Whether you are running through fields, along towpaths, or up and down mountain trails, having the best trail running shoes with excellent grip is very important. With the right footwear, you will be able to run faster and more efficiently, as your feet will be comfortable and well-supported, providing you with the extra confidence you need.
Do you want to tackle the toughest off-road terrain without any worries or setbacks? If so, you have come to the right place. In this guide are the reviews of 9 of the best, top-rated trail running shoes on the market.
We have also put together a guide on how to pick the perfect trail running shoe. Without wasting much time, let us head straight to our top recommendations.
Here Are The Best Trail Running Shoes:
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. ASICS Men’s Gel-Venture 7 Trail Running Shoe |  Top Pick |
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| 2. New Balance Men’s 481 V3 Trail Running Shoe |  |
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| 3. Salomon Women’s X-Mission 3 Trail Running Shoe |  |
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| 4. ASICS Women’s Gel-Kahana 8 Trail Runner |  |
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| 5. SKDOIUL Men’s Mesh Breathable Trail Runner Sneaker |  |
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| 6. Saucony Women’s Versafoam Trail Running Shoe |  |
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| 7. Salomon Men’s Speedcross 4 Trail Running Shoe |  |
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| 8. Merrell Men’s Trail Glove 5 Sneaker |  |
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| 9. ALTRA Women’s ALW1957F Trail Running Shoe |  |
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1. ASICS Men’s Gel-Venture 7 Trail Running Shoe — Top-Rated Trail Running Shoes
If you are looking for a trail running shoe that you can use to run for hours without feeling any foot pain of fatigue, we recommend you go for the ASICS Men’s Gel-Venture 7 Trail Running Shoe. This shoe is specifically designed for this purpose, and it offers great support and comfort.
The shoe is made with fabric and manmade material, and it comes with a rubber sole that provides great traction and stability. The rubber sole is non-slip and you can use it to run on any terrain regardless of how rough it is.
It is also highly durable and ASICS designed it to serve you for years. The shoe features a solid design and it would protect your feet when you bump into obstacles. The sole also does a great job of absorbing shock, and this would ensure you get a smooth and stable ride all through. It comes with an Ortholite X-40 sock liner, and this is a premium sock liner that has higher rebound properties.
The sock liner also provides great moisture management as well as a high level of breathability. Your feet will not be sweaty and they will be free from odor, thanks to the breathability of the shoe. This shoe is available in 15 different colors, with sizes ranging from 7 through 15.
Specs
- Material: Mesh
- Gender: Women
- Sole: Rubber sole
- Size: 5.5 – 12
Pros
- Made with high-quality materials
- Comes with Ortholite X-40 sock liner
- Helps to manage moisture
- Absorbs shock and protects your feet
Cons
- Complaints about its durability
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEwdBwl73aU
2. New Balance Men’s 481 V3 Trail Running Shoe
Made with high-quality leather and mesh, the New Balance Men’s 481 V3 Trail Running is one of the best trail running shoes on the market today. This shoe features a great design, with a lace-up closure that provides a snug and secure fit. The shoe is also very easy to break-in.
It is made with 50 percent leather and 50 percent mesh. The shoe features a high level of cushioning to keep your feet cozy and comfortable while running. It is highly breathable, and it does not trap heat. This means your feet will always remain cool and dry.
It comes with a highly versatile outsole that is made with rubber. The AT Tread outsole provides great stability and traction during off and on-road activities. It also comes with a Cush+ midsole that delivers all-day comfort and extremely soft cushioning. The midsole also provides great support and stability.
This shoe also comes with an NB Ultra Soft Comfort Insert to provide your feet with all the support they need while running. The upper of the shoe is made of leather and mesh, and it is lightweight and highly breathable.
It is also a highly durable shoe and it delivers a lightweight feel and fit to help you run long distances without any issues. This shoe also has larger sizes for people with very big and wide feet.
Specs
- Material: Leather and Mesh
- Gender: Male
- Sole: Rubber sole
- Size: 7 – 16
Pros
- Larger sizes for people with wider feet
- Provides secure and snug fit
- Ultra-soft cushioning and extra comfort features
- Lightweight and durable
Cons
- Limited colors to choose from
3. Salomon Women’s X-Mission 3 Trail Running Shoe
The Salomon Women’s X-Mission 3 Trail Running Shoe is designed for female runners that are looking for a classy, comfortable trail running shoe. The shoe is super comfortable on the feet and you can run in them for hours without feeling any pain or discomfort. They are also a highly durable option and you can use them in different seasons.
