Best Trail Running Shoes

Here at Running Warehouse Australia, our experienced testers run in almost every shoe that we carry. From weekend jaunts to ultramarathon races and everything in between, we put our shoes to the test on all types of runs. So whether you're looking to take a jog on your local trails, bag an FKT on your favourite peak, or run a hundred miles, our hand-selected list has the best trail running shoes for each and every trail type and personal preference. From plush cushioning to all-terrain versatility to race-ready speeds, you are sure to find a trail running shoe that best fits your needs here. Not sure where to start? Read our article on how to choose a trail running shoe.

Carrying the nickname of Karl Meltzer, the record holder for winning the most 100-mile trail races, the HOKA Speedgoat 5 has the soft cushioning you need to stay comfortable through many miles. This shoe features aggressive lugs to provide great traction on all types of terrain and a new upper for an improved fit. The fifth model reminded us most of the performance-oriented EVO Speedgoat, but with a much more accommodating toe box. We chose the HOKA Speedgoat as the best-cushioned trail shoe because of the plush underfoot feel it provides right out of the box. Whether you're gearing up for a 100-miler or just want a well-cushioned go-to that will last, the HOKA Speedgoat won't let you down.

With its most recent iteration, the Altra Olympus 5 got both a style and performance upgrade. While this shoe has enough comfortable cushioning for ultramarathon distances, we love that it never feels sluggish or sloppy on the trails. The Olympus 5 is the perfect long-distance trail running shoe for those who value superb midsole cushioning along with Altra's roomy toe box and zero-drop design.

Salomon Ultra Glide is a popular line of trail running shoes known for their comfort, durability, and performance on a variety of terrain. The latest version, the Salomon Ultra Glide 2, is likely to continue the legacy of its predecessors by offering improvements in design and technology to enhance the overall trail running experience.

Whether running an ultramarathon, racing the clock for an FKT, or hiking your local trails, the HOKA Torrent 3 can handle it. This shoe offers the perfect balance of protective cushioning with the nimbleness you need to take on any terrain. With sticky lugs and a refined fit, this trail shoe is the quiver killer that any trail runner can appreciate. Its lightweight design, aggressive traction, and nimble feel give you everything you need to traverse a variety of terrain at blazing speeds.

Designed to break records in a variety of trail races, the Salomon S-Lab Pulsar 2 is built to provide a blend of nimbleness and protection that can tackle technical trails with ease. These shoes feature Salomon's lightweight Energy Surge foam, which is designed to offer bouncy energy return with enough durability and protection for long-distance trail runs. This soft and springy cushioning, combined with the cutting-edge debris-proof upper, provides enough comfort for your fastest trail-running efforts without holding you back. No matter your level of skill, PRs will be under constant threat when the Pulsar is underfoot.

The Catamount 2 is the lightest and fastest shoe in Brooks' trail shoe lineup. This shoe combines a lightweight and responsive, nitro-infused midsole with just the right amount of protection for a wide range of trail runs. Although most won't use this shoe for ultramarathons, we feel that the balance of cushioning, performance fit, and connected-to-the-trail feel makes the Catamount 2 a great choice for going fast without sacrificing comfort during your everyday trail runs.

The Saucony Endorphin Edge is a high-performance running shoe designed for long-distance runners. It features a lightweight yet durable construction with a PWRRUN PB foam midsole that delivers exceptional cushioning and energy return. The shoe's unique SPEEDROLL technology helps propel the runner forward with each stride, reducing fatigue and increasing efficiency. The FORMFIT system ensures a comfortable and secure fit, while the durable outsole provides excellent traction on a variety of surfaces. Overall, the Saucony Endorphin Edge is an excellent choice for runners looking for a comfortable, responsive, and durable shoe that can help them perform at their best.

The HOKA Tecton X 2 is a trail racing shoe developed for speed and comfort. This shoe features a light and responsive new ProFlyX midsole alongside parallel carbon fibre plates. Together, these features give the shoe an energetic yet cushioned ride, ready to take on trails at speed. The shoe's upper uses an Matryx woven fabric that provides excellent durability, drainage, and hold through uneven terrain. HOKA's Tecton X 2 is an exciting racing shoe that will propel your trail efforts to even greater heights.

