7 Trail Running Shoes With The Best Traction in 2025

Seeing that the ASICS Trabuco Max 4 features ASICSGRIP rubber, we already had high expectations. A combination of outdoor runs and lab tests further solidified its status as the best high-traction trail running shoe. Besides its unmatched grip, it offers solid stability in its comfortably cushioned midsole.

We evaluated the ASICSGRIP rubber in our wet-condition test and recorded a massive friction score of 0.81, making it 35.0% grippier than average! Moreover, its 3.1 mm lugs enhanced our control across a wide range of surfaces.

The midsole is long-distance ready, reaching a sky-high 39.2/33.2 mm stack height. Very few trail shoes come close to these figures. Moreover, it performed well in our shock absorption test with high ratings, particularly its forefoot with a 127 SA score.

The shoe features tall sidewalls that stabilise our ankles and feet. It strongly resists twisting, which we proved in its 5/5 torsional rigidity score during our manual assessment.

However, the shoe is also stiff longitudinally, which loses the natural feel some runners prefer. Those who associate comfort with flexibility should look elsewhere because this shoe has very little give in all directions.

Our outdoor runs were filled with joy and excitement as the HOKA Tecton X 3 shows high performance and top speed. It features state-of-the-art materials such as the Vibram Megagrip rubber and an ultra-responsive and joint-protecting midsole, making it our high-traction trail running shoe with the best energy return.

Tecton X 3 pushes us forward with its strong power output, backed up by remarkable energy return scores of 69.9% in the heel and 70.2% in the forefoot. Moreover, it features a parallel dual-plate design, which adds snappiness to our strides and encourages quick turnover.

Every takeoff is fuelled with energy, while every landing is softened effectively. We measured an impressive stack height of 37.8/30.9 mm, protecting us from harsh elements underfoot. Moreover, the cushion itself absorbs the impact so that our legs feel fresh, backed up by high shock absorption scores of 139 SA in the heel and 120 SA in the forefoot.

The outsole features the sticky Vibram Megagrip compound, making the Tecton X 3 race-ready for most environments. It features deep 4.0 mm Traction Lugs, which grip soft ground and rocks aggressively, ensuring controlled footing and balance.

However, the super high ankle gaiter may disappoint runners who dislike a sock-like fit. Besides its enclosed feeling, it may be a hassle to wear. Those who prefer a more classic fit should find more suitable alternatives.

Light and airy on the foot and locked-in underfoot, the Salomon S/Lab Genesis offers lasting comfort on our runs without compromising our safety through its reliable traction. Lab results show it features the dependable Contagrip rubber, while keeping its construction flexible and breathable to boost comfort. In the high-traction trail running lineup, it’s our best lightweight shoe.

We measured the S/Lab Genesis’ weight and confirmed its minimal figure of 8.8 oz (249g). Compared to the average trail shoe, it’s 3.8% lighter! Its effortless sensation on foot is further magnified by its flexible midsole. Our bend test shows it’s 6.1% more malleable than average.

The shoe’s airiness is further enhanced by the MATRYX upper’s exceptional airflow, scoring a remarkable 4/5 in our breathability test. We never felt our sweat or body heat trapped inside the shoe, boosting our comfort during warmer days.

While the midsole itself doesn’t demand attention, the Contagrip rubber’s strong bite is undeniable. Scoring 0.55 in our traction test, it’s reliable in most conditions. Meanwhile, the deep and multidirectional 4.5 mm lugs strengthen ground hold on loose and muddy surfaces.

Unfortunately, the seamless ventilation comes at the expense of durability. Those who prefer a more wear-resistant upper should go for another pair.

The ASICS Metafuji Trail offers a seamless blend of lightning speed and cloudlike landings, made possible by its responsive and cushion-packed midsole. This dreamy shoe impressed us in many lab tests we conducted, proving its light build and generous comfort. We also found that it features the dependable ASICSGRIP outsole, making it our high-traction trail running shoe with the best shock absorption.

The super-sized midsole earns our seal of approval for long-distance running, backed up by sky-high stack measurements of 44.7/34.4 mm. Its height is hard to beat, yet its impact protection brought its plush sensation to another level. Scoring 153 SA in the heel and 122 SA in the forefoot, Metafuji Trail leads the trail category in terms of shock absorption.

