iRunFar’s experts share their best trail running shoe picks from the more than 200 available trail shoe models.
It’s a glorious time to be a trail runner. Our most important piece of gear is a pair of running shoes, and there are now well over 200 trail running shoes on the market at any time. That means there are shoes for every foot, every trail, and every terrain. There are scores of capable shoes in the happy middle ground and handfuls pushing the bounds of what’s possible in various directions.
The only downside to all those options is having to choose which to buy! Below, we try to simplify things for you by picking 11 models of the best trail running shoes that should work for just about anyone in any condition!
With such extreme terrain diversity in trail running and the specific needs of our feet and bodies, there is no single best trail running shoe for everyone and every condition. In this section, we profile five incredible shoes that cover a breadth of ground as far as for whom and for what conditions they excel.
The Hoka Speedgoat was a hit when it launched, and it’s only gotten better through the years. With a breadth of well-cushioned trail shoes on the market these days, the Hoka Speedgoat 5 really is the standout of the group.
While it has plenty of cushioning, that cushioning isn’t so over the top as to get in the way for many trail runners. Further underfoot, there are also generous lugs made from Vibram Megagrip, which yields strong traction in most conditions. That traction has only gotten better with the addition of Vibram’s Traction Lug, which provide more outsole surface area via textured lugs.
The Hoka Speedgoat 5. All photos: iRunFar/Bryon Powell
The biggest upgrade to the Speedgoat is it losing a full half ounce per shoe. That might not sound like much, but it’ll make a difference whether you’re racing a trail 5k or are 80 miles into a 100 miler. A simplified upper should also reduce the chances of developing hotspots.
Overall, the Hoka Speedgoat 5 is a comfy shoe that can go the distance on any trail.
Shop the Men's Hoka Speedgoat 5 Shop the Women's Hoka Speedgoat 5
If you were a fan of the Hoka Speedgoat 4 or want to save a few bucks, you can still pick up the Speedgoat 4.
Shop the Men's Hoka Speedgoat 4 Shop the Women's Hoka Speedgoat 4
Over the past decade, the Saucony Peregrine migrated from a trail racing shoe to something more in line with a classic, everyday trail shoe. However, the Peregrine 12 remains an everyday trail shoe, while moving a bit back toward its racing roots by losing more than 1.5 ounces per shoe from the Peregrine 11. And, yet, an upgrade to the sock liner (i.e., insole) adds a bit of bounce, while the relatively firm midsole keeps this shoe responsive.
Overall, the Peregrine 12 won’t wow you with bells and whistles, but it’s a great combination of traction, mild cushioning, sufficient underfoot protection, a breathable yet locked-down upper, and, now, light weight. It just performs and that’s awesome.
For those running in muddy or snowy terrain, there’s also a dedicated soft terrain model, the Peregrine 12 ST, that’s only $10 more.
Shop the Men's Saucony Peregrine 12 Shop the Women's Saucony Peregrine 12
The Brooks Cascadia is an oldie but a goody. With a history that goes back to the early 2000s, Brooks found a winning formula in the Cascadia that it’s kept going for nearly two decades. If I had to recommend a pair of trail shoes to a new trail runner about whom I had no additional details, I’d point her or him toward the Brooks Cascadia 16.
Why? It’s a trail shoe that performs well on a variety of trail conditions while also still being a smooth ride on pavement as a road-to-trail shoe. In addition, the Cascadia’s 8mm heel-to-toe drop should make the shoe accessible for most runners outside of low-drop enthusiasts.
With the Cascadia 16, Brooks moved away from its long-running Pivot Post system and increased the Cascadia’s midsole height, and the new midsole continues to provide the stable, moderately cushioned ride for which the Cascadia is known. In addition, the Ballistic Rock Shield offers plenty of protection on rocky terrain.
As it has for ages, the Cascadia 16’s upper offers simple performance along with a gusseted tongue and gaiter attachment points. Overall, our primary tester noted the Brooks Cascadia 16 provides”total comfort,” and likens it to “a trustworthy commuter car, reliably fit for most terrain and a price point that most can afford.” What’s not to love about that combination?
