7 Best Ultra Running Shoes in 2023

Finishing an ultra is a great feat. And behind every successful run is an excellent ultra running shoe that has ample cushioning, support, and grip packed in a lightweight shoe.
We know it’s a tedious job to go through the tens of ultra running shoe models on the market. So, we’ve decided to test them out ourselves and see which ones are the pick of the bunch from across categories.
How we test running shoes
When we assessed the ultra shoes on this list, we got down to the tiniest details to make sure they aren’t a letdown. We purchased them ourselves to prevent bias and examined them thoroughly in our independent shoe testing lab.
We also carefully follow these steps throughout our tests:
- Run at least 30-50 miles in each shoe.
- Cut them into pieces to scrutinize their parts.
- Measure each part through 30 different parameters.
And to analyze how they stand against other running shoes, we come up with a Corescore that’s entirely based on thousands of expert and user reviews.
Best ultra running shoes overall




































What makes it the best?
Pros
- Comfortable and premium-feeling upper
- Roomy, unmistakably-Altra fit
- Secure lockdown even for narrow feet
- Smooth and responsive ride
- Good for any distance at an easy pace
- Effective, but not obtrusive, rocker
- Copious amount of padding
- Breathable
- Absorbs impact well
Cons
- Cushioning on the firm side, but a toss-up on how firm
- Doesn’t feel like a zero-drop shoe
- Substantial break-in period
- On the heavier side
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Best ultra running shoes for trail
























What makes it the best?
Pros
- 2 carbon plates: very propulsive ride
- Insanely stable
- Looks fast and runs fast
- Lightweight
- Very cushioned & responsive
- Worth the investment
- Room for feet swelling
- Grippy
- No break-in
- Vegan materials used
Cons
- Not for technical terrains
- Might accumulate mud
- Expensive
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Best lightweight ultra running shoes



























What makes it the best?
Pros
- Unobtrusive carbon plate
- Responsive ride
- Smooth transitions
- Stable
- Durable
- Breathable
- Grippy
Cons
- Loose-fitting knit upper
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Best ultra running shoes with wide toebox

























What makes it the best?
Pros
- Amazing grip
- Sock-like fit
- True to size
- Aggressive
- Peppy midsole
- Rock protection
Cons
- Heavy
- Not breathable
- Poor draining
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Ultra running shoes with best cushioning
























What makes it the best?
Pros
- Durable
- Breathable
- Grippy
- Great lockdown
- Plush and comfortable
- Great lacing system
- Protective overlays
- Energetic ride
- Cushioned
Cons
- Tight midfoot for wider feet
- No reflective details
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Best ultra running shoes with plush cushioning






























What makes it the best?
Pros
- Fast as hell
- Comfort written all over it
- Super smooth ride
- Light AF
- Protection can't be more awesome
- Breathable under warm temps
- Toe box is ready for ultras
- Carbon plate is not harsh
- Grippy on wet, loose, and soft trails
- Also great for the roads
Cons
- Unstable at slow paces
- Loose heel
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Best ultra low drop running shoes

































What makes it the best?
Pros
- Cushioned and protective midsole
- Better for longer efforts than the v12
- A good trail racing option
- Great traction whether on ice, snow, gravel, and dirt
- Mud just falls off the outsole
- Comfy and airy upper
- Performance-oriented fit
- No heel slippage
- Smooth and natural-feeling ride
Cons
- Debris tends to get in
- Not as fast as other speedwork trail shoes
- Too-firm midsole
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Comparison of the 7 best ultra running shoes
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