While there are hundreds of hiking boots, trail shoes, and trail runners available, most hikers and backpackers choose from a small set of common makes and models. This not only keeps you comfy but also stabilizes your footing and absorbs the impact. When you’re zooming along the trail the last thing you want are bulky shoes slowing you down. Choosing a shoe that doesn’t fit the width of your foot can mean more blisters and swelling or result in an awkward floppy fit. This way you can ascend and descend with a confident stride. We’ve also found the MTN Racer to be very capable in wet weather: the upper is designed with minimal bulk and drainage ports, meaning that when your feet do get wet, they dry quickly. In the end, the Sense Ride 3 puts it all together better than most, and it has become our trusted companion for mountain missions that include a long trail approach and a variety of cross-country travel.See the Men's Salomon Sense Ride 3  See the Women's Salomon Sense Ride 3. The last on our list is the ALTRA Women’s ALW1957F Trail Running Shoe and it is one of the best out there. In this case, you may run warm in the middle of the summer but have some added protection from the wet. In this case, we recommend Arc’teryx Norvan VT. Compared with a standard road-running model, these shoes are defined by a moderate increase in traction, stability, and toe and underfoot protection. Giving you confidence with every stride, these running shoes feature a supportive sock-like feel and stable construction. The Best Hiking Shoes of 2018. Slap on some gaiters for added protection against debris and hit the trail with confidence. As a result, the Norvan is a specialized shoe best for mountain running, and particularly routes with minimal trail mileage (this is a tough shoe to actually jog in). Further, the latest “G” models include a reworked tread that features an innovative Graphene compound for increased durability and longevity. Nike has updated the outsole in this latest edition, for improved performance on wet terrain and variable trail conditions. WATERPROOF VS NON-WATERPROOF - Waterproof shoes can be a real lifesaver if you often hike in wet, muddy areas. Do you prefer more cushion to avoid bruising from rocks? Read more… BEST BUDGET-FRIENDLY HIKING BOOTS . The key is that you don't make a major change to an extreme end of the spectrum and then head straight out for a long run. The performance-oriented and narrow fit isn’t for everyone, but the Speedcross’s thick midsole and supportive upper material makes it a capable, mountain-ready design. 3.8 oz.Cushioning: ModerateDrop: 8mmWhat we like: Comfortable for miles of trail yet adept in technical mountain terrain.What we don’t: There are better options for rock scrambling. What are the downsides of the Lone Peak? Because of the lightweight intent of a trail runner, the toe protection isn’t as substantial as a hiking shoe, but it should prevent your toes from turning black and blue should you accidentally kick a rock or root on the trail. Category: Rugged trails/all-aroundWeight: 1 lb. And while many runners appreciate the MTN Racer for its spacious toe box, if you’re looking for a true wide size (EE for men, D for women), the good news is that there are a number of options, including our top-rated Speedgoat above and Brooks’ Cascadia 15 below.See the Men's Topo MTN Racer  See the Women's Topo MTN Racer. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Shoes like the Saucony Peregrine, Nike Air Zoom Terra Kiger, and Altra Lone Peak are soft and springy to keep your feet happy on rough terrain and for long distances, but don’t sit too tall to compromise stability and confidence. Salomon is a classic brand amongst the top water shoes, and a highly popular choice. Look also for a full rubber outsole (many running shoes leave some midsole foam uncovered for weight-savings and bounce), resulting in a heavier build that will likely feel a bit overkill on maintained trails. One thing to keep in mind with such a serious mountain runner is that the La Sportiva is more cleat-like than a standard trail shoe. If you want to be light on your feet and swift on the trail, you can enhance your trail performance with the best trail running shoes. When you’re going the distance, you’ll need some long-lasting comfort. We love this design on the Salomon Speedcross 5 and Sense Ride for its ease of use and speed. In addition, the aggressive outsole is one of our favorites, with substantial lugs and tacky Vibram Megagrip rubber that hold well in everything from dry dirt and mud to steep rock. Like the Lone Peak above, the MTN Racer features a wide toe box and locked-in waist and heel, lending all-day comfort for swollen and hard-working feet. An offshoot of the barefoot running movement, zero-drop trail runners keep the foot in