The Best Trail Running Shoes

The Saucony Peregrine 11 is perfect for runners looking to speed down switchbacks, tackle rocky trails, or climb muddy mountains with plenty of underfoot protection and comfort. This shoe features Saucony's responsive PWRRUN cushioning, teamed up with a rockplate and grippy PWRTRAC rubber lugs. to add protection and traction on even the most technical trails.

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With its most recent iteration, the Altra Olympus 4.0 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 4.0 is the perfect long-distance trail running shoe for those who value Altra's roomy toe box and zero-drop design.

Featuring Brooks's new nitrogen-infused midsole, this shoe offers ultralight cushioning and a springy ride for the runner focused on going fast. Thanks to the tough traction and rugged underfoot protection, you can have the confidence to take on any terrain.

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Whether running an ultramarathon, racing the clock for an FKT, or hiking your local trails, the HOKA Torrent 2 can do it all. 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, the Torrent 2 is the quiver killer that any trail runner can appreciate.

ixing speed and nimbleness in an ultra responsive package, the Salomon S-Lab Pulsar is designed with the goal of breaking trail records. Featuring Salomon’s lightest midsole ever and a reinforced sock-like upper, the S-Lab Pulsar allows runners to fly around switchbacks, tackle a wide variety of distances, and take off through the trails.

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Inspired by the Hinoki Cypress tree that is native to Mount Fuji, the ASICS Fuji Lite 2 is a balanced and lightweight trail shoe that propels runners down the path with a positive mindset and confident stride. Overall the ASICS Fuji Lite 2 will be a more nimble trail option that can be used on a variety of surfaces.

Carbon fibre plates have made it to the trails in the new Flight VECTIV from The North Face. Inspired by carbon-plated road running shoes, the Flight VECTIV is designed to maximise speed and efficiency to break records in almost any trail running event. This high-performance trail running shoe uses an innovative plate system to increase responsiveness while also adding stability on technical terrain. This is combined with a rockered design that helps to spring the runner forward at toe-off to reduce fatigue over long-distance trail runs. Finished off with a high-tech upper that blends MATRYX material for durability and support with the comfort of a stretch booty design, the Flight VECTIV is ready to tackle your next FKT attempt.

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The Altra Timp 3 offers 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. With a newly updated upper and enhanced fit, the Altra Timp 3 is the zero-drop trail running shoe that you are looking for.

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Staying true to its roots, the Altra Lone Peak 6 delivers great versatility on the trails thanks to its plush midsole, roomy toe-box fit, and grippy traction. The Lone Peak 6 offers enhanced comfort and protection for technical trail runs and long distances alike.

Tear through mud and dirt in the Salomon Speedcross 5. This update features ultra-aggressive chevron lugs and Salomon's proprietary Contragrip TA rubber for trail traction that's second to none. With even better traction and a more stable ride than its predecessors, the Speedcross 5 is ready to rip through the slickest trails with ease.

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Whether you take the pavement on the way to the trails or want one running shoe that can handle both road and trail running, the HOKA Challenger ATR 6 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.

Featuring a broad platform with closely spaced lugs, the HOKA Stinson ATR 6 offers a more stable design that offers a cushioned ride whether you are running on the roads, trails, or park paths.