Best Trail Running Shoes of 2023

Best Trail Running Shoes of 2023

Author: Casey Handley | Tester & Editor: Dave Collins
Last Updated: September 19, 2023

Whether you’re a dedicated trail running fanatic or a road runner looking to swap pavement for dirt, a good pair of running shoes will make all the difference. Your trail runners will take you through all kinds of muddy, rooty, rocky trails, so it’s important to find a pair that’s suited to your particular needs.

Our team has researched, broken in, and trail-tested dozens of trail running shoes to bring you this list of the very best on the market.

Related:Best Trail Running Shoes for Women

Quick Recommendations

Check out this quick list of our favorites if you’re in a hurry, or continue scrolling to see our full list with in-depth reviews.

• Best trail runners overall for traction, low weight & comfort:Saucony Peregrine 13
• Best lightweight trail runners with ample cushioning: HOKA Speedgoat 5
• Trail runners with the best balance of weight, support & breathability: Topo Athletic Ultraventure 3
• Lightweight trail running shoes with a natural shape:Altra Lone Peak 7
• Best minimalist trail runners: Altra Superior 6
• Best long distance trail running shoe: inov-8 TrailFly G 270 V2
• Versatile running shoes for road & trail:Salomon Sense Ride 5
• Durable trail runners for rugged mountain trails:La Sportiva Bushido II
• All-around solid trail running shoes with a classic design: Brooks Cascadia 17
• Supportive trail runners that excel on muddy terrain: Salomon Speedcross 6
• Minimalist trail runners with a sock-like fit & solid arch support: Merrell Trail Glove 7

What’s Most Important to You in a Trail Running Shoe?

COMFORT AND FIT– Fit is very personal, so what works for some people may not be the best option for others. In general, the most comfortable shoes give your toes some room to spread, have cushioning that supports your foot shape, and have some flex in the upper so it moves with your foot.

• Most comfortable trail runners: HOKA Speedgoat 5,Topo Ultraventure 3, Altra Lone Peak 7, Saucony Peregrine 13 & Salomon Sense Ride 5
• Best trail runners with a wide fit: Altra Lone Peak 7 & Topo Ultraventure 3

PRICE – We tend to be willing to spend a bit more for quality footwear because we truly believe the success of our adventures depends on having happy, healthy feet. Comfort and fit usually trump cost in our books, but we recommend quality options at a variety of price points in our top picks below.

• Best budget trail runners: Altra Superior 6 & Merrell Trail Glove 7
• Best value trail runners: HOKA Speedgoat 5, Topo Ultraventure 3, Altra Lone Peak 7, Saucony Peregrine 13 & Salomon Sense Ride 5
• Best high-end trail runners: inov-8 TrailFly G 270 V2

WEIGHT– We typically run in lightweight trail runners because nimble feet lead to less muscle fatigue, less stumbling, and over time can help avoid knee and hip flexor problems. That said, if you often run on pretty gnarly trails, shoes that are a bit heavier can have the advantage in durability.

• Best ultralight trail runners: Altra Superior 6 & Merrell Trail Glove 7
• Best lightweight trail runners: HOKA Speedgoat 5, Topo Ultraventure 3, Saucony Peregrine 13, Altra Lone Peak 7 & inov-8 TrailFly G 270 V2

DURABILITY & MATERIALS– Most trail runners are designed with lightweight materials that sacrifice a little bit of durability in favor of weight savings and comfort. The most durable trail runners are those with reinforced mesh in the upper and firmer lugs on the sole.

• Most durable trail runners: inov-8 TrailFly G 270 V2, La Sportiva Bushido II & Salomon Speedcross 6

HEEL-TO-TOE DROP– It’s common for shoes to have a noticeable decrease in height from the heel to the toe. Traditionally, this was believed to increase your running and walking efficiency. On the other hand, some modern trail runner designs have zero drop, meaning your foot is the same distance off the ground from heel to toe. Proponents of zero drop claim that it puts less stress on your body and allows for a more natural gait.