its naturally flat position (most shoes here elevate the heel by 4 to 10mm). In addition, some shoes include a shank, which is a semi-rigid piece of plastic or nylon that’s been slid in-between the midsole and outsole for added stiffness. We give the edge to the Peregrine for its superior outsole that lasts longer and grips better in muddy and wet conditions, but both are great shoes that are equally adept at short- and long-distance runs. The extra layer does add a little weight—typically about 2 ounces total—and makes the shoe feel less sprightly than a non-waterproof option. If feeling every rock and root makes you cringe, you’ll want a decent amount of cushioning. Compared to the Sense Ride 3, the Scarpa is lighter by a little less than one ounce per shoe and offers slightly more isolation from the ground with a stiffer and taller heel. Want to learn more about a technical term? The Torrent 2 goes head-to-head with an all-around trail shoe like the Topo Athletic MTN Racer above. On the other end of the spectrum are maximum-cushioned shoes from brands like Hoka One One and Altra (the Hoka One One Speedgoat 4 is 32mm at the heel). As with most running footwear, however, one person’s downside is another’s benefit. For this we recommend you slip into a pair of Salomon Sense Ride 2. The 16 Best Trail Running Shoes. What are the best trail running shoes for hiking? The Caldera offers a whole different take on a trail runner, with a stack height reminiscent of a Hoka One One, the wide toe box of an Altra, and overall more flexibility and cushion than the Cascadia for tackling long distances on moderate terrain. These shoes can rip their way up steep trail runs, traverse long trails, and tackle the roughest mountain routes. Some trail runners also feature a sticky rubber … We put a high priority on weight when considering a trail running shoe. On the other hand (two), this also means that the Cascadia has been around for over a decade, and as a result is a rather dated concept. Trying to move fast over rough terrain in a pair of lightweight low-top shoes may seem like asking for an injury (and it can happen), but today’s trail running shoes do offer a stable ride that is resistant to ankle rolls. Best Bang for your Buck – Saucony Peregrine 8. For those who enjoy trail running, but aren’t looking to get technical, take a look at the Topo Athletic MT2. Running-shoe giant Hoka One One has built a name around their max-cushioned designs (as seen in the Speedgoat and Challenger above), but the Torrent 2 bucks this trend with a lower profile that provides ample ground feel. If you’ll be covering serious miles or heading into mountainous terrain, it may be worth upgrading to a shoe in the all-around or rugged trails categories. Most runners will find this extra support to be overkill on smooth paths, and the lightly cushioned midsole is noticeably less comfortable than an all-around model like the Speedgoat or MTN Racer (especially on high-mileage days). Known as the “stack height,” which is the measured height from where the foot sits inside the shoe to the ground, trail running models range from very thin to heavily cushioned. Shoes like the La Sportiva Bushido II (below) and Salmon X Alpine Pro take on more of a cleat-like persona and are arguably better on technical terrain, but they come up short on smooth paths. A race or mountain-oriented shoe like the La Sportiva Bushido II is stiffer and has more of a structure, while easy trail options are more flexible and comfortable out of the box. But expect the Brooks to have a pretty bland feel to it on the trail (especially compared with snappy options like the Speedgoat), and its reinforced upper does make it run warmer than mesh-heavy alternatives. This feature mimics barefoot movement allowing for a more natural range of motion and full foot splay. But you do get some options within the Peregrine line, including a waterproof GTX model ($150) and an ST (soft terrain) version, which features longer lugs (6.5mm compared to 5mm) and a debris-resistant upper and quick-lace system for $130. Category: All-aroundWeight: 1 lb. When you’re scrambling up a mountain, you’ll appreciate the secure fit these shoes offer. And when the trail turns technical, a sticky Vibram Megagrip sole keeps you on your feet, while a tall stack height and rigid heel provide stiffness and protection underfoot. What sets the Speedcross apart is its massive 6-millimeter arrow-shaped lugs (most trail shoes are about 4mm), which offer best-in-class traction over soft ground like dirt, mud, and even snow. Fitting safe and snug, these running shoes have ample cushioning for out-of-the-box comfort eliminating break-in time. We’ve found the Hoka Speedgoat above to be a bit more versatile, even while topping the Peregrine in weight and responsiveness. For those looking to go light and fast, waterproofing is probably not the best option, but for running in the rain in cold weather or in slushy snow, we’ve found a Gore-Tex lining does a great job preventing freezing toes. The Nike Terra Kiger 6 is a lightweight trail running shoe for fast trail runs and racing. 