So you like hiking but feel hiking boots are uncomfortable? Or you like both running trails and hiking? We know exactly how you’re feeling. That’s why we made our list of the best trail running shoes. We’ve found that the best trail running shoes better fit the needs of most hikers while also taking care of those who prefer to run.
If you’re hiking the Appalachian or Pacific Coast Trails from start to finish, that’s a different conversation, but most of our readers hike or run from time to time to see a waterfall, on weekends at their local trail, or on vacation. In those situations, hiking boots are overkill and regular running shoes aren’t quite enough protection. A good pair of trail running shoes can be comfortable, lightweight, and come with a great outsole that can hang with the best hiking boots.
You can see all of our trail running shoe reviews gathered in one place alongside our road running shoe reviews on our Running Shoe reviews page.
Categories on this page are created to easily help you find what you want. If you know what you need, you can simply click the category. If not, feel free to browse the whole list.
We’d also like to hear your thoughts on this list so share those in the comments section below. You can even share your own list.
Let’s get into our picks:
Best Overall Trail Running Shoes
Hoka Mafate 5
The Mafate series is back with the HOKA Mafate 5. There are big updates from the Mafate Speed 4, including a reworked upper and midsole (not to mention dropping “Speed” from the name). But don’t worry—the same Mafate DNA and trustworthy ride are still here, along with some slight performance improvements.
Pros include: an updated upper that is super comfy and offers one of the most accommodating HOKA fits; a new, dual-layer midsole combination that’s killer; and an excellent rocker that leads to a smooth and fun ride even with the significant increase in stack height. The most tangible Con is the bit heavier weight than its predecessor. And of course, changes in general always risk leaving some fans upset.
But the Mafate 5 is a very versatile shoe that can fit most trail use cases. It’s at home in the mountains where stability and comfort are an emphasis. We love the wide-foot friendly, true-to-size fit and think the Mafate 5 earns its $185 price with its pep and durability. Like the Mafate Speed 4, the Mafate 5 is an excellent option for someone who wants a shoe with race identity but doesn’t necessarily want to pay $220+ for the lighter weight and super foam. It’s therefore one of the best trail shoes for value. For more details on the HOKA Mafate 5, read the full review.
Fit: True to Size, Drop: 8mm, Price: $185
North Face VECTIV Enduris 4
The North Face VECTIV Enduris 4 impressed our testers with its forward-thinking tech, resultant versatility, and its highly competitive price. It’s a great trail all-arounder for beating up on all-day outings, for everyday miles, and even for racing. The combination of its comfortable DREAM midsole made of nitrogen-injected TPU, a rockered design, and a full-length, winged VECTIV 3.0 TPU plate offers a nice balance of plenty of stability and some added bounce and propulsion when you call upon it.
The upper is durable yet lightweight, breathable, and locks the foot down securely. The SURFACE CTRL rubber outsole and its 4mm lugs performed well on dirt, rocks, leaves, and even snow. It doesn’t necessarily blow the competition out of the water, but it’s rugged and sticky; and it also maintains enough flexibility to pair well with the rest of the more propulsive elements of the shoe.
The forefoot of the upper is wide-foot friendly with regard to fit, but some may find the additional support from the wings of the TPU plate to cause pain points at the medial and lateral sides of the ball of the foot. The only other con our testers found was that the Enduris 4 doesn’t drain water very well.
Overall, the North Face VECTIV Enduris 4 points to the future of versatile trail shoes with its innovative design. It offers a great balance of comfort, stability, and propulsive bounce, giving it a wide range of use cases for just about any training or racing modality on the trails. Read the full review.
Fit: True to size, Drop: 6mm, Price: $160
Norda 005
The Norda 005, dubbed the “lightest super shoe” of the trail world, is a race-day-ready tank built for pushing your limits and keeping you comfortable at those limits.
Pros include: an ultralight and comfortable experience, a responsive yet in-control midsole, a quick, fast, and stable ride, and noted Norda dependability and durability. A broader mid and forefoot that can limit precision on technical terrain, occasional questions about traction on softer, wetter ground, and some slight foot movement within the upper are the Norda 005’s most notable Cons.
