Editor’s Note: We reviewed our shoe selections on January 30, 2023 and have updated our recommendations. The below models now include the top-performing shoes from our most recent rounds of testing.
Ready to hit the trails for your runs this winter? While there’s no bad time to explore off-road, it’s especially fun to escape the icy pavement and retreat to quiet forests or frosted singletrack during the cold and snowy months of the year. Of course, if you’re going to conquer mud and technical terrain, it helps to have dedicated trail shoes that bite into dirt and cushion your feet against rocks on your runs. See some of our top-rated trail options below, or scroll down for full reviews of these trail shoes and more of our test team’s favorites—plus buying info on how to choose your next pair.
The 15 Best Trail Running Shoes
Why Trail Running?
What trail running means to each of us is as varied and unique as the off-road terrain that we cover. To some, it’s a spiritual, transformative experience. But you don’t have to have a transcendentalist mindset or nirvana to qualify as a trail runner. To lots of us, running a short trail adjacent to a local park is simply an easy way to add extra miles onto a regular neighborhood loop. These benefits are equally legitimate, and they’re what inspire ultrarunners and weekend warriors alike to spend more time outside.
What to Look for in a Trail Running Shoe
Whatever your preference or personal ideology, we think everyone can be a trail runner, especially with the help of a good pair of shoes. The two main things to consider before purchasing trail running shoes are what type your feet need (think stiff or pliable, neutral or stable, wide or narrow, high or low heel-to-toe drop) and what type of shoes the terrain demands. With the latter, try to think about whether the trails you encounter are technical or smooth, flat or steep, have loose or firm footing, and whether or not you cross water.
Rigid shoes with deep lugs (5mm+) are best on technical trails with poor footing, but they’ll also be far less forgiving, even uncomfortable, on road runs. These shoes will serve you better the more rugged the terrain and may work for day hiking as well. Hybrid shoes have shorter lugs (2mm to 4mm) and a softer on-road feel than their burly siblings, and are well-suited for soft singletrack and local wooded trails that don’t make you slow to a walk due to unsure footing.
How We Tested These Trail Shoes
Runner’s World has the most comprehensive shoe testing process in the industry. We work with more than 280 local runners of all abilities, ages, and sizes for real-world wear-testing on paved roads, dirt paths, and rocky singletrack trails. After a month of running more than 100 miles, our testers report their findings on features like fit, comfort, performance, and ride. While our wear-testers are putting miles on their shoes, the same models undergo a battery of mechanical tests in our RW Shoe Lab, to objectively measure the cushioning, flexibility, sole thickness, and weight of each. Our gear editors combine their own experience in the shoe with data from the lab and feedback from our wear-testers to create reliable, useful reviews of every shoe we test.
The following are trail shoes that we think deserve special recognition because of their value and overall performance both on foot and in the lab. These 15 shoes were tested by us, and at least one will likely offer the fit and function you need.
WATER-RESISTANT AND BREATHABLE
Nike Pegasus Trail 4 GTX
Nike Pegasus Trail 4 GTX
Nike Pegasus Trail 4 GTX
Pros
- Bouncy React midsole provides high energy return
- Partial gaiter collar keeps out trail debris
- Transitions smoothly from trail to road
Cons
- 3.5mm lugs are less suited for deep mud
- Some testers wanted more rock protection
Key Specs
| Weight | 9.8 oz (M), 7.9 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 9.5 mm (M), 8.5 mm (W) |
| Type | Road and Trail |
Though the “GTX” distinction suggests ankle-high waterproofness, the material only reaches to the top of the laces. The gaiter collar is instead a stretchy fabric, preferable for shielding against small debris and light drizzle. Not suited for deeper creek diving, this construction does breathe easier. After splashing through shallow riverbeds and rain-filled potholes, no testers reported the soggy wet squish they’d sometimes feel after sealing their feet inside GoreTex.
Interestingly, many runners will grab the GTX version for reasons other than waterproofness. The shoe’s outsole uses a different rubber than the non-GTX version. Nike finally made the switch to a stickier rubber. “The shoe performed wonderfully on all surfaces, especially the road,” said one tester, who put more than 120 miles on the shoe, equally split between road and trail surfaces.