• Best zero-drop trail runners: inov-8 TrailFly G 270 V2, Altra Lone Peak 7, Altra Superior 6 & Merrell Trail Glove 7
• Most supportive trail runners: HOKA Speedgoat 5, Topo Ultraventure 3, Salomon Sense Ride 5, La Sportiva Bushido II & Brooks Cascadia 17

WATERPROOF VS NON-WATERPROOF– Waterproof shoes can be a real lifesaver if you often run in wet, muddy areas. They also collect less blister-causing debris than non-waterproof mesh shoes. On the other hand, waterproof shoes aren’t very breathable, and they can be heavy and slow to dry when they get wet. Non-waterproof shoes are more breathable, and though they’re susceptible to getting wet, they dry quickly.

• Best waterproof trail runners: Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Low 2 & Saucony Peregrine 13 GTX

Best Trail Running Shoes of 2023

Saucony Peregrine 13

BEST TRAIL RUNNERS OVERALL FOR TRACTION, LOW WEIGHT & COMFORT

MSRP: $140

WEIGHT (PAIR): 1 lb. 2 oz.

ALSO AVAILABLE IN: Waterproof

HEEL-TO-TOE DROP: 4 mm.

SIZING: True to size

PROS: Excellent traction, breathable, lightweight, secure fit, rock plate (increased protection and durability in sole)

CONS: Not as durable as some others

BOTTOM LINE: We’ve been running in the Saucony Peregrines for many years now, and we love them for their exceptional comfort and aggressive traction. Whether it’s a rocky mountain route, a muddy forest trail, or a groomed trail in our favorite local park, the Peregrines bite into the terrain and provide stability and confidence. The newest iteration of the Peregrines features the same sock-like comfort and durability as the previous model, but it’s an ounce lighter. The Peregrine 13s are our top pick for demanding hikes where reliable traction is key.

HOKA Speedgoat 5

BEST LIGHTWEIGHT TRAIL RUNNERS WITH AMPLE CUSHIONING

MSRP: $155

WEIGHT (PAIR): 1 lb. 4.6 oz.

HEEL-TO-TOE DROP: 4 mm.

SIZING: True to size

PROS: Comfortable, very cushy soles, excellent traction, supportive, roomy toe box, versatile (works for road and trail)

CONS: Expensive

BOTTOM LINE: HOKAs are known for their exceptional comfort and support, and the Speedgoat 5 is the best trail shoe in the lineup. The most standout feature of these shoes is the ultra-cushy midsole that absorbs impact well and keeps your feet comfortable all day. This above-average cushioning makes the Speedgoats great for pretty much any type of terrain, but they’re especially effective at reducing stress on your joints on hard-packed surfaces. With an excellent balance of weight, durability, and comfort, the Speedgoats are an ideal running shoe that will work for many different foot shapes.

Topo Athletic Ultraventure 3

TRAIL RUNNERS WITH THE BEST BALANCE OF WEIGHT, SUPPORT & BREATHABILITY

MSRP: $150

WEIGHT (PAIR): 1 lb. 4.4 oz.

HEEL-TO-TOE DROP: 5 mm.

SIZING: True to size

PROS: Lightweight, breathable, flexible, versatile, excellent traction, comfy, roomy toe box

CONS: Not as durable as some others

BOTTOM LINE: The Topo Athletic Ultraventure 3 trail runners are some of our favorites for long days on the trail, because they’re lightweight, breathable, and flexible. The shape of the Ultraventures is similar to the Altra Lone Peaks, with a secure heel cup and midfoot opening up to a wider toe box. Both shoes work well for many different foot shapes, but we give the slight edge to the Ultraventures because they’re more cushioned and flexible. Overall, we think the Ultraventures are great for runners who need a lightweight shoe with a little extra wiggle room in the toe box and a build that will keep you stable over all sorts of terrain.

Altra Lone Peak 7

LIGHTWEIGHT TRAIL RUNNING SHOES WITH A NATURAL SHAPE

MSRP: $150

WEIGHT (PAIR): 1 lb. 6 oz.

HEEL-TO-TOE DROP: 0 mm.

