7 Best Trail Running Shoes For Men in 2023

Paul Ronto
Paul Ronto on
| Reviewed using methodology 1.6
7 Best Trail Running Shoes For Men in 2023
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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.

Best overall
Hoka Tecton X Hoka Tecton X
$200 $148 From Zappos
Best with wide toebox
Altra Lone Peak 7 Altra Lone Peak 7
$150 $144 From Amazon
Best lightweight
Adidas Terrex Speed Ultra Adidas Terrex Speed Ultra
$160 $63 From Amazon
Best for ultra
Salomon Ultra Glide Salomon Ultra Glide
$140 $56 From Running Warehouse
Best for mud
Saucony Peregrine 13 Saucony Peregrine 13
$140 $130 From Backcountry
Best for long distance
Nike React Pegasus Trail 4 Nike React Pegasus Trail 4
$140 $75 From Amazon
Best with plush cushioning
Hoka Speedgoat 5 Hoka Speedgoat 5
$155 $110 From Hoka
See all 324 men's trail running shoes

    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 men's trail running shoes overall

    Hoka Tecton X
    Hoka Tecton X
    Tecton X on rocky trails
    Hoka Tecton X Cut In Half
    hoka tecton x cut in pieces
    tecton x laces
    Tongue thickness on Hoka X
    Hoka Tecton X Trail Runs
    Hoka Tecton X Torsional Flexibility
    hoka tecton x outsole
    hoka-tecton-x-lugs.JPG
    Depth of lugs on Tecton X
    Hoka Tecton X Cushioning Test
    Hoka Tecton X stack height
    Hoka Tecton X Slow Motion
    Heel base measurement on Tecton X
    Tecton X in the freezer
    hoka tecton x trail running
    Stretching in Tecton X
    hoka tecton x breathable upper
    Hoka Tecton X Carbon Plate
    Toebox with of Hoka Tecton X
    hoka tecton x outsole
    Tecton X on trails
    Hoka Tecton X
    92
    Superb!

    What makes it the best?

    The Hoka Tecton X is Hoka's first carbon-plated trail running shoe. To justify the name, it just might have started a tectonic shift - that's how much it is loved by runners. It's positioned as a speed-ready, racing and training companion to the Hoka Speedgoat 5. Thanks to the dual-plated design, it shines at fast paces, especially the ultra ones. On top of this, it's a max-cushioned running shoe that keeps the feet protected without weighing them down.

    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
    Full review of Hoka Tecton X

    Today's best price

    Men
    Women
    Any color
    Persimmon Orange - Radiant Yellow (1123161PORY)
    Thyme/Fiesta (TFST)
    Blue (SBDP)
    $148
    See deal  
    $150
    See deal  
    $160
    See deal  
    No stock  

    Best men's trail running shoes with wide toebox

    Altra Lone Peak 7
    Altra Lone Peak 7
    altra-lone-peak-7-review.JPG
    Altra Lone Peak 7 Cut In Half
    altra-lone-peak-7-lab-test.JPG
    Altra Lone Peak 7 Breathability
    Altra Lone Peak 7 Breathability Light
    altra-lone-peak-7-tongue-thickness.JPG
    Altra Lone Peak 7 Cushioning
    altra-lone-peak-7-heel-stack.JPG
    altra-lone-peak-7-forefoot-stack.JPG
    altra-lone-peak-7-inside.JPG
    altra-lone-peak-7-cushioning-softness-durometer.JPG
    altra-lone-peak-7-in-cold.JPG
    Altra Lone Peak 7 Ride
    Altra Lone Peak 7 Heel To Toe
    Altra Lone Peak 7 Flexibility Measurement
    Altra Lone Peak 7 Flexibility
    Altra Lone Peak 7 Stability
    altra-lone-peak-7-forefoot-width.JPG
    altra-lone-peak-7-heel-width.JPG
    Altra Lone Peak 7 Stable Ride
    altra-lone-peak-7-gusseted-tongue.JPG
    altra-lone-peak-7-lacing.JPG
    Altra Lone Peak 7 Heel Counter
    altra-lone-peak-7-fit.JPG
    altra-lone-peak-7-toebox-width.JPG
    altra-lone-peak-7-sizing.JPG
    altra-lone-peak-7-grip.JPG
    altra-lone-peak-7-lug-depth.JPG
    altra-lone-peak-7-outsole.JPG
    altra-lone-peak-7-style.JPG
    altra-lone-peak-7-price.JPG
    altra-lone-peak-7-lab-measurement.JPG
    Altra Lone Peak 7
    82
    Good!

    What makes it the best?

    Trail runners, backpackers, and day hikers alike praised the 7th version of the Lone Peak - the do-it-all trail running shoe from Altra. People love how these shoes are versatile and comfy enough for casual trods in the mountains and taking on sharp turns on single-track descents. The lockdown and grip of these shoes let wearers take on the trail with confidence.

