Which trail running shoes

One of the reasons is that it's so easily quantifiable and provides a very simple mathematical tool for comparison. But the far more important reason is that all of life, and virtually every outdoor sport, is a battle against gravity — the less weight burdening you, the freer you are to move around, making your sport more fun.

When running, you repeatedly pick your feet up in order to move them forward, so how heavy the shoes on your feet are does matter. However, when it comes to trail running shoes, features that are added onto a shoe that contribute to a higher weight sometimes also contribute to better performance.

For instance, thicker and burlier midsoles with rock plates are heavier, but also protect the feet more. Cut out too much of this protection, and you will surely end up with a super-light shoe, but you will also have to moderate your speed significantly to avoid damaging your feet.

The takeaway is that lighter is better, but only if it doesn't compromise protection. The shoes described here naturally fall within a spectrum when considering these two factors, and which end of the spectrum is ideal is up to you.

The Altra Superior 5 , weighing in at only Some of the other lightest options come from Inov-8 in the form of their Terraultra G Running on trails is an excellent way to stay fit and healthy and has just as many benefits for the mind as it does for the body. We love it because of the incredible variety, the connection to nature, and most of all because of the potential for adventure.

There are lots of different styles and types of trail running shoes, many of which are designed for specific purposes.

We hope this article has helped you with your decision-making process and that you end up with a pair of shoes that you are not only happy with, but that can be a partner on the memorable adventures to come. For more information on choosing the right pair of shoes, be sure to check out our Buying Advice article. Happy Trails!

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Learn more. Top 17 Product Ratings. Displaying 1 - 5 of Inov-8 Terraultra G La Sportiva Bushido II. Nike Air Zoom Terra Kiger 7. Saucony Peregrine Show full specification details Hide full specification details. Foot Protection 9. Amazing comfort due to snug and responsive fit. See all prices 2 found. Foot Protection 5. See all prices 3 found. Foot Protection 7. Graphene Grip Traction is simply amazing in every way. Insanely sticky rubber with huge aggressive lugs.

Wider platform under the heel increases stability when landing. Traction lacks grip for softest and slipperiest terrain. Score Product Price Our Take La Sportiva Karacal. Inov-8 Roclite La Sportiva Kaptiva. Nike Wildhorse 7. Salomon Sense Ride 4. Salomon Speedcross 5. Scarpa Spin Ultra. Altra Superior 5. Hoka Speedgoat 4. Altra Lone Peak 5. On Cloudventure. This is why we trail run, for views like these. Only trail running shoes and the desire to get out there and use them will land you in spots like this one, looking at the Red Mountains of Colorado.

The trails at Smith Rock State Park in central Oregon are a fantastic winter training ground because they are almost always dry while the surrounding mountains are buried in snow. Running away from the grey clouds on a high ridgeline trail with the San Juans in the background.

Trying to outrun the thunderstorm back to the car high in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado with the running dog Rishi in tow. We felt these shoes were excellent for long distances. Bombing down hills is one of the great pleasures of trail running and is certainly made easier by copious amounts of plush EVA foam underfoot.

Running across any sort of rough, rocky terrain makes one appreciate the protection their shoe is providing for their foot. And crossing lava fields, like here in the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness of Oregon, means foot protection is essential. The Nike Wildhorse 7 isn't the most sensitive model, but it's not too bad considering its ample protection and stack height.

Hopping across rocks and testing the grip on the Superior 4. The outsole of the Inov-8 Roclite G is made with the new graphene enhanced G-grip rubber that we have found to be very durable when running over hard abrasive surfaces like rock. The plethora of 6mm deep cleats found on the bottom also provide excellent traction on soft surfaces like dirt, mud, grass, and snow.

The summit of Coxcomb Peak is well-known as one of the hardest 13ers in Colorado to access, with mandatory chossy 5. Here is the author, about to reverse the crux section along the summit ridge, racing an impending lightning storm, while wearing the Inov-8 Roclite G The Bushido IIs feel like tanks on your feet, and make an excellent hiking shoe as well. The Saucony Peregrine 11 does a great job of being sensitive without sacrificing too much cushioning and protection. The rock plate has migrated to the midfoot of the Terra Kiger 7, where it was in the forefoot of the previous version 6.

The Salomon Sense Ride 4 is our favorite crossover shoe for pavement and trails, but they feel a little unstable on uneven terrain like scree. While Hoka's have long been one of the least stable shoes available on the market, we can't say enough about the improvements that have been made - we even felt like side-hilling and running over uneven terrain were no different in this shoe, the Challenger ATR 6, than with many others.

Running down steep hills or across uneven terrain like this one is a test of a shoe's stability. While the Speedgoat 4 is not super stable compared to the competition, it is still plenty stable on terrain like this, as long as you step carefully.

The Sense Ride 4 was comfortable right out of the box. Running on the trail that circumnavigates the Mountain Lake on Orcas Island, Washington on a warm spring day while wearing the La Sportiva Kaptiva, a very comfortable and form-fitting shoe.

Low stack height and a thin midsole make the Altra Superior 5 very light. A late fall run with the snow covered Sangre de Cristo mountains in the background.

Learn More. Excellent traction, protective and sensitive, light, comfortable, durable. Expensive, hard to get on foot, must wear above the ankle height socks, hard to stuff laces into garage. Expensive, tongue comfort affects some. Traction inadequate on slick surfaces.

