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Fed up of pounding the pavements or fancy testing your technical abilities? The right pair of trail running shoes can give you the underfoot security you need to explore woodlands, hills, mountains and coastlines.
The mental and physical benefits of trail running are astounding, with researchers finding getting off the beaten track lowers anxiety, reduces your risk of injury and forces you to use more muscle groups.
What everyone's reading
Many of the world's top distance runners – including those from Ethiopia and Kenya – run the majority of their miles off-road, too, often running only once a week on concrete. So even if you're training for a road marathon, there's plenty of advantages to getting off the pavement on a regular basis.
Editor’s Note: We reviewed our shoe selections on August 7 2025 and have updated our recommendations. The below models now include the top-performing shoes from our most recent RW Shoe Awards.
What are trail running shoes?
Trail running shoes are designed to cope with tougher, more unstable terrain than road shoes. They're typically less cushioned, with stiffer midsoles than their road counterparts in order to offer more support and protect your feet from rocky surfaces. They also tend to be more durable and have sticky rubber outsoles or deep lugs for better grip.
How to choose a trail running shoe
So which trail shoe is best for you? First, consider the kind of trails you'll mostly be running on. Are these firm, well-groomed and mostly flat? If so, you might be okay running in your normal road running shoes – particularly during the summer months – or a trail shoe with a less aggressive tread. If, on the other hand, you're likely to be running in thick mud, or over rocks and more technically challenging terrain, you'll want a shoe with bigger lugs to help with the grip. Here are some things to look for:
Can you use trail running shoes on the road?
Like how some road shoes can cope on the trails, some trail shoes will cope on the roads. These tend to be trainers with more cushioning and shorter lugs, designed for hard, rolling trails. Bulkier, harder trail shoes will feel really uncomfortable on the road, in which case it's a much better idea to introduce a shoe rotation The Nike Vomero Plus is a stacked, statement-making hit.
How we test trail running shoes
The Runner’s World test team have decades of experience testing running shoes, spanning every brand and type you can think of (and probably a few you never realised existed). We got our feet dirty to put the latest trail models through their paces on a wide range of terrain and in the full spectrum of weather conditions, from the deep mud of the South Downs to the harsh rocky trails of the Canary Islands. We dug into the specs, ran hard and long to assess the real-world performance, then pored over our feedback to select the very best models – the award winners you’ll find below.
Why trust us?
We’ve been testing gear at Runner’s World for more than 30 years. We put thousands of miles a year on running shoes from every brand we can get our hands on. Just as much as you, we want to find the perfect shoe for our lunch runs, weekend treks, and evening interval sessions. Our staff consists of runners of all ages and ability levels, all of whom need different shoes to feel their best on the road or trail, and we’re not shy about identifying those needs and sharing which shoes do or don’t meet them.
The best trail running shoes in 2025
| Weight | 287g (M), 254g (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 6mm |
| Stack height | 32mm (heel), 26mm (forefoot) |
| Lug depth | 4mm |
The latest Enduris takes inspiration from some of the Vectiv Pro 3.0’s elite trail tech but drops it into a more accessible, everyday runner’s shoe. There’s now a 2mm bigger midsole stack that also swaps EVA for more energetic nitrogen TPU Dream foam. The livelier foam and pronounced rocker deliver plenty of cushion and energy for a smooth clip-along ride that’s capable of bigger mileage and well suited to runnable terrain – even a bit of road. It’s not the most agile or minimal shoe and some might crave more precision on really technical terrain but when things get lumpier underfoot, the nylon stability plate and a wide forefoot offer reliable landings.
Up top, structured, seamless uppers wrap around the foot for good security, an internal booty keeps out debris and a reinforced TPU toe cap provides some defence against rock-on-toe aggression. The 4mm lugs – chunkier than the v3 – grip well, too. All in all, a versatile shoe that’ll tame a wide range of trails with a forgiving dose of comfort for the long days.
| Weight | 293g (M), 234g (W) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 42mm (heel), 38mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 4mm |
Read our full New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 review
If you’re after a lightweight and nimble shoe for tackling technical mountain terrain, you won’t find it in the Hierro v9. But if you want a cushioned cruiser that combines the underfoot comfort of a road shoe with the reassurance and grip needed for trails, it’s just the ticket. This midsole’s generous portion of Fresh Foam X – 42mm in the heel and 38mm in the forefoot – is split into two different densities: a more comfortable and compliant foam directly underfoot and a firmer layer of directly above the outsole. The effect is a springy yet stable ride that keeps the legs ticking over during long days.