While $325 is a somewhat shocking price, Norda packs comfort for all foot types (wide or otherwise), performance that transcends pace limitations, durability, and luxury-level materials and aesthetics into the 005, such that it provides ample value for the money if you can afford the initial expense. While the non-plated 005 is undoubtedly ready for long-distance trail racing, its ride also makes it the most approachable super shoe our trail testers have experienced. Both Norda and our testers recommend sizing up a half size. For more details on the 005, read the full review.
Fit: Go up a half size, Drop: 7mm, Price: $325
La Sportiva Prodigio Pro
La Sportiva nailed it from top to bottom when it comes to the Prodigio Pro. A non-plated super shoe built for the mountains, the Prodigio Pro has an XFlow Speed midsole comprised of a TPU+NITRO Inner Core and an EVA+NITRO Outer Cage, making for a responsive and peppy ride that also doesn’t sacrifice stability and longevity.
The sock-like upper, which utilizes “Power Wire” for its skeleton, is incredibly comfortable and effective at keeping you centered and secured onto the footbed. The knit tongue and heel collar fall right below the ankle, and the pockets of padding on the tongue allow for confident lockdown while avoiding lace bite. The fit around the ankle also helps keep out debris. The FriXion rubber outsole is super sticky, durable, and holds up in pretty much any condition – from dirt, to mud, to snow. Yet it also stays out of the way on smooth and easy trails and even roads. The rubber near the metatarsals wraps up and into the midsole, providing some cage-like structure that comes into play beautifully on windy or off-kilter trails where your feet may end up off-plane or pitched onto the sidewall of a path.
As for cons, they are mostly minor when it comes to the Prodigio Pro: the thick upper could feel warm in the summer, and the responsiveness of the midsole might be a bit much for a more inexperienced runner. Fit is the other area that could be prohibitive for some. While the Prodigio Pro is on the wider side by La Sportiva standards (and certainly wider than its predecessor, the Prodigio), it’s still fairly average or even on the slightly narrow side as far as the rest of the running shoe industry goes.
We’d recommend a half size up for most people due to the generally snug fit, and wide-footers will definitely want to try it on before committing. But other than that, the La Sportiva Prodigio Pro resoundingly earns its $195 price point. It’s an impressively versatile, technically sound shoe that succeeds at its intended fast paces and race-day efforts on any terrain. Yet it’s also a do-it-all trail runner that’s just as at home during long, slow efforts or technical climbs/descents as it is when speeding over rolling trails. Read the full review.
Fit: True to size, Drop: 6mm, Price: $195
La Sportiva Prodigio Max
The La Sportiva Prodigio Max delivers a bona fide trail super trainer experience, proving La Sportiva knows how to combine protection, durability, and a ride that can pick up the pace when your legs still have the gas. While it may initially feel stiffer than other max-cushion competitors—a classic La Sportiva move to maintain ground control—the nitrogen-infused ETPU core inside the EVA cage breaks in beautifully over long miles, delivering plenty of energy return without devolving into a marshmallowy mess. The rugged upper locks your foot down with zero dead space, making this high-stack shoe feel surprisingly nimble, and the reliable FriXion XT 2.0 outsole is ready to grab onto any technical terrain you throw at it. Just don’t expect it to accommodate your wide feet or super tall insteps, because while the toebox has a little extra room compared to typical La Sportiva models, this low-profile shoe is clearly built for battle on the most epic and toughest trail runs. For more details, read the full review.
Fit: True to Size, Drop: 6mm, Price: $185
New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9
The New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 gets a complete revamp from the ground up, and the result is a high-performing, high-stack trail running shoe.
While our testers feel it’s best on mellow, runnable trails (rather than overly technical ones), performance Pros are its dual-density Fresh Foam X midsole that’s plush yet stable for its height, a reliable and hearty Vibram Megagrip outsole, and multiple available widths in both men’s and women’s sizing. Cons include the possibility of sliding forward within the shoe prior to breaking in the materials and the not-very-accomodating fit in the standard width (which is thankfully easy to overcome due to the aforementioned range of wide widths on offer).
