The Best Trail Running Shoes

What happens when you take an already very good shoe that won the accolades of the trail community in 2018 and make it a little better? You get an exceptional model that's close to perfection. Nothing less! Indeed, the Hoka Torrent 2 confirms its reputation as an ultra-versatile, comfortable and lightweight shoe. While the first model had been very well received, some criticized its upper as being too harsh and not safe enough to tackle very technical surfaces, especially downhill. This second version addresses this feedback with an improved upper that translates into a more classic mesh. Paradoxically, it is more flexible while offering a more precise foot lockdown. According to the testers, the result feels very secure without being too tight (the shoe is also suitable for trailers with wider feet). Then, regarding the cushioning, we find the PROFLY double density foam which gives comfortable but fairly firm padding. The absence of a protective plate combined with the moderate cushioning provides excellent ground feeling. This will appeal to athletes who like a good natural ride on the trails. Overall, the Torrent 2 offers a good compromise between shock absorption, protection and ground feel. Thus, trailers who tested the shoe found it very comfortable, even after several hours of running, despite the relative thinness of the sole. Finally, the traction is always impeccable whatever the terrain or the type of elevation. The multidirectional studs are indeed more numerous and slightly more aggressive, which makes it easy to tackle the most technical trails, whether soft mud or slippery rocks. In short, the Hoka Torrent 2 is an excellent trail shoe (maybe even the best of the year!) that proves to be effective and comfortable in all circumstances. A reference shoe not to be missed!

The Hoka One One Speedgoat 4 is a trail shoe inspired by the legendary ultramarathon athlete Karl 'Speedgoat' Meltzer. With an excellent third model, we were looking forward to this fourth iteration. On the one hand, it is sometimes disappointing to find a new model with few improvements, but on the other hand, it is reassuring to see an excellent shoe keep its substance and not change radically. As the saying goes, you don't change a winning team! Thus, the Speedgoat 4 is very similar to the SG3 with some notable improvements. Cushioning is still as comfortable and responsive despite the introduction of a new injection-molded EVA foam. The Speedgoat is a maximalist shoe with 32 mm of thickness under the heel and thus effectively absorbs shocks on the most challenging terrains. However, it is not soft and offers an excellent return of energy for a bounce-filled racing feeling. It's one of the main assets that make it an exceptional trail shoe. Also, the SG4 is a low drop shoe with a 4 mm offset between heel and toes. The upper is the part that features the most changes. Indeed, reputed to be too narrow in the past for many athletes, it is now wider at the toe level and no longer compresses them uncomfortably. So the shoe should now be suitable for as many people as possible. Make no mistake though: the upper remains relatively firm with limited flexibility, but this configuration has the advantage of providing an effective foot lockdown. It makes you feel safer on very rough technical terrain where stability and secure fit are essential. Also, the mesh is robust and breathable. Finally, the grip is always at its best with a Vibram outsole with 5mm lugs that provide excellent traction in all conditions. In short, the Hoka One One Speedgoat 4 is an excellent trail shoe ideal for long distances on the most technically challenging trails.

The Brooks Cascadia 16 is a comfortable and versatile running shoe to run on trails. This new version is lighter (finally under 300 g/10.6 oz) while offering more cushioning (29 mm under the heel).

The upper is softer and more spacious, which makes it more suitable for users with wide feet.

The new Brooks Cascadia 16 is more cushioned and softer at the same time. Also, its outsole offers more flexibility. The result is a smoother and more responsive run. Ah, and the legacy Pivot Post system is finally gone, without any negative impact on stability.

The grip is also top-notch. Even if some reviewers note that the profile of the lugs (medium depth) may not be suitable in some rare cases (really technical terrain, such as mud), not much to complain about here.

Finally, according to users, the value for money is good. These trail shoes feature a high-quality, sturdy build for optimal durability—no signs of wear after 50 miles/80 km—and comes with a reasonable price of $130 (expected retail price).

Please read our complete review analysis of the Brooks Cascadia 16 for more information.

Don't have time to read the complete review analysis? Here's what you need to know.