Full Brooks Cascadia 16 and Cascadia 16 GTX review
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The Altra Lone Peak 6 is so many things to so many people. For many trail runners, it’s their everyday trail shoe from a short spin on the roads to an easy run in the local park or a 100-mile race across rugged terrain. For others, it’s a great daily wear (and occasional run) option for increasing lower leg strength and mobility outside of running.
It’s no different among hikers, who’ve flocked to the Lone Peak since its introduction. So, what’s the secret to the Lone Peak’s success? A moderate amount of cushioning atop a grippy outsole with a marvelously roomy toebox.
The Altra Lone Peak 6 perfectly continues the line’s comfortable upper, adequate cushioning, and generous toebox. Most of the updates came in the upper, with less noticeable stitching and fewer overlays being the largest factor in making the Lone Peak 6 is the lightest version of the shoe of date. The upper update retains good foot lockdown while making the shoes’ breathability/drainability even better than its already decent performance there.
Up top, not much has changed from previous generations, which is good as it’s got great lockdown and decent breathability. It’s worth noting that the Lone Peak 6 fits a bit smaller than its predecessor.
Underfoot, the Lone Peak is as cushioned as ever, with a switch to more resilient AltraEGO foam for the fifth generation. The shoe continues to provide solid traction for most trail conditions. Overall, the Altra Lone Peak 6 is a nimble, responsive, and yet very comfortable ride.
Note that for some, Altra’s zero-drop platform is a big plus, while for others like me, it’s a challenge. If you’re new to low- or no-drop shoes, gradually build your mileage up in Altras, letting any sore or tight calves or Achilles recover between efforts.
Full Altra Lone Peak 6 review
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If the Brooks Cascadia is impressive for its longevity, then the Salomon Speedcross line is equally impressive in standing the test of time. Why? Since launching in 2006, the Speedcross is only on its fifth major iteration in 15 years! It remains a top-performing and top-selling product.
What makes the Speedcross line special is its combination of a heavily lugged outsole with a bombproof upper. No matter the terrain or the conditions, you can count on the Speedcross to get you where you’re going.
The already amazing combo that is the Speedcross was greatly improved in the Speedcross 5 by making it perform better over longer distances. How? Well, Salomon widened the toebox to allow for more space and thickened the midsole that, in combination with the tall lugs, now provides enough forefoot cushion for this rockplate-less shoe.
Not only does the Salomon Speedcross 5 now stand worthy for longer runs, but it’s also still an incredibly durable shoe that’ll stand up to many a mile.
Shop the Men's Salomon Speedcross 5 Shop the Women's Salomon Speedcross 5
The Salomon Speedcross 6 has recently been released, and we’re currently testing it for potential review and updating of this guide. Stay tuned!
Shop the Men's Salomon Speedcross 6 Shop the Women's Salomon Speedcross 6
The Brooks Catamount is the sort of shoe we’ve felt has been on its way for the past decade and is now finally here! It’s a reasonably light, highly breathable, nicely cushioned, lightly rockered shoe with impeccable construction. As such, it’s quickly become a favorite at iRunFar headquarters.
The Catamount could just as easily be the shoe for your first (or next) 100 miler as for your everyday run. The shoe is 100% comfortable out of the box, but our testers found it ran even better after a couple of dozen miles of wear. Fortunately, you’re likely to love the shoe enough to hit that mark the first week you have the Catamount.
Shop the Men's Brooks Catamount Shop the Women's Brooks Catamount
The Altra Olympus 4 is the most shoe of any offering on this list. In some ways, it’s seemingly an odd combination: Altra’s zero-drop and wide toebox that aim toward natural movement combined with a staggering amount of midsole and a structured upper that restrict natural movement. Still, it’s a combination that a segment of trail runners absolutely adores.
There’s nothing in the shoe that takes away from that roomy toebox, while the cushioning and structure make the Olympus 4 a set-it-and-forget-it trail shoe free of any worries. Somehow Altra managed to make the Olympus 4’s upper less structured yet provide better lockdown and, therefore, a more responsive ride than some earlier version of the shoe.