This shoe is made with 100 percent synthetic, and this is a super lightweight and highly breathable material. The upper also has some perforations that serve as ventilation, providing your feet with a cool and odor-free space. The sole is made with rubber and it does a great job of keeping you firm and secure on the ground.
It comes with a molded EVA midsole that delivers a pillow, soft feel on the trail, or urban environments. With this shoe, you can run on dry or wet, soft, or hard surfaces, thanks to its 3D Grip with multi-pattern, multi-density.
Interestingly, this shoe comes with a two-year warranty, and this gives you the extra confidence that you are buying something of high quality. It also provides a comfortable, snug fit in all types of terrains, thanks to its Sensifit with Sensiflex and Quicklace system.
Specs
- Material: 100% Synthetic
- Gender: Women
- Sole: Rubber sole
- Size: 5 – 12
Pros
- Can be used on hard, soft, wet, and dry surfaces
- Provides a snug, comfy fit
- Highly breathable upper
- Molded EVA midsole for additional comfort
Cons
- Laces may be problematic
4. ASICS Women’s Gel-Kahana 8 Trail Runner
If you are on a budget and you are looking for a high-quality trail running shoe that will not disappoint you, you should consider the ASICS Women’s Gel-Kahana 8 Trail Runner. ASICS made this shoe with high-quality materials and it still comes with a pocket-friendly price tag. It is one of the most affordable trail running shoes on our list, and the quality and performance are not compromised.
This shoe is made with 100 percent synthetic, and it boasts of great durability and performance. It comes with a Rearfoot Gel Cushioning System that provides supreme comfort and prevents shock from traveling through the feet to the knees.
This technology helps to ensure you get a smooth and comfortable ride always. The EVA midsole is also there to enhance the bounce-back of the shoe and reduce midsole breakdown.
The shoe also provides an excellent level of stability and support, thanks to its dual-density midsole system. This shoe comes with a rubber outsole that is specifically designed for the trail, and it provides downhill and uphill traction on all terrains.
It is a lightweight trail runner and the sole is designed to retain structural integrity. This shoe is available in six different colors, with sizes ranging from 6 through 10.5.
Specs
- Material: 100% Synthetic
- Gender: Women
- Sole: Rubber sole
- Size: 6 – 10.5
Pros
- Delivers a cozy and bouncy feeling
- Trail-specific, highly durable outsole
- Enhance stability and support
- Reduces shock and provides smooth rides
Cons
- Way too small with insert
5. SKDOIUL Men’s Mesh Breathable Trail Runner Sneaker
If you are looking for a highly fashionable trail running shoe, then the SKDOIUL Men’s Mesh Breathable Trail Runner Fashion Sneaker is the right shoe for you. This is a fashion sneaker that is ideal for a wide range of outdoor activities, including trail running. The design of the shoe is outstanding and it is available in 20 different colors.
The upper of the shoe is made with mesh and the space between the mesh fibers serves as ventilation. It allows for great air permeability, ensuring your feet remain comfortable and dry while running. The shoe comes with an elastic blade sole that is highly flexible and soft, and it provides long-lasting, superior support, and comfort. It ensures that your feet are comfortable regardless of how long you run.
This shoe is great for everyday running and you can also use it for training, jogging, walking, camping, football, basketball, gym workout, climbing, physical exercise, and more. The outsole of the shoe is non-slip and it provides great traction on all types of terrains. It also helps to reduce the burden on the body and it absorbs shock impact.
Specs
- Material: Mesh
- Gender: Male
- Sole: Rubber sole
- Size: 6.5– 13
Pros
- Ideal for a wide range of outdoor activities
- Highly durable, soft, and flexible sole
- Keeps your feet dry and comfortable at all times
- Provides great support and comfort
Cons
- No larger sizes for people with bigger feet
6. Saucony Women’s Versafoam Trail Running Shoe
Running is a great form of exercise, and it is more exciting when you embark on this journey with the right footwear. With the best trail running shoe, you can cover more distance comfortably and effortlessly, and one of the best options out there is the Saucony Women’s Versafoam Trail Running Shoe.
This is one of the most beautiful trail running shoes on our list, maybe because it is designed for women, as women love beautiful things. Saucony designed this shoe with synthetic and mesh. The upper has a unique design and it allows for air to penetrate easily, ensuring your feet remain cool and dry during exercise.
The shoe features a cushy stack of Versafoam cushioning to provide runners with a great level of comfort. It also helps to increase the responsiveness of the shoe. The shoe protects your feet from trail debris and locks it into place, thanks to its trail-specific mesh with supportive overlays.
