You can find our quick recommendations right here, or continue reading for our complete round-robin review of the top trail-running shoes.
- Best Trail-Running Shoe for Beginners & REI Cooperative Editors & Choice Award Winner: Salomon Sense Rider 4
- Best One-Quiver Trail-Running Shoe: HOKA Mafate Speed 4
- Best Zero Drop Trail-Running Shoe Altra Lone Peak
- Long Distance Trail Running Shoe: Brooks Cascadia16
- Best Trail Racing Shoe Saucony Peregrine12
Other top performers
- HOKA Speedgoat 5
- On Cloudultra
Best Trail-Running Shoe for Beginners + REI Cooperative Editors’ Choice Award Winner
Salomon Sense Ride 4 Trail-Running Shoes
4.070 ReviewsView 70 reviews with an average rating 4.0 out 5 stars Women’s $120 3.9180 ReviewsView 180 reviews with an average rating 3.9 out 5 stars Men’s $120
Bottom line: This lightweight Salomon Sense Ride4 is great for intermediate and advanced trail runners.
Testing stats
- Total distance: 512 miles
- Testing states: Colorado and Montana
- The best testing story : Our Montana-based tester spotted the snow falling in large, thick flakes while running through the North Hills, near Missoula. She stopped to take in the beauty of the area. She says, “I realized that I was very near to a fawn with her doe grazing.” The doe ran, but the fawn stopped. I yelled, “Wait!” and the doe stopped. The doe then walked away as I sang, “You’re OK,” in a sing-song voice. Her fawn and she continued to graze together. Magical.”
Best One-Quiver Trail-Running Shoe
HOKA Mafate Speed 4 Trail-Running Shoes
4.56 ReviewsView 6 reviews with an average rating 4.5 out 5 stars Women’s $185 4.417 reviewsView 17 reviews with an average rating 4.4 out 5 stars Men’s $185
Bottom Line: With its lower profile and the increased cushioning of the redesigned midsole, the HOKA Mafate 4 is a great combination of comfort, efficiency, and versatility.
Testing stats
- Total distance: 82 miles
- Testing states California and Colorado
- The best testing story : A Colorado-based tester was injured this summer and the Mafates appeared on the day she returned to the trails. She reports that she can’t see any other magic when she looks at the Mafates. “I was able log 4 solid miles, and they felt great every step of it.”
The Best Zero-Drop Trail Running Shoe
Altra Lone Peak 6 Trail-Running Shoes
4.4228 ReviewsView 228 reviews, with an average rating 4.4 out 5 stars Women’s $140 4.4382 ReviewsView 382 reviews, with an average rating 4.4 out 5 stars Men’s $140
Bottom line: Are you looking for a trail shoe that is zero-drop? The lightweight Altra Lone Peak 6 is a great choice. It has a responsive midsole, a large toe box, and is light.
Testing statistics:
- Total distance: 467 miles
- Testing states Colorado and Washington
- The best testing story: A Washington-based tester was just about to climb a steep, narrow ridgeline in the Cascades. It was then that the summer heat began to scorch her skin. She was unable to contain her excitement at passing an alpine lake so she jumped in, shoes and all. She laughs, “It was freezing snowmelt waters but it felt so refreshing!” “The sun dried us every step as we ran the final seven miles, and it was dripping wet.” My Altras were completely dry by the time we reached the trailhead.
The Best Long Distance Trail Running Shoe
Brooks Cascadia 16 Trail Running Shoes
4.3167 ReviewsView the 167 reviews, with an average rating 4.3 out 5 stars Women’s $130 4.3198 ReviewsView the 198 reviews, with an average rating 4.3 out 5 stars Men’s $130