There is no major evolution compared to the previous version; only the upper improved for more durability and a better fit.

This new version remains a bit heavy (still above 300g), although runners note that the weight does not affect the run's responsiveness.

The upper is roomy and ensures comfort for runners with wide feet.

There's a lot of stability in this model with its subtle combination of enhanced PWRRUN+ cushioning (31.5 mm heel stack height), PWRTRAC outsole, and 4 mm low drop.

The grip is one of the shoe's strengths, with aggressive multi-directional lugs that adapt to all types of terrain, even the steepest. A few trail runners have expressed doubts about the effectiveness of the outsole on really muddy terrain, however.

Finally, this shoe features high-quality materials to be durable. It's a very good trail model suitable for ultramarathon running.

Read the complete Saucony Xodus 11 review analysis for more information.

The Salomon Sense Ride 4 is a popular trail running shoe reputed for its comfort and efficiency. This new version features a lighter configuration with a new upper.

The Sense Ride has shined since its debut with comfortable cushioning that disperses shocks on various trail running surfaces. The ride is enjoyable over longer distances. According to testers, version 3 was less springy and more protective, and it looks like 4 continues that trend. It's possible to go fast, but let's say that it may not be as compelling as other lighter shoes in this area.

The new, more straightforward, sleeker (and lighter) upper still provides a precise foot lockdown with decent midfoot and forefoot space. The combination of Sensifit (overlays) and Endofit (internal bootie) ticks all the boxes. Finally, Quicklace has been a core feature of Salomon for years and still does a great job at allowing a worry-free adjustment of the laces.

The grip is as impeccable as the rest. The Contagrip rubber outsole and its medium-depth lugs excel on all different types of surfaces. Trail runners have found no shortcomings in this area: whether you're running on soft dirt, rocks, or snow, the SR4 performs!

As you can see, the Salomon Sense Ride 4 sets the bar high by combining comfort, protection, and grip—all this while shedding significant weight. The only slightly negative point is the firm ride, but that's a matter of preference and doesn't affect the excellent shock absorption.

The Peregrine reigns over Saucony's trail range alongside the Xodus. It's a peppy shoe with fantastic versatility that continues to impress despite its persistent bulky weight.

The outsole and its lugs are almost identical to those of the P10—and still just as effective! They offer impeccable grip on the most technical surfaces. It's even possible to add ice screws if needed. Besides, there's the ST (Soft Terrain) version for soft surfaces such as mud. It comes with 6.5 mm lugs compared to 5 mm for the standard and GTX versions.

The stack height is higher than before, with 27 mm under the heel and 23 mm under the forefoot. The foam used is still PWRRUN with a similar medium density, slightly firm, cushioning. The midsole absorbs shocks well while still allowing some ground feel. This configuration is beneficial on technical terrain as it provides good stability while ensuring a smooth run.

Finally, like the rest of the shoe, the upper shows no radical change but rather small touches here and there, such as a thicker tongue and a better overlay system. It gives a secure lockdown and adequate ventilation with plenty of toe room—the forefoot part is not as roomy as an Altra, but it will fit most runners.

In summary, the Saucony Peregrine 11 continues to dominate the trail category with a powerful configuration for a wide range of terrains and situations thanks to its outstanding foot lockdown, protection, and grip. The slightly firm cushioning may not appeal to you if you like plush padding, but it's a matter of preference. This model's real weak point (as with its predecessors) is its weight, with 10.9 oz/310 g for men and 9.5 oz/270 g for women. Let's hope Saucony can hear us on that one!

Salomon is a major player in trail running shoes. While the S/Lab Sense Pro held the top spot for a long time, there's a new little gem of technology to be reckoned with: the Salomon S/Lab Pulsar! This lightweight and seek competition trail shoe was designed in Annecy (France) at Salomon HQ for its top athletes like Kilian Jornet. So let's see if what's good for the elite is suitable for regular runners like you and me!