That stability is complimented by a wide base and an updated lacing system that keeps on-the-run slippage at bay. Like the v8, the outsole features gold-standard Vibram Megagrip for unparalleled traction, while the 4.5mm lugs are capable of tackling all but super technical or very muddy terrain. While the toe box on the Hierro v9 has been re-designed to feel less restrictive, sizing still runs on the small side so we’d recommend going a whole size up from your regular lifestyle shoes.
| Weight | 275g (M), 244g (W) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 28mm (heel), 24mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 4mm |
A long-running trail stalwart that gets the job done with minimal fuss. Saucony has bucked the trail trend of increasingly tall stack heights – the stack is 28mm in the heel and 24mm up front, which helps the shoe feel stable, even over the most uneven terrain. But thanks to softer PWRRUN foam, there’s a good amount of cushioning, and the relatively low weight means they go well on the road, so they’re an excellent road-to-trail option. They feel comfortable out of the box – the toe box is roomy, while the ankle collar and gusseted tongue are well-cushioned, so the foot feels nicely locked in.
The upper consists of breathable mesh with reinforced overlays for high-scuff areas along the sides, with a firmer protective shell over the toes. On the outsole, the 5mm lugs grip well on loose and muddy surfaces, while Saucony’s PWRTRAC rubber has proven
its durability over hundreds of miles.
Pros
- Versatile
- Secure lockdown
- Brilliant traction
- Improved durability
Cons
- Firmer ride than previous version
| Weight | 278g (M), 232g (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 5mm |
Read our full Hoka Speedgoat 6 review
In the decade since the first iteration hit the trails, Hoka’s Speedgoat series has garnered a reverential following for its blend of traction, responsiveness, stability and comfort.
The v6 treads the same path but offers significant updates. A new compression-moulded EVA midsole addresses durability/breakdown issues some runners experienced in the v5. It held up better as the miles went by, but translates to a slightly firmer ride. Another change sees a new engineered woven mesh upper, plus reinforcements through the midfoot reduce slippage and lock the foot securely to the base.
The overall shape is slightly narrower, too, further adding to that locked-in feel, but one tester found the toebox pinched a little. Along with the tighter fit and firmer midsole, arch and medial support improve on-trail stability, particularly on more technical terrain. And the 5mm multidirectional lugs on the Vibram Megagrip outsole offer brilliant traction in all conditions.
| Weight | 285g (M), 250g (W) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 34mm (heel), 26mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 8mm |
The latest incarnation of a model that always delivers, the Trabuco 13 is another solid trailer, perfectly treading the line between just-enough cushion, good ground-feel and plenty of control. The FF BLAST PLUS ECO foam midsole is the same as you get in the Asics Metafuji Trail and the Trabuco Max 4 – there’s just less of it for a more connected ride.
While many trail shoes increasingly deploy bigger, wider stacks, the Trabuco remains comparatively slimline and nimble. That lower profile encourages you to move faster with a higher foot turnover and our testers found the more pronounced rocker made transitions more dynamic than the Trabuco 12. You sacrifice a bit of cushion for this agility and that may limit the range to shorter excursions, but it excels on shorter, faster, more energised efforts where you want to be lighter and freer underfoot on more technical terrain.
| Weight | 270g (M), 217g (W) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 25mm (heel), 19mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 6mm |
For relative newcomers to the footwear sphere, the Canadian brand has made big strides, and the latest iteration of its entry-level do-it-all model continues an impressive evolution. The upper is soft and comfy, using two different woven materials, strategically placed to offer flex and breathability where you need it and toughness in high wear-and-tear spots, with a layer of flexible laminated TPU protection at the toes and sides. The Vibram outsole’s 4mm lugs deliver traction on technical terrain, and the mud-releasing configuration works well. The fit remains slim, but the toe box is slightly roomier than the v3, and the heel cup hugs the heel more securely.
A relatively low stack delivers stability, while the overall ride is moderate-to-firm and responsive. Not a go-to if you want plush cushioning, but light and versatile enough to perform well on varied terrain.
| Weight | 275g (M), 224g (W) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 32.5mm (heel), 25.2mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 7mm |
The Cloudsurfer Trail takes the soft, comfortable, easy cruising DNA of its road shoe namesake and translates it to the trail, basically by adding a beefed-up outsole. The result is an accessible trail shoe that feels natural, plush and unfussy the moment you lace it up.
The midsole uses On’s Helion foam with CloudTec Phase elements that collapse in sequence, a bit like dominoes. They work with a rocker to deliver a protected ease that’s soft but not too soft. We loved this for less hurried adventures over less technical terrain, on uncluttered hard-packed trails. But it also offers good agility that lets you pick your way through rocks and roots with decent precision.
