6 Trail Running Shoes With The Best Traction in 2025

How we test Trail running shoes with the traction

Testing running shoes has to be standardized, and that’s where our lab enters the scene. This standardization means that each trail shoe is given the same treatment: the same forces applied, the same durometers used, they are tested on the same surfaces, filled with the same smoke at the same speed, and so on. Thanks to our specialized machines for traction, shock absorption, and energy return, we take it a step further and don’t rely on simple tools and devices only. We also test trail shoes outside the lab to understand their comfort, fit, and performance, from a perspective that the lab can not offer.

All of that would make no sense if we were biased and allowing brands to influence our shoe choices or what we publish. That’s why we don’t do it. We also buy all the trail running shoes from our own pocket. And we don’t allow brand ambassadors to join the team.

In trail running shoes, we often focus on the depth of the lugs, their shape, number, or overall design. However, traction also depends on the rubber compound itself. Some are grippier and stickier, others are not. That is exactly what we uncover further below. 

What the lab traction test can (not) tell us

Testing the traction in the lab is great because this test is standardized. It’s repeatable, always under the same conditions. So here’s how it’s done.

We follow the SATRA TM144 methodology, which means that we use this specialized machine to ensure the testing is done properly 

This machine allows us to press the shoe with a force of 500 N against a wet, sliding surface. The shoe is tilted at a 7-degree angle. All of this is done to mimic the real-life scenario. The surface is wet because we’re interested in what happens when the conditions get rough and because wet surfaces are where we mostly find out our shoes are not good enough. 

This test actually tells us how grippy the rubber itself is. As you know, for trail running, it’s also important to take into account the depth of the lugs, their distance from one another, shape and orientation, and so on. But the test done in compliance with SATRA TM144 protocol tells us how grippy the outsole is overall, which is why the test is done on the wet concrete. 

What we actually measure on this test is the so-called dynamic Coefficient of friction (CoF). The higher it is, the better the traction. Actually, anything equal or higher than 0.45 we consider high traction. Between 0.25 and 0.45 moderate, and below 0.25 is very low traction. 

2 outsole features to pay attention to in trail running shoes with the best traction

Having great traction does not mean too much if the rubber is not durable because it will just disappear too fast under your feet. In that case, a pair of trail shoes you invested in will be ready for retirement or for other terrain that was not the pair’s purpose. Here, we should look at 2 things: not just the durability of the rubber, but also the thickness of the lugs. The thicker they are, the more material there is to be subjected to wear and tear. 

We use a dremel to test the durability of the outsole. There’s always some damage and we measure the depth of the dent/hole with a tire tread gauge 

The deeper the dent, the less durable the outsole. Below, we will look at 2 examples, both of which have high traction, but the durability varies significantly. 

Dremel made a hole that's only 0.6 mm deep on Challenger 8's outsole 

Here, on the other hand, the hole is 1.7 mm deep (it's Trabuco max 4)

It is obvious that the thicker the lugs, the better! For trail shoes with very shallow lugs, we could also look at the outsole thickness as a way to ensure it’s still the rubber touching the ground, not an exposed midsole. But the traction in trail running shoes is about lugs, not flat rubber, so we will stick to the lug thickness. 

Price of trail running shoes with high traction

Currently, the average price of trail running shoes is $152. When we group those with high traction, their average price sits at $189. 

It’s comforting to know that the prices listed here are MSRPs or manufacturer’s suggested retail prices. Basically, this is how much the shoes cost when they were released. And who does not love a good discount? We, of course, made a page dedicated to running shoe deals.