7 Best Trail Running Shoes in 2023
We’ve tested more than 100 pairs of trail running shoes to help you find the best of the best.
Some trail shoes are created for the harshest off-road challenges like rocks, mud, snow, and branches. They keep you protected and surefooted. Others are made for the more urban-ready conditions and are comfortable enough to switch from roads to trails.
Whichever your purpose is, we have listed our top recommendations in several categories.
And if you want to dive into the nitty-gritties of selecting the best pair for your needs, skip right to our guide on trail shoes below the shoe descriptions.
How we test trail running shoes
To save your time, we spend hours scrutinizing every single shoe release. As an independent shoe testing lab, we purchase all trail shoes with our own money to stay unbiased.
- We cut shoes into pieces
- Take them on long runs
- Measure over 30 different parameters far beyond weight and stack
Instead of “durable” or “comfortable” you get concrete data that puts each trail shoe up against hundreds of others.
To make it as comprehensive as it can be, we have also gone over 200,000 of real user and expert reviews for 500+ trail running shoes. All opinions are reflected in the CoreScore, a number from 1 to 100 which is assigned to each model.
The best trail shoes make it here.
Best trail running shoes overall
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
Today's best price
Best trail running shoes with wide toebox
What makes it the best?
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
Today's best price
Best lightweight trail running shoes
What makes it the best?
Pros
- Lightweight
- Nimble ride
- Grippy outsole
- Breathable
- Dries quickly
- Great lockdown
- Reflective elements
Cons
- Feels a touch minimalist
- No heel pull loop
Today's best price
Best trail running shoes for ultra
What makes it the best?
Based on our running and lab tests, we found this shoe to be perfect for ultras. We discovered that its cushioning offers great comfort and protection for long runs. Not something we get often from Salomon, but here it is and it rocks. The aggressive 3.5mm lugs made our runs super grippy and, with its quicklace system, the Ultra glide screams safety all over it. The ride and the lockdown are 10/10, which is imperative for ultra runs on the trails.
In the lab, we measured the tongue thickness to be 10.3 mm which is almost double the average (5.5 mm). On the runs, we realized that this thickness is perfect for ultras when the feet swell and the laces must be adjusted. The thick tongue prevents the tight laces from hurting the feet. Another great thing is the heel drop: our caliper measured it at 7.9mm. Although the brand said it was 6mm, it is anyway considered midrange and, therefore, it’s perfect for our tired feet on ultras!
Be warned, though: the platform runs and feels (!) narrower than expected - with 105.2 mm in the forefoot, it is 7.6mm narrower than an average running shoe. What might fix this: the shoe is available in Wide (E).
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
Today's best price
Best trail running shoes for mud
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
Today's best price
Best trail running shoes for long distance
What makes it the best?
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
Today's best price
Best trail running shoes with plush cushioning
What makes it the best?
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)
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Comparison of the 7 best trail running shoes
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Consider terrain: light trail vs. rugged trail
Depending on the type of terrain they are intended for, trail running shoes are roughly divided into two categories: light and rugged trail.
Light trail: hard-packed, maintained surfaces
Rugged trail: uneven terrain with rocks, roots, debris, and other obstacles
Given the kind of challenges you may or may not face on these surfaces, trail running shoes offer different levels of protection, cushioning, and traction.
Trail shoe design: basic or sturdy?
Light trail shoe (left) vs. rugged trail shoe (right)
| Light trail shoes |
Rugged trail shoes |
| Shoes for light trails are more similar to road running shoes. They are lighter, more streamlined, and are less reinforced. Some of them can even transition from road to trail and are called hybrid. |
Rugged trail shoed feature a sturdier design and materials, added overlays on the upper, and more hard-wearing sole components. The most robust ones make it to a separate off-trail category. |
Level of cushioning in trail shoes
Pick the right trail shoe by determining the amount of cushioning you need. Trail shoes with less cushioning are lighter and offer better ground contact while more cushioning means lesser impact and more comfortable running.
Barefoot-like shoes
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See barefoot running shoes for trails
Minimal cushioning
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See all minimalist trail shoes
Moderate cushioning
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See our full list of cushioned trail shoes
Maximum cushioning
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Disclaimer: Stack heights and heel-to-toe drop are generally following each other, but there are plenty of shoes with high stack heights and a lot of cushioning that maintains a low drop. The guidelines above are general.
Outsole rubber and lugs
Variations of trail shoe lugs from the lightest to the grippiest
| Light trail shoes | Rugged trail shoes |
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Light trail shoes have a moderate level of outsole traction and durability. The lugs are shallower. |
Rugged trail shoes feature aggressive, durable outsoles with deep, multi-directional lugs. Trail shoes for mud and snow tend to have the deepest lugs to keep you surefooted on soft terrain. |
Protective elements in trail shoes
Most trail running shoes have external and internal features to protect the feet from rocks and sharp elements. Protective elements are important but they have their own advantages and disadvantages.
|
Pros |
Cons |
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Suited for technical terrains Protects feet from sharp rocks and stone bruises |
Adds weight |
| See trail shoes with a rock plate | ||
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Ideal for technical, rocky surfaces Protects the toes from rocks and trail debris Adds durability to the upper of the shoe |
Depending on the materials used, the toe bumper may not be as protective as expected |
| All trail running shoes come with a toe cap but have varying degrees of protection | ||
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Keeps feet dry in wet running conditions Keeps feet warm in cold weather More durable than non-waterproof shoes |
Not as breathable as non-waterproof running shoes Once water gets in the shoe, it’s not getting out Heavier than non-waterproof trail shoes Cost $15-$20 more than non-waterproof trail shoes |
| See waterproof trail shoes | ||
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Effective against light drizzle or dampness More breathable than waterproof trail shoes |
Offers less water protection than waterproof shoes |
| See water-repellent trail shoes | ||
4. Size and fit
Shoes with a poor fit can be painful and cause foot conditions like bunions, calluses, and more. A few things to remember when it comes to shoe fit in trail running shoes:
- A wide toe-box can help with bunion pain but it is not for everyone.
- For competition, a snug fit is better; for everyday training, a more natural fit is preferred.
- An extra-wide fit will cause slipping if you're running on mountain hills but many prefer the wide toe box as it’s more comfortable.
- Different lacing techniques can also improve the overall fit.
Buying tips
- Make sure your toes are not cramped. Your feet swell as you run, make sure to have enough space to prevent blisters or black toenails.
- Sock thickness can affect shoe fit; try the trail shoes with the socks you plan to wear.
- Shoe size changes over time, it is recommended to measure your feet when you buy new shoes.
See our guide on shoe sizing to learn more and find out the right size for you.