ALSO AVAILABLE IN: Waterproof

SIZING: True to size, wide sizes available

PROS: Roomy toe box, excellent traction, lightweight, comfortable, built-in gaiter attachment, breathable, rock plate (increased protection and durability in sole)

CONS: Wide toe box may not work for some

BOTTOM LINE: Altra Lone Peaks have long been the flagship shoe of long-distance hikers and trail runners due to their low weight, grippy outsole, and roomy fit. The 7th iteration of the LPs got another big makeover – a narrower midfoot helps keep the shoe more secure, a seamless upper increases longevity, and modern colorways make these shoes stand out against the crowd. Despite the new upper design, these shoes are infamously not the most durable footwear around, so you’ll have to decide if minimal weight and a natural shape beat out long-term durability on your list of needs. Personally, we’re loving the newest iteration of the Lone Peaks, and recommend them for anyone looking for a comfortable lightweight running shoe with a natural feel.

Altra Superior 6

BEST MINIMALIST TRAIL RUNNERS

MSRP: $130

WEIGHT (PAIR): 1 lb. 4.2 oz.

HEEL-TO-TOE DROP: 0 mm.

SIZING: True to size

PROS: Ultralight, affordable, comes with removable rock plate (increased protection and durability in sole), roomy toe box, flexible, secure fit

CONS: Traction isn’t great in wet conditions, not as supportive as some others, not as durable as some others

BOTTOM LINE: The ultralight Altra Superior 6s are some of the most comfortable running shoes we’ve ever worn thanks to the sock-like knit upper and the roomy toe box. The included removable rock plates (they add about 2 oz.) offer the option of extra protection underfoot, or they can be used to make the soles feel a bit more firm. The horizontal lugs on the sole are perfect for biting into trails with a lot of incline, but they tend to slip a bit on wet rock and concrete. For this reason, we mostly use these shoes for runs on well worn trails without too many obstacles. Overall, the Superiors are great for those wanting a super comfy lightweight shoe with a minimalist feel.

inov-8 TrailFly G 270 V2

BEST LONG DISTANCE TRAIL RUNNING SHOE

MSRP: $170

WEIGHT (PAIR): 1 lb. 3 oz.

HEEL-TO-TOE DROP: 0 mm.

SIZING: True to size

PROS: Durable, lightweight, cushy soles, excellent traction, secure fit, breathable

CONS: Expensive, stiff upper

BOTTOM LINE: The inov-8 TrailFly G 270 V2 trail running shoes are built tough for ultramarathoners and long-distance runners who will really put them through their paces. The unique G-grip lugs, which are a mix of ultra-tough graphene material and rubber, are soft enough to grip tightly on rock, yet hard enough that they won’t wear down as quickly as other ultra-grippy traction compounds. While the uppers are a bit stiffer than many other trail runners on our list, the secure fit they provide and the zero-drop design make the TrailFly very stable for running over uneven terrain. Overall, the TrailFlies strike a near-perfect balance of weight, durability, and comfort, and we highly recommend them for seasoned runners who need a reliable shoe for covering long distances.

Salomon Sense Ride 5

VERSATILE RUNNING SHOES FOR ROAD & TRAIL

MSRP: $140

WEIGHT (PAIR): 1 lb. 4.2 oz.

HEEL-TO-TOE DROP: 8 mm.

ALSO AVAILABLE IN:Waterproof

SIZING: True to size

PROS: Excellent traction, supportive, flexible, versatile (excels on road and trail), durable

CONS: Narrow fit isn’t for everyone, Quicklace takes some getting used to

BOTTOM LINE: If you’re looking for one shoe that can do it all, the Salomon Sense Ride 5 may be just what you need. There’s a good amount of cushioning for road running when you need the extra shock absorption, and the flexibility and traction makes the Sense Rides exceptionally responsive over variable terrain when running on trails. While they’re great for so many occasions, we prefer the Sense Rides for longer mountain runs since the cushioning and stout uppers provide a good balance of support and durability for rough trails.

La Sportiva Bushido II

DURABLE TRAIL RUNNERS FOR RUGGED MOUNTAIN TRAILS

MSRP: $155

WEIGHT (PAIR): 1 lb. 5 oz

HEEL-TO-TOE DROP: 6 mm.

