7 Best Trail Running Shoes For Men in 2022

The list of men’s trail running shoes is quite extensive. With nearly 500 models of men’s trail running shoes, selecting can be a drag.
And if you’re looking to buy some of the most outstanding trail shoes for men, this list is made just for you. We have carefully selected the best shoes in five different categories.
How we test trail running shoes
As avid critics of running shoes, we get down to the nitty-gritties of each trail running shoe for men before we hail them as our top pick. We have even invested in our very own shoe testing facility to examine each model more closely and accurately.
There are also steps we strictly follow to keep our choices as bias-free as possible:
- We buy each trail running shoe for men we assess with our own money.
- To see how they perform and how durable they are, we log at least 30-50 miles in each model.
- In our lab, we cut each of them open to see their parts and technologies.
- We then measure every aspect of the shoe via multiple parameters, including breathability, cushion, strength, and more.
- To see how they stack up against other running shoes, we generate their CoreScore using thousands of expert and user feedback.
Best trail running shoes overall for men
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
- Top 29% in trail running shoes
- Top 29% in Salomon running shoes
- Top 7% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Fits wider feet
- Energy-efficient ride
- Great lacing system
- Doesn’t weigh you down
- No heel slip
- Insane grip
- Really durable
Cons
- Runs ½ size longer
- Needs breaking in
Verdict
The Salomon Sense Ride 4 screams trail-ready, and there’s not one thing about it that we don’t like. If you’re planning to have an enjoyable and confidence-inspiring run on the trails, this bruiser won’t let you down.
It’s heavy-duty and it can take the abuse from the harsh and difficult terrains. With its 31.7% stiffer midsole, and 6.7HC tougher outsole, it will take you miles before you can even put a dent to it.
On steep ascents and long distances, the Sense Ride is a no-brainer. It has so much grip with its 3.5mm lugs, surefooted isn’t even enough to describe our experience.
Unlike other trail shoes, the Salomon Sense Ride packs a lot of bounce. Cruising through the rough outdoors wasn’t just easy. It was also fun.
Despite its clunky weight at 10.5 oz, this trail beast didn’t let us down, literally. Because of its spring, it felt nimble.
Protection and comfort are also taken up a notch with the Salomon Sense Ride 4’s upper. It’s generously padded, you don’t have to worry about stubbed toes and poking from sharp trail elements. Even better, it hugs the feet with plushness, it’s the epitome of premium.
Best Nike trail running shoes for men
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
- Top 5% in trail running shoes
- Top 3% in Nike running shoes
- Top 17% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Outstanding waterproofness
- Great for road-to-trail transitions
- Lively ride
- Feels lighter than it is
- Good grip
- Perfect for autumn and winter
- Runs true to size
- Undeniably durable
Cons
- Not breathable
- Semi-gaiter lets snow in
- Bulky
Verdict
Best off-trail trail running shoes for men
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
- Top 3% in trail running shoes
- Top 2% in Salomon running shoes
- Top 3% most popular running shoes
Pros
- A beast for difficult rugged trails
- Perfect for mud
- True to size
- Responsive
- Spot-on cushioning
- Fits like a glove
- Superior traction
- No break-in
- Foot protection
Cons
- Limited for specific use
- Thick tongue holds water
Verdict
The Salomon Speedcross 5 is hands down the king of grip. With its insanely grippy outsole, we have dubbed it the “cleats version” of trail shoes.
It has 4mm lugs, while other trail shoes generally have 3.2mm lugs. It digs deep into the ground, there’s very little to no chance of tripping over rugged and uneven terrains in the Speedcross.
Stability is also amped up by the shoe’s glove-like wrap. And the laces make it a ton easier to maintain a locked-in fit. They’re a breeze to cinch down, and they stay locked throughout the run.
It’s not a waterproof shoe, but the Salomon Speedcross does an excellent job of keeping the feet dry. From creek-crossing splashes to snow, no water penetrated into the shoe.
If you want to tackle the great outdoors with confidence, there’s nothing more trail-ready than the Speedcross 5 from Salomon.
Best men's trail running shoes for ultra
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
- Top 6% in trail running shoes
- Top 12% in Altra running shoes
- Top 6% most popular running shoes
Pros
- True to size
- Wide toebox
- Built for long runs
- Superb cushion
- Excellent traction
- Durable Vibram sole
- Light for a maximal shoe
- Gusseted tongue
- Very comfortable
- Breathable
Cons
- Not very responsive
- Expensive
Verdict
There’s not one thing about the Altra Olympus 4.0 that we don’t love. And as an ultra running shoe, it delivers with flying colors.