The first thing that stands out from all the reviews is that this shoe is incredibly lightweight: only 174 g/6.1 oz (men's model). Its sole is more flexible and slightly thicker than that of the S/Lab Sense 8. It uses a new foam: Energy Surge. We get a 14.5 mm stack height under the heel and 20.5 mm under the forefoot foot for a drop of 6 mm. Runners who have tried the shoe note that the cushioning is relatively firm while being comfortable. The sensations are excellent with a springy ride due to the foam, the low drop, and the nice ground feel. It also appears from the various tests that the rebound is excellent, which makes the shoe ideal for competition. However, the low stack height may limit the shoe's potential for long distances such as ultramarathon running, although it's a matter of personal preference. Also, let's note that several testers expressed concern about the durability of the midsole. It's a point to watch. It may be wise to use it primarily in competition and opt for a more robust model for daily training.

Regarding the upper, wide-footed runners found the Pulsar quite tricky to put on, as the collar is very narrow. As with all of Salomon's S/Lab models, QuickLace replaces the traditional laces. On this model, the eyelets have disappeared, and the lace goes directly into the fabric. We find a small pocket on the top to slip the excess laces, but some of the testers complained about the small size of this pocket. Trailers particularly appreciated the "mini-sock," which prevents the presence of dirt and gravel in the shoe. Overall, they noted an excellent lockdown, despite the lack of structure of the upper.

On the outer part of the sole is Contagrip, a blown rubber that equips most of the brand's trail running shoes. The design of the lugs and their depth suggest that this shoe will be more suitable for not too technical and not too wet terrain. This point is confirmed by several testers who noted a limited grip in the mud.

In summary, the Salomon S/Lab Pulsar an outstanding elite trail shoe to go fast on the trails. Though it was developed for and endorsed by superstar Kilian Jornet, all the testers had a lot of fun running with the Pulsar and felt they, too, could push their limits!

The Altra Olympus 4 is a trail shoe with a high-stack sole (33 mm), zero drop (so no offset between heel and toes), and a wide platform. This new version is more refined, however, which gives the shoe a more streamlined and less massive design. However, it retains the qualities that have made it so successful. Its high-stack cushioning ensures comfortable shock absorption throughout the run. Also, the running sensations are responsive with an enjoyable bounce. Of course, with its relatively heavy weight (318 g for men, 289 g for women), this is not a model made for speed and daring descents. The Olympus is a trail running cruiser that's all about comfort. It shows in the upper with a mesh that now has an open texture for better ventilation. The result is a pleasant and rather ample lockdown (be careful if you have narrow feet). The toe box is spacious as on all Altra models. Finally, the grip is very good with a Vibram MegaGrip rubber sole that features moderate lugs. The configuration is sturdy and can take a beating according to trailers who tested the shoe. Thus, the Olympus 4 is a comfortable option for medium difficulty trails (its ample foot lockdown and not-so-aggressive lugs don't make it the best choice for the most technical surfaces). A very good shoe for trailers looking for maximum comfort for their long trail runs.

The Zinal is the brand new trail running shoe from Hoka One One. It excels on short and medium distances and moderately technical terrains, such as the famous Sierre-Zinal race.

This lightweight shoe (less than 250 g) uses Vibram Megagrip Litebase rubber on the inside for grip and ProFly cushioning on the inside for cushioning. The 4-mm lugs of the Zinal provide good grip on most surfaces, except perhaps muddy and slippery ground. The mesh upper features recycled materials and a gusseted tongue. The heel-to-toe drop of the shoe is 4 mm. Testers note that the lockdown is effective while leaving enough room around the toes not to feel too tight.

The Hoka One One Zinal is a shoe that offers good stability. The low profile allows for a good ground feel and optimal energy return but is comfortable enough to protect the foot. As such, the Zinal is especially suitable for speed workouts on easy to medium difficulty trails. It's ideal for short to medium distances (30km to 50km), but experienced athletes can also leverage it occasionally for ultramarathon running.

