Like to take your runs through forests or over some rocky terrain? Then you’re going to need a pair of the best trail running shoes to keep you moving more efficiently.
If you haven’t already tried trail running, then we really recommend you give it a go, as it offers myriad benefits. Firstly, the surface, while littered with more obstacles than a road, is softer underfoot compared to hard and tough asphalt. This means you’re less likely to put any serious strain on your muscles and joints (at least, when compared to road running).
But, because of the aforementioned obstacles on your trail, your reactions and reflexes will sharpen up and you’ll slowly but surely build up your core strength – as well as the muscles in your legs – as you seek to remain more stable on your feet.
Of course, your trail running experience can be dramatically improved with the right pair of trail runners. Men’s trail running shoes are very specific in their build and purpose to help you over various terrains, rocking much tougher soles than their road running counterparts.
Other parts of trail running shoes will also be beefed up in the name of endurance, to help with stability when your feet aren’t necessarily moving in a regular forward motion (you could find yourself dancing from side to side or hopping over rocks), and reinforcement to protect against any sharp sticks or rocks from penetrating the shoe surface.
While the majority of trail running shoes will sport these features, some may also gain waterproof protection from the likes of Gore-Tex or a manufacturer’s own waterproof technology. If you live in an area frequented by rainfall, or you plan to go trail running no matter the weather, this will prove to be an invaluable feature.
As with any running shoe, the specifics of each model offered by manufacturers may or may not be beneficial to your particular running style and gait. You may benefit from extra cushioning while someone else may prefer a more neutral base but needs extra stability to prevent over-pronation.
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Naturally, you’ll also want your trail running shoes to look the part. Obviously, performance is vital, but when you can be the best looking guy on the trail, you should take the opportunity. We’ve, therefore, rounded up the best trail running shoes that are high-performing and stylish; perfect to get you moving off the beaten track.
Altra Running
1/21
Price: From $140
Sizes: 7 – 16
Origin: Orem, Utah
US sports footwear manufacturer Altra Running was founded in 2009 by Golden Harper, who experimented with a running shoe’s design, creating a shoe that sees the heel and toe kept the same distance from the ground. The design proved to be incredibly successful within the running community, and now ZeroDrop fit is available on all of its road and trail running shoes.
The Olympus 4 trail running shoes are the latest version of one of Altra’s most popular models. Your feet will be locked in in comfort thanks to their FootShape toe box that allows for natural spreading of the toes, while a Vibram Megagrip outsole combined with Trailclaw lugs providing extra traction as your feet leave the ground, means you’ll be able to feel more grip, allowing you to push off harder and therefore being able to run faster.
On Running
2/21
Price: From $150
Sizes: 7 – 14
Origin: Zürich, Switzerland
Swiss brand On Running was literally founded to provide keen runners with the tools they need to excel in their chosen sporting field, whether it be by way of technologically-advanced shoes or lightweight running gear.
These Cloudventutre Waterproof trail running shoes employ a visually-similar aesthetic to On’s other models (which we’re huge fans of). Incredibly lightweight and benefitting from a Missiongrip outsole, which combines several different grip patterns to deliver incredible traction. They’re fully waterproof too, thanks to a breathable membrane, making them some of the best trail running shoes for men right now.
Asics
3/21
Price: From $65
Sizes: 7 – 14
Origin: Kobe, Japan
Japanese brand Asics is an expert in all things running. Famed for its GEL cushioning used throughout its footwear collections, their shoes are adored by runners of all abilities and in all disciplines.
These GEL-Trabuco 9 trail runners look the part first and foremost and are technologically-advanced second. Lighter than their predecessor thanks to a Flytefoam midsole, a Duomax support system provides plenty of stability as you navigate through your trail of choice. An Asicsgrip outsole provides grip over slippery surfaces, and a rock protection plate keeps your feet safe from harm.
Salomon
4/21
Price: From $100
Sizes: 7 – 14
Origin: Annecy, France
French outdoor sports specialist Salomon is no stranger to keeping you planted on tricky terrain. With a strong association with winter sports in particular, high levels of grip are par for the course.
That’s exactly what you can expect from the Speedcross 5 Gore-Tex trail runners. The latest version of an already popular model, the Speedcross 5 are now fully weatherproof thanks to the inclusion of Gore-tex, while the Contagrip outsole (which appears on other Salomon trail running shoes) provides plenty of grip across mud, wet ground and snow by being able to dig in further.