The Altra Olympus is designed to excel at high-mileage runs. And in 100-mile races, this is our top go-to.
If there’s one thing about it that we can’t move past, it’s the maxed-out cushion that provides unmatched protection and comfort on the trails. It mutes out the harshness underfoot and effectively absorbs all the impact.
Like a true Altra, its toe box is an exemplar of roomy, which is always good news to ultra runners. With the ample space up front, you don’t have to worry about restrained motions when your feet start to swell.
Sealing the deal, the Vibram outsole has a claw-like grip. On rocky, muddy, and loose surfaces, our strides remained anchored and steady. And if it’s durability you’re after, this outsole is THE definition of sturdy.
The Altra Olympus 4.0 has endurance written all over it. And if you want to compete in your next ultra with comfort and protection in mind, then don’t write off this trail runner.
Best road-to-trail trail running shoes for men
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
- Top 20% in trail running shoes
- Top 23% in running shoes for high arches
- Top 22% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Cushioned
- Welded overlays
- Superb grip
- Very durable
- Gusseted tongue
Cons
- Not so breathable
- Stiff, heavily padded heel
Verdict
From door to trail, nothing beats the Caldera 5 as a commuter shoe.
It’s not overbearing on paved roads. And when it’s time to tackle the trails, it has a reliable grip.
The Caldera 5 is a soft and lively shoe. It’s very cushy and it has a spring-like bounce, making our strides come to life.
Visually, it’s big and brawny. And that’s exactly how it runs. It’s very sturdy, it still doesn’t have any signs of wear and tear from the upper down to the outsole.
Lockdown is also an easy 10/10. The Caldera has a gusseted tongue that makes foot entry convenient. Even more, it steps up the shoe’s security, preventing excessive rolling.
All of these come at a hefty 10.5 oz. But if you’re looking for the best road-to-trail transition shoe, there’s nothing better than the Brooks Caldera 5.
Best value trail running shoes for men
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
This shoe has a 10% penalty on its expert reviews because it has fewer than 5 reviews. This is to avoid that shoes with few reviews unjustly receives high scores.
Learn more- Top 18% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Breathable
- Nice tongue design
- Laces stay in place
- Secure lockdown
- Protective
- Comfortable cushioning
- Light
- Affordable
Cons
- Dull ride
- Lacks plushness
- Some durability issues
Verdict
For a shoe that does so much, the Brooks Divide 2 costs so little. For only $100, it has the makings of an expensive trail shoe.
If there’s one thing about the Divide that wowed us it’s the shoe’s versatile traction. From the pavement to the great outdoors, it bit through everything.
On the road, it wasn’t too aggressive. On the trail, it delivered a slip-free ride.
What’s more is it mimics the comfort of a road shoe. It has a very cushy midsole, our strides were pain-free from the first mile down to the last. We didn’t even need recovery after!
There’s also the gusseted tongue that we love so much. Sliding our feet into the shoe was fast and easy, and it also upped the lockdown. It wrapped snugly, not once did we experience wobbling.
For the wide-footed runners out there, this shoe will make your feet happy. It has sufficient volume and width up front, you won’t feel constricted.
All the mentioned features aside, the Brooks Divide 2 is also loaded with a rock plate. So if you want protection on a budget, don’t pass up on this one.
Most popular trail running shoes for men
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
This shoe has a 10% penalty on its user ratings because it has fewer than 50 ratings. It also has a 10% penalty on its expert reviews because it has fewer than 5 reviews. This is to avoid that shoes with few ratings unjustly receives high scores.
Learn more- Top 1% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Fit true to size
- Superb responsiveness
- Quicklace system is a breeze
- Zero Heel-slip
- Amazing grip
- Breathable
- Super stable ride
- Great protection
- Stylish
- Durable
Cons
- Quite heavy as some trail shoes go
- Stiff in colder conditions
Verdict
What are the most popular men's trail running shoes in 2022?
What are the cheapest men's trail running shoes in 2022?
- Adidas Runfalcon 2.0 TR - from $37
- Asics Trail Scout 2 - from $37
- Asics Gel Scram 6 - from $40
- Asics Gel Venture 8 - from $41
- New Balance Nitrel V4 - from $42
- Nike Juniper Trail - from $51
- Saucony Mad River TR 2 - from $52
- Adidas Terrex Soulstride - from $54
- Saucony Canyon TR - from $55
- Merrell Rubato - from $61
- Merrell Agility Synthesis 2 - from $64
- Asics Gel Excite Trail - from $65
- New Balance Shando - from $70
- Merrell Nova 2 - from $70
- Asics Gel Sonoma 6 - from $70