Although the story of the Olympus is its maximal cushioning, the shoe’s got traction with a moderately lugged Vibram Megagrip outsole. While the Olympus 4 will give you an amazingly comfortable ride, there is one big downside — a cost that sits at $170, the most expensive shoe on our list.
Shop the Men's Altra Olympus 4 Shop the Women's Altra Olympus 4
From its introduction, Salomon’s Sense Ride line had been targeted as a road-to-trail shoe with first its Vibe inserts and now its Optivibe midsole focused on reducing vibrations and the energy loss therefrom, leading to more comfortable and efficient running.
The combination of that midsole with the shoe’s moderate structure gives the Sense Ride some stability without interfering too much with the ride, making it a great option for someone working their way into trail running or wanting a hint of support.
The minimally lugged Sense Ride 4’s Contagrip outsole performs surprisingly well over a wide variety of terrain and conditions, including while ascending and descending, and provides enough protection on rocky terrain. The shoe’s fit is also more accommodating than many Salomon models, particularly with a roomier toebox.
This means folks who’ve previously been squeezed out of Salomon might want to give the brand another look with the Sense Ride 4. As a bonus, the Sense Ride 4 is also the most road-friendly version of the shoe to date.
Full Salomon Sense Ride 4 review
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The Nike Pegasus Trail 3 remains a great option for those running longer on the trails as well as on a mix of trails and roads. The Pegasus Trail’s strengths come from the ridiculously great React midfoam, which one tester said “felt alive,” and the brand’s many decades of designing top-notch footwear. So, it’s no surprise the shoe is excellently constructed and plenty durable.
Aside from the React foam, you get a taste of Nike’s innovation with the extended, rockered, slightly pointed heel that’s in line with the brand’s record-breaking road shoes of the moment. The Pegasus Trail 3 won’t be your top choice in sloppy trails or if you’re looking for a fast and light option for shorter trail races, but it’s a great choice for just about everything else. In fact, one tester noted the Peg Trail 3 would be “the one shoe I’d take on vacation if I don’t know the conditions I’ll be running in.”
Full Nike Pegasus Trail 3 review
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Although not necessarily billed as such, the Hoka Torrent 2 is a worthy racing shoe for nearly any race distance. In contrast to the cushion-first appeal of most Hoka trail shoes, the Torrent 2 combines a very grippy outsole and a responsive yet moderately cushioned midsole in a nimble package. Hoka described the Torrent 2 as “a seemingly contradictory combination of cushioning and agility,” and that description works.
The Hoka One One Torrent 2.
The Torrent 2’s upper is a bit more generous than some other Hoka models and allows for a runner’s toes to spread out a bit without feeling imprecise. Indeed, the Torrent 2 stays firmly locked in place on steep descents. All in all, the Torrent 2 is a well-rounded trail shoe with plenty of traction and cushioning for most runners while being a solid value at $120.
Full Hoka One One Torrent 2 review
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The Topo Ultraventure Pro is a great option for someone looking for plenty of shoe without wanting to go to fully maximal cushioning like the Speedgoat 4 or Olympus 4 above. Still, this shoe has plenty of structure and protection with a generous midsole, a rockplate, and a protective upper. The Ultraventure Pro also offers plenty of traction even in wet or rocky situations with a well-lugged Vibram Megagrip outsole.
This is a great all-day shoe without being overbuilt. Our primary tester notes, “with Topo’s generous toebox and dialed in fit, this is a shoe that I would recommend to just about anyone.” For wearers of previous Topo shoes, the Ultraventure Pro’s ZipFoam makes for a softer and more resilient ride that would last for an entire 100-mile run.
Full Topo Ultraventure Pro review
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While we included some cushioned trail shoes above, we took a deeper dive with a dedicated best cushioned trail shoes guide with a larger set of both highly cushioned and moderately cushioned trail running shoes.
We’ve intentionally focused our picks above on a wide variety of generalist, everyday trail running shoes. But, what if you’re looking for something a bit speedier for a workout, a race, or just plain fun? Well, check out our dedicated best trail racing shoes guide to see some fast and furious trail running models.