The cream of the crop for trail running shoes delivers fine-tuned long run performance. The perfect definition of a do-everything trail running shoe, which also happens to be zero-drop. These protective tanks will keep going over rocky ridges and scree fields but aren't great for hotter environments. These shoes are a great choice for folks looking to go fast on hard-packed single track.

This is a very stable shoe with a sticky outsole that's perfect for putting in miles over varied terrain. Inov-8 Terraultra G Nike Air Zoom Terra A perfectly fitting, comfortable, and very protective shoe that just begs to be worn on long run days. The best zero-drop trail runner demands no compromises, and has all the features for any type of terrain or distance.

While not the best shoe for mountain running, they are a joy on smooth and flowy trails. Perfectly tooled for everything from slick rock to loose gravel, these shoes are a great addition to the Peregrine legacy.

If you've stayed away from La Sportiva running shoes in the past, this model offers an alternative fit to their narrower, low-volume models. The MQMs have been one of my go-to's for years, as they're great for both hiking and running on the trails. If you prefer to feel more in touch with the earth as you run through nature, this minimalist shoe is a great pick.

It is ultra-lightweight and has a thin yet durable sole that allows you to feel more of the trail under your feet. It also features a wider construction for stability, and to fit your foot more naturally.

What's more, it's another fantastic sustainable option, made using recycled all-weather mesh. You are now subscribed Be on the lookout for a welcome email in your inbox! Main Navigation. Log in Profile. Saved Articles. Contact Support. Log Out. Your cart is empty. Our online classes and training programs allow you to learn from experts from anywhere in the world. Explore Classes. Our editors have independently chosen the products listed on this page.

If you purchase something mentioned in this article, we may earn a small commission. October 20, In This Article. What to consider before you hit the trails. What to look for in a shoe. Comfort: "The most important quality of a trail running shoe is comfort and fit; you shouldn't need to 'break in' the shoe; it should feel comfortable on the first wear," says Pyke.

Cushion: "Lightweight, responsive cushioning is better for shorter distances and runners who want a better feel for the trail," says Hathiramani. Support: "It is best to choose trail running shoes with a good tread as well as sufficient protection and foot support for uneven surfaces," says Hathiramani. Fit: "The majority of your foot should feel snug and cradled, but you should be able to comfortably wiggle your toes.

It's also a good idea to try on your shoes with the same socks, insoles, ankle braces, etc. Grip, tread, and lugs: "The deeper the treads, the better traction the shoe will give you on muddy trails, whereas shorter, more closely spaced treads are good for dry trails. Shoes with different tread patterns provide grip and stability at any angle," says Hathiramani. Element-proofing: "Depending on the type of trails you'll be running on—you might consider a waterproof shoe for muddy and wet terrain," says Pyke.

Best Trail Running Shoes of Best For Cushion: HOKA Speedgoat 4 This trail runner has it all: a breathable yet durable mesh upper, 3D-printed overlays for extra support, and a wider toe box to accommodate all foot types.

Best Lightweight: Altra Superior 5 One of the coolest things about Altra shoes is their signature FootShape design, which is meant to accommodate the natural shape of your foot. Brooks packs this long distance-friendly shoe with its DNA Loft V2 cushioning technology, putting in more foam than the last Cascadia for a softer, more responsive feeling underfoot.

The TrailTrack rubber outsole can eat up wet and dry running surfaces, while a very serious-sounding Ballistic Rock Shield is in place to fend off stones that threaten to get in the way. The flexible mesh upper packs down nicely when you want to take these shoes on your travels, and the Vibram Megagrip outsole with LiteBase technology means you get durable grip, but still keeps that shoe profile slim and light.

Hoka has collaborated with Seoul-based streetwear brand Thisisneverthat to give its shoe built for more technical trails a new marshmallow and blue look.

Asics shoes are known for their stability and foot support, making them a great choice for hitting the trails. This shoe is built with extensive effort to ensure it has enough grip to keep you secure as you hit uneven ground, as well as Duomax technology for stability, protecting your feet and ankles.

To help you go the extra mile, there is also extra cushioning, designed with Flytefoam technology. This is a solid shoe that is perfect for any distance or terrain. At decathlon. Altra plants a multi-directional lug pattern onto the outsole and keeps things spacious up front to help you stay nimble and stable on your feet when you hit those steep climbs and head back the enjoyable downhill sections.

Balanced cushioning keeps impact low as you tackle trails, while a padded tongue wraps around like a burrito to keep things nice and secure. Yes, we said a burrito. This shoe looks made for the road and is a nimble option that transfers nicely from the pavement onto the trail. Columbia uses its Adapt Trax outsole tech from its walking shoes and 4mm lugs to offer good traction on wet and dry conditions. The result is a surprisingly solid road-to-trail option.

It uses the same Optivibe foam in the midsole to make hammering uneven surfaces less taxing on the legs, with a Contagrip outsole delivering satisfying traction. Its 5mm lugs should offer suitable grip for muddier terrain, with a firm ground option also available to offer that low-profile feel with improved traction on rockier routes.

The mesh upper is made from recycled plastic bottles for that ecofriendly win and is also designed to keep things cool on the move. At amazon.