10 Best Trail Running Shoes For Hiking in 2022

Why pay twice if you can have a fast and responsive trail runner and a sturdy hiker in one shoe? If you are someone who's after a hybrid like that, we've gathered the best hiking-ready trail running shoes for you.
We've tested 10+ pairs of these extraordinary hybrids to make your footwear shopping as convenient as possible. Housed in this fantastic selection are our top picks in a handful of categories — from the stickiest pairs down to the shoes that offer the best value.
Overview of this guide
How we test trail running shoes
The top-rated models you see here are not random. These extraordinary trail shoes for running and hiking were rounded up through our foolproof review process:
- We purchase trail running shoes for hiking with our own funds.
- We run in these hybrids to determine each pair's trail-centric capabilities.
- At our lab, we put these kicks through a series of tests, including those that gauge each shoe's responsiveness, breathability, and more.
- Our reviews on the best trail running shoes for hiking also reflect opinions from other shoe experts and regular runners.
As a result, we get to rank these high-quality trail running shoes more efficiently. We use a CoreScore from 0 to 100 to compare these options. Those that made the cut are what you see making up this compelling lineup.
Best trail running shoes for hiking overall
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 10% in Salomon running shoes
- Top 5% most popular running shoes
Pros
- All-weather design
- Extremely grippy
- Protective
- Supportive
- Easy lockdown
Cons
- Lacks protection
- Expensive
Verdict
The Salomon XA Pro 3D is a trail running shoe that’s built with some of the most impressive technologies. The features of the upper were really made dependable, and the midsole offers a very comfortable system to keep the foot protected and supported. Although it is an expensive shoe, its quality, value, performance, and design are worth the price.
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 8% 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
Looking for a versatile trail shoe? Take the Altra Olympus 4.0! From gravel path, dirt single track, beat-up forest roads, and technical rocky climbs, this shoe just made us run with confidence! And since it's billed as a long-distance trail shoe, we had to see for ourselves that it delivers. And deliver it did! It gave our feet all the protection and comfort they could ask for.
Trail running shoes for hiking with best cushioning
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 9% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Insane traction
- Stable on technical terrain
- Breathable upper
- Hard-wearing outsole
- Roomy forefoot
Cons
- Lacks comfort
Verdict
A trail shoe we'd take during ultras. the Hoka Speedgoat 4 just bit through all the super technical terrain we put through! Even better, it made our strides surefooted with its intense focus on stability. We tell you, this shoe is a tank! It's going to swallow all the harsh elements with ease. It's not Hoka soft, but for the protection it brings, at $145, it's worth all the money spent!
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 8% in trail running shoes
- Top 9% in Nike running shoes
- Top 3% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Soft, bouncy ride
- Very comfortable
- True to size
- Wide for a Nike
- Wide loop on heel
- Built to last
- Reflective swoosh
- Killer grip on dry trails
Cons
- Not grippy in wet
- Runs warm
Verdict
The Pegasus road series just holds a special place in our feet, we just had to see it in trail action. And voila! 50 miles later, the Nike Pegasus Trail 3 won us over with its uber plush landings! Unlike other trail shoes, it's NOT dense nor dull, it's stable and comfy and will make your run cloud-like. When faced with slick surfaces, however, it shows its limitations.
Trail running shoes for hiking with best grip
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 2% most popular running shoes
Pros
- A beast for difficult rugged trails
- Perfect for mud
- True to size
- Responsive
- Spot-on cushioning
- Lightweight
- Fits like a glove
- Superior traction
- No break-in
- Foot protection
Cons
- Limited for specific use
- Thick tongue holds water
Verdict
If you're looking for an all-around trail shoe that can segue from road to trail easily this is not the shoe for you. On the other hand, if you want to add a heavy hitting member to your trail arsenal to be used when conditions and terrain dictate, look no further. The aggressive tread alone will win you over.
