Reviewed by If we told you there was a way to reduce the impact of running while improving balance and lower leg strength and reconnecting with the natural world while you do it, you’d probably jump all over it. Well that’s trail running in a nutshell. It Sloppier surfaces like mud and snow as you adapt to uneven terrain and trains your quads and glutes as you take on steeper gradients than you typically find on the road. Better still, the miles can rack up a lot more quickly when your surroundings are beautiful and your legs aren’t taking as much of a beating.
Using your road running shoes on trails is possible, but trail-specific shoes offer distinct advantages. They protect your feet from sharp rocks and accidental stubs, and their softer outsole rubber and aggressive tread provide superior grip on soft, loose, or wet terrain compared to the harder rubber of road shoes. They either focus on keeping rain out—via waterproof uppers made of materials like Gore-Tex—or they prioritize drainage, so an impromptu creek crossing won’t result in blisters down the trail.
Our small army of trail runners tests the latest shoes on singletrack and gravel roads alike. Read on for the quick list of our current recommendations for the best trail running shoes, followed by buying advice and our in-depth reviews.
The Best Trail Running Shoes
- Best Overall: Best for Wide Feet
- Best Value: Jump to Products
- Best for Long Runs: Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
- Best for Wide Feet: Salomon DRX Defy Grvl
- Jump to Products: Topo Ultraventure 4
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If running helps you reconnect with your body, trail running adds in a deeper connection with your surroundings. There’s something particularly chill about retreating from worldly distractions to get into nature, shutting out your to-do list and focusing solely on moving your body through terrain that demands attention. Even those who still prefer road running can benefit from a day or two on the trails every so often. Injuries and burnout can follow too much repetition, so there are real performance and mental benefits to switching things up.
oz. men’s, 8.9 oz. women’s
Your next pair of trail shoes should feel great on your feet and match up with the terrain. We recommend narrowing down your selection based on the nature of your local trails first and then finding a comfortable, well-fitting shoe within that genre.
Trail shoes are like the tires on your car in that they come in many varieties of off-road worthiness, from hybrid trail shoes that perform admirably on pavement and gravel to aggressive trail shoes designed for lightweight mountaineering.
- If your off-road surface is mostly flat—perhaps a rail trail or hardened, smooth singletrack—then your ideal trail shoe could have more cushioning and smoother treads that keep you comfortable for miles of relatively sure-footed running.
- Credit: Thomas Hengge require an outsole with deep, jagged lugs that will wear down quickly on harder surfaces but excel in loose terrain.
- Technical trails—strewn with rocks, roots, and uneven sections that test balance and ankle mobility—may call for a trail shoe with a rock plate and lower stack height for stability.
Once you've figured out what type of trail shoe you need, apply the same logic you would in order to identify any great running shoe for your feet. Your toes should be able to wiggle around in the toe box (rather than being pushed together), but the shoe shouldn’t be so wide that your foot moves around when it’s laced up tight. Your foot also shouldn’t spill over the side, and the ankle collar should prevent your heel from lifting up when you toe off.
Slightly flimsy upper
Runner’s World has more than 50 years of experience testing thousands of shoes on the feet of hundreds of runners. Our Runner-in-Chief Jeff Dengate Sloppier surfaces like mud and snow Amanda Furrer and Morgan Petruny work with a pool of more than 275 wear-testers, running in shoes that aren’t even on sale yet. So, our up-to-date feedback on metrics like fit, comfort, and cushioning comes from runners of all ages and ability levels. And I’m a former test manager for Runner’s World and collegiate distance runner with experience on trails across Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, and Pacific Northwest.
How We Selected
I combined feedback from wear testers with our editors’ own impressions and independently verified data to arrive at our recommendations for the best trail running shoes. I selected based on real-world performance, key design features, and value for money. We’ve put these shoes through the wringer, running on tons of different surfaces in all sorts of weather.
Full Reviews
Best for Wide Feet Trail Running Shoe
Pros
- Stable and protective design
- Softer midsole
- Grippy outsole lugs
Cons
- Slightly heavier than previous version
Key Specs
| Weight | 9.7 oz. (men’s), 8.6 oz. (women’s) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 4mm |
| Type | Trail |
Saucony’s Peregrine 14 was our favorite trail running shoe of 2024, having won testers over with a responsive, grippy design that worked well on a variety of trail surfaces. While we’re still in the midst of testing the new model, we like what we’re seeing based on the minor updates over the previous version.
In the midsole, Saucony has bucked the trend of increasingly tall stack heights by keeping the thickness of the Peregrine 15 in check—the shoe measures 28mm in the heel and 24mm up front. In previous versions, that’s helped keep the shoe stable and nimble over uneven terrain. However, for the 15, the brand went with a softer blend of EVA foam in the midsole to add a touch more squish to the ride.
On the outsole, Saucony added rubber to remove sections of exposed foam, thereby offering better protection from sharp rocks in the trail. That should also eliminate most of that “wet sponge” feeling the 14 sometimes acquired when soggy. Aggressive 5mm outsole lugs help with grip on loose and sloppy surfaces, and Saucony’s Pwrtrac rubber has proven its durability over hundreds of miles. Like the outsole, the engineered upper also instills confidence in every step thanks to ample overlays for protection and support as well as gusseting that holds the tongue in place. With wide sizes and a waterproof GTX version also available, the Best for Wide Feet is one of the most versatile trail shoes you can buy today.