ALSO AVAILABLE IN:Waterproof

SIZING: Runs slightly small, we recommend sizing up ½ size if you’re on the edge

PROS: Excellent traction, durable, protective, rock plate (increased protection and durability in sole)

CONS: Stiff soles, feels a little overbuilt

BOTTOM LINE: The La Sportiva Bushido II is a burly shoe with awesome traction for tackling technical mountain trails. One of the Bushido’s greatest assets is its durability – the mesh zones are reinforced with a ripstop overlay, and they feature a stout rubber toe cap to protect against rocks. The soles and the lugs on the Bushidos are a bit stiff, so they’re not ideal for runners who prefer a cushioned ride. But this design means that the soles won’t wear down as quickly as those made with a mix of hard and soft rubber on the outsole. Overall, we find the low stack height and solid traction to be particularly confidence inspiring in the mountains.

Brooks Cascadia 17

ALL-AROUND SOLID TRAIL RUNNING SHOES WITH A CLASSIC DESIGN

MSRP: $140

WEIGHT (PAIR): 1 lb. 6 oz.

HEEL-TO-TOE DROP: 8 mm.

ALSO AVAILABLE IN: Waterproof

SIZING: True to size

PROS: Cushy soles, rock plate (increased protection and durability in sole), tried-and-true design, durable

CONS: Not a standout in any one category, not as breathable as some others

BOTTOM LINE: The Brooks Cascadias have been a go-to for runners for many years due to their cushy feel and solid all-around performance. We like the Cascadias for runs when having a ton of support is key, but we find the tight weave on the upper to be a little more stuffy than some others for warm conditions. That said, the Cascadias are excellent all-arounders and they function very well in most categories. The Cascadias are a tried-and-true design for runners who prefer a simple and reliable running shoe.

Salomon Speedcross 6

SUPPORTIVE TRAIL RUNNERS THAT EXCEL ON MUDDY TERRAIN

MSRP: $140

WEIGHT (PAIR): 1 lb. 5 oz.

HEEL-TO-TOE DROP: 10 mm.

ALSO AVAILABLE IN: Waterproof

SIZING: Runs large, we recommend sizing down ½ size if you’re on the edge

PROS: Very cushy soles, excellent traction on soft terrain, supportive, durable

CONS: High heel-to-toe drop, can feel a little over-built for groomed trails

BOTTOM LINE: If you’re the type that frequently tackles tricky terrain with lots of mud or sand, the Salomon Speedcross 6 may be your new best friend. This shoe has deep lugs that provide awesome traction in mud, sand, snow, and other soft surfaces. Versatility is where the Speedcross falls a little short for us – the tall stack height and aggressive build can be overkill for groomed trails and uneven mountain terrain. That said, you can’t go wrong with the Speedcross if you’re looking for a specialist shoe for soft terrain.

Merrell Trail Glove 7

MINIMALIST TRAIL RUNNERS WITH A SOCK-LIKE FIT & SOLID ARCH SUPPORT

MSRP: $120

WEIGHT (PAIR): 1 lb. 2.4 oz.

HEEL-TO-TOE DROP: 0 mm.

SIZING: True to size, runs slightly narrow

PROS: Affordable, ultralight, supportive

CONS: Aggressive arch support isn’t for everyone, narrow fit isn’t for everyone

BOTTOM LINE: The ultra-minimalist Merrell Trail Glove 7 is a barefoot-style running shoe with a fit that hugs the profile of your foot. What makes these shoes unique is their minimal, yet supportive design. They have some of the most aggressive arch support of any trail runners we used, which is rare in an ultralight shoe. This level of support will not appeal to everyone, but it’s a welcome innovation for those who’ve wanted to try the barefoot running style but prefer some extra molding in the footbed. We recommend the minimalist Trail Gloves for runners who like to feel really connected to the terrain as they run.