BEST FOR EASY RUNS
Topo Athletic Ultraventure 3
Topo Athletic Ultraventure 3
Topo Athletic Ultraventure 3
Pros
- Good road-to-trail versatility
- Gaiter compatible
- Lighter and more responsive than v2
Cons
- Tongue is slightly short
- $15 price bump from v2
Key Specs
| Weight | 10.1 oz (M), 8.2 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 5 mm |
| Type | Trail |
“This isn’t a workout or fast race shoe. This is the long-haul shoe,” one tester declared. He also noted how ultrarunners like Topo’s shoes because of their wide toeboxes. The Ultraventure is no exception. For gnarlier trails, you’ll want to choose the brand’s MTN Racer or Terraventure, which have toothier treads. (The Ultraventure 3’s lugs measure a fairly modest 3.5 mm in length.) The outsole, made of grippy Vibram rubber, is more lightweight and sectional than the previous iteration. Its lugs are shorter and wider as well, making the shoe versatile for both roads and trails.
“The Vibram outsole is sticky enough for rocky trails, but it’s not like a cleat,” said a tester. Even though the shoe doesn’t have a rock plate, the increased stack height—Topo added 5mm to the heel and forefoot—serves as a buffer on rugged terrain. The thicker midsole is composed of a new Zipfoam compound that’s lighter and more responsive. (It’s the same bouncy material used in Topo’s Ultraventure Pro model.) To ensure stability, the platform was widened, too.
BEST FOR STEEP CLIMBS
Hoka Mafate Speed 4
Pros
- Soft midsole for long run comfort
- 5mm Vibram lugs stick to rocks and dirt
- Roomy fit
Cons
- $5 price bump from Mafate Speed 3
- Upper design isn’t for everybody
Key Specs
| Weight | 10.4 oz (M), 8.4 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 4 mm |
| Type | Trail |
The Speedgoat might be more popular, but we’re going to claim the overhauled Mafate Speed is Hoka’s best trail running shoe right now—especially if your trails require comfort and versatility. We found this out firsthand by using the shoe to race up and down Whiteface Mountain. With a wide range of trail options to pick from, the Mafate was the race day choice for both myself and video producer Pat Heine-Holmberg to tackle the Olympic ski hill in New York’s Adirondack Park. I found it had more than enough bite on black diamond ski trails so I could claw my way uphill, but the cushioning protected my body when I had to dash back down 4,000 vertical feet over just 3.4 miles.
There have been a number of big changes to this model that make it more runnable and comfortable than before, including a new two-layer foam setup. The Profly+ midsole puts a lightweight, bouncy foam closest to your foot, which boosts comfort and makes the shoe feel alive when you’re running along hard-packed ground. The bottom layer is durable and firm enough to crush over sizable rocks and protect the bottom of your foot.
When you get into steep or muddy terrain, the shoe still shines. The outsole has been redesigned and there’s a lot more rubber underfoot. Each lug has three distinct tiers, giving you an enormous amount of sharp edges to cling to the ground. Plus, it’s Litebase, to help keep weight in check—Litebase makes the sole thinner and lighter, without diminishing traction.
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FIRM AND FAST
Brooks Catamount 2
Pros
- 4mm lugs are grippier, wider than v1
- Hydrophobic mesh upper repels water
Cons
- Longer, narrower fit than most Brooks shoes
Key Specs
| Weight | 9.4 oz (M), 7.7 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 6 mm |
| Type | Trail |
The Catamount 2’s SkyVault midsole plate is specially made for enhancing proficiency on the uphill, and then smoothing and stabilizing the ride on your descent, making it primed for rolling trails. The plate is curved in the forefoot to help propel you quicker off your toes on the ascents. It also doubles as a rock shield.
Testers liked the shoe’s pop, describing the ride as “fast and fun.” Some, however, said it traded support for a lighter weight. “My current go-to is the Brooks Caldera 6, which has a mattress-like midsole,” said a tester. “So, I wasn’t surprised I was feeling more of the ground with the Catamount 2.”
Testers found the TrailTack rubber outsole “super grippy” on wet logs and in freezing rain. Gear editor Amanda Furrer experienced this reliable grip during a 5K, mid-December, on a morning damp with flurries and nonstop drizzle. She said the grip has improved from the Catamount’s debut model.
