The Best Trail Running Shoes: The Ultimate 2021 Ranking

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 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!

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 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.

Crafted specifically for taking on tough mountain trails, the Merrell MTL Skyfire is the perfect shoe for higher elevations and shorter running stints on uphill terrains. Its lightweight design (9 oz./242 g) coupled with its great traction and breathable fabric makes the MTL Skyfire an extremely prudent choice for off-trail runners. Its stack dimensions are 23.5mm/17.5mm, with a drop of 6mm and lugs of 5 mm, to provide the best possible running conditions on rocky slopes. Runners who have tried the MTL Skyfire remarked that the sneaker was bouncy, comfortable, and provided a smooth running experience, though there is some discrepancy regarding adequate cushioning, which tends to be a stronger preference for female runners than male runners, according to recent studies. Runners have also stated that the MTL Skyfire is highly breathable, but that this design comes with the pitfall of absorbing a significant amount of moisture straight through to the foot on wet trails, or in rainy weather. MTL Skyfire users have also commented on the narrowness of the sneaker design, which is likely intentional to provide a snug fit for added security on rocky trails. This may make the shoe a great option for runners with narrow to medium feet but may prove too tight for runners with wider feet. For best results, runners who tried the MTL Skyfire recommend tying the laces as tightly as possible for added heel and ankle protection, though this may be unsustainable and prove to be too uncomfortable for longer runs. Note that while the Merrell MTL Skyfire is ideal for shorter running sessions, cross- country runners will likely do better with the sneaker's companion, the Long Sky. Runners were also a big fan of the Merrell MTL Skyfire's reasonable price of only $100, which is relatively budget-friendly compared with other sneaker brands of the same high caliber. Overall, the Merrell MTL Skyfire is a very good running shoe for off-trail, short-distance runners looking for a snug fit, lightweight design, above-average traction, and a great overall value! Longer-distance runners, or those who prefer a bit of extra cushioning, will do well to consider the brand's Long Sky option as an alternative.

Nike expands its trail collection (which already includes the Wildhorse and Terra Kiger) with this second Pegasus Trail model. Rather than a direct successor of the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36 Trail released in 2019, the Pegasus Trail 2 appears as a combo of various recent Nike models like the Vaporfly and the Turbo 2. For example, the React foam now equips the entire sole (there are no more Zoom Air units). The stack is relatively high with 31 mm under the heel and 21 mm under the forefoot. The midsole is soft but the rubber of the outsole compensates with its firmness which prevents the cushioning from being overly soft. Trailers have been impressed by the comfort and bounce of the cushioning. They also found it to be very versatile, i.e. suitable for all paces and terrains. Besides, even without the rock plate, they did not feel any pain after several hours of running. The only negative point would be the lack of stability on uneven surfaces due to the softness of the cushioning. Combined with the flexible upper, this somewhat limits the effectiveness of the shoe on very technical terrains that require a secure balance and precise foot lockdown. The upper is made of a solid mesh with a small rubber toe cap at the front. It's well ventilated to allow the foot to breathe during the effort. The toe box is relatively wide but some runners found it a little low. However, they note that this problem disappears over time as the mesh loosens. There is also a 'faux' (integrated) gaiter to better protect the foot as on the Wildhorse. Finally, the grip is also very good thanks to the rubber outsole and its wide lugs of medium depth (about 3 mm). The traction can come up a bit short on very soft mud and compact snow but allows you to also run on the road, which is ideal if you like to alternate. Overall, the Nike Pegasus Trail 2 is a very good, comfortable, and versatile trail shoe with responsive cushioning to have fun on most terrains.

Nike just released the Terra Kiger 7, and longtime fans are crying foul: this seventh version, much more cushioned, has little in common with the first models, they claim. So what's the verdict?

First, the new Terra Kiger is bulkier with a thicker sole and a roomier upper. Sadly, the weight has also gone up. The stack increased by 3 mm and is now 30 mm under the heel. In other words, after flirting with minimalism in its early days, the Terra Kiger has decided to supercharge its cushioning to go the distance. This new configuration has the advantage of offering comfortable cushioning in all circumstances. Also, the segmented rock plate provides a high level of protection for added safety. Trail runners note that the TK7 delivers comfortable cushioning while keeping its signature ground feel despite the higher stack. However, they didn't find the ride exceptionally responsive, even with the Zoom Air unit now located under the forefoot for a more effective toe-off.

Next, the outsole features more rubber and larger lugs for a more effective grip. Trailers criticized the non-slip diamond-shaped zone without lugs in previous models for its lack of effectiveness, and Nike has finally addressed the problem. Another improvement is that the rubber under the heel is less rigid, giving greater flexibility for a more stable grip.

Finally, the upper is roomier without sacrificing foot lockdown. The mesh/synthetic configuration with the Dynamic Fit system is secure even on difficult downhill paths.

In summary, the Terra Kiger series takes a new direction with this version 7. More cushioning, more protection, better grip: while some may regret the early lightweight days of the KT, many will be glad to take it for a spin on long and technical terrains.

The Nike Zoom Terra Kiger 6 is a lightweight trail shoe that offers a good balance between ground feeling and protection. Let's say it right away: this new version brings few fundamental changes after the thorough redesign of the previous model. If you liked the Kiger 5, you will not be disappointed by the K6. It features a dynamic and versatile cushioning that's ideal for tempo-style speed sessions on trails. The shoe offers good shock absorption without isolating the foot from the ground. With a stack height of 24 mm under the heel, cushioning is therefore moderate. However, it should be noted that some runners have found the heel particularly rigid which can be disconcerting given the flexibility of the forefoot. Then, traction is always very good on trails of medium technical difficulty. The moderately deep lugs give a good grip, especially in the mud. The non-slip rubber triangle in the middle of the outsole divides runners: some find it effective while others would prefer lugs as on the rest of the sole. Finally, the main change is in the upper. The support is now more precise without being strict. In addition, the toe box is also more spacious for more comfort. In summary, the Nike Zoom Terra Kiger 6 is a very good trail shoe that still offers a great ride for daily training. PROS