For additional expert opinions on the best trail running shoes, check out the advice found in Switchback Travel’s Best Trail Running Shoes of 2021 and GearJunkie’s The Best Trail Running Shoes of 2021.
While we tried to be non-technical and avoid jargon in describing the shoes above, there are some terms common to the trail running world that those new to it might not know.
Altra athlete Amanda Basham running the 2018 Tarawera Ultra 100k. Photo: iRunFar
How should I choose a size of trail running shoes?
If you already own a pair of running shoes or other athletic shoes, you can start with trying the same size that works for you there, particularly if you’re staying with the same brand. Historically, I would have counseled to go a half size up with some of the prominent European brands like Salomon, La Sportiva, and inov-8, but that’s becoming less of an issue these days, especially with brands giving excellent guidance as to the relative fits of particular models.
In general, once you try on a pair of trail shoes, you’ll want roughly a thumb’s width between the end of your longest toe and the end of your shoe. Much less and you could end up with blisters under your toenails as well as more chance of injuring a toe when you kick an obstacle.
If you have too much extra room, you’ll be more prone to slide around in your shoe, which is unpleasant on uneven terrain, and you’ll be more likely to catch your toe on an obstacle.
Should I size up in trail running shoes?
In most cases, you should not size up — at least in comparison to other athletic shoes — for trail running shoes. You want a trail shoe that both locks your foot in place with a proper sit as well as that’s not too long such that you could more easily catch the toe on obstacles.
Perhaps back in the day, a person might go a half size up in trail running shoes, as some brands had only “precise” fits that were great when running fast on trails or navigating technical trails but less forgiving in more relaxed trail running situations. Now, almost every brand offers trail shoes in a variety of fits, so you can choose more accommodating models rather than moving up half a size.
Although it’s become increasingly rare with the proliferation of trail shoes with more accommodating fits, occasionally an ultrarunner may pack a pair of trail shoes that’s a half size up for events of half a day or longer, although such shoes are rarely used.
How should trail shoes fit?
Aside from choosing the correct length as described above, you’ll want to make sure you can get a snug fit across the midfoot, from the front of the ankle to just behind your toes. This midfoot lockdown, or metatarsal lockdown, is important for keeping your foot firmly atop the outsole while making any lateral motions navigating the trail as well as when climbing and descending steep sections of trail.
Folks also have heels with varying volumes, so once you have your midfoot locked down, you’ll want to see that your heel doesn’t move too much side to side or up and down relative to the shoe. Finally, there’s the toebox. Some people always prefer generous toeboxes like those found in Altra and Topo models, while others prefer a more moderate toebox.
This is a matter of personal feel and preference. Some shoes, particularly specialist shoes meant for shorter distance racing, very technical terrain, or very steep conditions, may have a more “precise” fit in the toebox, but you still don’t want your toes smashed together.
If you’re aiming for ultra-distance efforts, you might choose a shoe that has at least moderate room for your toes to wiggle in the toebox as well as midfoot lockdown that’s less aggressive and more forgiving as your feet start to swell after hours on the trail.
What heel-to-toe drop should I choose?
Wow! Among runners, you might as well ask about religion, sex, or politics before asking for opinions on heel-to-toe drop. I’m firmly in the camp of there’s no right answer than what works for you.
There’s an appealing argument that humans’ natural biomechanics are based on no heel-to-drop. This is an easier proposition for younger runners, those gradually easing into running, or those otherwise accustomed to low or no drop shoes.
Folks with a longer history of running in traditional running shoes might want to stick to trail shoes with higher 8-to-12mm drops or, at most, very gradually transition down to lower-drop shoes if desired. These days, the majority of trail shoes come with moderate drops of 4 to 8mm, which seem to work for a wide range of runners.
It’s worth noting the small but growing number of trail shoes’ thick, highly rockered midsoles can negate much of the meaning and utility of heel-to-toe drop numbers.
How deep should a trail shoe’s lugs be?
This is a classic “it depends” question. In theory, good technique should provide plenty of traction in just about any shoe in most conditions. Really. That said, shoes with 5-6mm tall, more widely spaced lugs can be great for wet, muddy, or otherwise sloppy conditions.