The shoe is true-to-size with regard to length, and it provides great value for its price point. The New Balance Hierro v9 is best used for short-to-long distance hiking and trail running (including ultras) and will excel most for those who want more cushioning underfoot for their trail adventures. Fans of New Balance road shoes will particularly find the Hierro v9 a natural candidate for transitioning to the trails thanks to its super-cushioned and poppy ride. For more details, read the full review.
Fit: True to Size, Drop: 4mm, Price: $155
Hoka Mafate X
The Hoka Mafate X is a high-stack, plated, ultra-trail option focused on providing cushion and support through long, flowy miles over smooth, non-technical terrain. Where most plated trail shoes opt for less weight and baggage, the Mafate X is a maximalist option for quick strides over long days.
Pros include: a comfortable, plush midsole; a dynamic upper; a wide footprint that offers a surprisingly stable ride for such a high stack; and a wide-foot friendly fit. Cons are its less-than-typical lug durability for a Vibram Megagrip outsole and a lack of versatility due to its max stack. But anytime you have a trail run or hike that allows you to rely on the shoe for some comfort and pep, the Mafate X is an easy reach – particularly if your legs have taken damage over the course of the week, and you need some extra pampering.
While the $225 price tag is a tough sell for anyone who doesn’t hit the trails multiple times per week, its leg-saving ability makes it a great shoe for the rotation of those who live on the trails. The fit is true-to-size. For more details, read the full review.
Fit: True to Size, Drop: 8mm, Price: $225
Brooks Caldera 8
The Brooks Caldera 8 makes some upper improvements but keeps the comfortable midsole and dependable outsole from the Caldera 7, making it perfect for those who want not only comfort, but also support and security for their long, slow miles running or hiking the trails.
Pros include: a bouncy, plush, and protective DNA LOFT v3 midsole, an accommodating (wide-foot friendly) fit and comfortable but breathable upper, an impressive amount of support for such a high-stack shoe, and a dependable and durable TrailTack outsole. Potential Cons are that the Caldera 8 isn’t the most nimble on technical terrain, with a focus on comfort rather than speed, and it rides a bit stiffer than the previous version.
The Caldera 8 justifies the $150 price point with its combination of cushioned comfort, support, and durability. For more details, read the full review.
Fit: True to size, Drop: 6mm, Price $150
Merrell MTL Adapt Matryx
The Merrell MTL Adapt Matryx rounds out Merrell’s stout trail line with a high-cushioned, all-day trail stomper akin to the Hoka Mafate Speed 4 or Brooks Caldera. A visually striking shoe, the MTL Adapt Matryx both looks good and performs well. Although a max-cushion shoe, some of its features give the MTL Adapt Matryx a more, um, adaptive feel which, depending on your use cases, can set it apart from its competitors.
Pros include: a FloatPro midsole with a softer, nitrogen-infused, inner layer of supercritical foam surrounded by a denser outer layer of EVA, resulting in a smooth ride that’s neither too soft and squishy nor too firm; FLEXconnect midsole articulation that allows for more flexion despite the high stack of foam; a bombproof yet comfortable Matryx upper with nice room in the toebox; and a Vibram Megagrip outsole that grips well on various terrains without sacrificing too much groundfeel. Cons are difficult to come by with the MTL Adapt Matryx. But if you’re looking for a midsole that lives in the extremes of either stiff or squishy, you won’t find that here. And the shoe can also feel a little clunky at times, especially before break-in.
But ultimately, the MTL Adapt Matryx offers plenty of value for its $180 price tag, and Merrell’s durable, well-cushioned, innovative design makes for a high-stack shoe that still manages to be somewhat nimble and have better ground control when compared to traditional cushioned trail shoes. The fit is true-to-size and friendly to most wide-footers. For more details, read the full review.
Fit: True to size, Drop: 6mm, Price $180
Salomon S/Lab Ultra Glide
The Salomon S/Lab Ultra Glide is an ultra-distance, mixed-terrain, non-plated super shoe with a dual-foam setup.