BEST FOR WIDE FEET
Altra Lone Peak 7
Pros
- Wide, comfortable toebox
- Forefoot rock plate
- Longer lugs than Lone Peak 6 (now 5mm)
Cons
- Slightly heavier than Lone Peak 6
- Transition gradually to zero-drop platform
Key Specs
| Weight | 10.5 oz (M), 8.3 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 0 mm |
| Type | Trail |
“The route I run most is a four-mile loop on a mountain that has every kind of surface that one can expect to get in Pennsylvania—gravel, technical downhills, rocky climbs, and water crossings,” said one tester who put more than 150 miles of running on the shoe in both wet and dry conditions. “This shoe grips all of it. The traction is fantastic, and the cushioning is ample, but still allows for ground feel and solid footing on rock.”
But, let’s be honest. Traction has never been an issue for the Lone Peak. A secure fit has. Altra has tinkered with its upper to ensure that its roomy toeboxes allow for natural foot movement and toe splay, but not too much motion that it feels sloppy. It’s a tough balance to get right. While the sixth version’s customizable lacing system did the trick for some, this version feels more locked-in from a new stitch-less upper. Fewer bulky overlays and no seams let the mesh wrap the foot more closely without wrinkling and bunching.
BEST PLATED TRAIL SHOE
Salomon Pulsar Trail
Pros
- Excellent traction on both wet and dry trails
- Midsole plate feels stable and responsive
Cons
- 3.5mm lugs are less suited for deep mud
Key Specs
| Weight | 9.8 oz (M), 8.5 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 6 mm |
| Type | Trail |
Salomon’s Sense Ride has been a cult favorite among both beginners and longtime trail racers. Its firm, durable cushioning handles daily jogs and long runs comfortably, and the moderate heel-toe offset feels accessible to low-drop and high-drop runners alike. The new Pulsar Trail has similar traits, but adds an energy-return boosting perk—a propulsive TPU plate that Salomon calls “Energy Blade”—for just a $10 price bump. Testers said the Pulsar feels slightly softer and more responsive than the Sense Ride, and praised its reliable traction and secure inner fit sleeve. “The cushioning is protective and bouncy, but not super plush. I didn’t feel sharp rocks underfoot and my turnover still felt fast,” said one tester who logs about 50 miles of road-to-trail running per week. “There’s a slick and mossy flat rock on the Warren Highlands trail that I test every trail shoe on. I’ve bit the dirt many times on it, but not while wearing the Pulsar. I felt super confident bombing down the descent.”
BEST ALL-AROUNDER
Saucony Peregrine 12
Pros
- 5mm lugs shed mud easily
- Available in multiple versions (GTX, Soft Terrain, ICE+)
- Responsive, nimble ride with excellent grip
Cons
- Collar can rub around the heel
- Some testers wanted softer cushioning
Key Specs
| Weight | 9.5 oz (M), 8.0 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 4 mm |
| Type | Trail |
Saucony’s Peregrine line has long been a speedy trail shoe that works well for many types of runners in a wide variety of conditions. It’s just as suited for newbies’ first footprints on a muddy trail as it is for shielding vert-chasers’ toes on rock-strewn singletrack. And, it’s earned multiple awards from our team for its versatility—across terrains, foot shapes, and distances—at a price that didn’t break the bank. It still does all of those things well, though underwent a big change: Saucony shaved over an ounce compared to last year’s Peregrine. Most of that weight savings comes from the upper and topsole. A more durable, sleek mesh keeps the same level of protection without the need for more layered overlays. Underfoot, Saucony peeled off the TPU bead-based topsole and instead used it for the sockliner. The midsole itself still uses less responsive Pwrrun foam, but embedded in it is a new rock plate tuned to be slightly more flexible.
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BEST ROAD-TO-TRAIL HYBRID
Topo Athletic MT-4
Topo Athletic MT-4
Topo Athletic MT-4
Pros
- Snug, secure midfoot and spacious toebox
- Grippy and durable Vibram rubber outsole
Cons
- Cushioning feels less responsive
Key Specs
| Weight | 10.3 oz (M), 8.6 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 3 mm |
| Type | Road and Trail |
If you’re new to trail running or want to try a lower-drop shoe without fully committing to zero millimeters, the MT-4 is your entry point. Two layers of foam provide all the comfort and protection you’ll need for most off-road excursions. It features a dual-density midsole with a top layer that’s 10 percent softer than the bottom layer. Instead of a rock plate, this denser foam acts as a buffer against hard ground. Still, the overall tester consensus was that, like the MT-3, the shoe lacked enough cushioning for long runs. “As a runner who mostly sticks to the groomed path, I found the MT-4 had nice ground feel with protection from stray rocks and roots over shorter distances,” said gear editor Amanda Furrer.
