Unearth The Voyage
Finding the perfect trail running shoe can transform your outdoor adventures from painful struggles to exhilarating experiences. Whether you’re tackling rocky mountain paths or smooth forest trails, the right footwear makes all the difference in comfort, safety, and performance. With 2025 bringing incredible innovations in cushioning, grip, and durability, there’s never been a better time to upgrade your trail running gear.
1. Salomon S/Lab Ultra Glide – Best All-Around
Versatility meets performance in this exceptional shoe that handles everything from muddy paths to rocky climbs. Salomon engineered the Ultra Glide to glide smoothly over technical terrain while providing enough protection for long-distance adventures.
The balanced cushioning system absorbs impact without feeling mushy, giving you ground feel when you need it. Whether you’re training for your first ultra or just exploring local trails, this shoe adapts to your style.
Runners appreciate how it transitions seamlessly between different surfaces without compromising grip or comfort throughout the miles.
2. Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra – Trail Super Shoe
Speed demons rejoice! Adidas created a racing machine that delivers explosive energy return with every stride. The adaptive stability system keeps you balanced even when fatigue sets in during competitive events.
What makes this shoe special is its ability to maintain a lively, responsive feel mile after mile. The lightweight construction doesn’t sacrifice durability, making it perfect for serious racers who demand peak performance.
Many competitive runners report personal bests after switching to this shoe, thanks to its smooth ride and propulsive design that helps you fly through technical sections.
3. New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v3 – Best Cushioning
Your feet will thank you after logging miles in these plush comfort machines. New Balance packed serious shock absorption into the Fresh Foam platform, creating a shoe that feels like running on clouds while still maintaining trail-worthy traction.
Long-distance runners love how the generous cushioning reduces fatigue during extended adventures. The v3 update improved the fit around the midfoot, eliminating hot spots that plagued earlier versions.
If you’re someone who values comfort above all else, this shoe delivers protection without feeling clunky or heavy on your feet.
4. Hoka Mafate X – Ultra Distance
Built for runners who measure their adventures in dozens of miles, not single digits. Hoka’s signature oversized midsole provides unmatched cushioning that protects your joints during those brutal final miles of ultra races.
The wide platform offers stability on uneven terrain, while the aggressive outsole grips confidently on loose surfaces. Ultra runners swear by the Mafate X for its ability to keep feet comfortable when everything else hurts.
Despite its substantial cushioning, the shoe maintains surprising agility, allowing you to navigate technical sections without feeling like you’re wearing platforms.
5. Altra Olympus 275 – Best for Wide Feet
Freedom for your toes! Altra’s signature FootShape design gives your feet room to spread naturally, eliminating the cramped feeling common in traditional running shoes.
Runners with wide feet or bunions find relief in the spacious toe box that doesn’t compromise on performance. The zero-drop platform encourages natural running form while the generous cushioning protects against rough terrain.
Many runners who previously struggled with numbness or blisters discover that proper toe space solves problems they thought were unavoidable. The Olympus 275 proves comfort and performance can coexist beautifully.
6. Saucony Peregrine 14 – Best Grip
When traction matters most, the Peregrine 14 delivers confidence-inspiring grip that keeps you upright on sketchy surfaces. Saucony redesigned the outsole with deeper lugs that bite into mud, wet rocks, and loose gravel with impressive tenacity.
The responsive midsole adds a springy feel that makes climbing hills less exhausting. Runners appreciate how this shoe handles sudden direction changes without slipping, making it ideal for technical trails with lots of twists.
Whether you’re running in rain or shine, the reliable traction lets you focus on the trail ahead instead of worrying about your footing.
7. Brooks Cascadia 18 – Best Value
Quality doesn’t always require emptying your wallet. Brooks delivers professional-grade performance at a price that won’t make you wince, making the Cascadia 18 perfect for beginners and budget-conscious runners alike.
The durable construction withstands hundreds of miles without falling apart, while the comfortable fit and reliable traction handle various trail conditions confidently. Brooks included a rock plate for protection without adding noticeable weight.
Runners consistently praise this shoe for punching above its price point, offering features typically found in more expensive models without sacrificing quality or comfort.
8. Hoka Challenger 8 – Versatile Choice
Can’t decide between hiking boots and running shoes? The Challenger 8 brilliantly bridges both worlds, offering cushy comfort whether you’re jogging forest paths or hiking steep inclines.
Hoka’s plush cushioning makes long days on your feet feel manageable, while the grippy outsole handles technical terrain with surprising capability. The versatile design transitions smoothly from maintained trails to rugged backcountry routes.
Adventure enthusiasts love having one shoe that does it all, eliminating the need to pack multiple pairs for mixed outdoor activities during weekend getaways.
9. La Sportiva Prodigio – Mountain Terrain
Mountain runners need specialized gear, and La Sportiva delivers with this rugged beast designed for serious elevation. The Prodigio provides exceptional stability on steep, rocky terrain where one wrong step could mean disaster.
Reinforced protection shields your feet from sharp rocks and roots, while the aggressive tread pattern grips confidently on loose scree and slick granite. Alpine runners appreciate the precise fit that prevents foot sliding during steep descents.
If your idea of trail running involves significant elevation gain and technical challenges, this shoe offers the protection and performance required for mountain adventures.
10. Brooks Catamount 4 – Race Day
Shave minutes off your race time with this lightweight speedster engineered for competition. Brooks built the Catamount 4 with a propulsive carbon fiber plate that generates forward momentum, helping you maintain pace when fatigue kicks in.
The streamlined design eliminates unnecessary weight without sacrificing protection on race-day terrain. Competitive runners love the responsive feel that makes pushing hard feel effortless, especially during crucial final miles.
While not ideal for casual training runs, this shoe excels when you’re chasing personal records or podium finishes on race day.