Its greatest Pros include: a bouncy energyFOAM+ (PEBA) core that makes it perfect for long distances, an EVA chassis for top-tier protection and side-to-side support, a neoprene-like tongue and ¾-bootie that are well-padded and protective, with a comfortable upper that’s stretchy in all the right places. Cons involve: inconsistent traction on technical terrain from eye-catching but risky relieveSPHERE outsole, the bottom of the tongue that bunches and folds together, it’s one of the heavier high-end trail shoes, and it will be hit-and-miss for wide-footers with regard to fit.
As long as your planned use of the Salomon S/Lab Ultra Glide aligns with its strengths – primarily comfort and plenty of leg-saving pep over long hours on well-groomed trails (whether for long training miles or race days) – it could warrant the $250 price point. But you’ll likely need to avoid taking it to super technical environments. For more details, read the full review.
Fit: True to size, Drop: 6mm, Price $250
Topo Vista
The Topo Vista is a max-cushioned trail beast with a wide base and a squishy midsole. It features lots of cushion and a stout outsole to go all day, anywhere.
With soft ZipFoam, an extra-comfortable insole, a burly Vibram Megagrip outsole, and a wide-foot-friendly fit, the Topo Vista has loads of impressive Pros. On the Cons side, the spacious upper could be too roomy for narrow-footers, runs a bit warm, and has a slippy tongue (though it doesn’t cause hotspots). The heel also feels a touch softer than the forefoot, though that may not be a problem for those who stay mostly up on their toes when going up or downhill. $175 for the Topo Vista is smack dab in the middle of the price range for max-cushion trail shoes, and it’s appropriate for a shoe of this construction and performance. The Topo Vista is best used for long days on rugged mountains when comfort is the number one priority, making this a perfect long-run option. That said, don’t be afraid to take this shoe out for short stuff when you want to feel the extra cushion and impact protection.
The Topo Vista is not a flashy shoe but revels in the ability to do exactly what Topo states as its purpose. This is a max-cushioned shoe with some minor tweaks to help it run quicker and ride less bulky, and it surprisingly protects the bottom of the foot well without a rock plate. If you need something super cushioned for long days of trail running or hiking, the Topo Vista is a very good option. For more details, read the full review.
Fit: True to size, Drop: 5mm, Price $175
Brooks Cascadia 19
The Brooks Cascadia 19 is a big improvement in terms of aesthetics and cushion from the Cascadia 18. The Cascadia 19 looks more aggressive and fun while the more softer DNA Loft v3 replaces the firmer DNA Loft v2. Brooks also added 4mm of forefoot cushion and 2mm or heel cushion while keeping the flexible rock plate. The TrailTack Green outsole continues to do a great job of providing reliable traction across a bunch of trail conditions. And it’s available in 2E Wide for men and 1D Wide for women so wide footers have options. Even though it’s not the most dynamic trail shoe, the Cascadia 19 is a steady and dependable workhorse that will get the job done, whether that’s trail running or hiking. It’s a good value at the $150 price point.
Fit: True to size, Drop: 6mm, Price $150
Topo MTN Racer 4
The Topo MTN Racer 4 is a solid option for people who need a versatile trail shoe. Its Pros include: it readily handles vertical, technical footing, mud, and flats; and it’s able to support your foot over long miles without the extreme softness of some other modern trail running shoes. Even though Topo tries to call it a race shoe, we wouldn’t go that far. And while we love an anatomical fit, the amount of space here could be a Con for some narrow-footers who frequent technical trails. But like the MTN Racer 3 before it, the Topo MTN Racer 4 is durable, comfortable, and grippy—a true workhorse that can hold up for most distances on the trails.
Fit: True to size, Drop: 5mm, Price $155
Mount to Coast T1
The Mount to Coast T1 is Mount to Coast’s first trail shoe and offers runners a light, agile shoe with a dialed-in fit experience that differs from anything else on the market.