Most other trail shoes will have 3-5mm lugs that are a bit more closely spaced and work in a great variety of conditions, such that unless you live in a notoriously wet environment, shoes with lugs in this range are likely to work as your everyday trail shoe.
On the other end, there are a few trail shoes out there with widely spaced 7-8mm lugs that are really only applicable for steep climbing and descending in very wet and muddy conditions and are most likely a later specialist addition to one’s quiver of trail shoes.
Should I buy waterproof trail running shoes?
In the vast majority of cases, no, you shouldn’t but waterproof trail running shoes for your trail runs. If it’s snowy or rainy out, I’ll often throw on waterproof shoes to walk down the street, shovel the sidewalk, or do something in the yard. On the other hand, it’s very rare I wear them running.
It’s possible that waterproof shoes will keep your feet dry if it’s not raining but there’s some moisture on the ground, such as dew or shallow puddles. Likewise, a waterproof shoe can keep your feet dry if there’s an inch or two of snow on the ground. If it’s actually raining, water will run down your leg, into the shoe through the ankle collar, and stay in your shoe with nowhere to drain.
This same scenario would happen with anything more than a few inches of snow unless you’re wearing gaiters. Waterproof shoes are similarly futile if it’s much more than 50F out, as foot sweat will collect in your shoes and lead to wet feet.
One side benefit of waterproof shoes is they can add a bit of warmth if it’s cold or windy. However, after a couple of hours of running in cold and dry conditions, you still may end up with damp socks from foot sweat. Still, whether your feet are wet or dry, waterproof shoes can keep your feet a bit warmer.
A runner descending on a rainy day during the Ring of Steall Skyrace. Photo: Bryon Powell
This best trail running shoe guide has been compiled with the expertise of more than half a century of combined trail running shoe testing experience from the iRunFar test team, supplemented by extensive research and the input of hundreds of iRunFar readers.
We began by compiling and considering a list of more than 200 dedicated trail running shoes currently on the market. We whittled down this list with the broad experience of iRunFar’s readers and the expert opinions of the iRunFar test team, who extensively test many dozens of trail shoes each year, including each and every shoe mentioned above.
Then, Bryon Powell, who’s closely followed trail running shoes for iRunFar since 2008, and Morgan Tilton, a trail runner who’s reported on trail shoes from dozens of trade shows since 2012, compiled the list above.
With the frequent addition of new trail running shoes and just as frequent revision of existing models, this is a living document. Indeed, by the time of this guide’s initial publication, we’ll be considering a whole new trove of trail shoes both among iRunFar’s test team and specifically to supplement this article. Onward and upward!
Bryon Powell’s been geeking out on trail shoes … for a couple decades. Photo: iRunFar
Do you need different shoes for trail running?
Quite frankly, in all but the most extreme situations, any pair of running shoes will work on the trails. That said, read the next point as to why you might want to pick up a pair of trail shoes after all!
What makes trail running shoes different from other running shoes? What are the benefits of trail running shoes?
Trail running shoes provide a number of benefits — primarily traction, protection, and durability.
Trail shoes often offer more traction than road running shoes by having deeper, more widely spaced outsole lugs that penetrate in mud, snow, dust, and gravel to grip the underlying substrate. In addition, a trail shoe’s lugs are often made of a slightly softer and “stickier” rubber that would be a bit less durable on pavement but grippier on rocks.
The extra protection of trail shoes applies to both the top and bottom of the foot. Often a trail shoe’s upper will have a thicker cap around the toes to offer some protection when you inevitably kick a rock or root. Burlier trail shoes can have more extensive reinforcements and overlays for additional protection of the top of your foot.
Unlike even road surfaces, the uneven surface of trails can lead to rocks or roots poking through and irritating (or injuring) the bottom of your feet. The most common solution here is one of many forms of a “rockplate” underfoot that provides push-through protection for your feet. Trail shoes with thick midsoles and/or very deep lugs might skip a rockplate altogether if those components provide adequate separation between the trail and the sole of the foot.