Despite its monstrous midsole, we remained agile thanks to the shoe’s minimal weight. Our scales show it’s only 9.1 oz (258g), making it 10.7% lighter than average. Moreover, the energetic midsole enhances its effortless feel, with solid scores of 59.7% in the heel and 65.4% in the forefoot.

We had high expectations upon seeing the ASICSGRIP rubber, and it did not disappoint with a remarkable 0.80 friction score in our traction test. We never lost our footing since it’s 31.1% gripper than average.

Unfortunately, the toebox has limited room in all directions. Therefore, we can’t recommend it to those with wide feet or for ultra runners.

Through extensive runs, we've determined that the Merrell Agility Peak 6 stands out as the most suitable for technical terrain among high-traction trail running shoes. Boasting protective features in a light build, it’s truly one of a kind. Its trusty Vibram Megagrip outsole, with strategically positioned lugs, serves as our traction and defence against various elements encountered on the trails.

Impressively, the AP6 demonstrates outstanding grip in difficult and uneven surfaces such as mud and rocks, thanks to its deep and widely spaced 5.0 mm Traction Lugs. In our wet-condition test, it also scored a solid 0.64 friction score, indicating all-weather grip. 

Following intensive testing against our unforgiving Dremel, the Vibram Megagrip rubber exhibits durability, showing a minimal 0.6 mm indentation compared to the average.

The heel is notably tall, measuring 36.1 mm, offering protection against impact and harsh objects. Our defence against sharp rocks and protruding roots is augmented by the rock plate in the mid-to-forefoot areas.

Despite all these features, it still manages to maintain a below-average weight of 9.8 oz (278g).

However, due to its pronounced heel and modest forefoot, the significant 11.5 mm heel drop may not be suitable for midfoot and forefoot strikers. Therefore, AP6’s appeal is limited to heel-strikers.

Spending miles on foot, we found that the Saucony Xodus Ultra 4 boasts immense comfort, stability, and unwavering traction, making it the best hiking shoe among high-traction trail running shoes. In the lab, we found that it has several discrete supportive features, providing us with precise control over our movements.

XU4 features the PWRRUN PB, known for its responsiveness and cushioned sensation, which is hard to ignore in our treks. Its generous foam reaches a stack height of 37.6/31.1 mm, with impressive shock absorption in the heel, scoring 127 SA. We noticed some spring in our steps, proven by the impressive energy return score of 64.9% in the rear.

To stabilise our landings, we measured the base at a wide 116.7/97.3 mm. Furthermore, it offers high resistance to twisting with its maximum 5/5 torsional rigidity score. However, it has room for foot-bending with a near-average flexibility score of 15.3N, making it comfortable for easy days.

Underfoot is Vibram Megagrip outsole, studded with Traction Lugs, which keep us steady regardless of weather conditions. Every shift in movement and direction felt controlled, proven by its whopping 0.72 rating in our traction test. At this level, it’s 20.0% grippier than average.

However, comfort takes a step back when our feet start to swell. The toebox runs narrow, so we think it will also feel restrictive to those with broad feet.

Those of us with wide feet truly enjoyed our runs with the Altra Experience Wild 2. It features a spacious fit and a flexible yet steady base. It boasts strong traction and generous dimensions in the lab, making it our high-traction trail running shoe with the best wide toebox.

We created a gel mould to capture the roominess we felt. At the widest part of the toebox, our calliper records 83.3 mm, which is much more accommodating than the 74.6 mm lab average. Altra promises the Standard FootShape Fit, and it truly delivers.

Our balanced strides come from the tall midsole sidewalls and the grippy MaxTrac compound underneath. Testing the rubber in our traction test, it scored a dependable 0.59, along with 3.5 mm lugs that help us manoeuvre through the trails.

Because the midsole is so flexible, it also feels comfortable for hikes and walks. In our bend test, EW2 is 26.0% more pliable than average, enhancing its versatility. 

However, we felt frustrated with the dull midsole when we tried to pick up the pace. We believe this shoe won’t match runners looking for a dynamic ride.