What trail running means to runners is as varied and unique as the off-road terrain that we cover. To some, trail running is a spiritual, transformative experience that may help develop understanding about the environment and mortality previously unknown to us. But you don’t have to experience a transcendentalist mindset or nirvana to qualify as a trail runner. Best Trail Running Shoes
To many others, running a short trail adjacent to a local park is an easy way to add extra miles onto a regular neighborhood loop. These benefits are equally bona fide, and they’re what inspire ultrarunners and weekend warriors alike to spend more time outside. Whatever your preference or personal ideology, we here at Runner’s World think every runner can be a trail runner, especially with the help of a good pair of shoes.
The two main things to consider before purchasing a trail running shoe are what type of shoes your feet need (think stiff or pliable, neutral or stable, wide or narrow, high or low heel-to-toe drop) and what type of shoes the terrain you run demands.
With the latter, try to think about whether the trails you encounter are technical or smooth, flat or steep, have loose or firm footing, and whether or not you cross water. Rigid shoes with deep lugs (5mm+) are best on technical trails with poor footing, but they’ll also be far less forgiving, even uncomfortable, on road runs.
These shoes will serve you better the more unforgiving the terrain and may work for day hiking as well. Hybrid shoes have shorter lugs (2 to 4mm) and a softer on-road feel than their burly siblings, and are well-suited for soft singletrack and local wooded trails that don’t make you slow to a walk due to unsure footing.
Best Trail Running Shoes For Men
Best Trail Running Shoes – Salomon S-Lab Sense 6
The majority of users considered the Salomon S-Lab Sense 6 as a light and durable pair of trail running shoe. It provides runners the right amount of cushioning, grip, comfort, and protection needed for a better off-road performance.
Best Trail Running Shoes – Salomon Kalalau
The Salomon Kalalau is a breathable and lightweight shoe that is packed with innovative technologies needed for light trail running. This neutral running shoe generally received positive praises from some runners because of its design, functionality, and comfort.
Best Trail Running Shoes – Salomon Speedcross 4 CS
The Salomon Speedcross 4 CS is a reliable trail running shoe that is designed for neutral foot movement. Comes with a water-repellent upper coverage, this shoe keeps the foot dry even on wet conditions. It offers great cushioning, breathability, and protection needed while running on technical trails.
Best Trail Running Shoes – Adidas Pure Boost All Terrain
The Adidas Pure Boost All Terrain garnered mostly positive feedback from consumers. Most users were satisfied with the comfort and versatility it brings, yet there were a few who thought that some of the design elements were not efficient and should be improved.
Best Trail Running Shoes – Salomon Sense Ride
Many runners loved the Salomon Sense Ride. They agreed that it was lightweight, durable, breathable and comfortable. They commented that the shoe worked reasonably well on any hiking, walking and running activities. Some runners said that it was not best for rocky terrains but others still recommended the Salomon Sense Ride because of the right amount of traction it provided for long and short-distance running sessions.
Best Trail Running Shoes – Merrell All Out Crush Tough Mudder
Merrell’s sponsorship of the Tough Mudder, has led it to create a shoe that can live up to this tough name. In the All Out Crush Tough Mudder, people who love to wrestle mud as part of their favorite pastime should get a very supportive, well-cushioned, and stable ride. The shoe, when used solely for trail running, works best in soft, slippery, or wet grounds. It has more than enough decent underfoot cushioning without taking away superb ground feedback. To top it all, the price makes it a mouth-watering prospect for the trail runner or the obstacle racer.
Best Trail Running Shoes – Merrell All Out Crush Light
The Merrell All Out Crush Light is a lightweight trail running shoe designed with durable traction. With its moderate level of cushioning, this shoe is only ideal for light trail. It does not provide the right protection for technical terrains and long distance runs.
Best Trail Running Shoes – Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra
The Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra is a premium unisex, trail running shoe that has received plenty of positive reviews from those who have tried it. Users liked its durable construction, the apparently comfortable cushioning system, and the Quicklace system. Testers were also impressed by the secure fit delivered by the upper. However, there were those who had some complaints about this neutral shoe. A few noted that the overlays peeled off easily while others observed that the rubber outsole wasn’t as grippy as expected.
Best Trail Running Shoes For Women
Best Trail Running Shoes – Salomon Speedcross 4 CS
The Salomon Speedcross 4 CS is a reliable trail running shoe that is designed for neutral foot movement. Comes with a water-repellent upper coverage, this shoe keeps the foot dry even on wet conditions. It offers great cushioning, breathability, and protection needed while running on technical trails.
Best Trail Running Shoes – Salomon Sense Ride
Many runners loved the Salomon Sense Ride. They agreed that it was lightweight, durable, breathable and comfortable. They commented that the shoe worked reasonably well on any hiking, walking and running activities. Some runners said that it was not best for rocky terrains but others still recommended the Salomon Sense Ride because of the right amount of traction it provided for long and short-distance running sessions.
Best Trail Running Shoes – Merrell All Out Crush Tough Mudder
Merrell’s sponsorship of the Tough Mudder, has led it to create a shoe that can live up to this tough name. In the All Out Crush Tough Mudder, people who love to wrestle mud as part of their favorite pastime should get a very supportive, well-cushioned, and stable ride. The shoe, when used solely for trail running, works best in soft, slippery, or wet grounds. It has more than enough decent underfoot cushioning without taking away superb ground feedback. To top it all, the price makes it a mouth-watering prospect for the trail runner or the obstacle racer.
Best Trail Running Shoes – Merrell All Out Crush Light
The Merrell All Out Crush Light is a lightweight trail running shoe designed with durable traction. With its moderate level of cushioning, this shoe is only ideal for light trail. It does not provide the right protection for technical terrains and long distance runs.
Best Trail Running Shoes – Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra
The Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra is a premium unisex, trail running shoe that has received plenty of positive reviews from those who have tried it. Users liked its durable construction, the apparently comfortable cushioning system, and the Quicklace system. Testers were also impressed by the secure fit delivered by the upper. However, there were those who had some complaints about this neutral shoe. A few noted that the overlays peeled off easily while others observed that the rubber outsole wasn’t as grippy as expected.
Best Trail Running Shoes – Inov-8 Mudclaw 300
The Mudclaw 300 from Inov-8 is a trail shoe that’s made for hard terrain and hardened trail enthusiasts who want to experience a solid option when adventuring. It’s sturdy, durable and comfortable to wear for neutral runners.
Best Trail Running Shoes – Inov-8 Terraclaw 220
The Inov-8 Terraclaw 220 applauded by most runners because it is very lightweight, comfortable and versatile. It is a great trail running shoe that offers a combination of performance and protection. It is ideal for racing and moderately technical trails.
Best Trail Running Shoes – Salomon Speedcross 4 GTX
The response towards the Salomon Speedcross 4 GTX was mostly satisfactory. Many felt that it worked responsibly on the trails and that it was truly able to deliver reliable service, even when exposed to different types of weather conditions. The general quality of this neutral shoe didn’t disappoint the trail runners. But some had a few gripes about how their feet felt when wearing it. They also noticed the steep price tag.