    Pros

    • Very wide toebox
    • Protective midsole
    • Superb lockdown
    • Super grippy outsole
    • Excellent for fast runs in the mountains
    • Added heel cup provides stability
    • Super comfy
    • Easy to clean

    Cons

    • Colorways might be a downer
    • A bit pricey
    Full review of Altra Lone Peak 7

    Today's best price

    Men
    Women
    Any color
    Navy (AL0A7R6H445)
    Red (AL0A7R6H680)
    Green/Teal (AL0A7R6H008)
    Black (AL0A7R6H020)
    Taupe (AL0A7R6H923)
    Beige (AL0A7R6H922)
    Dark Purple (AL0A7R6H252)
    $144
    See deal  
    $150
    See deal  
    $150
    See deal  
    $150
    See deal  
    $150
    See deal  
    $150
    See deal  

    Best lightweight trail running shoes for men

    Adidas Terrex Speed Ultra
    Adidas Terrex Speed Ultra
    Adidas Terrex Speed Ultra Top View.jpg
    Adidas Terrex Speed Ultra 360
    Adidas Terrex Speed Ultra Back Angle.jpg
    Adidas Terrex Speed Ultra Lacing.jpg
    Adidas Terrex Speed Ultra Side.jpg
    Adidas Terrex Speed Ultra Width.jpg
    Adidas Terrex Speed Ultra Flex Test
    Adidas Terrex Speed Ultra Freezer.jpg
    Adidas Terrex Speed Ultra Flex
    Adidas Terrex Speed Ultra Weight.jpg
    Adidas Terrex Speed Ultra Outsole.jpg
    Adidas Terrex Speed Ultra Outsole Heel.jpg
    Adidas Terrex Speed Ultra Upper Toe.jpg
    Adidas Terrex Speed Ultra Logo.jpg
    Adidas Terrex Speed Ultra Reflective.jpg
    Adidas Terrex Speed Ultra Front Angle 2.jpg
    Adidas Terrex Speed Ultra
    91
    Superb!

    What makes it the best?

    Most trail runners haven't been very KEEN on Adidas trail shoes. They seemed like an afterthought given that the brand's focus was admittedly on sneakers and soccer cleats. But then the Adidas Terrex Speed Ultra arrived. It performed so well out on the trails that many runners have chosen it as their go-to.

    Pros

    • Lightweight
    • Nimble ride
    • Grippy outsole
    • Breathable
    • Dries quickly
    • Great lockdown
    • Reflective elements

    Cons

    • Feels a touch minimalist
    • No heel pull loop
    Full review of Adidas Terrex Speed Ultra

    Today's best price

    Men
    Women
    Any color
    Blue (FW2806)
    Green (GZ8921)
    Black (FW2830)
    orange (HR1120)
    Black / Grey / Red (GY6113)
    Black (GZ8920)
    ftwr white/crystal w (FW2805)
    $63
    See deal  
    $64
    See deal  
    $80
    See deal  
    $80
    See deal  
    $105
    See deal  
    $125
    See deal  

    Best men's trail running shoes for ultra

    Salomon Ultra Glide
    Salomon Ultra Glide
    Salomon-Ultra-Glide-Parts.jpg
    Salomon Ultra Glide Features
    Salomon Ultra Glide Saw
    Salomon Ultra Glide Reveal
    Salomon Ultra Glide Cut
    Salomon-Ultra-Glide-Tongue-Thickness.jpg
    Salomon-Ultra-Glide-Insole-Thickness.jpg
    Salomon-Ultra-Glide-Cross-Section-Heel.jpg
    Salomon Ultra Glide Flex Test
    Salomon Ultra Glide Flex
    Salomon-Ultra-Glide-Cross-Section.jpg
    Salomon-Ultra-Glide-Outsole.jpg
    Salomon-Ultra-Glide-Stack-Heel.jpg
    Salomon-Ultra-Glide-Weight.jpg
    Salomon-Ultra-Glide-Heel.jpg
    Salomon-Ultra-Glide-Outsole (2).jpg
    Salomon-Ultra-Glide.jpg
    Salomon-Ultra-Glide-Upper.jpg
    Salomon-Ultra-Glide-Lacing.jpg
    Salomon-Ultra-Glide-Cross-Section-Tongue.jpg
    Salomon-Ultra-Glide-Reflective-Side.jpg
    Salomon-Ultra-Glide-Reflective-Heel.jpg
    Salomon Ultra Glide
    89
    Great!

    What makes it the best?

