Many runners log miles on sidewalks, streets, gravel, dirt and grass, depending on the day’s route. But regardless of whether you’re running on roads or trails, you’ll want to wear trail running shoes, because they are simply the most versatile type of athletic shoe.
The best trail running shoes are designed for use on terrain that varies from roots and rocks to dirt and mud, so they are also the perfect footwear for urban or suburban runs. Trail running shoes are also designed to offer you maximum support, stability and protection. (The difference between a trail running shoe and a hiking boot is that hiking boots are heavier than trail runners, as they are designed for someone carrying a heavy pack and logging many miles many days in a row, not someone moving as fast as possible with minimal gear for an hour or two.)
Trail running shoes have added cushioning to protect against painful heel strikes, which can be more intense as you go downhill, and a sturdier outsole that helps prevent injury on even surfaces like gravel and tree roots. Then there’s the lug pattern on a trail shoe’s outsole, which is more aggressive than you’ll see on road runners. The large, grippy soles of a trail runner give you more traction on rough terrain, which helps keep you on your feet and moving fast. (Though, like off-road tires, aggressive treading can actually slow you down on a street or track.)
While all decent trail runners share the characteristics touched on above, there is a huge variety of trail shoes out there and they are suited to varied uses based on their differences. Ahead, the best trail running shoes for every terrain, condition and more.
- Best Trail Running Shoes For Men Overall: Adidas Terrex Agravic Flow Trail Running Shoe
- Best Trail Running Shoes For Women Overall: Saucony Women’s Peregrine 11
- Best Nike Trail Running Shoes For Agility: Nike Air Zoom Terra Kiger 7 Trail Running Shoes
- Best Waterproof Trail Running Shoes: Columbia Sportswear Facet 45 OutDry Shoe
- Best Trail Running Shoes For Hiking: Hoka One One Mafate Speed 3
- Best High-Top Trail Running Shoes: Merrell Nova 2 Mid Waterproof
- Best All Terrain and All Climate Trail Running Shoes: Salomon Speedcross 5 Trail Running Shoe
- Best Trail Running Shoes For Racing: Salewa Ultra Train 2 Trail Runners
Best Trail Running Shoes For Men Overall
Adidas Terrex Agravic Flow Trail Running Shoe
The Terrex line has been a huge success for Adidas for good reason: it’s comprised of multiple examples of excellent outdoor gear. You can wear Adidas trail runners in everything from rain and snow to cement and non-maintained trails and always feel stable. Their sole is on the stiffer side, so not ideal for urban or suburban use when the conditions are dry and you don’t need extra traction. But on trails covered in loose rocks, leaves and branches, and where the consistency of the surface varies, the wide spacing of the lugs offers great bite. Also, the shoes have an understated style that allows you to wear them with jeans or other casual apparel, making them a good choice for when you need to pack extra light.
Best Trail Running Shoes For Women Overall
Saucony Women’s Peregrine 11
A favorite of competitive triathletes who train year round in any weather, Saucony is a gold standard among women athletes. Still, the shoes aren’t so technically advanced that an average trail runner can’t reap the benefits. The Peregrine 11 is top rated for its responsive feel and durable rock plate, which adds protection for pushing uphill and driving downhill. The comfortable air mesh bootie keeps you snug without compromising your speed. As one five-star reviewer summed it up, “I just ran my first 50K and these got me through sand, mud, and forested trail with no soreness. I love them and am looking forward to many more miles.”
Best Nike Trail Running Shoes For Agility
Nike Air Zoom Terra Kiger 7 Trail Running Shoes
If you swear by Nike running shoes for comfort and speed, their trailing options won’t disappoint. The Terra Kiger is designed to be stable and lightweight, so you can move over varied terrain quickly without worrying about twisting an ankle. The signature Zoom Air unit in the forefoot gives you extra bounce and the multidirectional traction lugs are made from high-abrasion rubber for excellent grip on rocky and slippery surfaces. The mesh fabric is bad news if it rains or you step in a puddle, but great for dry days, when ventilation and heat release really matter.
Best Waterproof Trail Running Shoes
Columbia Facet 45 OutDry Shoe
The Facet 45s don’t look like trail running shoes until you turn them over and see the tread pattern, and that’s exactly the point. This looks more like upscale urban footwear, yet once your feet are slipped into these shoes—there is no lacing system, you simply pull them on and then feel the upper secure around your foot thanks to the proprietary “Kinetic Lacing System” that uses two secure elastic bands over the foot bridge—you will enjoy the cushioning and support you expect in a trail shoe.
The shoes are reliably waterproof right up to the elevated collar which adds ankle support and warmth, and keeps out snow, gravel and other unwanted stuff. The soles are quite thick and you may feel off-balance for a few minutes after first donning your Facet 45s, but you’ll come to greatly appreciate how well the shoes absorb impact.
Best Trail Running Shoes For Hiking
Hoka One One Mafate Speed 3
If your trail runs take you up and down again and again, then the Mafate Speed 3 trail runners belong high up on your list of shoes to consider. These shoes are ideally suited for steep terrain—whether you’re slogging uphill or charging down—thanks to their highly grippy five millimeter Vibram treads that stick well to all sorts of surfaces. Plus, the varied pattern of the treads interacts with the ground well, whether your toes are hitting first as you gain elevation or your heels are making first contact on a descent.
If you prefer a muted, subtle style in your trail shoe, Hoka isn’t your brand. But if you want a shoe that sticks you to the ground then helps propel you forward again at each step, go for it.
Best High-Top Trail Running Shoes
Merrell Nova 2 Mid Waterproof
If you want high-top sneaker comfort and hiker-like durability, the Nova 2 is a solid pick. As trail shoes they offer enough cushioning and support for maintained trails, and they’re great on packed dirt, grass or streets, too. The padded collar holds your foot in place and the external rear strap locks in your heel. For longer runs, the breathable mesh lining ensures your feet never overheat, which is a good thing in warmer months.
Best All Terrain and All Climate Trail Running Shoes
Salomon Speedcross 5 Trail Running Shoe
There’s no secret why the Speedcross 5 is a superlative shoe for terrible conditions: just turn it over to get your answer. Yep, it’s the lugs. The bottom of a Salomon Speedcross 5 has 33 lugs, including the two facing directly off the front of the shoe for grip during crazy steep climbs (compared to the 73 on the bottom of one of my Columbia Facet 45 trail shoes). These massive lugs are almost more like ice crampons than shoe treads, and as such this shoe will keep you stable on snow or ice, in mud, on dunes and anywhere else the ground is just generally inhospitable to bipedal locomotion. (Want more convincing? At the time of this writing, these shoes have a glowing 4.7-star overall rating on Amazon with more than 4,000 reviews to date.)
Best Trail Running Shoes For Racing
Salewa Ultra Train 3 Trail Runners
If you’re moving fast, as you tend to want to when, y’know, running on trails, these shoes are a good choice. Their 3F system provides support to your upper, heel and midsole, keeping your foot in proper position even as the ground changes, thus affecting the pressures on your foot. They’re also a good choice if you don’t want to be slowed down by something pesky like tying shoelaces thanks to a quick lacing system or if you don’t want to stop to get a rock out of your shoe thanks to a gaiter that covers most of the tongue. Competitive trail runners owe this storied European brand’s shoes a test.
