Best Men’s Trail Running Shoes For All Terrains and Weather Conditions

Last Updated on July 23, 2025

Choosing the best mens trail running shoes means finding pairs that perform across mountains, mud, and rainy trails—without sacrificing comfort or durability. In this guide, our team reviewed the five latest top-tier models built for men: each excels in grip, cushioning, traction, and weather resistance. Whether you’re racing technical terrain or trekking long distances, you’ll find the perfect fit for your running style and environment.

Summary of Best Men’s Trail Running Shoes

In-depth Reviews for the Best Men’s Trail Running Shoes

Below are detailed reviews of each model, highlighting why they deserve a spot among the best mens trail running shoes available today.

Brooks Cascadia 19

Best for: All-around trail / day hike

The Brooks Cascadia 19 is engineered to deliver dependable performance across a wide variety of trail conditions, making it one of the most versatile options available for men seeking all-terrain reliability. This latest iteration features a dual-density midsole with plush DNA Loft v3 cushioning, delivering a soft yet stable ride that absorbs impact without feeling squishy. Integrated into the midsole is the Trail Adapt rock plate, which offers consistent protection underfoot when navigating sharp rocks or rugged ground, while also enhancing torsional stability for more confident footing on uneven terrain.

The upper is crafted from breathable, quick-drying mesh, reinforced with durable overlays to resist trail wear and prevent debris from entering. It hugs the foot securely without feeling restrictive, and the heel collar is comfortably padded to avoid rubbing or blisters over long distances. A redesigned outsole lug pattern improves traction across varied surfaces—including dirt, gravel, mud, and light rock—while still providing a smooth transition on harder-packed paths.

Though slightly heavier than minimalist trail runners, the Cascadia 19’s durability and all-around comfort make it an excellent choice for everything from daily trail runs to light backpacking or ultra-distance events. Runners frequently praise its “locked-in” feel, stability under load, and dependable grip, even in unpredictable weather. It’s a trail workhorse built for comfort, security, and adaptability mile after mile.

Specs

• Weight: ≈11 oz per shoe
• Tech: DNA Loft v3 midsole, Trail Adapt plate, breathable mesh upper
• Helps with: ankle stability and foot protection

Pros

• Cushioned yet stable ride
• Rugged grip across varying terrain
• Breathable and quick-drying upper

Cons

• Slightly heavier than racing trail shoes
• Upper less waterproof than GTX models

Hoka Speedgoat 6

Best for: Technical terrain, mixed weather

Built for challenging terrain, the Hoka Speedgoat 6 blends aggressive traction with plush, responsive cushioning to create one of the most dependable trail shoes on the market. Its Vibram Megagrip outsole is equipped with 5 mm multidirectional lugs that bite into technical surfaces like loose gravel, scree, mud, and slick rock, providing unwavering grip even on steep, unpredictable trails. The outsole’s design not only enhances climbing and descending confidence, but also ensures stability during lateral movement and fast direction changes.

The midsole uses Hoka’s lightweight, responsive EVA compound that softens landings and reduces impact stress over long distances, which is especially beneficial for ultra-distance runners or those recovering from joint discomfort. Inside, the shoe features an internal chassis and gusseted tongue system that locks down the midfoot, minimizing in-shoe movement while keeping out dirt, sand, and debris. The forefoot is comfortably wide, allowing for natural toe splay during long runs without sacrificing the shoe’s structural integrity.

For wet conditions, the Speedgoat 6 is also available in a GORE-TEX edition, providing waterproof protection for rain, snow, or stream crossings. While the waterproof version adds a bit of weight and slightly reduces breathability, it excels in cold or wet climates. After a brief break-in, runners consistently praise its energetic ride and dependable traction, making it a standout choice for technical trails, alpine runs, and varied mountain terrain.