When used for their intended purpose (running on trails), trail running shoes can be more durable than their road running cousins. This increased durability is primarily through material choice and construction patterns in the upper.
First, the choice of both the primary material, be it mesh, a knit material, or something else, is often chosen for its ability to hold up better to the conditions trails throw at them.
Second, fabric or thin-film overlays put overtop areas of the shoe’s upper that’s more susceptible to wear, whether it’s a flex point in front of the shoe or any area more likely to collect and self-abrade with mud.
Separately, most trail shoe outsoles are constructed in a way that it’s less likely to start detaching from the midsole, which is less of a consideration for road shoes.
What’s the difference between trail running shoes and road running shoes?
The paragraphs above highlight some of the aspects of trail running shoes that make them different than road running shoes. Road running shoes can reduce weight by minimizing outsole lug height, eliminate any rockplates for underfoot protection, and have more minimal uppers that are lighter and possibly more breathable.
While a small number of specialist trail running shoes offer very minimal training, this is even more of an exception in road running shoes.
What are the best trail running shoes?
These days, anyone telling you there’s a single best trail running shoe is either delusional or trying to sell you something. That said, above we’ve taken a shot at pointing out some great trail running shoes with this guide. We can fully endorse each of the shoes mentioned above.
Of our top five editors’ picks, the Hoka One One Speedgoat 4 is great for someone looking for more cushioning, the Altra Lone Peak 5 is perfect if you’re looking for zero-drop and a roomy toebox, and the Salomon Speedcross 5 is perfect for muddy or messy conditions, while the Brooks Cascadia 16 and Saucony Peregrine 11 offer two different flavors of great everyday trail shoes.
Who makes the best trail running shoes?
There are more brands producing great trail running shoes now than ever before. That number includes many generalist brands as well as allowing some brands to find success in specific niches that work really well for some trail runners, while the same brand’s shoe might not work for others… but that’s just personal preference! For more on which brands make the best trail running shoes, check out our best trail running shoe brands article.
What are the best road-to-trail running shoes?
There’s no single best option of the road-to-trail shoe. However, coming from the trail shoe side of things, the Brooks Cascadia 16, Altra Lone Peak 5, Salomon Sense Ride 4, Nike Pegasus Trail 3, and Brooks Catamount, each of which is described above, all make great road-to-trail shoes.
Is it OK to use trail running shoes on road?
Yes, it’s completely fine to run with trail shoes on roads and sidewalks. Some models, referred to as “hybrid” a decade ago and now more commonly referred to as road-to-trail models (see above), are specifically designed to run well on both road and trail, as many if not most trail runners run routes with a mix of those surfaces.
On the other hand, trail shoes designed for softer terrain often have taller, more pronounced lugs as well as less midsole, as such shoes factor in the ground providing some cushioning. This combination can lead to discomfort during prolonged stretches on pavement.
One word of caution is the outsoles of trail shoes are often made of softer rubber than that of road shoes and can wear down more quickly on unforgiving pavement — especially if you have a stride that’s uneven or drags on the ground.
The runners take off down the paved roads of Chamonix, France, at the start of the 2016 UTMB. Photo: Sergi Colome
What trail running shoes should I use to run in mud?
If you’ll hit an occasional short patch of mud on your run, wear whatever trail shoes you want. If mud will be a regular feature on a particular run, try to pick a pair of trail shoes with at least moderate lugs that 4-6mm, such as those of the Salomon Speedcross 5 or Hoka One One Speedgoat 4.
While not covered in this article, there are trail shoes with 7-8mm deep lugs, such as the inov-8 Mudclaw G 260 V2, that work well in extremely muddy conditions.
Keep in mind good technique can make running in mud more effective.
What’s the most cushioned trail running shoe?
As of 2022, it looks like the Hoka One One Stinson ATR 6 is the most cushioned trail shoe out there, with the Altra Olympus 4 and Hoka One One Challenger ATR 6 not far behind.
Should I wear gaiters with trail running shoes?
Gaiters are fabric collars, often detachable, that cover the top of a shoe and the lower part of the leg to prevent debris from entering a shoe from around its tongue or ankle collar, as well as through more porous areas of the shoe’s upper.