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BEST UPDATE
Saucony Xodus Ultra
Pros
- 4.5mm lugs and rockplate
- Roomy toebox
- Gaiter compatible
Cons
- Stretchy laces can impair midfoot lockdown
Key Specs
| Weight | 10.3 oz (M), 8.9 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 6 mm |
| Type | Trail |
Previous versions of the Xodus were rugged trail tanks that we’d grab for truly gnarly terrain. That capability and protection in deep mud and muck allowed us to pardon the shoe’s cumbersome and fairly heavy ride, but it still didn’t make for an especially fun shoe for tired legs at the end of a long run. The new Ultra model remedies the issue with a cushioning overhaul—the core of the midsole and entire sockliner are now Saucony’s premium Pwrrun PB foam. Though the lugs aren’t quite as long as earlier Xodus versions, the outsole retains a solid grip on both wet and dry terrain with durability that impressed us over 100 miles of testing.
“Through shin-deep water, rocks, and mud, I can’t even find a thread loose on these shoes. The lugs provide excellent traction in all conditions, and the decent spacing between them prevents mud from getting caked on and pebbles from getting stuck. Even on the steepest, slickest trails, they held their own,” one tester who races a couple 50Ks per year said. “What impressed me the most, though, was the overall comfort and fit. I’ve always found the Endorphin line slightly too narrow for my foot. The Xodus Ultra has a wider platform that also adds stability.”
SPRINGY WITH GROUND FEEL
Inov-8 Trailfly G 270
Inov-8 Trailfly G 270
Inov-8 Trailfly G 270
Pros
- Widened toebox and stretchy mesh upper feel comfortable for longer runs
- Extremely durable outsole
- 4mm lugs are versatile for hard ground
Cons
- Transition gradually to zero-drop platform
- No rockplate
Key Specs
| Weight | 9.1 oz (M), 7.3 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 0 mm |
| Type | Trail |
The previous version of this shoe (originally called the TerraUltra G 260) had a firmer ride that our wear-testers liked for short runs. However, the cushioning felt pretty harsh and “a little dead” for covering ultra distances. Their impressions were in line with our mechanical tests at the RW Shoe Lab, where the 260 scored “very hard” in both the heel and forefoot cushioning and ranked in the lowest percentile for energy return. For the 270’s midsole, Inov-8 switched to a new iteration of its Powerflow foam that incorporates more TPU in the mix, which both returns more energy and feels more forgiving. Sitting on top of that new midsole is a fresh footbed to match. (Made from tiny compressed TPU beads, it’s more responsive than a regular foam or gel insole.) Together, those two elements combine for a ride that feels like a firm Salomon with some subtle bouncy Adidas Boost undertones—without losing good connection to the trail.
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BEST FOR LONG RUNS ON WET TERRAIN
Hoka Speedgoat 5
Hoka Speedgoat 5
Hoka Speedgoat 5
Pros
- 5mm Vibram MegaGrip rubber lugs
- Lighter than the Speedgoat 4
Cons
- Long, narrow toebox
Key Specs
| Weight | 9.7 oz (M), 8.5 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 4 mm |
| Type | Trail |
The Speedgoat 5 builds on its predecessor’s legacy as a fast and furious trail monster known for sticky lugs and soft landings. This time around, Hoka upgraded to Vibram’s MegaGrip Traction Lug outsole for a better hold on loose dirt and gravel, and ventilated the durable mesh upper for more air flow. Some of our testers found the 4’s cushioning too pillowy and less reactive, so Hoka also switched to a new midsole compound—the change helped the shoe drop about half an ounce in weight.
Overall, the latest ’Goat is a protective trail runner that feels much lighter and comfier than its ruggedness would suggest. “The new mesh combines just the right amount of structure and stretch. I felt as though the shoe wrapped my foot softly and securely, rather than restrict my motion as the Speedgoat 4 did,” one tester said. “The redesigned tongue in the Speedgoat 5 is very forgiving, unlike the 4’s tongue, which dug into my ankle.”