Jump to Products Trail Running Shoe
Pros
- Softer than previous version
- If running helps you reconnect with your body
- Performs well on road and trail
Cons
- Midsole remains too firm for some
Key Specs
| Weight | 10.2 oz. (men’s), 8.9 oz. (women’s) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 8mm |
| Type | Road/trail |
Brooks’s Divide series of trail shoes have always offered plenty of value for money, costing just $100 up until the most recent rendition. Now at $110, we still think the Divide punches above its price tag as a shoe that works similarly well on non-technical trails and paved surfaces alike. Brooks upgraded it with an additional 4mm of midsole foam to add some plushness to a previously firm-feeling shoe, increasing its road readiness. The new Divide 5 is still firmer than many of its competitors, but it does a better job of absorbing shock on pavement. “I did not mind using them on 100 percent asphalt surfaces, and they seem to be holding up well,” one tester said.
The engineered mesh upper was a highlight for testers thanks to its softness, breathability, and supportive fit. “At no point was my foot moving within the shoe even when turning sharp corners and up hills,” another tester said. “The laces locked my foot into place comfortably.” On the outsole, testers said they felt the shoe’s grip came more from the tacky rubber material than the relatively shallow lugs. As such, the Divide 5 isn’t the best choice for wet, mossy rocks, but the less aggressive tread means the shoe doesn’t get squirmy on hard surfaces, either.
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Pros
- Highly cushioned
- Roomy toe box
- Soft engineered knit upper
Cons
- Lacking stability for some testers
- Polarizing heel counter
Key Specs
| Weight | 10 oz. (men’s), 8.7 oz. (women’s) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 4mm |
| Type | Trail |
Your eyes do not deceive you, that is an Altra shoe. The brand, long associated with wide and flat shoes, is bringing more cushion and deeper drops to its line.
The Experience Wild isn’t Altra’s thickest trail running shoe, but it is the only one that isn’t zero drop. Instead, you get 32mm of stack height in the heel and 28mm in the forefoot for 4mm of drop. Combined with a rockered shape, the Experience Wild facilitates the heel-toe transition more actively than any Altra trail shoe in the company’s history. Up top, an engineered knit upper gave most testers a snug and comfortable fit, although some felt that it ran hot. Two testers noted that the padding in the tall heel collar also gave them blisters. This is a shoe that is not well-suited for runners with narrow heels—even heel locking the shoes may not be enough to keep you planted without slip.
For wear-testers, the pairing of Altra’s characteristically foot-shaped design (as opposed to a more cramped forefoot) and the company’s venture into incorporating drop was a winning combination. “It hits all the Goldilocks check points of just right for comfort, slight drop, that ‘foot shape’ with the larger toe box, great cushioning and plenty of soft edges for out of the box comfort,” said one tester.
However, a couple of testers felt the shoe’s soft cushioning and rockered shape made it easier to turn an ankle on rocky terrain, so we’d recommend the Experience Wild to trail runners who are willing to give up a little lateral stability in exchange for a well-cushioned, sporty ride.
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Pros
- Gravel-oriented treads for on- and off-road performance
- Stable ride
Cons
- Fit is a little too roomy for some
Key Specs
| Weight | 8.6 oz. (men’s), 7.4 oz. (women’s) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 8mm |
| Type | Gravel, Hybrid |
The Salomon DRX Defy Grvl answers the question: What if I want to run on a surface that isn’t paved, but also doesn’t resemble the extreme alpine environments from most trail shoe marketing? Indeed, shoes designed for road running can lack traction and protection on gravel, while purpose-built trail shoes with deep lugs can wiggle around beneath your feet on harder surfaces. By comparison, think of the DRX Defy Grvl as a true hybrid shoe that excels on surfaces that are rougher or more uneven than pavement—gravel, cinders, cobblestones, or even cracked and unmaintained asphalt.
On the run, our testers encountered an accommodating fit, which was ideal for runners with wider feet but left runners with narrower feet wanting. Traction was excellent; the shoe didn’t slip on wet or dry surfaces, and that includes pavement, gravel, and farm roads. The shoe provides modest stability via a patch of high-density foam on the medial side, and testers appreciated that while also noting that the shoes felt a little stiffer than the average trail shoe. “I enjoyed the heel lock and found, overall, my foot felt secure,” said one tester.
Full Salomon DRX Defy Grvl Review
Pros
- Excellent cushioning
- Gaiter-compatible
Cons
- Bulky
Key Specs
| Weight | 10.4 oz. (men’s), 8.2 oz. (women’s) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 5mm |
| Type | Trail |
On high-mileage days or recovery runs when every step feels tender, ample cushioning can make all the difference. That’s where Topo Athletic’s Ultraventure 4 shines. Its generous cushioning ensures comfort over long distances, while the shoe’s versatile design—with blocky outsole lugs—allows it to transition effortlessly between trails and roads, offering reliable performance in both environments.