On steeper, more technical descents, our testers weren’t 100% sold on the grip from the shallow lugs. But it’s a great option for anyone taking on their first trail miles or if you often mix road with lighter trails.
| Weight | 328g (M), 264g (W) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 25mm (heel), 25mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 0mm |
When a shoe reaches its ninth iteration, it’s doing something right, and the Lone Peak is a favourite among trail runners with a penchant for going long. New here is a Vibram Megagrip outsole, delivering extra grip, and a ripstop mesh upper for added durability. Both are welcome developments as some previous iterations fell down on traction and durability.
The Lone Peak 9+ is zero-drop and sports a roomy toe box, allowing toes to splay on impact. It coped well with some of the worst conditions we’ve encountered: gale-force wind, sleet and mud on the South Downs Way. Our tester had no discomfort or hotspots, even in sodden conditions, and the upper held up. The outsole coped admirably, but a 3.5mm lug isn’t quite aggressive enough to deal with deep mud. If most of your running is on drier trails and you’re comfortable with zero-drop, this is summit to get excited about.
| Weight | 261g (M), 240g (W) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 12mm (heel), 12mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 0mm |
There is now an Inov8 shoe for every conceivable off-road scenario. In the case of the Trailfly Zero, that scenario is running relatively quickly over relatively hard trails in a zero-drop shoe. If that sounds like your thing, there’s plenty to enjoy here. The Trailfly Zero offers responsiveness and ground-feel, without sacrificing too heavily on comfort. The 4mm graphene lugs are both grippy and extremely durable, while the zero-drop platform is ideal for runners who land on their midfoot or forefoot.
On long trail outings, our testers were impressed by the shoe’s fuss-free ruggedness, relatively light weight and hotspot-free comfort. There’s not a huge amount to distinguish the Trailfly Zero from some other equally impressive Inov8 models, such as the Trailtalon Speed or Trailfly Speed, but if you’re a zero-drop purist, who still values a modicum of comfort underfoot, the Trailfly Zero is flatly fabulous.
Pros
- Reduced rubber on outsole good for road to trail
- Wider than previous version
- Updated: 12 May 2025
- and invest in a separate pair for each terrain
Cons
- The best overpronation running shoes, expert-tested
- No underfoot rock plate
| Weight | 300g (M), 243g (W) |
|---|---|
| Heel-to-toe drop | 9.5mm |
Read our full Nike Pegasus Trail 5 review
The trail version of Nike’s iconic road trainer is a true road/trail hybrid, ideal for runners taking their first steps off-road.
A new React X foam midsole feels great on the pavement and injects extra responsiveness into the trails, particularly over longer distances. It’s also slightly wider, with a bit more volume through the forefoot, helping you stay blister-free. The mesh upper has ‘zonal breathability’ where you need it most, with increased durability in high-friction zones, while off-road it's best on less technical trails, grass and dirt paths, providing a lively but smooth ride.
The traction isn't aggressive enough when things get really steep or slippy and protective elements are also dialled down compared with more extreme trail models, with no underfoot rock plate and limited toe protection. However, unless you're tackling something extreme, there's enough to keep you safe and comfortable, and they're definitely durable enough to go the distance.
| Weight | 280g (Unisex) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 31mm (heel), 23mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 8mm |
A large part of NNormal’s sustainability mission is to release updates only when there is a meaningful improvement (as opposed to typical shoe company cycles of annually updating for minor tweaks and biannually for major overhauls). The Tomir 02 follows the first version fairly quickly and it’s a dramatic improvement on the company’s do-it-all trail shoe.
This is the shoe Kílian Jornet laces up for long runs on technical mountain terrain and the main goals of the Tomir 02 are versatility and durability. With a secure fit and fairly firm midsole, you know what you’re getting with each stride. It’s incredibly simple and it just works.
With the addition of a new rocker shape to the midsole, the 02 feels more runnable than its predecessor. It also feels softer than v1, thanks to a supercritical moulding process, but the thick midsole and full-coverage outsole remain just as durable.
Carbon trail shoes
The following options are built specifically for off-road racing, whether you’re wanting to nab a podium finish or conserve energy over several hours. For our full round-up, check out our reviews here.
| Weight | 294g (Unisex) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 37mm (heel), 31mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 6mm |
The Vectiv Pro 2 was among our top trail shoes of 2024 and, despite big changes, the Pro 3 retains the winning off-road ‘super shoe’ ride. This steeply rockered, big-stack beast now packs an extra 4mm of high-rebound supercritical Dream foam and runs beautifully on smooth or moderately technical terrain. The beefed-up cushion adds weight, but the comfort-energy combination keeps legs fresh as miles rack up. The stacked, two-plate system provides propulsion and stability, while the wide forefoot base adds control to the higher stack.