Comfort is a guarantee too, and you needn’t worry about laces coming undone thanks to the Quicklace system. They’re a pair of trail runners you really should be checking out.
Cole Haan
5/21
Price: From $192
Sizes: 7 – 13
Origin: Chicago, Illinois
While Cole Haan may be better known for its great range of dress shoes, sneakers and boots, the company is also highly invested in more active pursuits. This means you can find a rather comprehensive selection of trail running shoes in the Cole Haan store.
The ZERØGRAND Overtake All-Terrain takes the Overtake silhouette and toughens it up somewhat. Water-resistant and with an internal mesh bootie to defend against debris, Cole Haan has also given these trail running shoes an incredibly grippy and durable outsole to ensure you don’t slide on whatever surface you find yourself on.
Brooks Running
6/21
Price: From $100
Sizes: 7 – 15
Origin: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
A regular recipient of best-running shoe awards from recognised publications, Brooks Running is one of the first brands you should be looking to for any running-related footwear. The company was the first to implement EVA foam in a shoe, a move that has since been replicated by countless other shoe manufacturers.
Brooks Running’s men’s trail running shoe selection is significantly smaller than its road running variants, but that means more focus can be paid to make them as performance-focused as possible.
The Cascadia 15 GTX is a waterproof version of the also capable non-GTX version. Otherwise, you get the same built-in rock plate to protect your feet from rocks and debris and cushioned strides thanks to BioMoGo DNA. Brooks’ own Pivot Post System keeps you steady and upright no matter which direction you find yourself suddenly heading in.
Adidas
7/21
Price: From $80
Sizes: 6 – 15
Origin: Bavaria, Germany
German sporting giant Adidas is no stranger to being involved with practically every sporting discipline under the sun. Road running and gym shoes are available in their abundance, but the company also has a collection of Terrex shoes, designed for rough terrain and trail running.
These Terrex Two Ultra Parley trail running shoes are made from recycled plastic waste taken from coastal areas, and gain the benefit of Adidas’ own Boost cushioning system for shock absorption and energy return. With the Continental Rubber outsole (the same rubber used for car tyres) you can be assured of extreme grip. They’re not bad looking, either, earning them a place on our best trail running shoes list.
La Sportiva
8/21
Price: From $145
Sizes: 6 – 13
Origin: Dolomites, Italy
Italian footwear brand La Sportiva was founded in 1928. The company played a part in WWII, outfitting Italian soldiers with custom mountaineering boots, and it wasn’t until 1950 that it made the transition into ski boots (along with the name La Sportiva). The brand remains popular today, and was the footwear of choice for Tommy Caldwell when he made a free ascent of Yosemite’s Dawn Wall.
It’s fair to say, La Sportiva knows how to do grip well, then, and the Helios III trail shoe is a testament to that. The third iteration of a popular model, these ultralight trail running shoes have plenty of cushioning all the way round to make for comfortable strides. A Frixion AT 2.0 rubber outsole provides all the grip you could ever need and a “crush-resistant” heel means your feet will be held securely in place.
Under Armour
9/21
Price: From $110
Sizes: 7 – 15
Origin: Baltimore, Maryland
US sportswear brand Under Armour is one that has a tough and rugged ethos. Not only does it have Armour in its name, partnerships with athletes such as The Rock only add to the fact it’s a brand for those looking to push themselves to the limit.
These UA HOVR Velociti trail running shoes take the Velociti road running shoe and upgrade it for life on the trails. A Vibram Megagrip outsole keeps you from sliding over on slippery surfaces while Under Armour’s own HOVR technology provides lightweight cushioning that provides plentiful energy return. They can connect directly to UA’s MapMyRun app too, meaning you can easily track and analyse your trail running routes and times.
Nike
10/21
Price: From $85
Sizes: 6 – 15
Origin: Beaverton, Oregon
What list of running shoes would be complete without the ubiquitous Nike? The US sportswear behemoth is so often the brand of choice for runners from amateur level right the way through to professional, owing to their technological advances in materials and design.