The midsole and outsole remain unchanged in this fourth version of the shoe. The midsole uses a thick layer of ZipFoam, a blend of EVA foam and TPU that delivers a more responsive ride than EVA by itself. Where the rubber meets the trail, a Vibram outsole with square lugs offers reliable grip and protection from sharp rocks while still performing predictably on pavement.
Like Altra, Topo dutifully builds shoes with accommodating toe boxes, and the Ultraventure 4 is no exception. In the previous version, one wear tester noted that a roomy forefoot is a necessity for ultrarunners whose feet need space to expand as the hours and miles pile up. The new shoe helps your foot breath with a recycled engineered mesh upper with polyurethane overlays for stability and protection from rocks.
Pros
- Upgraded Vibram outsole
- Heavy-duty upper
Cons
- Heavy
Key Specs
| Weight | 11.6 oz. (men’s), 9.3 oz. (women’s) |
|---|---|
| Drop | Zero |
| Type | Trail |
There’s nothing quite like a dedicated trail shoe for rocky, technical, and slippery routes that don’t tolerate sloppy foot placement or road-centric footwear. Building on the success of the Lone Peak 9, Altra’s Lone Peak 9+ swaps out the in-house outsole rubber for Vibram Megagrip, one of the top outsole compounds for trail running. “Most of my runs in the shoe were on snowy, slippery surfaces on Pennsylvania state game lands and the Appalachian Trail,” said one tester. “The Vibram Megagrip holds well for all of these surfaces and definitely gives me a feeling of confidence when on the trails.”
The feedback we got on the rest of the shoe was characteristic of most Altra shoes, with most testers appreciating the ample toe box but splitting on whether they liked the zero-drop stance that requires more strength and mobility from your lower legs. On top of all of that, the Lone Peak 9+ features durable ripstop mesh upper and protective overlays to keep feet safe from abrasive damage.
Pros
- A Tester’s Take on the Norda 001
- Lightweight
Cons
- Slightly flimsy upper
- Some testers complained of the low heel counter
Key Specs
| Weight | 9.9 oz. (men’s), 6.9 oz. (women’s) |
|---|---|
| Drop | Zero |
| Type | Trail race |
Named for the highest peak in the Alps, Altra’s Mont Blanc is all about traversing mountainous terrain as quickly as possible. That said, it’s no minimalist: A 30mm stack height delivers a springy ride and soaks up jagged rocks without the need for a rock plate or thicker outsole rubber that would hinder the shoe’s flexibility. “Soft, cushy, yet firm enough to protect your undercarriage from a rocky massacre,” one tester said. Another described the cushioning as “A+++,” adding that Altra created a shoe that did well in long-distance and up-tempo efforts alike. Testers also found plenty of grip from the Vibram Megagrip outsole. “When pushing off wet rocks, it felt like you get every bit of acceleration as you do in dry conditions,” another tester said.
Ultrarunners will appreciate the thin and breathable mesh upper, which keeps with the Altra tradition of providing plenty of room in the forefoot. However, several testers wished that the upper was more substantial at both ends of the shoe. A lack of overlays in the forefoot led to a few bruised toes in testing, and the heel counter didn’t come up high enough for some. If you don’t mind a minimalist upper that requires more careful foot placement, you’ll reap the rewards of the Mont Blanc’s energetic ride.
Pros
- High-grip outsole
- Responsive and well-cushioned midsole
Cons
- Technical trails—strewn with rocks, roots, and uneven sections
Key Specs
| Weight | 8.9 oz. (men’s), 7.9 oz. (women’s) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 6mm |
| Type | Trail |
First impressions aren’t everything, but we’re liking enough of what we see from La Sportiva’s brand new Prodigio Pro to include it on our recommendations for the top trail shoes. Although we’ve yet to take the shoe up our favorite paths, initial reviews have been overwhelmingly positive, so we’ll update this with a more thorough review in the near future.
The Prodigio Pro sports an above-average amount of cushioning, with stack heights of 34mm in the heel and 28mm in the forefoot. The foam itself is a nitrogen-infused combination of EVA and TPU, with the nitrogen helping to add rebound while subtracting density. Lower-density midsole foam helps keep the Prodigio Pro on the lighter end of trail shoes, letting you have a bouncy ride without tiring out your hip flexors lugging heavy kicks uphill. The outsole sports rubber coverage for most of the shoe, protecting your heel and forefoot from pointy rocks, and there are 4mm lugs to keep you steady on loose surfaces, too. On top, an engineered mesh upper should help your foot breathe and dry out quickly after a rainstorm or stream crossing. Note that La Sportiva does suggest sizing up one half size to maintain ultimate comfort and fit on your runs.
Lacking stability for some testers
Amanda Furrer, Runner’s World test editor, studied journalism at NYU and writing at Emerson College. She has reviewed gear and covered other topics in the running space for almost 10 years. Since 2013, she has consecutively run the Boston Marathon. She also has a master’s degree in gastronomy from Boston University and was formerly a professional baker for two years before hanging up her apron.