    Plush comfort in a Salomon! It’s what the trail running community has been waiting for. The Ultra Glide is Salomon’s answer to Hoka’s reign over the cushioned trail shoe category and they nailed it. This shoe has a peppy, energetic ride, a soft, breathable upper, and a grippy, durable outsole. It’s worth a look at $140 and has a ton of great features. The only gripe I could conjure up is it’s a touch narrow if you have a wide foot.

    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
    Full review of Salomon Ultra Glide

    Today's best price

    Men
    Women
    Any color
    Black/Alloy/Goji Berry (L414305)
    Crystal Teal Barrier Reef Goji (L415791)
    Blazing Orange/Vibrant Orange/White (L470712)
    Arctic Ice/Pacific Black (L417273)
    Multi (L414308)
    $56
    See deal  
    $70
    See deal  
    $77
    See deal  
    $90
    See deal  
    $98
    See deal  
    $140
    See deal  

    Best men's trail running shoes for mud

    Saucony Peregrine 13
    Saucony Peregrine 13
    saucony-peregrine-13-onfeet.JPG
    Saucony Peregrine 13 Cutting
    saucony-peregrine-13-hands.JPG
    Saucony Peregrine 13 Smoke
    Saucony Peregrine 13 Light
    saucony-peregrine-13-dual.jpg
    Saucony Peregrine 13 Upper
    saucony-peregrine-13-microscope-close.JPG
    saucony-peregrine-13-microscope.JPG
    saucony-peregrine-13-midsole-durometer.JPG
    Saucony Peregrine 13 Midsole
    saucony-peregrine-13-freezer.JPG
    saucony-peregrine-13-midsole-forefoot.JPG
    Saucony Peregrine 13 Stability
    saucony-peregrine-13-midsole-heel.JPG
    Saucony Peregrine 13 Strike
    Saucony Peregrine 13 Flex
    Saucony Peregrine 13 Flex Hands
    Kailas Fuga Yao Flexibility
    saucony-peregrine-13-heel.JPG
    saucony-peregrine-13-forefoot.JPG
    saucony-peregrine-13-lugs.JPG
    Saucony Peregrine 13 Rocker
    saucony-peregrine-13-logo.JPG
    saucony-peregrine-13-outsole-running.JPG
    saucony-peregrine-13-outsole-durometer.JPG
    saucony-peregrine-13-insole.JPG
    saucony-peregrine-13-laces.JPG
    saucony-peregrine-13-gusset.JPG
    saucony-peregrine-13-tongue.JPG
    saucony-peregrine-13-table.JPG
    Saucony Peregrine 13
    89
    Great!

    What makes it the best?

    As one of the longest-running trail series, it’s safe to say the Peregrine is among the first shoes runners think about when going offroad. It can handle nearly anything you throw at it thanks to its tried-and-true comfort, agility, and traction. But what truly puts the v13 above its predecessors is its thicker slab of midsole foam—making it even more capable for easy days, long slow miles, and the occasional race through punishing terrains.

    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
    Full review of Saucony Peregrine 13

    Today's best price

    Men
    Women
    Any color
    Agave/Basalt (S2083825)
    Wood/Fossil (S2083815)
    Vapor/Poppy (S2083816)
    Fog/Clay (S2083885)
    Arroyo (S1083835)
    Finesse Black (S2083891)
    $130
    See deal  
    $138
    See deal  
    $140
    See deal  
    $140
    See deal  
    $140
    See deal  
    $140
    See deal  

    Best men's trail running shoes for long distance

    Nike React Pegasus Trail 4
    Nike React Pegasus Trail 4
    nike-pegasus-trail-4-outdoor_011.JPG
    Pegasus Trail 4 Saw Cutting_1
    nike-pegasus-trail-4_001.JPG
    nike-pegasus-trail-4-outdoor_004.JPG
    nike-pegasus-trail-4_015.JPG
    Pegasus Trail 4 Heel Squeeze_1
    nike-pegasus-trail-4-outdoor_010.JPG
    Nike Pegasus Trail 4 Outdoor 04_1
    Nike Pegasus Trail 4 Outdoor 09_1
    Nike Pegasus Trail 4 Outdoor 08_1
    nike-pegasus-trail-4_026.JPG
    nike-pegasus-trail-4-outdoor_008.JPG
    Nike Pegasus Trail 4 Outdoor 03_1
    nike-pegasus-trail-4-outdoor_002.JPG
    nike-pegasus-trail-4-outdoor_006.JPG
    nike-pegasus-trail-4_020.JPG
    nike-pegasus-trail-4-outdoor_012.JPG
    nike-pegasus-trail-4_005.JPG
    nike-pegasus-trail-4-outdoor_014.JPG
    Nike React Pegasus Trail 4
    88
    Great!

    What makes it the best?

