Gear

The Best Trail Shoes for Off-Road Running

With their durable uppers and grippy outsoles, trail shoes are designed to protect your feet and help you push the pace in the dirt.

Four trail running shoes on a grass background

By Michael Charboneau / April 7, 2023 11:16 am

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Trail shoes are your ticket to the wilder side of running. Instead of logging miles on suburban sidewalks or city streets, these off road-friendly kicks allow you to run with confidence on dirt trails. While your typical road running shoes can handle the occasional flat gravel path, trail shoes are a worthwhile investment if you plan on mixing off-road routes into your training plan. They’ll give you the grip and protection you need for running on trails. You can also use them for more than just running: Many trail shoes also make great hiking shoes.

Best All-Around Trail Shoe: Saucony Peregrine 13
Best Minimalist: Xero Mesa Trail II
Best Waterproof: Nike React Pegasus Trail 4 Gore-Tex
Best Zero-Drop: Altra Lone Peak 7
Best Customized Fit: La Sportiva Jackal II BOA
Best Affordable: New Balance Fresh Foam Garoé
Best Cushioning: Asics Trabuco Max 2
Best for Speed: Salomon S/Lab Ultra 3
Best for Mud: Inov-8 X-Talon Ultra 260 v2
Best Cushioned Shoe for Technical Trails: Hoka Speedgoat 5

Things to Consider:

As with any running shoe, you’ll need to consider the kind of running experience you like and where you’ll run when shopping for trail shoes. In addition to the usual considerations, like a comfortable fit, there are a few trail-specific features and criteria to keep in mind.

Outsole Material and Design: The outsole, or the bottom part of the shoe that touches the ground, is one of the most important aspects of any trail shoe. There should be rubber and plenty of it. Vibram rubber outsoles are the industry standard, and this grippy material is used in many brands’ models (some brands, like Inov-8, have developed their own proprietary outsole compounds). Trail shoe outsoles also have lugs, which are small protrusions that dig into soft ground. Some are relatively small, making them suitable for hard-packed ground and even pavement, while others are larger and more widely spaced, making them better suited for soft or muddy terrain.

Protection: Trails present some unique hazards you won’t find on the street. Things like roots, rocks, thorns and pokey branches. Trail shoes are built with durable uppers that can resist abrasions so that they won’t tear, and they’ll protect your feet from encounters with obstacles. If you expect to run frequently in wet weather, consider getting a shoe with a waterproof upper that’ll keep your feet dry (and check out our list of the best waterproof running shoes here, if you’re more of a road runner). If you run on trails with creek crossings, however, you’ll likely want the opposite: a very porous upper shoe that lets water drain quickly. In addition, many trail shoes come with rock plates embedded in their midsoles, keeping sharp rocks or roots from painfully jabbing up into your feet.

Your Running Shoe Preferences: Like road shoes, different trail shoes offer different running experiences (like soft, cushioned shoes or lightweight, firm shoes tuned for speed). If you prefer a plush, well-cushioned road shoe, look for trail shoes designed for a similar ride. Trail shoes with lots of cushioning can also provide extra protection: The thick slab of foam keeps debris from poking your feet, sometimes obviating the need for a rock plate. On the other hand, leaner trail shoes can give you a better feel for the ground, which helps navigate obstacles on technical trails. If you’re unsure of your preferences, visiting a running store and trying on a few pairs before buying is best.

Hitting the trail is a great way to liven up your running routine and explore new places. Whether you’re an experienced trail runner or you’re just getting started with off-pavement adventures, these men’s trail running shoes will put you on the right path.