2.6 oz.Cushioning: Light/moderateDrop: 5mmWhat we like: A Hoka shoe for Hoka skeptics; responsive and fast.What we don’t: The upper feels a bit sloppy; light cushioning is not ideal for high-mileage days. Max Cushion Shoes. Finally, the tread design should be considered: widely spaced, tall lugs with a soft compound will outperform tightly spaced, short lugs, and sticky rubber in mud, and the reverse is typically true over rock or hardpack. Top 10 Best Trail Running Shoes For Hiking. A thin material, usually located between the midsole and outsole, that protects the underfoot from sharp rocks or roots. This 2020 update features 20 of the market's best. 5.6 oz.Cushioning: MaximumDrop: 4mmWhat we like: Standout comfort and traction in a lightweight package.What we don’t: Thick midsole minimizes trail feel in technical sections. The final entry on our list of the 10 best hiking shoes is the Men’s Wildcat Trail Running Shoe by La Sportiva. You’ll find they’re begging you to tackle rough terrain. Slip your feet in and give the quick lacing systems a tug to secure the shoes in place. Putting a spring in your step, the rugged outsoles and cushy foam midsoles work together to energize your feet upon impact. This is a big kicker. This will reduce the chance of injury and ensure that it's the right choice for you. At the end of the day, which type of shoe to buy is a highly personal choice. The aggressive outsoles on these off-trail running shoes have deep lugs for exceptional grip and embedded rock plates to protect your underfoot from jagged rocks. As the name indicates, the heel-to-toe drop is the difference in shoe height, where your foot sits, from the heel to toe. Hiking and Backpacking in Trail Running Shoes, Back to Our Trail Runner Comparison Table. Light-trail shoes offer modest protection with traction best suited for well-groomed trails. The trend is toward lower drops for running shoes in general, although the performance and injury prevention science are hotly debated. The momentum in hiking footwear is moving away from bulky boots toward lightweight shoes and even trail runners that are faster and more comfortable. We rank the Speedcross 5 lower on the list due to its less stable ride over sketchy stretches of trail. Laces are easy to overlook but play a fundamental role in shoe comfort. Mixing road and trail shoe characteristics, Hoka’s Challenger ATR 6 offers a nice all-in-one solution for those who combine mediums on their daily run. Best for: Trail running, light hiking, swimruns, adventure racing Key attributes: Excellent drainage, comfortable. As things start to heat up, the dual-layer breathable mesh cools you down. All in all, the Terra Kiger 6 amounts to a solid all-rounder that’s well-deserving of a spot on this list. We cover the most popular trail runners and lightweight boots on the Appalachian and Pacific Crest Trail. Here are five of the best shoes that can step up for your fall hiking needs, whether that’s hitting the trails, exploring a city or a mix of both. In many ways, the Nike Terra Kiger is a direct competitor to the Saucony Peregrine 11 above. And unlike a heavily cushioned model, the La Sportiva retains excellent trail feel (this can be a downside, however, if you prefer a lot of isolation from harsh impacts). Here are my choices for the Best Trail Runner shoes for hiking, based on extensive research from multiple sources and personal tests that myself and friends have done: 1. And for those who regularly get out in the cold and wet, the Speedcross 5 and Wildcross are also sold in Gore-Tex versions, which retail for $150 and $160 respectively.See the Men's Salomon Speedcross 5  See the Women's Salomon Speedcross 5. Light-trail shoes offer modest protection with traction best suited for well-groomed trails. Category: Rugged trailsWeight: 1 lb. Other familiar features remain unchanged, such as the highly responsive React foam in the midsole, segmented rock plate, sturdy toe cap, and outsole that grips particularly well in hardpack dirt and rock. From lightweight hikers to rock climbing shoes and ski boots, we have all of your adventure footwear... We wake at 6am to the faint jingle of Lorna’s watch muffled by her sleeping bag. As debris goes flying, the protective uppers keep your feet scratch-free. Many people like a moderate drop in their trail running shoes, while others prefer a zero-drop design. Salomon Sense Ride 2. Salomon has been in the trail running game for a long time, and the Speedcross 5 packs in all of their well-known features: a single-pull lace system, supportive fit, and sturdy but still reasonably light chassis. It starts with a solid platform, which is wide and rigid enough to sustain hard impacts on uneven ground (this platform is pronounced on a highly stable shoe like the Topo Athletic MTN Racer). If you plan to stick mostly to smooth trails or want to mix in some road miles, the Asics Gel-Venture 7 makes a lot of sense. 