aren't quite sure what they want.
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 April 22, 2026, with all new testing and even more miles spent on the trails to find the best shoes.
The Hoka Speedgoat 7 is a dependable trail companion right out of the box, blending comfort, stability, and responsiveness in a way that makes it a top choice for trail runners of all kinds. Its Vibram Megagrip outsole and 3.5 mm lugs provide confidence-inspiring traction across a wide variety of surfaces, while the cushioned midsole and redesigned upper keep feet comfortable on long miles. The Speedgoat 7 strikes an excellent balance between protection and agility, making it a versatile option for everything from technical mountain trails to casual nature walks. With its thoughtful design and proven performance, it's an outstanding, go-to trail shoe that our testers can't get enough of.
The updated tongue on the Hoka Speedgoat 7 improves on previous versions by extending higher up the forefoot and attaching securely on both sides, offering better comfort and a more stable fit. While this design provides added protection and keeps the foot locked in place, the tongue is still on the thinner side, so it won't feel as plush as some other trail shoes, but it balances security and low-profile comfort effectively.
We have tested numerous previous versions of this shoe and found them all to be worth wearing. This iteration far surpasses the Speedgoat 6, which our team honored with a Top Pick for Versatility award. The 6th version was a solid shoe that is currently on closeout sales at some retailers, making it an awesome budget buy for runners who need to keep things affordable.
Each bit of the Speedgoat 7 is engineered to support your trail adventures with comfort, durability, and reliable traction.
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.
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 Saucony Peregrine 16 is a dependable, versatile trail shoe that combines the comfort of a traditional road runner with the capability of a trail-ready design. Its balanced cushioning and lower profile provide a stable, confident ride, while the Vibram Megagrip outsole delivers reliable traction across a wide range of surfaces. It's approachable and consistent, making it a great option for runners who want a shoe that can handle daily miles, moderate technical trails, and everything in between without fuss. This blend of comfort, durability, and versatility makes the Peregrine a workhorse that simply shows up and performs.
While the Saucony Peregrine 16 excels at reliability and consistency, it doesn't stand out in any one area. The cushioning is balanced but not overly plush, the traction is strong but not extreme, and the shoe's overall feel leans toward the familiar rather than the cutting-edge. Runners seeking maximum technical performance, aggressive terrain grip, or highly specialized features may find it a bit understated or tame compared with more purpose-built trail shoes.
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.
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.
1.5 mm dual-density compressed EVA rock-guard in forefoot
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.
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 and small muscles adjust and 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. Credit: Ally Arcuri
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 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.
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.
We enjoyed the Altra Lone Peak 9 in various conditions thanks to the comfortable toe box and reliable landing.
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.
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 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.”
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.
The Trail Pegasus 5 is a reliable shoe for both road and trail.
Product Comparison Table
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.
We have run thousands of miles testing out these shoes out of pure dedication to finding the very best for various foot shapes, running styles, and terrain types. 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 performance differences. 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 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 Saucony Peregrine 16 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. 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 Saucony Peregrine 16 is a high-value trail running shoe that combines long-lasting comfort, durable construction, reliable traction, and a traditional fit, earning our expert testers' enthusiastic recommendation. Credit: Ally Arcuri
The Salomon Genesis has a slightly more polarizing fit and feel, but is ultimately available for less than other high-scoring options. The Genesis is built to handle technical trail running with agility and ease.
The Salomon Genesis is a ruggedly agile shoe built to help runners find their stride amid rock gardens, technical switchbacks, and similar terrain. Credit: Ally Arcuri
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.
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 fitted heel. The heel stack measures 34 millimeters, which is on the taller side. In contrast, the Altra Lone Peak 9 features a wide fit through both the forefoot and heel, with just 24 millimeters under the heel—the lowest stack height in our lineup—and a zero drop, giving it a more natural feel than most trail shoes. Both shoes proved very comfortable in testing. Don't be intimidated by the “wide” toe box if your feet are narrower; many narrow-footed runners, including our testers, appreciate the natural toe splay, which can even enhance 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 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 7 offers a similar approach to stability but with a Vibram outsole, slightly wider base of support, and ample cushioning.