It comes with a rubber outsole that features a unique teeth arrangement to provide you with excellent stability and grip. The sole provides solid footing, and you will not have any issues running uphill or downhill.
Specs
- Material: Synthetic and Mesh
- Gender: Women
- Sole: Rubber sole
- Size: 5 – 12
Pros
- Provides exceptional comfort
- Protects your feet from trail debris
- Provides rock-solid footing on any terrain
- Relatively cheap
Cons
- Narrow toe box
7. Salomon Men’s Speedcross 4 Trail Running Shoe
Next on the line is the Salomon Men’s Speedcross 4 Trail Running Shoe, and it is one of the top-rated trail running shoes on the market today. Salmon made this shoe with its top technologies to provide you with all the support and comfort you need while running. This is a 100 percent synthetic-made shoe that boasts of longevity and durability.
It comes with a rubber outsole that boasts of aggressive grip; delivering obvious and penetrating traction on soft ground. The shoe also provides a comfortable and close-to-foot feel, thanks to its precise foothold. Thanks to its lightweight build, you can run with these shoes for hours without any foot pain or fatigue.
The shoe also comes with an EVA midsole that provides great stability and lightweight cushioning. You can get this shoe in 8 different colors, with sizes ranging from 7 through 13. Unfortunately, there are no larger sizes for people with larger feet. The shoe is easy to put on and take off; it also features a strong lace for one-pull tightening.
Specs
- Material: 100% Synthetic
- Gender: Male
- Sole: Rubber sole
- Size: 7 – 13
Pros
- Provides aggressive grip on all surfaces
- Lightweight cushioning and stability
- Provides firm and comfortable fit
- Provides great arch support
Cons
- No larger sizes
8. Merrell Men’s Trail Glove 5 Sneaker
The Merrell Men’s Trail Glove 5 Sneaker is another fashionable trail running sneaker that provides great support and stability while running. With the eye-catching design of this shoe, you can use it in other activities besides running.
The shoe features a simple design that makes breaking-in very easy. It is also very easy to put on and take off. The shoe is made with synthetic and textile, with a highly breathable upper. The upper has perforations that allow for the constant flow of air to keep your feet dry and cool.
It comes with a durable rubber outsole that ensures you remain stable even on very rough terrains. The shoe also features M-Select FRESH, antimicrobial agents that help to eliminate odor and keep your feet fresh, healthy. Thanks to the traditional lace-up system of this shoe, you can adjust it to get a comfortable, secure, and snug fit.
The shoe reduces the load on the calves and feet, thanks to its molded nylon arch shank. This shoe comes in 12 different colors, with matching lace. It also provides a secure, locked-in feel, as it features a Hyperlock TPU Film Heel Counter. The high-performance rubber sole is also slip-resistance and highly durable.
Specs
- Material: Textile and Synthetic
- Gender: Male
- Sole: Rubber sole
- Size: 7 – 16
Pros
- Breathable mesh upper
- Easy to wear, take off, and adjust
- Provides a secure, locked-in feel
- Helps to reduce the load on the calves and feet
Cons
- The toe box is a bit narrow
9. ALTRA Women’s ALW1957F Trail Running Shoe — Best Trail Running Shoes for Hiking
The last on our list is the ALTRA Women’s ALW1957F Trail Running Shoe and it is one of the best out there. This shoe provides a high level of support and comfort. It is great for people with different foot conditions. The shoe is great for ultra running, fastpacking, long-distance, and form & technique improvement.
It has more cushioning and is highly flexible. Thanks to its directional-mesh upper, you will never experience hot or sweaty feet while running. The upper allows for constant airflow to keep your feet cool and dry during exercise. It supports from neutral runners to underpronators.
The high energizing cushioning is there to ensure you get all the support and comfort you need. It comes with a strong rubber sole that enhances proper form to reduce initial impact. The sole absorbs shock, preventing shock waves from passing through to the heel and knees.
It also provides adequate weight balance from front to back. The shoe is true to size and it is available in sizes ranging from 5.5 through 12. This shoe also features a great design and you can use it in a wide range of outdoor activities. It is also available in four different colors, and it comes with a moderate price tag.
Specs
- Material: Mesh
- Gender: Women
- Sole: Rubber sole
- Size: 5.5 – 12
Pros
- Ideal for people with foot conditions
- Breathable and flexible mesh upper
- High energizing cushioning
- Provides smooth, secure rides
Cons
- Complaints about the fit
The Difference Between A Running Shoe And Trail Running Shoe
When going for trail running, you should use a running shoe that is designed for trail running. Many people go trail running with normal running shoes, but you will get better support, confidence, and traction when you use a trail-specific running shoe.