Its clear Pros are how it allows for precise and agile footing via its excellent outsole and its highly specialized TUNEDFIT lace system that provides two distinct areas (at the forefoot and across the bridge of the foot) for separate lacing adjustments. The T1’s main Con lies in how it’s a bit light on underfoot protection and could have perhaps used a flexible rock plate or denser layer of foam beneath the PEBA-hybrid LightCELL. While the fit isn’t overtly wide-foot friendly, the TUNEDFIT lacing system may allow some wide-footers to find a comfortable fit. The T1 runs true-to-size in length.
The Mount to Coast T1 is distance-agnostic and can handle any terrain, including technical trails. The shoe revels in simplicity. It’s not particularly flashy, poppy, or mind blowing; but it has solid construction, a structured base, and a great fit. The durability also promises plenty of value at its price. For more details on the Mount to Coast T1, read the full review.
Fit: True to size, Drop: 8mm, Price $180
Best Trail Running Shoes for Racing
Speedland GS:PGH
The Speedland GS:PGH belongs in the upper echelon of best trail running shoes (ever). The Pebax-based drop-in midsole, upper comfort, BOA lacing system, heel lockdown, and Michelin outsole are all elite. The only negative is that it’s not the best all-weather shoe. It’s expensive but hardcore trail runners and racers will get plenty of value. It’s customizable, durable, accommodating, and ready for any trail you can throw at it. Read the full review.
Fit: True to size, Drop: 7mm, Price $275
Puma Deviate NITRO Elite Trail
The Puma Deviate NITRO Elite Trail is a speedy and confidence-inspiring trail super shoe. While we believe the shoe pulls inspiration from Puma’s vast experience on the road, this trail shoe more than holds its own for a brand who has seemingly only dipped a toe in the proverbial trail pond.
While it does have a few Cons, namely having an outsole lug pattern that’s not ideal for uphill climbs over steeper, looser terrain and an annoyingly long name (okay, that last one might not quite be fair), its performance still far exceeded expectations. Pros, like a light and responsive NITROFOAM ELITE midsole, a comfortable and pliable upper, and smooth road/gravel transitions were more than enough to impress us. The fit is true-to-size and should allow those with a wider forefoot to get along comfortably; however, if you’re wider through the midfoot, it may be a little snug.
The Puma Deviate NITRO Elite Trail offers top-end performance yet is priced towards the low-to-mid end of super shoes, absolutely earning its $230 price tag. Use the Puma Deviate NITRO Elite Trail whenever you know you’re headed out on runnable and cruiser terrain (light trails) and you want to up the pace. This is a great shoe for high turnover and high cadence. When you let yourself open up your stride, the Puma Deviate NITRO Elite Trail will have you feeling like a feline with a light and quick step. Kudos to Puma for putting out a banger and cementing its spot in the trail space! For more details, read the full review.
Fit: True to size, Drop: 6mm, Price: $230
adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra
The adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra is the brand’s first true super shoe for the trails. Just like a road race-focused super shoe, it feels weirdly unstable and squishy walking around, and the forefoot seems thicker than the heel. The upper is also a bit loosey goosey. Your first thought will be that the shoe is synonymous with a trail death wish.
But once you start running, especially ascending or descending, the Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra starts working hard for you. Forefoot and midfoot landings harness the bounce of the Lightstrike Pro and plate combo into meaningful forward or upward movement. And that continues over multiple miles without feeling flat or less lively. The feel stays consistent for the long haul. The upper is way too wide and needs to be cinched up tight to work correctly; but if you can get it tight enough, it’ll keep your foot from exiting the safety of the footbed.
The outsole is solid-ish, but slippage on dry grasses or loose gravel happened too often. Keep this shoe on well-groomed, less wild trails. That’s where it’ll perform its best.
Right now there’s only one other shoe that can match the bounce and energy return of the Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra (the Speedland GS:PGH). If you’re aiming for high-end trail performance in long distance races, this offering from adidas needs to be on your radar.
Fits: Typical adidas, Drop: 8mm, Price: $220
On Cloudultra Pro
The On Cloudultra Pro is the first trail super shoe from On, and runners will find this ultradistance racer light and zippy.