Shoe ExteriorShoe Interior
The low-to-the-ground feel and rigidity of the Torrent 4 helps make it feel more stable than many.
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 put each pair of shoes through extensive testing across a variety of challenging surfaces, including slick, muddy trails, loose scree on steep mountain paths, sandy beaches, paved bike paths, and everything in between. While no trail shoe can claim to be entirely slip-proof, each one offered substantially more traction and confidence than standard road running shoes, giving runners a safer, more controlled experience across diverse and unpredictable terrain.
Traction Ratings on Difficult Surfaces
Product
Loose Trail
Mud
Slick Rock
La Sportiva Prodigio Pro
5
5
5
Brooks Catamount 4
5
4
5
Hoka Speedgoat 7
5
4
5
Salomon Genesis
4
4.5
5
Saucony Peregrine 16
4.5
4
5
Nike Zegama 2
5
4
4
Altra Lone Peak 9
5
4
4
Hoka Torrent 4
5
4
4
Hoka Tecton X 3
4
4
5
La Sportiva Bushido III
5
3
4
Salomon Speedcross 6
5
3
4
Asics Trabuco 14
4
4
4
Nike Pegasus Trail 5
4
4
4
Topo Ultraventure 4
3
3
4
Hoka Challenger 8
3
3
4
Altra Experience Wild 3
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 plays a major role in a trail shoe's traction and stability. Multidirectional, textured lugs, typically those around 4 mm deep, provide a secure grip, while sticky rubber compounds enhance traction on both packed dirt and uneven terrain. Although Vibram outsoles often excel, there's no single formula for a great trail outsole. The La Sportiva Prodigio Pro stood out as one of the few shoes that performed reliably across loose trails, mud, and slick rock, thanks to this thoughtful combination of features. The updated Saucony Peregrine 16 scored very close behind.
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 7 showed up with exceptional traction this time around. Its 3.5 mm lugs are bitey and grippy without feeling cumbersome underfoot. The size and shape of the lugs pair well with the Vibram Megagrip material to feel at home on most trail running surfaces.
The Speedgoat 7 has excellent traction that can handle more technical terrain. Credit: Ally Arcuri
The Saucony Peregrine 16 is another shoe whose outsole shows up consistently, no matter the terrain type. The lugs that adorn the outsole of the Peregrine are 3.3 mm but offer incredible confidence when you need it most.
Built for trails of all types, the Peregrine offers high-level traction, which aids in this shoe's overall versatility. Credit: Ally Arcuri
The Brooks Catamount has 3.4 mm deep lugs that bite down in scree and loose dirt, while effortlessly sticking to slick rock. This traction pattern creates a confident ride that allows runners to test their speed on dirt-covered surfaces.
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. 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 Asics Trabuco 14 features a rock plate that kept our feet protected during our runs. While beefy, it feels like it's ready to trudge through some serious wilderness terrain.
The beefy Trabuco 14 kept our feet protected with its rock plate. Credit: Ally Arcuri
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 remains a top pick for tackling muddy, obstacle-strewn trails, thanks in large part to its robust protection. Its reinforced toe bumper and tightly woven mesh upper shield your feet from debris while helping to deflect water during puddle splashes, though it can take a while to dry if fully soaked. Stability isn't its strongest suit, so runners should carefully weigh what matters most to them when choosing a trail shoe.
The Speedcross 6 is built to keep out everything you run through and keep your feet floating easily over uneven terrain. Credit: Ally Arcuri
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 7 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. 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
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 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. We also found the Salomon Genesis to have great foot protection for similar reasons.
The grippy outsole of the Genesis did a good job at keeping our feet protected with stepping on sharp rocks and branches. 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.
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
The Hoka Speedgoat 7 is also surprisingly light for how durable and protective it is. These weigh in at just 7.64 oz per shoe (US women's 6.5). This was light enough to keep us moving without feeling fatigued.
The lightweight Speedgoat 7 had us feeling like we were flying up the trail. 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 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!