    The React Pegasus Trail 4 is one of the top road-to-trail options from Nike. Cushiony and responsive on the roads yet grippy and stable on the trails, the shoe makes a perfect hybrid. It also remains surprisingly light given all the features packed into it. Experienced runners are happy that it feels a lot like the original Pegasus Trail 36 but with an enhanced grip.

    Pros

    • Efficient road-to-trail
    • Well-cushioned
    • Stable ride
    • Excellent, secure fit
    • Very breathable
    • Great traction
    • Unexpectedly light
    • Reasonably priced

    Cons

    • Not for muddy areas
    • Not for wide feet
    • Could be more stylish
    Full review of Nike React Pegasus Trail 4

    Today's best price

    Men
    Women
    Any color
    Blue (DJ6158400)
    Black (DJ6158004)
    002 light iron ore/cobblestone/foo (DJ6158002)
    Black (DJ6158003)
    Black (DJ6158001)
    Light Silver Mineral Teal Racer Blue (DJ6158005)
    Black/Olive Flak/Spring Green (DJ6158006)
    gold (DJ6158700)
    More colors
    $75
    See deal  
    $80
    See deal  
    $84
    See deal  
    $90
    See deal  
    $104
    See deal  
    $140
    See deal  

    Best men's trail running shoes with plush cushioning

    Hoka Speedgoat 5
    Hoka Speedgoat 5
    hoka-speedgoat-5-review
    Hoka Speedgoat 5 Cutting
    hoka-speedgoat-5-lab-review
    Hoka Speedgoat 5 Grip
    hoka-speedgoat-5-outsole-traction
    hoka-speedgoat-5-lug-depth
    Hoka Speedgoat 5 Breathability Smoke Test
    Hoka Speedgoat 5 Light Transparency Test
    Hoka Speedgoat 5 Spriny Ride
    hoka-speedgoat-5-cushioning-softness
    hoka-speedgoat-5-in-cold-conditions
    Hoka Speedgoat 5 Cushioning
    Hoka Speedgoat 5 Flex Measure
    Hoka Speedgoat 5 Stability
    hoka-speedgoat-5-sole-width
    hoka-speedgoat-5-durable
    Hoka Speedgoat 5 Lightweight
    hoka-speedgoat-5-fit
    hoka-speedgoat-5-forefoot-width
    hoka-speedgoat-5-gusseted-tongue
    hoka-speedgoat-5-tongue-thickness
    Hoka Speedgoat 5 Heel Flexibility
    hoka-speedgoat-5-toe-protection
    hoka-speedgoat-5-heel-stack
    hoka-speedgoat-5-insole
    hoka-speedgoat-5-forefoot-stack
    Hoka Speedgoat 5 Reflective Elements
    hoka-speedgoat-5-sustainable-materials
    hoka-speedgoat-5-lab-measurements
    Hoka Speedgoat 5
    89
    Great!

    What makes it the best?

    The Speedgoat 5 from Hoka remains your reliable and great-value do-everything trail shoe. But if you want to bring the best out of it, fast runs on very technical terrains can do the trick. On top of this, it ticks all the boxes of an excellent trail shoe. It's insanely grippy, durable, and supportive; conquering the great outdoors is an easy feat. Overall, take the Hoka Speedgoat 5 if you want to go fast and far.

    Pros

    • Super grippy
    • Springy ride
    • Stable platform
    • Extra durable
    • High impact protection
    • Lightweight
    • Breathable
    • Secure fit
    • Excellent heel hold

    Cons

    • Not for wide feet
    • Flared collar is not for everyone (style-wise)
    Full review of Hoka Speedgoat 5

    Today's best price

    Men
    Women
    Any color
    Deep Lake/Ceramic (DLCR)
    Stone Blue/Dark Citron (SBDCT)
    Bellwether Blue/Cyclamen (BBCY)
    Thyme/Fiesta (TFST)
    Fiesta/Radiant Yellow (FRYL)
    Scuba Blue/Black (SBBK)
    Outer Space/Bluing (OSBN)
    Impala/Flame (1123157IFLM)
    More colors
    $110
    See deal  
    $155
    See deal  
    $155
    See deal  
    $155
    See deal  
    $155
    See deal  
    $187
    See deal  

    Comparison of the 7 best trail running shoes for men

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    CoreScore
    Users rating
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    # of colorways
    Author
    Paul Ronto
    Paul Ronto

    Over the past 20 years, Paul has climbed, hiked, and run all over the world. He has summited peaks throughout the Americas, trekked through Africa, and tested his endurance in 24-hour trail races as well as 6 marathons. On average, he runs 30-50 miles a week in the foothills of Northern Colorado. His research is regularly cited in The New York Times, Washington Post, National Geographic, etc. On top of this, Paul is leading the running shoe lab where he cuts shoes apart and analyzes every detail of the shoes that you might buy.

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