6.2 oz.Cushioning: ModerateDrop: 7mmWhat we like: Lightweight and cushioned yet still capable in rocky and off-camber environments.What we don’t: Not great for soft terrain. Often, it can be painful to run with a trail running shoe on pavement, or vice versa for long distances. Super lightweight, these shoes sport a roomy anatomical toe box so you can stride happily and enjoy your scenic run. These shoes are far and away our favorite zero drop trail runners, far out-performing the numerous models made by Altra, Merrell, and Topo that we have repeatedly compared them against. See the Men's Scarpa Spin Ultra  See the Women's Scarpa Spin Ultra. It only requires a single pull, and then you can tuck away the excess laces and forget about them. Tack on a medium-width toe box that fits a broad range of foot shapes—plus available wide sizes for both men and women—and the Speedgoat is our favorite trail running shoe of 2021. As such, the ventilating ability of a shoe is one of the most important factors for runners. If you’re the type to not let a little, or a lot, of mud stand in your way, then you’ll appreciate what the Altra King MT can do for you. 4.5 oz.Cushioning: ModerateDrop: 4mmWhat we like: Nike’s proven road-running technology tailored for trail use.What we don’t: The Peregrine 11 above has a better outsole design. Footwear. Best Trail-Running Shoes For The Mud Salomon Speedcross 5. This style of shoe is for the bold and daring trailblazers. With the most recent update, the Terra Kiger features a revamped mesh upper that’s designed to better keep out mud and other trail debris, alongside an improved fit in the forefoot. These shoes feature Hoka One One’s signature ultra thick midsole. 2.6 oz.Cushioning: Moderate/maximumDrop: 5mmWhat we like: Noticeably lightweight and wide toe box offers all-day comfort.What we don't: Narrow feet will swim in the toe box. Both minimalist and max-cushioned styles have their merits—and loyal fans—but in the end, most runners are happiest somewhere in the middle. And if you’re intrigued by the Speedcross, it’s worth checking out Salomon’s Wildcross, which offers a more stable and cushioned alternative and features a wider toe box (we’ve found the Speedcross to be quite narrow, although wide sizes are available). Salomon’s proprietary cushioning also takes the brunt of your foot’s impact, which helps to reduce fatigue. 5.5 oz.Cushioning: Light/moderateDrop: 8mmWhat we like: A reliable go-to for technical terrain. To help you answer these questions and many more, we’ll walk you through the process of choosing the best fitting pair of trail running shoes along with our top recommendations. Secondly, the MTN Racer’s streamlined upper straps you in tight, while the Torrent 2’s engineered mesh and padded tongue have a more casual (perhaps even sloppy) feel. But the Roclite isn’t far behind, as its fairly large British fanbase can attest.See the Men's Inov-8 Roclite G 275  See the Women's Inov-8 Roclite G 275. Tack on a minimalist yet durable mesh upper, and you have one serious pair of high-performance kicks. Even for mountain missions that involve a lot of snow travel, we’ll often add waterproof socks and gaiters rather than opt for a waterproof shoe. She loves nature, lives for adventure, and yearns for a good campfire at the end of the day. Check out our, Quick Answer - The Best Trail Running Shoes for Hiking, Comparison Table - Best Trail Running Shoes, Reviews - The Best Hiking Shoes for Trail Running, THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE BUYING TRAIL RUNNING SHOES, For more of our top hiking footwear recommendations, check out the, If you’re the type to enjoy the scenery on a mile or two run, then an inexpensive option will suit you just fine. The majority of trail runners choose a shoe from the all-around category. Minimalist designs only have a small amount of EVA foam in the midsole, which makes them extremely nimble and provides a close feel of the terrain. These shoes will serve you better the more unforgiving the terrain and may work for day hiking as well. Both feature a rock plate, 6-millimeter lugs, and a lightweight build (the Roclite is 1.7 ounces lighter per pair), but the Inov-8 has slightly more aggressive intentions, with less cushioning and a more pronounced drop (8mm vs. 6mm). ALSO AVAILABLE IN: Non-waterproof SIZING: True to size; the fit runs a little