Specs

• Weight: ≈9.8 oz
• Tech: Vibram Megagrip outsole, breathable upper, optional GORE-TEX
• Helps with: knee protection via cushioning

Pros

• Excellent grip on loose rocks
• Plush cushion keeps fatigue low
• Waterproof option available

Cons

• Slight break-in required
• GORE-TEX increases weight

Salomon Speedcross 6

Best for: Mud/loose, wet terrain

The Salomon Speedcross 6 is a purpose-built trail running shoe designed to dominate soft, wet, and muddy terrain. Renowned for its aggressive tread pattern, it features deep, arrow-shaped 5 mm chevron lugs that shed mud efficiently while digging into slick surfaces for superior grip. The outsole uses an updated Contagrip compound that enhances traction on wet grass, packed dirt, and uneven ground, making it a favorite among off-road runners tackling unpredictable trails.

Its upper is made from lightweight, water-resistant ripstop mesh, reinforced with welded overlays to improve durability and keep out trail debris. It dries quickly after stream crossings or downpours, and the Quicklace system enables fast, one-pull adjustments—even with cold or muddy hands. The padded Sensifit structure wraps the foot securely, preventing slippage on downhill scrambles or sharp turns.

Performance-wise, the Speedcross 6 delivers a firm and responsive ride with a slight forefoot drop that promotes aggressive toe-off. While its stiff midsole and narrow platform aren’t ideal for flat or rocky terrain, the shoe thrives in mud, snow, and soft earth. Runners praise its snug heel hold and reliable traction when other shoes falter. Though not the most versatile model, it’s a standout option for dedicated trail runners or racers facing wet, messy conditions who demand traction, protection, and agility in every step.

Specs

• Weight: ≈10.5 oz
• Tech: 5 mm aggressive lugs, Sensifit upper
• Helps with: slip prevention in wet conditions

Pros

• Outstanding traction in mud
• Secure fit for fast off-road runs

Cons

• Lug design picks grit
• Stiff feel on flat terrain

Altra Lone Peak 9

Best for: Wide/zero-drop, long ultraruns

The Altra Lone Peak 9 continues to uphold its reputation as a go-to trail shoe for ultrarunners, thru-hikers, and runners seeking a natural, foot-shaped experience. True to Altra’s core philosophy, the Lone Peak 9 maintains a zero-drop platform that encourages a natural gait and upright posture, helping reduce strain on the knees and lower back. Its signature FootShape toe box is generously wide, allowing the toes to splay and engage naturally—an essential feature for preventing fatigue and blisters during long mileage.

The version 9 updates include an improved engineered mesh upper reinforced with Matryx fiber, offering increased durability without compromising breathability. The midsole features a moderately cushioned Altra EGO foam that feels more energetic than previous versions, striking a unique balance between responsiveness and trail feel. Embedded within the midsole is a flexible StoneGuard rock plate, providing protection from roots and sharp rocks without stiffening the ride.

This shoe shines on long, undulating terrain where foot comfort and adaptability matter most. Climbers appreciate the sticky MaxTrac outsole and multi-directional lugs for reliable grip on loose terrain and scree. While adjusting to zero-drop may require a break-in period for some, fans of natural running rave about its roomy fit, flexibility, and long-distance comfort. For minimalist-inclined runners, the Lone Peak 9 remains a top-tier, trail-tested choice.

Specs

• Weight: ≈11.2 oz
• Tech: FootShape toe box, zero-drop platform, rock plate
• Helps with: foot and knee alignment

Pros

• Roomy and natural toe spread
• Stable, zero-drop platform

Cons

• Takes time to adjust from traditional drops
• Less cushioned on rocky terrain

New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro V9

Best for: Wet/steep terrain, waterproof running

The New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro V9 is a highly cushioned trail shoe designed for runners who demand comfort, grip, and protection across a wide range of off-road environments. The V9 builds on the previous version by introducing a dual-density Fresh Foam X midsole, which combines a soft upper layer for comfort with a firmer foundation that enhances stability and control. This setup provides a plush underfoot feel while maintaining support over long distances, particularly useful when navigating uneven or rocky ground.

