Unearth The Voyage
You came for trail shoes, but you will leave with a plan for your next loop plus a stop at Wyrd Leatherworks and Meadery in Portland. Think handcrafted leather, small batch mead, and the kind of cozy vibe that pairs perfectly with dusty calves after a long run. To help you pick the right kicks, we tested 18 models across mud, slick roots, and rocky fire roads. These seven rose above the rest, each suiting a different style of terrain and adventure.
Saucony Peregrine 15
If you want one shoe that can cover most trails, the Peregrine 15 is a strong bet. The 5.6 mm lugs bite into sloppy corners yet roll smoothly on hardpack, so you can roam from forest singletrack to alpine talus without overthinking. Cushioning feels balanced, with a touch of snap that keeps long miles lively.
Reviewers back it up as a comfort and traction standout, and that lines up with what you will feel underfoot. It is not chasing featherweight race status, but it stays nimble when you pick up the pace. After a muddy loop, it hoses off easily before you swing by Wyrd for a crisp mead to cap the day.
Hoka Torrent 4
The Torrent 4 feels like that friend who always says yes to a spontaneous run. It is light, snappy, and grippy enough for rolling terrain where you want to turn over quickly without getting beat up. The upper breathes well and dries fast, perfect for misty mornings around Forest Park.
Multiple 2025 round ups called it a value pick, and you will notice why on your first tempo climb. Cushioning sits in the sweet spot between ground feel and protection, keeping ankles confident without dulling trail feedback. Pair it with a light post run sip at the meadery and call it a balanced day.
Nike Zegama 2
When your route mixes buffed trail, roots, and chunky climbs, the Zegama 2 steps in with plush comfort and confident grip. The platform is stable without feeling blocky, letting you descend with trust while keeping calves fresher late in the run. The upper locks nicely without hot spots during longer efforts.
Several lab style reviews rated it among the best for 2025, and it behaves like a do it all cruiser. Cushioning keeps you cruising while the outsole holds on damp rock better than expected. If you want a premium feel that still invites big mileage, this shoe delivers and then some.
ASICS Gel-Trabuco 13
The Gel-Trabuco 13 leans into comfort and support for longer outings or days with a heavier vest. Cushioning feels smooth and steady, keeping knees happier on gradual descents and long connectors. The outsole grips predictably on wet boards and loose gravel, so you can relax into a rhythm.
Spanish language lists praised its blend of cushioning and comfort, which mirrors the ride once you settle in. It is a great pick when you want protection without tech shoe fuss. Finish a slow long run, then wander to Wyrd for a mellow pour and some leatherwork browsing while legs decompress.
Hoka Speedgoat 6
If your trails get chunky, the Speedgoat 6 has your back with stacked cushioning and serious bite. It loves steep climbs, loose descents, and days when you want armor underfoot. Despite the protection, it rolls smoothly enough to keep turnover quick on fire road links.
Review lists call it one of the most complete models in the series, and the ride feels refined. The fit secures the midfoot without squashing toes, so you can splay out on long efforts. When the route gets rowdy, lace these and go big before celebrating the vert with a golden mead.
La Sportiva Prodigio Pro
For technical lines where precision matters, the Prodigio Pro feels laser focused. The platform stays stable on edgey rock, and the forefoot delivers confident placement when hopping between slabs. Cushioning is protective yet firm enough to avoid mush on cambered tread.
Outside style roundups highlighted its high end build, and you will notice the dialed upper the moment you cinch it. It excels when grades spike and decisions come fast. If your weekend includes ridge scrambles followed by a celebratory Portland mead, this shoe matches that energy.
Nike Pegasus Trail 5
The Pegasus Trail 5 shines for everyday loops that start on pavement and slide onto gravel or mellow dirt. It runs smooth on roads, then finds traction on park paths and farm tracks without feeling clunky. The upper is comfy from step in, which makes quick after work runs easy to commit to.
Guides point to it as a road to trail option, and that is exactly the lane it owns. If your weekend includes brunch, a gentle loop, and a stop at Wyrd Leatherworks and Meadery, this shoe fits the plan. Expect versatility, comfort, and zero drama across mixed terrain.