It’s packed with Pros: a soft and bouncy, dual-layer Helion HF midsole; a nylon plate that offers both pop and flexibility; a simple yet dependable Missiongrip outsole; an extremely lightweight and breathable upper; and a comfortable, gusseted tongue. Its few Cons include: a mildly loose fit in the midfoot (despite a slightly slim fit overall); and a substantial amount of groundfeel that can become too much if pushing the shoe to its absolute limits. The On Cloudultra Pro fits true-to-size in length, but it’s indeed lacking a bit of width throughout…The upper does conform to the foot after a couple of runs, but wide-footers will do best to try this one in-store or buy from somewhere with a solid return policy. The $260 price is indicative of the premium we tend to see included with every On shoe, and we’d prefer to see the Cloudultra Pro listed for around $20 or so cheaper. But most On fans seem prepared to pay slightly above market rate; and in this case, it may be worth it for the legit fun and excellent performance the Cloudultra Pro offers.
This shoe is best used for long-distance races or super long days, especially on trails where the terrain is light and uneventful (i.e., fewer pointy rocks). It’s a great shoe for summer trail running and draws inspiration from On’s road geometry. You’ll find yourself toeing off well and hitting a groove if the trail allows for it. For more details on the On Cloudultra Pro, read the full review.
Fit: True-to-size, Drop: 6mm, Price: $260
Best Trail Running Shoes – Honorable Mention
Rabbit High Country
The Rabbit High Country’s aesthetics invoke the highly colorized era of 90s Nike ACG and it’s a fantastic look. The High Country looks great walking around a mountain town and performs well on the trails too. The extra resilient Blumaka Konnect Insole tops off a soft, protective midsole that can occasionally feel like much less than the stated 5mm drop due to the substantial forefoot and soft heel. While the midsole doesn’t provide much energy return, it’s dependably comfortable. The only thing not comfortable on the High Country is the top of the tongue. It aimed to slice up the front of our ankles when wearing no show socks. Quarter or crew socks are a necessity with the High Country. The 360 Grip outsole was solid across multiple trail scenarios and the Carbon Trax plate protected against trail detritus but didn’t deliver any energy return. The wide base and solid lockdown will keep you upright and supported in more difficult trail conditions but the upper isn’t wide foot friendly. That said, this shoe delivers almost everything you’d expect at the $180 trail runner price point. It’s not the best on the market, but supporting one of the best apparel brands as they continue upping their shoe game will be worth it to many runners.
Fit: True to size, Drop: 5mm, Price $180
Best Road-to-Trail Running Shoes
Topo MT-5
The Topo MT-5 is light on cushion but it’s a fun shoe and a reliable trail running or hiking shoe. The MT-5 is the perfect road to trail shoe for anyone who isn’t spending much time on pavement and can regularly run on not too technical dirt paths. The ground feel is elite and the fit is fantastic. The MT-5 is the great way to spread your toes on the trail. Read the full review.
Fit: True to size, Drop: 5mm, Price $130
Best Budget Trail Running Shoes
No current high performing options
Best Zero Drop Trail Running Shoes
We’re currently scouting for new options. If you have one, get in touch.
Best Trail Running Shoes Now on Sale
Saucony Xodus Ultra 3
The Saucony Xodus Ultra 3 is all about lockdown. A comfortable, but not particularly wide upper also fiercely locks the foot into the footbed without any discomfort, pinching, or hotspots. The ultimate security to quickly ascend or descend trails is the best part of this shoe.
The dual-layer PWRRUN PB and PWRRUN cushioning feels just soft enough. It’s firmer at first but softens up after 5-15 miles. The outsole and its 4mm lugs grip well, even when scrambling over granite boulders at all kinds of odd angles.
Think of the Xodus Ultra 3 as a trail shoe that is versatile enough for hiking or trail running while giving you everything you need to survive on the trails for long distances.
Fit: True to Size, Drop: 6mm, Price $160
Thinking of a shoe we should add to the best trail running shoes for hiking list? Comment below or message us on Instagram or Twitter.
Had a pair of Hoka Speedgoat from (removed) it’s not bad for most part, but it’s not the best imo. Even though overall it’s decent(sole is thick, pretty lightweight), heel support is weak for trail running imo.