The Pegasus Trail 2 is a trail-faring model that joins Nike’s incredible Pegasus collection of seriously impressive runners. Strategically placed “nubs” at the front and heel provide extra traction when going up or downhill and Nike’s own React foam runs along the length of the shoe to provide cushioning throughout. These trail running shoes are not waterproof, but a mesh upper helps to prevent any water that finds its way in, will also find its way back out again.
Saucony
11/21
Price: From $100
Sizes: 7 – 14
Origin: Kuttztown, Pennsylvania
Another running shoe brand that produces some impressive pairs is Saucony. Its Endorphin road running shoe is easily one of the best around right now, so you can rest assured the trail running collection has been given just as much attention, resulting in high-performance trail-running footwear.
The Xodus 10 is, as Sauncony says, “packed with plenty of gnarly grip”. Cool, dude. It’s not all talk though; the company’s own Pwrtrac system, combined with directional lugs, help you to practically stick to whatever surface you find yourself on and Pwrrrun+ cushioning keeps you comfortable during runs too. Worried about your feet succumbing to bumps from rocks? Fret not, with Saucony’s Formfit technology, which reinforces the upper of these trail running shoes to send incoming debris flying.
Arc'teryx
12/21
Price: From $160
Sizes: 4 – 13
Origin: North Vancouver B.C., Canada
Canadian clothing brand Arc’teryx is a specialist when it comes to all things outdoor and climbing, so understands what is really meant by serious levels of grip. Fortunately, the company was founded in the Coast Mountains region of Canada, essentially a playground of trails and mountains upon which to develop and test their clothing, equipment and footwear.
The Norvan LD 2 trail running shoes are rather minimalist in their appearance, but don’t let that fool you into thinking its a shoe that isn’t up to the task. Square-shaped lugs on the Vibram MegaGrip outsole make it possible to grip onto a variety of terrains while the midsole is afforded extra cushioning to both absorb shocks and provide ample protection against rocks and debris.
Inov-8
13/21
Price: From $140
Sizes: 7 – 15
Origin: British Lake District, United Kingdom
Inov-8 is a British brand that was founded specifically for trail and off-road runners. Inov-8 has quite literally been innovative in its development of footwear with superior levels of grip and comfort, along with a range of clothing that is lightweight yet functional, to all work in tandem to help you achieve your best.
We could have chosen pretty much any pair of Inov-8 trail running shoes as a standout pair, but we’ve settled on the Terraultra G 270 for their ability to keep you moving over long distances.
You get grip, cushioning and comfort in spades, thanks to improvements to the company’s Graphere-Grip technology and the use of a new foam that provides greater energy return than the preceding model. Ideal for use over hard and rocky routes and trails, you’ll soon find yourself running where no man has run before.
Vivobarefoot
14/21
Price: From $144
Sizes: 7 – 15
Origin: London, England
Vivobarefoot’s USP is the fact their shoes provide an experience that is as close to going barefoot as you can get, without literally taking your shoes off. Barefoot running is claimed to offer several benefits over running with shoes, such as preventing chronic injuries. Vivobarefoot footwear could, therefore, be the perfect go-between.
The Primus Trail Winter FG trail running shoes can comfortably tackle any terrain and any weather, thanks to a waterproof build. Vegan-certified thanks to its use of recycled materials, these Vivobarefoot trail running shoes rock a Firm Ground outsole that will latch onto any surface, slippery or dry.
Better yet, Vivobarefoot offers a 100-day trial period, and promises to refund your money if you’re not totally satisfied.
Dynafit
15/21
Price: From $150
Sizes: 6 – 13
Origin: Kiefersfelden, Germany
Dynafit is responsible for producing some of the very ski boots of the 1970s, with their models winning several Olympic events. Whilst the company puts skiing very much front and centre of everything it does, the company expanded into other outdoor sporting areas, including trail running.
Dynafit produces trail running shoes for pros who race in competition, and amateurs who prefer to take things at a slower pace. The Speed MTN GTX fall into the latter category, being suitable for running and climbing, all the while giving you a completely comfortable experience. Gore-Tex gives them waterproof credentials and Ballistic bumpers and fabrics protect your toes against bumps, knocks and rocks.
Hoka One One
16/21
Price: From $130
Sizes: 7 – 15
Origin: Annecy, France
French brand Hoka One One (hoka oh-nay oh-nay), specialises in making athletic shoes that are recognised by their oversized outsoles offering up incredible amounts of cushioning. While such levels of cushioning might not always be appropriate for trail running, the company knows its customers, so provides them anyway.