The shoe’s high stack height—42 mm in the heel and 38 mm in the forefoot with a 4 mm drop—absorbs impact and encourages an efficient, smooth stride. Its updated Vibram Megagrip outsole now features deeper 6 mm lugs and improved traction geometry, which enhances grip on slippery, muddy, or technical terrain. Whether climbing wet slopes or descending loose gravel, the Hierro V9 stays planted.

The upper combines a breathable engineered mesh with a gusseted knit tongue and abrasion-resistant overlays for structure and debris protection. Toe Protect adds durability at the front, helping shield feet from rocks and roots. While slightly heavier than some trail shoes, the Hierro V9 delivers consistent performance, making it a reliable option for trail runners, hikers, or outdoor athletes seeking cushioning, traction, and rugged durability in unpredictable conditions.

Specs

• Weight: ≈10.3 oz
• Tech: Dual-density Fresh Foam X midsole, Vibram Megagrip outsole, gusseted gravel-resistant tongue
• Helps with: shock absorption over long distance, trail traction

Pros

• Ultra‑plush underfoot with stable base
• Excellent grip on muddy or slick terrain
• Breathable yet protective upper

Cons

• Heavier than previous versions
• High stack may feel unstable for fast, technical trails

Buyer’s Guide for Best Men’s Trail Running Shoes

When selecting trail shoes, consider terrain, distance, foot shape, weather, and protection level.

Understanding Terrain & Traction

Trails vary—muddy, rocky, gravel, snow—so lug depth and outsole compound matter. Shoes like Speedcross 6 deliver aggressive grip for mud and loose surfaces, while Speedgoat 6 balances grip and cushion for mixed terrains.

Run Distance & Cushioning Needs

Short trail runs might suit lighter, firmer shoes. For technical routes or long runs, cushioning and protection are vital. Shoes like Cascadia 19 offer balanced stability and protection, and Hierro V8’s midsole offers soft resilience.

Foot Shape, Drop & Fit

If you prefer a natural stride and have wide feet, zero-drop models like Lone Peak 9 with wide toe boxes are ideal. For standard arch runners, moderate-drop options like Cascadia and Speedgoat are well-rounded fits.

Weather Protection

Rain or snow demands waterproof uppers. Speedgoat 6 GTX and Hierro V8’s waterproof knit offer reliable protection without severely impacting breathability.

Durability & Planned Use

Frequent technical trail runners should choose rugged shoes with rock plates and reinforced midsoles—Cascadia, Speedgoat, and Lone Peak all deliver this. Lighter models may wear quicker on harsh terrain.

Fit & Break‑In

All trail shoes require a short break-in period. Cushionings like Hoka or New Balance may feel stiff initially. Make sure there’s room for toes—tightness can cause blisters on descents.

Choosing the right best mens trail running shoes depends on where, how far, how fast, and under what conditions you’ll run. No single pair fits all—but this guide presents top contenders across performance, terrain versatility, foot shape, and weather readiness.

Recommended Shoes

If you frequently run on trails with unpredictable terrain and don’t select the right shoe for your foot type and environment, you increase the risk of discomfort, fatigue, or even injury. In this guide, we’ve reviewed the best mens trail running shoes for a variety of terrains and conditions, and our buyer’s guide is designed to help you choose the right match for your needs.

From this list, the Hoka Speedgoat 6 is our recommendation. It delivers an ideal balance of cushioning, traction, and versatility—whether you’re tackling steep mountain switchbacks, muddy forest paths, or rocky fire roads. Its plush EVA midsole provides protection on long runs without compromising responsiveness, while the Vibram Megagrip outsole with 5 mm lugs ensures dependable grip across technical and loose terrain. The upper fits securely around the midfoot and offers enough room in the toebox for comfort during long miles, even on rugged trails. Additionally, the Speedgoat 6 is available in a waterproof GORE-TEX version, making it a strong performer in wet or cold weather.

For runners who want a durable, cushioned, and confidence-inspiring trail shoe that adapts to a wide range of off-road challenges, the Hoka Speedgoat 6 is a standout all-rounder.