Here are some of the major differences between running shoes and trail running shoes:
Thicker Outsole
Trail running shoes have thicker and more durable outsoles. Thicker outsoles provide great durability and traction for rough terrains.
More Traction
Trail running shoes come with more aggressively knobbed outsoles, and they provide better grip on wet, dry, soft, and hard surfaces.
Gusseted Tongue
The tongue is often attached to the shoe to prevent debris, dirt, and rocks from entering the shoe.
Reinforced Midsole
Trail running shoes are often reinforced with one or two layers of lightweight nylon to keep your feet safe from puncture wounds caused by sharp objects. It provides a high level of protection, ensuring you have safe and smooth runs.
Some top-rated trail running shoes also come with other great benefits and features such as aggressive outer lugs, rock plates, reinforced overlays, gaiter tabs, lace pockets, and waterproof membranes.
Types Of Trail And The Type Of Trail Shoe You Need
There are different types of trail, just as there are different types of trail running shoes. When buying a trail running shoe, the very first thing you need to consider is the type of trail you want to use the shoe for. Trail running shoes differ for terrain and purpose.
Speedwork or Racing
If you are doing speed work or racing, what you need is a lightweight trail running shoe. You should go for a shoe with great support, protection, and less structure but still offers excellent grip. Lightweight cushioning would also be fine, as you do not need something heavy.
Unstable or Muddy Terrain
If you would be running on muddy paths or you do recreational, off-road trail running, what you need is a sturdy trail running shoe. The running shoe should have great stability and exceptional traction.
It should also have deep lungs and it should be able to keep you on your feet regardless of how slippery the terrain is. When running on such terrains, stability and firm grip should be your major focus.
Difficult and Rough Terrain
If you want to take your running journey to difficult and rough terrain or you want to take part in a steeplechase, what you need is a highly protective and supportive trail running shoe.
Features To Look Out For When Buying A Trail Running Shoe
There are also some vital factors you need to consider when buying a trail running shoe. When it comes to trail running shoes or any other type of shoe, there is no one-size-fits-all. You need to put your needs and other vital factors into consideration to pick the right shoe.
To help you pick the best option, here are vital things you need to consider before buying:
Breathability
The breathability of the shoe is one of the most important things you need to consider before. Since you would be running in the open, and running generate heat, your feet might also be hot.
To ensure the heat generated is not trapped in your shoes, you need to go for a highly breathable shoe. The shoe should allow for the constant flow of fresh air to keep your feet dry and cool. It should have vents or perforations to enhance the breathability of the shoe.
If you want to use the shoe for trail hiking, you can opt for a waterproof shoe. However, if you want to use the shoe strictly for running, we recommend you stay from a waterproof shoe, as they are less breathable and will trap sweat and heat in.
Shoe Width
Some trail running shoes come with a wider forefoot while some are narrow. If you want to run very long distances or you have wide feet, you should go for a shoe with a wide forefoot. The shoe should also have sufficient room in the toe box to help your toes spread out evenly and comfortably as your run.
Comfortable and Lightweight
The weight and comfort of the trail running shoe are also important. You should go for a shoe that provides a comfortable and secure fit. It should feature an all-around cushioning to ensure your feet are comfortable. The shoe should also be lightweight, allowing you to run long distances without feeling foot pain or fatigue.
It should be as light as possible while still providing the protection you need. You should go for shoes made with lightweight materials such as mesh, synthetic, or fabrics. These materials are lightweight and highly breathable.
Padding
You should go for a shoe with padded collar and tongue to avoid rubbing and provide you with great support. The padding of the shoe is a small but very important detail, and you should not ignore it especially if you run for a long period.
Toe Protection
The safety of your feet is one of the most important things to look out for when running. Trail running naturally puts you in terrains that are potentially hazardous and challenging than the normal running routes. As such, you will want to go for a shoe that provides maximum protection.
You should go for a shoe that offers toe protection, and many trail running shoes come with this feature. This feature often comes in the form of a rubber cap or toe guard and it helps to absorb direct hits very well. This would help protect your toes from potential injury should you bump into a root or rock accidentally.
Final Thoughts
So there you go! Those are the best of the best trail running shoes you can find on the market today. These shoes provide great support and protection, and you can use them for trail running and other outdoor activities as well.
From the products reviewed in this guide, our top recommendation is the ASICS Men’s Gel-Venture 7 Trail Running Shoe because it provides a sturdy and firm grip. You can use it to run on different types of terrains and it offers great protection.