The Speedgoat 4 is one of the latest shoe models to join the Speedgoat collection of footwear that makes light work of tricky terrain. Available in a huge range of colours and featuring a breathable yet rugged mesh for promoting airflow whilst protecting your feet. Inside your feet are held well in place thanks to 3D printed overlays, and you’ll remain perfectly planted by way of a Vibram Megagrip outsole. It’s no wonder these made the cut for our best trail running shoes list.
Merrell
17/21
Price: From $90
Sizes: 7 – 15
Origin: Rockford, Michigan
Outdoor outfitter Merrell began life as a producer of hiking boots and expanded into trail running shoes more than 20 years after its founding, but, to great avail. The company believes strongly in creating products that are comfortable to wear as soon as you take them out of the box.
That’s certainly true of the Nova 2 Gore-Tex. The latest model in Merrell’s Nova collection of trail running shoes, this lightweight runner doubles as a hiking shoe, and thanks to Gore-Tex, is completely waterproof. It will feel like you’re wearing nothing at all due to the InvisibleFit construction, and with plenty of cushioning the whole way around, your feet will soon benefit.
Icebug
18/21
Price: From $139
Sizes: 7 – 13
Origin: Västra Götaland, Sweden
Mother and son owned Swedish footwear brand Icebug was founded to offer discerning climbers, hikers and trail runners shoes that would offer exceptional grip. Hailing from Sweden, the duo know all too well about snowy, cold and slippery conditions, so to develop shoes and soles to overcome these obstacles is central to everything they do.
The Rover BUGrip GRX shoe is perfect for amateur trail runners. A Gore-Tex membrane keeps your feet warm and dry, and a BOA Fit System (also found on ski helmets) lets you make quick and easy adjustments to the laces. The cherry on top, however, is the BUGrip outsole that will happily tackle any terrain you can throw at it, meaning there’s no excuse for not getting out on the trail.
Topo Athetlic
19/21
Price: From $110
Sizes: 8 – 14
Origin: Newtown, Massachusetts
Topo Athletic was only founded in 2013 but has a rich and interesting history. Found Tony Post has always been a keen runner and marathoner, and has previously worked for Rockport and was the CEO of Vibram (the company responsible for the soles of many of these shoes) for 11 years. Realising that several pairs of running shoes just didn’t cut the mustard, he embarked on a journey of his own to develop something far greater.
The Ultraventure Pro trail running shoes benefit from plenty of technologies, many of which are developed in-house. These include a Zip-Foam midsole, which claims to offer greater cushioning and energy return than EVA midsoles, while an ESS rock plate protects your feet and toes against bruising caused by rocks that you don’t see until last minute. Perhaps unsurprisingly, a Vibram outsole features, here, the XS Trek which provides superior grip on both mud and snow, should you encounter any on your route.
They’re not waterproof, but they do feature “drainage-gils” to allow for the quick release of water, and they’re quick-drying too.
New Balance
20/21
Price: From $75
Sizes: 7 – 17
Origin: Boston, Massachusetts
Another of the big US sportswear brands, New Balance has been involved with all aspects of feet and footwear ever since its founding in 1906. Whether it’s life style sneakers, running shoes, basketball or even skateboarding, New Balance makes it its mission to keep your feet comfortable and supported.
These Fresh Foam More Trail v1 trail running shoes have a super thick layer of cushioning (New Balance’s thickest yet, no less) to deliver the ultimate in comfort and protection when out pounding the trails. A super grippy outsole and tough, rugged upper make it a perfect all-rounder.
Puma
21/21
Price: From $70
Sizes: 7 – 14
Origin: Herzogenaurach, Germany
German sportswear brand, founded by the brother of Adidas’ founder, has always been one to implement a real sense of individual style into everything it creates. Nowhere is that more evident than in its footwear collections. Bright colours, clashing colours and interesting patterns all make regular appearances, but they also have the performance to back them up.
The Erupt trail running shoes are a prime example. Available in bright yellow or pink colours, they rock Puma’s iconic logo along with a large, durable outsole for incredible grip. Puma’s own Hybrid running tech is its form of a cushion and energy return system, to help keep you going across rocks, hills and through mud.