The Salomon shoe specially designed for ultra trail running is back. The S/Lab Ultra 3 is a versatile shoe favored by French star François d'Haene, a three-time UTMB winner. So what is this new version worth? First of all, the configuration remains almost identical in terms of weight and stack height. The grip is still excellent with the Contagrip rubber and its moderately aggressive lugs. The Ultra 3 is comfortable on most terrains, although testers note that deeper lugs would be welcome on steep and muddy routes. Also, as with previous versions, the configuration is robust and wear-resistant. In terms of cushioning, the stack height is moderate, with 26 mm under the heel and 18 mm under the forefoot. Trailers characterize the cushioning as "fairly firm" while offering good flexibility and shock absorption, which makes the ride enjoyable even over long distances. They also describe the feel of the run as springy, with smooth transitions throughout the run, even at low speeds. Then, the upper is softer with a streamlined, seamless design that gets rid of the "wings" of the previous model. The foot lockdown is great, resulting in a stable and safe run. Also, the upper is slightly more spacious (especially in the toe area), and its flexibility ensures good freedom of movement for the foot. The only negative point of the upper would be its lack of ventilation. Besides, despite all its great qualities, the shoe is on the expensive side with a base price of $180. In summary, the Salomon S/Lab Ultra 3 is a very good trail shoe that is comfortable in all conditions and offers great comfort over long distances.

The latest model in Hoka's Mafate Speed line-up is now available, and the vibrantly-colored 3 does not disappoint. With an improved upper and only slightly heavier design, we're about to weigh the pros and cons of this trainer—pun intended!

For starters, let's talk about the CMEVA midsole of the Speed 3. Nearly-identical to its predecessors (the EVO Mafate and Mafate Speed 2), it's built for cushioning your foot at high speeds with its blend of softness and snap. Even with a bit of added weight, the 3 is fast, though taller lugs may require some adjustment. Thanks to a roomy yet supportive mesh upper, feet remain secure while allowing for a bit of stretch. Compared with previous versions, runners referenced the new upper as the most significant improvement to the 3. Finally, the outsole—with sturdy, 5 mm lugs—are built for traction yet fell flat for some runners on slippery surfaces. These same lugs proved a bit too bulky for other users, especially on rocky or gravel surfaces. Testers reported the best performance once the lugs had been a bit worn-in.

A few complaints about the Speed 3 included lug height (as it threw off stability), and subsequently, added weight. Users clarified that this extra weight was unnoticeable while running downhill and that overall, the 3 offers a fast, smooth ride. Also, at 10.7 oz/303 g (M) for a heel stack height of 33 mm, the cushioning-weight ratio is not bad at all! Once the shoe is broken in, and the lugs are worn a bit down, this model is great for long-distance runners. Slippery and very technical surfaces pose some traction problems, but the MS3 performs very well in most trail scenarios.

Ultimately, the Mafate Speed 3 is a very good option for those with wider feet seeking a secure yet forgiving ride. Price-wise, this model falls on the higher end of the scale, but the combination of comfort and responsiveness is worthwhile!

The Brooks Cascadia 15 is a versatile trail shoe prized by ultra-trail star Scott Jurek. This new model capitalises on the previous version that brought a breath of fresh air to the Cascadia collection. We find a platform as comfortable and versatile as ever equipped with the TrailTack sole and its multidirectional studs. The grip is impeccable on all types of terrains. The main change resides in the upper: there is a new mesh more tightly woven than before, reminiscent of the Caldera 4. This provides better protection even if the ventilation is slightly affected. The upper provides excellent foot lockdown while still being loose enough to be comfortable, especially for the toes. Regarding the cushioning, we find a moderately thick sole with a 24 mm full stack-height under the heel and an 8 mm drop. The midsole offers a good ground feeling, slightly firm, while effectively absorbing shocks. However, testers note that it lacks a bit of bounce and responsiveness to be really fun for speed workouts. In other words, comfort is there, but a little more bounce would be much appreciated. Nevertheless, the shoe has the advantage of being stable. It incorporates a system of pivot points (Pivot Posts) that provides good support, especially downhill. In summary, the Brooks Cascadia 15 is a very good trail shoe that combines comfort, protection, grip and durability but that misses a snappier bounce.