Best Trail Running Shoes

Take your running off road with a pair of supportive, stable trail shoes that won’t slow you down.

First up is the On Running Cloudventure Peak, which features an innovative pod sole. Instead of connecting to the midsole throughout the shoe, there are pods that leave a gap for air to pass through. It looks a bit strange, but offers more support and cushioning, according to the manufacturer.

Merrell has a great reputation in the outdoor gear world, and the All Out Crush 2 Gore-Tex shoes live up to it. Made from vegan-friendly materials throughout, these striking runners are full waterproof and built to handle long distances.

Hoka One One Speedgoat 2 is another good choice, built for ultra-running over hundreds of miles. One of the best features is the Vibram sole, which has deep lugs for great traction on a variety of surfaces.

The Saucony Xodus 2 Iso GTX is another waterproof option, and it offers lots of support. A low heel drop means you’re encouraged to run with a natural gait, reducing the strain on your joints.

If you regularly run in the wet, the Inov-8 X-Talon 230 are a great buy. The sole is specially made for soggy trails and the grip is fantastic. However, the trade off is performance on tarmac is lacking.