BEST FOR LONG RUNS ON DRY TERRAIN
Salomon Ultra Glide
Salomon Ultra Glide
Salomon Ultra Glide
Pros
- Softer than previous Salomon trail shoes
- Quick-lacing allows for fast adjustments
- 4mm lugs excel on technical singletrack
Cons
- Slips a little on flat, wet rocks
Key Specs
| Weight | 10.1 oz (M), 7.8 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 6 mm |
| Type | Trail |
The Ultra Glide is among Salomon’s most cushioned trail shoes, but don’t be fooled—it’s not a super squishy-soft ride. It is, however, plush and forgiving enough to impress the Hoka fanatics on our wear-test team, thanks to a lightweight midsole made from a blend of EVA and Olefin. This mix of compounds (with the help of a thin rockplate) makes the durable foam feel springy yet predictable underfoot. Many tall-stack shoes can feel unstable on technical terrain, but the Ultra Glide feels incredibly planted. The only complaints we had were in regard to wet surface grip. We found the shoe held firm on runnable ground and while climbing over boulders, but the traction didn’t inspire confidence on slick, flat slabs of rock.
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BEST FOR UNEVEN TERRAIN
La Sportiva Bushido II
La Sportiva Bushido II
La Sportiva Bushido II
Pros
- Rubber toe cap and forefoot rockplate for protection
- Firm and stable ride
- Also available in GTX version
Cons
- Upper is not especially breathable
- Modest lug length at 3.5mm
Key Specs
| Weight | 10.5 oz (M), 8.8 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 6 mm |
| Type | Trail |
The Bushido has been around for awhile, but it continues to earn a spot on this list. Why? This burly trail crusher brings plenty of structure and support to a responsive platform. But the outsole is what we like most—sticky, aggressive lugs line the perimeter and bottom of the shoe, making it easy to virtually grab hold of uneven terrain. We also appreciated the heavy-duty toe cap, which protects the foot, should you kick into rocks. A breathable mesh upper and just the right amount of cushion in the midsole make this standout shoe versatile enough to manage long, slow mileage as well as speed workouts.
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BEST DEAL
Merrell Moab Flight
Pros
- Grippy Vibram rubber outsole
- 3mm lugs are modest, but capable on wet terrain
- Good upper durability
Cons
- Less suited for racing and faster efforts
- Upper traps some heat
Key Specs
| Weight | 9.9 oz (M), 8.1 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 10 mm |
| Type | Trail |
Over the years, the Moab model has become the most popular and most sold boot in the world, and has evolved over several different iterations. Among the most recent is the Flight, a low pared-down version of the original that gives trail runners a taste of the Moab action. A taller drop and stout build preserve some of that “fast hiker” feel, but also make the Flight more accessible to runners coming from high-offset road trainers like Brooks’s Ghost or Asics’s Kayano. But, the Flight uses none of the dense EVA foam found on the original Moab, and instead recruits Merrell’s new FloatPro midsole. The material feels lighter and softer, and relies on its thickness rather than a rockplate to add protection underfoot. It results in a burlier ride, but offers a seriously appealing amount of cush per dollar. Testers only felt stones poking through the softer midsole on more rugged technical trails.
BEST TRACTION OVERALL
VJ Ultra 2
Pros
- Excellent traction on both wet and dry trails
- Unlike the first version, now has a rockplate
- Good upper durability and secure fit
Cons
- Less energy return
- Cheap-feeling laces for a $170 shoe
Key Specs
| Weight | 9.6 oz (M), 7.9 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 6 mm |
| Type | Trail |
While VJ models like the Maxx and the XTRM are specifically built for obstacle course racing and trail running, the Ultra is specifically designed for mega-distance. It adds considerably more cushioning underfoot, which feels lightweight yet ample for spending hours to days on the trail. But, the best part of VJ shoes is still the traction, and the Ultra lives up to the brand’s hashtag #BestGripOnThePlanet. The butyl-rubber outsole is studded with 4mm, chevron-shaped lugs, which give the Ultra a really tacky hold on wet, jagged surfaces. “The traction this shoe had in all conditions was insane,” said one tester. “I ran these shoes through everything from bone-dry trails to monsoon summer rainstorms and was blown away—definitely the most grip I’ve had on a trail shoe, hands down. On short road stretches, the feeling is like walking across a dirty dive bar floor on a hot summer day—sticky.”
Amanda is a test editor at Runner’s World who has run the Boston Marathon every year since 2013; she's a former professional baker with a master’s in gastronomy and she carb-loads on snickerdoodles.