A new offering from Altra, the Mont Blanc is a great option for runners taking on longer distances or ultramarathons. Featuring a light and responsive foam along with plenty of underfoot protection, the Mont Blanc has the speed to tackle trail racing and the versatility to handle a wide variety of terrains. For runners who want a high level of cushioning and premium protection to take on most trails and segments, the Altra Mont Blanc is an easy pick.

The Altra Timp 4 provides a balance of cushioning and agility that works for almost any trail run. The shoe's Quantic midsole is both protective enough for ultramarathons and responsive enough to pick up the pace when your legs are feeling fresh. Altra has taken the Timp to the max with the introduction of EGO MAX foam in the midsole, which helps make this trail cruiser plusher than ever. Ideal for tackling any daily runs on the trails, the Timp 4 offers super soft landings and silky smooth transitions, all while maintaining a nimble feel that instills runners with confidence while tackling a wide variety of trail types. With a newly updated upper, more protective midsole, and enhanced fit, the Altra Timp 4 is the zero-drop trail shoe that you've been searching for.

The Altra Lone Peak is well known for giving wearers a natural running experience thanks to its zero-drop design and roomy toe box. Featuring comfortable cushioning and protective StoneGuard technology, the Lone Peak 7 offers enhanced comfort and protection for technical trail runs and long distances alike. If someone told us they wanted a classic trail running shoe, we would hand them a pair of Altra Lone Peaks. Beloved by ultrarunners and hikers alike, the Lone Peak has made a name for itself over the years thanks to its highly versatile design. Aided by a plush midsole, roomy toe box, and highly grippy outsole, this trail shoe has a comfortable and reliable ride that works well with a variety of trails and paces.

Tear through mud and dirt in the Salomon Speedcross 6. This update features ultra-aggressive chevron lugs and Salomon's proprietary Contragrip TA rubber for trail traction that's second to none. With a deeper heel unit, the Speedcross 5 stabilizes your heel to ensure a cleaner footstrike and more stability throughout your stride. To deliver superior grip when pushing off or breaking, designers updated the outsole's geometry with larger lugs and more space. Finally, the completely welded upper moves naturally with your foot for dialed-in comfort. With even better traction and a more stable ride than its predecessors, the Speedcross 6 is ready to rip through the slickest trails with ease.

Whether you take the pavement on the way to the trails or want one running shoe that can handle both roads and trails, the HOKA Challenger 7 is a great option. The shoe features enough comfortable cushioning for miles of pounding the pavement, but the 4-mm lugs ensure that you will have enough traction when you take your adventure off-road. We chose the HOKA Challenger as the best hybrid running shoe because of its cushioned comfort and excellent versatility. If you want an everyday trainer for on and off the trails, the HOKA Challenger 7 won't let you down.

Featuring a broad platform with closely spaced lugs, the HOKA Stinson ATR boasts a more stable design that offers a comfortable ride whether you are running on the roads, trails, or park paths. Its highly cushioned design and roomy fit give runners the confidence to go for miles and miles knowing their knees will stay protected from harsh impact. As an added benefit, this shoe is surprisingly lightweight for its size, so you don't have to choose between speed, comfort, and versatility.

Q&A

• What are trail running shoes? How are they different from road running shoes?

• Are trail running shoes suitable for hiking?

The short answer is yes! In most cases, trail running shoes are a great option for hikers. Compared to hiking boots, trail running shoes are going to be lighter in weight and more breathable, and they offer a range of traction options. On the other hand, hiking shoes are going to provide more stability, durability, foot, and ankle protection, and all-around good traction. The choice between trail running shoes or hiking shoes is a tricky one, as no one option will work for everyone. The best thing to do is look at the pros and cons and see what fits best for your personal needs.

• Can you use trail running shoes on the road?

Though they are designed for off-road runs, trail shoes are generally okay to wear to run on roads or pavement. While road shoes might be a better choice if you plan to stay mainly on the pavement, trail shoes are typically versatile enough for a variety of road conditions.

• How should trail running shoes fit?

A trail running shoe should be comfortable while not feeling sloppy or loose in the heel or midfoot. A perfect trail shoe fits across your foot—from width and length to the arch height and shape and your overall foot volume. Check out our article How to Find Your Running Shoe Size and Fit for a more in-depth look.