Like all big-cushioned, plated trail shoes, it struggles for precision and agility in cluttered or rocky conditions. We loved the long-haul-friendly, roomy fit of the engineered mesh uppers and suffered none of the winged carbon plate blister woes that troubled some runners on the v1.
| Weight | 262g (M), 225g (W) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 37mm (heel), 21mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 6mm |
With a carbon plate and the same supercritical foam used in Puma’s Elite 3 marathon shoe, this feels closer to a road super shoe than any trail model we’ve tested. Well-cushioned, but peppy rather than soft, the energy return is palpable. It feels surprisingly stable, despite the 36mm stack, aided by a flexible plate that makes it less ‘tippy’ on uneven surfaces. The 3mm lugs aren’t aggressive enough for deep mud or technical descents, but combined with a grippy rubber, they handle most terrain. What you lose on the gnarly stuff, you more than gain back on hard-pack and less technical trails, where you can crank the pace and feel that super shoe magic.
A non-stretch mesh upper with well-placed overlays locks in a supportive fit, but there’s not much extra protection – another not-for-the-extreme design decision. We loved it for what it is: a superb door-to-trail shoe you can clock nippy road miles in, but with enough traction and flex to make heading off-road a lot of fun.
| Weight | 286g (M), 223g (W) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 40mm (heel), 35mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 5mm |
Read our full Hoka Tecton X 3 review
Hoka has transformed its high-profile plated off-roader. The most obvious update is a built-in gaiter, booty-style Matryx upper designed to keep debris out. Initially, this mid-rise sock extension feels odd, but it grew on our testers, who found it highly effective. A revised winged carbon plate adds stabilisation to the peppier, rockered, dual-layer PEBA midsole.
An altered lug pattern improves the grip of the Vibram Megagrip Litebase outsole – the lugs are the same 4mm as on the v2, but a new shape and more coverage feels grippier in technical or wet conditions.
The Tecton is a markedly different proposition to Hoka’s other trail superstar, the Speedgoat 6 – less stable, but softer, springier and punchier. We enjoyed the snappy push-offs that feel propulsive and it excels on terrain where you’re able to move with freedom but want agility, grip, protection and security.
| Weight | 260g (unisex) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 44mm (heel), 39mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 5mm |
An off-roader that resembles a road super shoe tweaked for the trails, the Metafuji Trail combines a big stack of superfoam, a winged carbon plate and modified trail-friendly uppers and outsole – all for a punched-up multi-terrain ride. It’s easy, light and airy, with plenty of toe box wiggle room to boost its big-mileage credentials.
A rival for the Hoka Tecton X 3 and the Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra as one of the best, fast trail options, it really excels when you’re attacking tamer, runnable trails and firmer ground. Think off-road river paths, groomed gravel sections and single-track trails that aren’t too technical.
When things get really steep and/or gnarly, you may want something with more hardcore trail focus, but when the off-road is runnable, over almost any distance, this offers an excellent package of speed, agility and fun.
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Ben is Runner's World's Multiplatform Director and has worked at the title for over 11 years. He has always had a deep interest in running shoes and tech and has amassed a wealth of knowledge on running products during this time and through countless hours of testing. Ben also enjoys exploring the science behind running and how it informs advances in training and racing. He is also the co-host of the weekly podcast. Ben is a firm believer that running is just as much about adventure and fun as about chasing PBs, and he likes nothing more than a day spent explore new trails.
Ali is Runner’s World UK's e-commerce editor, specialising in testing and reviewing the latest running shoes, gear and tech, as well as finding the best deals during sales events such as Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday. She has tested hundreds of products from the biggest running brands, including Nike, New Balance, Adidas, Hoka and more. Ali speaks to some of the world’s top experts across footwear, running apparel, fitness equipment and nutrition to help runners make smart decisions when shopping online, from glucose monitors to help you nail your fuelling strategy to compression boots to aid your recovery. Ali has worked in health and fitness journalism since 2017. Before joining Runner’s World, she was health editor at Future Plc, working across brands including Coach, Fit&Well, T3, TechRadar and Live Science. A Boston qualifier, she’s completed 12 marathons, including four of the World Marathon Majors (only Tokyo and Boston left). Her proudest achievement to date? Running a five-day 220km ultramarathon across Tanzania. Just don’t ask her to race a 10km…
