Best trail running shoes 2024: conquer any terrain

Looking to conquer the wilderness with a touch of style and a dash of flair? Look no further than the best trail running shoes! These trusty companions aren't just for show; they'll have you soaring up and down the most rugged hills like a mountain goat with a sense of humour.

Equipped with features to tackle everything from sharp rocks to slippery mud, trail running shoes from top brands like Inov-8, Salomon, and Adidas Terrex are like the Swiss Army knives of footwear. And with Gen Z leading the charge for outdoor adventures, they're as trendy as avocado toast on Instagram!

But don't worry, we haven't forgotten about the pavement pounders out there. Those who prefer their runs on smoother surfaces should check out our best running shoe guide. And if you're serious about your workouts, check out T3's best workout shoe guide for even more shoe-spiration.

Our current favourite trail shoe is the mighty Inov-8 Trailfly G270 V2, which does everything just right: it has the perfect mix of cushioning, agility, support, and comfort. If you prefer running on more challenging terrain, check out Saucony's Peregrine 14. The North Face's Summit Vectiv 2.0 Pro is an optimal choice for those who run on both train and road – and do it fast.

Best trail running shoes to buy right now

Best overall

It’s fair to say that the first generation inov-8 Trailfly G270 was a huge hit. With its combination of durable uppers, fast and snappy zero-drop, graphene-infused midsole and super-sticky grip, it scooped best trail shoe awards all over the place. 

But when a shoe finds a winning formula, we’re always wary of the follow-up. Brands love to tinker, and not always in a good way. Has the brand-new Trailfly G270 V2 made smart improvements?

Thankfully, yes, it did. Everything we loved about first-gen remains, including the excellent grip and durability, the light, speedy, agile ride, the balanced cushioning and stability. In fact, it feels like you’re running in the identical shoe but with a better upper to edge up the comfort. This is evolution, not revolution; if you love the first-gen, you will love these.

Read our full Inov-8 Trailfly G270 V2 review

Best for technical terrain

We have been waxing lyrical about the Saucony Peregrine from pretty much all of its life, and the recent updates have made this already excellent shoe even greater in our humble opinion.

Both the 12 and 13 were durable and versatile trail shoes that performed well in all weather and on all terrain. The update to the lug design and increased cushioning foam arguably makes the latest version even better, 

Again, Saucony like to charge a pretty penny for their shoes, and there's nothing different here, but we've found them to be reliable and last a decent amount of time. 

A revised outer is now better at protecting from debris and other crud, while the refreshed tongue is now more comfortable against the foot. 

The shoe has also lost a bit of weight, although most won't feel it, plus the softer foam makes things a little more comfortable underfoot when going the distance.

Read our full Saucony Peregrine 14 review.

Best road-to-trail

The Summit Vectiv 2.0 Pro updated some of the features that made the original The North Face Flight Series Vectiv so innovative; it also inherited some of its flaws. 

Thankfully, the pros outweigh the cons by a mile, including the well-balanced rocker, soft, responsive foam, plenty of energy coming from the carbon plate, and a roomy toe box, making it much easier to recommend the shoes now.

The Summit Vectiv 2.0 Pro is a super shoe through and through, and the price reflects this, which might not be justifiable to (or needed by) many trail runners. Those who can, though, will be rewarded with what we think is the best road-to-trail running shoe these days, and that's no small feat in this saturated market.

Read our full The North Face Summit Vectiv 2.0 Pro review

Best cushioned

The Hoka Speedgoat 6 marks a thoughtful evolution in the Speedgoat series, focusing on enhanced durability, comfort, and trail performance. The updated CMEVA midsole foam is a standout, offering improved stability and longevity while maintaining the plush cushioning that trail runners love.

The shoe's upper has also seen significant improvements, with a more breathable woven design and a four-way stretch vamp that provides a better fit and reduces toe compression on rough terrain. The reinforced toe bumper and dual-sided gusseted tongue add to the shoe's protective and comfort features.

Compared to its predecessor, the Speedgoat 6 continues to deliver exceptional stability, even with a slight increase in heel-to-toe drop from 4mm to 5mm, making it ideal for long-distance trail runners who value comfort and support. However, the shoe's narrow fit might not be suitable for all, and its breathability could be a concern in hotter climates.

The Speedgoat 6 successfully builds on the strengths of previous models, offering a well-rounded, durable, and comfortable trail running experience. While it may not be the best option for those seeking maximum speed or running in extreme heat, it remains a top choice for endurance and stability on challenging trails.

Read our full Hoka Speedgoat 6 review.

Also consider: The Hoka Speedgoat 5 offers a lighter build, enhanced midsole rebound, and excellent traction with the Vibram Megagrip sole. The sock-like mesh upper provides comfort and flexibility, though the narrow toe box may be a drawback for some. Ideal for multi-terrain runners who value grip and bounce, the Speedgoat 5 excels on muddy and technical trails.

Best ultralight

There's no denying that the Merrell MTL Skyfire 2 is something of a specialist shoe. But as a superlight trail running shoe for race days, it's one of the best options. In that sense, it excels in its design specification – it's unbelievably light on the feet, comfortable yet responsive over distances of up to a half-marathon, and out-grips most of its similarly lightweight rivals. On the other hand, as an all-around trail running shoe, it wouldn't be our first choice unless low weight is your ultimate priority. Our advice? Save it for the days you really want to push the pace or beat the competition.