wide/high-volume, and wider sizes are available PROS: Affordable, out-of-the-box comfort, durable, breathable CONS: High heel-to-toe drop isn’t for everyone, wide fit isn’t for everyone, bulky Depends on your feet, but here are popular quick picks to try first: Altra Lone Peak , Brooks Cascadia, Salomon XA Pro 3D . The 20 Best Trail Running Shoes for Men in 2021 By Clay Abney December 16, 2020 Adding trail running to your fitness regimen this winter can be a daring move. Enter Saucony Peregrine ISO. On the other hand, for lighter trails you can get away with a less aggressive outsole. Starting with rubber compound, shoes that have sticky, approach shoe-like rubber like the La Sportiva Bushido II or Arc’teryx Norvan VT 2 excel on rock, while others that have a softer and more pliable feel often do better in mud. For those with finicky feet that need to customize the fit around certain parts of your feet, there isn’t really a solution with the quick lace design. For those looking for a more natural stride with cushy comfort, look no further than the Altra Lone Peak 4. Scarpa is most known for climbing and mountaineering footwear, so it comes as no surprise that their Spin Ultra is a capable companion on the trail. True to its name, the Spin Ultra is a great ultra-distance shoe, thanks to its generous cushioning, wide toe box, and breathable upper. If you’ll be running steep terrain or over rocks, roots, or other rough ground, the stability, grip, and underfoot feel will be a disappointment. It’s important to note that with the emphasis on easy trails, the Gel-Venture shouldn’t really be cross-shopped with the options above. Topo Athletic might not be a household name like Salomon or La Sportiva, but their lineup of shoes speaks for itself. The Salomon Sense Ride 3 nails the equation, and even tacks on a good deal of midsole cushioning for high-mileage days. Much in the same way that a protective toe cap isolates you from a sharp rock or other trail debris, lightweight rock plates are inserted between the midsole and outsole on many trail shoes. The Caldera wouldn’t be our first choice for technical or wet terrain (you don’t get the type of underfoot protection we see in the popular Cascadia line), and with a generous dose of plush cushioning the shoe is far from fast (within Brooks’ lineup, their new nitrogen-infused Catamount is the best choice for speed). The Roclite is built for varied, technical terrain, which puts it head-to-head with the La Sportiva Bushido above. Thus this category covers the broadest spectrum of terrains. A solid pair of trail running shoes will offer ample protection, comfort, and traction. But for light trail use, the Venture is a solid choice and a nice value.See the Men's Asics Gel-Venture 7  See the Women's Asics Gel-Venture 7. The thin soles let you feel the earth’s surface while the lightweight pads protect the bottom of your feet from roots and rocks. Arc’teryx’s Norvan VT below is another solid alternative (and even tacks on a climbing zone on the sole for those rocky summits) but it’s more of an investment at $170. In comparing a couple popular shoes, the Arc’teryx Norvan VT and Nike Air Zoom Terra Kiger 6, we’ve found the mesh-heavy design of the Terra Kiger to be better for long runs in the heat of summer, while the Norvan VT’s more substantial synthetic upper material can get warm. The Norvan VT takes it one step further than the Sense Ride 3 above, with a stiffer build and stickier sole that give it an extra dose of performance particularly on rock. The reason is simple: they are the most versatile designs that offer the right balance of performance and comfort. However, if you greet technical terrain with a wide-toothed smile, you’ll want an aggressive shoe to match. However, if you greet, This is a big kicker. From extreme rugged terrain to easy-breezy well-groomed trails, there’s a range of trail running shoes out there to suit your needs. La Sportiva Bushido II shines on long distance trails with plenty of steep ups and downs. The best trail running shoes are equally as good on a grassy forest trail as running uphill on a side of a rocky hill. There is the occasional shoe that can do a decent job of crossing over, but we wouldn’t make a habit of using a single model exclusively for long runs on both dirt and pavement. Rugged trail shoes are basically designed for running on hiking trails, which can range from a trail engineer’s masterwork to an abandoned miner’s tract. 5.9 oz.Cushioning: ModerateDrop: 4mmWhat we like: Excellent mix of traction, comfort, and protection.What we don’t: A bit heavy and some might want plusher cushioning. This should tell you two things: one, runners (and thru-hikers) love the Cascadia and turn to it year after year for technical trail needs. 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