Honorable Mentions

The following trail running shoes didn’t make our final list, but they’ve still got a lot of good things going for them. You never know, one of these trail runners might be perfect for you:

• La Sportiva Wildcats – stable, supportive, and durable trail runners for tricky terrain
• HOKA Challenger 7 – wide-fitting trail runners that help absorb impact; best for easy runs on groomed trails
• Altra Timp 4 – ultra-cushioned runners that are great for trails with a lot of steep incline

CRITICAL FOOTWEAR CONSIDERATIONS

SIZING – Feet can swell during long days on the trail, so it’s good to buy running footwear at least a half size larger than your normal shoes. A good way to test sizing on your shoes is to loosen all the laces, situate your foot so that your toes touch the front of the toe box, and then make sure you can put your index finger between your heel and the back of the shoe. This will ensure that your toes don’t slide forward and hit the toe box on downhill sections of trail. You should consider which socks you’ll be wearing and if you’ll be adding aftermarket insoles when choosing a size. It’s much better for footwear to be a little big than too small.

TRACTION– Your shoes will take you over narrow and rocky ridgelines, through slippery water crossings, and across loose scree fields. Knowing that your footwear will keep you from slipping is crucial, especially over washed out or exposed sections of trail. We heavily factored quality traction into all of our footwear recommendations.

HIKING – We love trail runners because they’re so versatile. Of course they’re the best choice for running on trails, but they’re also great for hiking and lightweight backpacking. Each of us at Cleverhiker have hiked thousands of miles in trail runners over some of the toughest terrain on the planet, in places like the Himalayas, Andes, and the Rockies. Trail runners are our first choice for almost all of our 3-season backpacking trips, and they’re also the most common choice for thru-hikers tackling long distance trails like the AT, PCT, and CDT. Check out our list of the Best Hiking Shoes for Men to see which trail runners are our favorites for hiking.

MANAGING MOISTURE & BLISTERS – If you’re on an extended run in wet conditions or you find yourself caught in a downpour, your feet will likely get wet no matter what type of footwear you’re wearing. Wet feet can lead to hot spots and blisters, but this can be prevented if you have a healthy foot care routine. Whether you run in waterproof or non-waterproof trail runners, be sure to check out our post on How to Prevent and Treat Blisters for more info on moisture and blister management.

WATERPROOFING TREATMENTS – Waterproof footwear is ideal for soggy days, but it’s important to remember that “waterproof” doesn’t mean that water can never get in. Water always finds a way in during a prolonged downpour, and light rain can drip down your legs and into your shoes. Waterproof treatments are not permanent, you’ll eventually need to reapply a treatment to keep your shoes sealed.

SOCKS – We’ve found that wearing quality socks makes a big difference in how long we can keep our feet happy and in good shape on trail. Running socks should be comfortable, durable, and made with materials that wick moisture away from your skin. Check out our Best Hiking Socks list to see our top picks.

INSOLES – Aftermarket insoles can help alleviate a variety of shoe discomforts on the trail. If you suffer from plantar fasciitis or you just need more cushioning and support in an otherwise rigid shoe, swapping insoles may be your solution. Insoles can also help take up a little extra space in footwear for a customized fit if you’re between sizes.

GAITERS – Gaiters are great for keeping sand and small pebbles from getting into your shoes, which helps prevent blisters and other pains underfoot. If you know you’ll be running on loose terrain, we recommend adding a lightweight pair of gaiters to your shoes

Need More Gear Advice?

If you liked this list, you’ll love the CleverHiker Gear Guide where we test and recommend tons of outdoor adventure gear from a variety of categories. here are some links to popular articles:

• 10 Best Backpacking Tents
• 10 Best Hiking Shoes
• 10 Best Sleeping Bags
• 10 Best Sleeping Pads
• 10 Best Backpacking Packs
• 10 Best Backpacking Stoves
• CleverHiker Top Gear Picks

Why Trust Us?

We fully understand how tough it is to find trustworthy gear advice, and that’s one of the main reasons we built CleverHiker. We live for outdoor adventure, and we take these guides very seriously. Here are some of the reasons you can trust us:

• Our choices are completely independent and based on personal experience.
• We’ve logged over 10,000 trail miles and test outdoor gear for a living.
• We own and field test every product we recommend, which is sadly not the norm.
• We travel to industry trade shows to learn about upcoming product innovations.
• We constantly update our guides when new products launch.
• We treat our recommendations as if they were for our family and friends.
• We’re lifelong learners and we’re always open to constructive criticism. If you think we’ve missed a product or got something wrong, we’d love to hear your feedback.

MORE INFORMATION

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Thanks for reading and happy trails!

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