Read our full Merrell MTL Skyfire 2 review.

Best for arch support

The Asics GEL-Trabuco 10 is a very exciting prospect if you're looking for a trail shoe designed for overpronation – on our test runs, the grip was great on an 11-mile trail run over all sorts of terrain, including grass, rocks, road, wooden stiles, stoney tracks and dusty dry-mud fields. 

However, if you are already into trail running and not having any problems in that direction, they may be a tad on the stiff, heavier side for you. That said, it's hard not to love the on-trend look of the Gel-Trabuco 10 with the turquoise knitted uppers combined with a hot pink sole with design accents and laces to match. Not to mention, it's comfy right away!

Read our full ASICS Gel-Trabuco 10 review

Best for mixed terrain

Salomon recently underwent a slight rebranding to emphasise not only the outdoor heritage of the brand but also its strong presence in the athleisure scene. The revamped Speedcross 6 is the perfect representation of this mix of purposes; the shoes are equally as good for trail running as they are for roaming the city streets in your gorpcore outfit.

Here, we'll focus on the trail running prowess of the Speedcross 6, of course. These trail shoes feel most at home on mixed terrain, especially on muddy paths where grip is paramount to avoid injury. The 5 mm lugs bite into soft ground and help propel yourself forward; here is a short IG reel of how it looks in action.

Grippy and capable as it might be, the Salomon Speedcross 6 is by no means intolerably to wear, like some trail shoes in the same category. In fact, it's one of the most comfortable trail running shoes we tried in 2022, thanks to the Quicklace lacing system and the soft upper. Sadly, the Speedcross 6 is not waterproof and hard to clean, so once you get them dirty, they'll stay filthy forever.

Best for plantar fasciitis

Well-cushioned and pretty, the Columbia Montrail Trinity MX Trail Running Shoes are sure to turn some heads on the trail. In fact, when we wore them recently on a trip, people commented on how cool the shoes looked, so if you like it when other runners (and hikers) comment on your footwear, the Montrail Trinity MX is a solid choice.

It's also an excellent max-cushioned trail option when leg preservation is your primary goal. The Techlite PLUSH midsole and rocker geometry help you move forward efficiently, and the 5 mm lugs provide enough traction on dry and wet surfaces to keep your footing stable. You could probably find trail running shoes with a similar running dynamic for cheaper, but they won't look as cool as Columbia Montrail Trinity MX.

Read our full Columbia Montrail Trinity MX Trail Running Shoe review.

Best hybrid

Initially, we were impressed with the comfort of the Arc'teryx Norvan LD 3, but the longer we wore them, the more we realised they were best suited to beginners. They have a reasonably high price tag and will appeal to those looking for a trail shoe with additional cushioning and support. If you are a fan of Asics Cumulus or Brooks Ghost road shoes, these are good crossover trail shoes.

They are also suitable for runners whose feet meet the ground heel first and require a 6mm drop. But longer distance, experienced trail runners may prefer something less restrictive, which allows them to feel the earth more intuitively.

Read our full Arc'teryx Norvan LD 3 review

Best all-rounder

Merrell might be better known for its hiking boots and shoes but more recently, it has unleashed an impressive line-up of fast and flexible trail shoes.

The latest Agility Peak 5 is arguably the best all-rounder yet, feeling lighter and more comfortable on the foot, while a revised mesh upper gives it a more airy and breathable feel when running in hot conditions.

Merrell does a great job of producing really hardy shoes and this another great example of that, plus the brand has seen fit to add the excellent Floatpro midsole foam that is seen in the lighter and generally more rapid Skyfire 2 we like.

The only thing we found was that Merrell's all-rounder shoes tend to run a little wider, and we found it roomy but not exceptionally so. Those that like their shoes snug might want to try first. 

With that in mind, the heel also felt like it could do with offering more support and padding, something that revealed itself when tackling steep inclines. 

How to choose the best trail running shoes for you

Choosing the best trail running shoes involves considering several factors to ensure they meet your specific needs and preferences. First, assess the type of terrain you'll be running on, whether it's rocky, muddy, technical, or a combination of these. This will help you select shoes with appropriate features like grip, stability, and protection to tackle the trails confidently.

Next, find the proper fit by trying on shoes and considering factors like toe box width, heel cup snugness, and overall comfort. It's essential to leave some room for foot swelling during longer runs to avoid discomfort.

Additionally, decide on the level of cushioning and support you prefer, whether you prioritise comfort or a firmer, more responsive feel based on your running style and foot mechanics.

Look for shoes with aggressive tread patterns and durable outsoles to provide a reliable grip on various trail surfaces, especially in wet or slippery conditions. Consider features like rock plates or reinforced toe caps for added protection against sharp rocks, roots, and other trail hazards.

Breathability and drainage are also key features to take into account. Opt for shoes with breathable uppers and drainage ports to keep your feet cool and dry, particularly during hot weather or water crossings.

Finally, consider the overall construction and materials used to ensure the shoes are durable enough to withstand the rigours of trail running and provide long-lasting performance.

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