Whether or not you wear gaiters when trail running depends on trail conditions and personal preference. Personally, I never wear gaiters (except when snowshoeing), but many folks like gaiters, particularly if there’s lots of sand, dust, or other loose debris on the trail.
Many gaiters can be attached to nearly any pair of shoes, while some brands make gaiters that easily integrate with their own trail shoes, such as the Altra Lone Peak 5, Altra Olympus 4, and Topo Ultraventure Pro models noted above.
Why are trail running shoes so expensive?
All things considered, most trail running shoes aren’t outrageously expensive, and there are plenty of great models at $130 and under. When you factor in inflation, most trail shoes are in line with or cheaper than they were 20 years ago.
Interestingly, there did seem to be a pause in the price increases of all running shoes recently, when brands hesitated to break the $100 per pair barrier. Once Hokas and the Salomon S-Lab Sense came onto the market, that ceiling was destroyed, and there was a diversification of prices.
So, what about all the trail shoes that cost more than $150? Well, a good portion of them do tend to have a higher fit and finish. Other high-priced trail shoes are pinnacle products with lower anticipated sales of a highly niche shoe and more significant R&D costs.
Is either of these categories worth the premium? Perhaps for a handful of people with significant disposable income, the marginal gains in comfort or prestige are worth the cost of the ultra-premium trail shoes, but they’re certainly not necessary. The same goes for seemingly cutting-edge shoes. Maybe they lead to better performance — or maybe they don’t.
My advice? Wait a season or two before buying truly groundbreaking trail shoes. If they end up as winners, most brands will offer lower cost, very similar versions within two or three years. If they’re not true winners, you just save some money.
Can I wear trail running shoes for hiking?
Tons of people use trail running shoes for hiking, whether that’s for an hour around the local park or a three-month thru-hike. Two great options from our list above include the Altra Lone Peak 5 for those who want a wide toebox, perhaps for hours-long or multi-day hikes, or the Brooks Cascadia 16.
Both shoes offer moderate cushioning on time-tested platforms. The Hoka One One Speedgoat 4 makes a great hiking shoe for those wanting more cushioning.
Can I wear trail shoes for walking?
Most trail running shoes will be comfortable and effective for walking. Perhaps just avoid trail shoes with overly aggressive lugs. Occasional walks on concrete and asphalt will be fine, but if you’ll mostly be walking hard surfaces, consider buying a pair of road running shoes instead.
Putting in the miles. Photo: Droz Photo
If you’re in the market for some trail shoes and you have the chance, swing by your local running store to see if they can set you up with a pair. Not only will they have the knowledge to match a pair to your needs and the skill to properly size the shoes, the store’s selection should also be well-suited for local trails.
Many local outdoor stores also carry a selection of trail running shoes (as they often double as great hiking shoes) that would, once again, be suited for the local environment.
If you know what you’re looking for, online outdoor retailers like REI and Backcountry carry a huge selection of trail shoes from a multitude of manufacturers. These days, you’re likely to find just as many or more trail shoes on Amazon, with free two-day shipping if you’re a Prime member.
If you’ve still not found a trail shoe that strikes your fancy, you could keep poking around Road Runner Sports, Running Warehouse, and even smaller specialty sites like Skyrun until you find your match.
Whenever you can, shop at local specialty running stores like San Francisco Running Company. Photo: San Francisco Running Company
Bryon Powell is the Editor-in-Chief of iRunFar. He’s been writing about trail running, ultrarunning, and running gear for 15 years. Aside from iRunFar, he’s authored the books Relentless Forward Progress: A Guide to Running Ultramarathons and Where the Road Ends: A Guide to Trail Running, been a contributing editor at Trail Runner magazine, written for publications including Outside, Sierra, and Running Times, and coached ultrarunners of all abilities. Based in Silverton, Colorado, Bryon is an avid trail runner and ultrarunner who competes in events from the Hardrock 100 Mile just out his front door to races long and short around the world, that is, when he’s not fly fishing or tending to his garden.