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 2% in trail running shoes
- Top 4% in Altra running shoes
- Top 2% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Great for wide feet
- Superb grip (rocks, mud, ice, snow)
- Stiff and durable
- Sheds mud easily
- Great water drainage
- Balanced and stable ride
- Removable Ortholite insole
- Great for road-to-trail transitions
- Extremely breathable
- Rock plate for technical terrain
- Gaiter-friendly
- Easy to clean
Cons
- No ground feel
- Too cold for winter days
Verdict
The Altra Lone Peak 5.0 is a trail shoe that will make run with confidence! It's sturdy underfoot, supportive, and it's got the right blend of comfort and responsiveness. Throw in any terrain, and this show will bite its way through them!
Trail running shoes for hiking with best protection
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 16% in trail running shoes
- Top 30% in Saucony running shoes
- Top 8% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Outstanding grip
- Perfect foot lockdown
- Great for mud, ice, rocks
- Durable as a tank
Cons
- For narrow feet only
- Not breathable
- Heavy
Verdict
A beast in all our trail runs, the Saucony Peregrine 11 was more than confidence-inspiring! It's a tank that mutes out all the harshness of the trails while eating up everything you throw at it! From slick mud, snow, dry, and rocky stream crossings, this shoe just bites hard and deep into the ground. It's also built to run fast, and we got exactly that in the Peregrine!
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 9% in trail running shoes
- Top 17% in Brooks running shoes
- Top 6% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Grippy outsole
- Wide toe box
- Great lockdown
- True to size
- Durable
- Gaiter attachments
- Rock plate
- Aggressive
- Lacing options
Cons
- On the heavier side
- A bit stiff
- Runs warm
Verdict
Brooks updates their venerable trail crusher in this 16 version of the Cascadia. If you demand stout grip, a stable platform, and bright colors take a look at the Cascadia 16. It’s true to size, durable as hell, and packed with features like a ballistic rock plate, lace loop, and enough upper lacing eyelets to ensure a custom fit. These aggressive kicks are ready for adventure!
Best value trail running shoes for hiking
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 3% most popular running shoes
Pros
- True to size
- Secure fit
- Extremely durable
- Grip on wet, muddy surfaces
- Responsive
- Very comfortable
- Little to no break-in
- Feels light and not bulky
- Super affordable
Cons
- Narrow toebox
- Sweaty on hottest summer days
Verdict
At an affordable price, the Asics Gel Venture 8 does a fantastic job on the trails! It's extremely grippy even on wet and muddy sections, comfortable, and secure. And all these come in a light and durable package! The Gel Venture is a shoe we'd consider for anything short to mid-distance.
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 30% in trail running shoes
- Top 30% in Salomon running shoes
- Top 6% 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
For us, the Salomon Sense Ride 4 is a surefire winner in the trail running scene! It's a beast that has INSANE grip, loads of underfoot protection, and a fun, lively ride. Now, that's a combo you don't get every day from a dedicated trail shoe! It can eat up anything you throw at it, for sure, but where it shines is during steep climbs, telling you so much of its ground-digging traction!
What are the most popular trail running shoes for hiking in 2022?
- Nike Pegasus Trail 3
- Asics Gel Venture 8
- Altra Lone Peak 6
- Salomon Sense Ride 4
- Altra Olympus 4.0
- Brooks Cascadia 16
- Nike Zoom Terra Kiger 8
- On Cloudvista
- La Sportiva Akasha II
- Salomon Alphacross 3
- Nike Pegasus Trail 3 GTX
- Salomon Supercross 3
- Salomon Wildcross 2
- Salomon Madcross
- Saucony Peregrine 11 GTX
What are the cheapest trail running shoes for hiking in 2022?
- Asics Gel Venture 8 - from £41
- Salomon Alphacross 3 - from £52
- Salomon Madcross - from £58
- Salomon Sense Ride 4 - from £67
- Nike Pegasus Trail 3 - from £72
- Salomon Wildcross 2 - from £73
- Salomon Supercross 3 - from £86
- Brooks Cascadia 16 - from £97
- Nike Pegasus Trail 3 GTX - from £109
- La Sportiva Akasha II - from £118
- Nike Zoom Terra Kiger 8 - from £120
- Saucony Peregrine 11 GTX - from £123
- Altra Lone Peak 6 - from £124
- Altra Olympus 4.0 - from £132
- On Cloudvista - from £158
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