Best Trail Running Shoes

You know I love to test and review products, but I also love getting feedback on what other runners are already loving. In a recent, IG Stories poll over 1200 of you responded with the best trail running shoes.

I combed through it all to pull out the top picks and I’ll be adding a few to my cart later today, so I can test then update this post with my own feedback!

What was really clear in looking through the responses as a VAST majority of you are running in the same models.

Best Trail Running Shoes

Here are the winners in order of most common response and a little more detail on each shoe to help us all figure out which one might work best for us!

Part of the reason this came up for is a recent pair of trail shoes was giving me blisters on every single run over 5 miles and I’m not one who is prone to blisters. I was also testing out a new pair from Skechers and wanted to see if anyone else would list them…nope. But I’m enjoying them on the less technical trails quite a bit.

Altra Lone Peak

See full details, colors and pricing >>

This zero drop running shoe is middle of the road for their cushioning, has a stone guard to help with foot protection and a “sticky” outsole to help with grip on those downhills.

Additionally, as with all Altra running shoes it has a larger toebox and a custom female fit – a narrower heel and midfoot, a higher instep, a longer arch and unique metatarsal spacing.

It runs $119 on most sites – if you buy via Road Runner you can earn points towards your next shoe purchase…because there is always a next.
9.2 oz for women’s shoe

Hoka One One Speedgoat

See current colors and pricing >>

On it’s 4th model, this has been a long standing favorite of many trail runners. I’ve reviewed a LOT of Hoka running shoes and this is one that I truly enjoy.

• 4MM heel drop means it’s a minimal shoe, with moderate cushioning (for a Hoka) and a neutral fit.
• Newest version has a wider toebox
• Virbram sole with multi-directional lugs means it should provides good traction whether gripping to push uphill or staying up right on something loose running downhill.

GTX model is good for those of you who will be doing a lot of running in the rain, as it has a Gore Tex layer of protection.

If you won’t be doing that, I tend to shy away from things that could create an additional heat.

It runs $144 on most sites. On a great day you can find an older model marked WAYYYY down on Steep and Cheap.

9oz for women’s shoe – interesting to see it’s LIGHTER than the Altra.

Brooks Cascadia

See current models, colors and pricing >>

Ah ha, a model that I have indeed run in! I don’t know if I can say it’s my favorite running shoe ever, but it absolutely got the job done and I wore it til clearly needing to be replaced which is always a good sign.

These are currently ON SALE everywhere, which makes me think they are about to release a new model. I’m always down for a shoe sale, so I may end up getting a pair now.

• 8mm heel drop is still close to the minimal range, but higher than the others listed above
• Neutral running shoe, middle of the road cushioning
• Lace up closure appreciated as it keeps them from flapping around
• Pivot system is said to help provide foot stabilization on the uneven trails
• Grips look largely one direction, which can be less beneficial, but still good

9.5 oz for women’s  – sounds small but those oz add up over miles and miles.

Saucony Peregrine

See current colors and pricing >>

At one time this was indeed my favorite trail running shoe. They made some adjustments around version 5 or 6 and I just didn’t love it anymore, so I haven’t gone back.

But that has been a few years and I’m hearing the ISO and 10 versions are back on par with what we all previously loved.

I will say that Saucony often runs a bit more narrow and I think that’s why some people LOVE it and others just don’t care for the feel.

• 4mm heel drop
• Neutral running shoe, not a ton of cushion in these more minimal styles
• Deeper lugs to help with wet and muddy terrain, also multi-directional for more grip
• There is also an ICE+ version which is really excellent for extra grip on winter runs!

10 oz for the women’s making it the heaviest of the group.

Also mentioned trail shoes:

These also came up numerous times, but no where near the volume of those above.

• Nike Wildhorse— More of a Hoka look and feel, raved about by many of my trail friends
• Nike Pegasus — 9.6 mm, 8.2 oz and look very cushioned
• On Cloudventure Peak – can I just say these are beautiful shoes…I want them for that reason alone, there’s also a waterproof version for your big adventures
• Salomon also made the list, but with lots of different models. I’ve tried them and for me the shoes were to stiff, but LOTS of Colorado runners wear them.

What makes these the best trail running shoes?

Besides the fact that tons of you have already tested them and said you love them…

• Fit – you aren’t getting blisters
• Protection – your feet are beat up from rocks
• Traction – you feel safe on the trail because your shoe is doing it’s job
• Waterproof – in some cases above the quick drying nature or the waterproof element was helpful

If you’re just getting started, checkout these new trail runner tips. They were a lifesaver for me!

Looking for more reviews to find the best things for you run?

Checkout our full page of my must have running gear reviews and guides to save you time searching and money! I share what’s worked for me and fellow runners, along with what wasn’t worth the price tag.

A few common requests:

• Affordable massage guns for runners
• Best HR monitors (from watches to straps)
• Best running socks (lightweight to compression)
• Best sunglasses for running

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