The Best Trail Running Shoes of 2024

Here at Running Warehouse Europe, our experienced testers run in almost every shoe that we carry. From weekend jaunts to ultramarathon races and everything in between, we put our shoes to the test on all types of runs. So whether you're looking to take a jog on your local trails, bag an FKT on your favorite peak, or run a hundred miles, our hand-selected list has the best trail running shoes for each and every trail type and personal preference. From plush cushioning to all-terrain versatility to race-ready speed, you are sure to find a trail running shoe that best fits your needs here. Not sure where to start? Read our article on how to choose a trail running shoe.

The ‘Goat is back for round 6, and the HOKA Speedgoat 6 aims to be THE trail running shoe for everyone and any trail. It’s the quintessential HOKA experience of high levels of cushioning and confidence-inspiring traction and has the versatility to meet the needs of trail runners, hikers, and ultramarathon athletes. Bearing the nickname of world-renowned ultrarunner Karl Meltzer, this perennial bestseller continues the proud legacy of its family line. Altogether, the Speedgoat 6 comes in slightly lighter weight than version 5 and is beyond ready to be your trusted, highly cushioned, confidence-inducing companion for all your daily miles and adventures.

The Altra Experience Wild is a highly capable trail running shoe that features a protective yet natural underfoot experience. In the midsole Altra's impact-dampening CMEVA foam creates an energetic and well-cushioned platform. Meanwhile, the low drop design, coupled with a rocker shape geometry, enhances efficiency during toe-offs making running feel easier no matter the distance or pace. For confidence on challenging terrain, the MaxTrac outsole provides exceptional traction and durability, and the breathable mesh upper, featuring Altra's signature roomy toe box, offers a secure yet comfortable fit regardless of the distance traveled.Overall, the Altra Experience Wild is a remarkably lightweight, daily trail running shoe that excels on a wide range of terrains, making it an excellent choice for trail runners who seek both versatility and performance.

Whether running an ultramarathon, racing the clock for an FKT, or hiking your local trails, the HOKA Torrent 4 can handle it all. This shoe offers the perfect balance of protective cushioning with the nimbleness you need to take on any terrain. With sticky lugs and a refined fit, this trail shoe is the quiver killer that any trail runner can appreciate. Its lightweight design, aggressive traction, and nimble feel give you everything you need to traverse a variety of terrain at blazing speeds.

The Nike Terra Kiger 9 is a feather-weight trail running shoe that provides the perfect balance of cushioning and traction for nimbleness on the trail. Built to give runners the confidence to move fast on uneven terrain, the Nike Terra Kiger 9 comes with a dependable midsole and grippy outsole. This low-profile trail running shoe offers an amazing, connected-to-the-ground feel on even the most technical terrain. We chose the Nike Terra Kiger over other lightweight trail shoe options because of its perfect balance of soft and responsive cushioning as well as its secure, performance-oriented fit.

The all-new The North Face Summit VECTIV Pro 2 is an elite-level trail racing shoe built with ultramarathon athlete’s needs in mind. Engineered with the brand’s most innovative technologies, the Summit VECTIV Pro 2 features a detail-oriented system that balances cushioning and stability. Whether you have a 10K trail race or 100-mile marathon on the books, The North Face Summit VECTIV Pro 2 is primed to be your next go-to trail racing shoe no matter the distance.

The HOKA Mafate Speed 4 is back with a lighter overall weight and a more comfortable ride. The Mafate Speed 4 features a two-part PROFLY midsole with the lightest and most responsive HOKA foam to date placed directly underfoot. To further reduce weight, the upper is now a single-layer jacquard mesh that offers excellent breathability with a secure lockdown. A full Vibram Megagrip outsole with Litebase construction and Traction Lugs maximize ground contact and traction through challenging terrain. The HOKA Mafate Speed 4 provides a cushioned yet adaptable ride to get you through the most technical trail runs.

The Altra Timp 5 provides a balance of cushioning and agility that works for almost any trail run. The shoe's Quantic midsole is both protective enough for ultramarathons and responsive enough to pick up the pace when your legs are feeling fresh. Altra has taken the Timp to the max with the introduction of EGO MAX foam in the midsole, which helps make this trail cruiser plusher than ever. Ideal for tackling any daily runs on the trails, the Timp 5 offers super soft landings and silky-smooth transitions, all while maintaining a nimble feel that instills confidence. With a newly updated upper, more protective midsole, and enhanced fit, the Altra Timp 5 is the zero-drop trail shoe that you've been searching for.

The Altra Lone Peak is well known for giving wearers a natural running experience thanks to its zero-drop design and roomy toe box. Featuring comfortable cushioning and protective StoneGuard technology, the Lone Peak 8 offers enhanced comfort and protection for technical trail runs and long distances alike. If someone told us they wanted a classic trail running shoe, we would hand them a pair of Altra Lone Peaks. Beloved by ultrarunners and hikers alike, the Lone Peak has made a name for itself over the years thanks to its highly versatile design. Aided by a plush midsole, roomy toe box, and highly grippy outsole, this shoe has a comfortable and reliable ride that works well with a variety of trails and paces.

The Altra Olympus 6 continues its proud legacy as a shoe that delivers ultimate underfoot protection and comfort on long trail runs. It features Altra's most spacious Original FootShape fit and the thickest midsole stack in their lineup. As a gold-standard for just how inherently stable a max cushioned trail shoe can be, the Altra Olympus 6 will help you make good on their motto to "stay out there" day and night for an ultra-long time.

Whether you take the pavement on the way to the trails or want one running shoe that can handle both roads and trails, the HOKA Challenger 7 is a great option. The shoe features enough comfortable cushioning for miles of pounding the pavement, but the 4-mm lugs ensure that you will have enough traction when you take your adventure offroad. We chose the HOKA Challenger as the best hybrid running shoe because of its cushioned comfort and excellent versatility. If you want an everyday trainer for on and off the trails, the HOKA Challenger 7 won't let you down.

The Saucony Peregrine 14 GTX stands out as a reliable daily companion for trail runners that offers a nimble and versatile experience on all terrains in any weather. Completing the Saucony Peregrine 14 GTX is a GORE-TEX Invisible Fit upper that provides waterproof protection that is surprisingly breathable to help keep your feet dry in wet conditions. Whether you're embarking on a trail run or a challenging hike in the rain, the Peregrine 14 GTX is equipped to handle the demands, offering the perfect blend of comfort, protection, and traction for any adventure.

Q&A

• What are trail running shoes?

Trail running shoes are designed to handle the ruggedness of the trails and protect your feet from obstacles like rocks, roots, and fallen branches. They feature uppers with strategic overlays around the toes, heels, and sides for added protection. The midsoles in trail shoes are generally stiffer to provide more support on rocky or uneven surfaces, and some may include rock plates for additional underfoot protection.

• How are they different from road running shoes?

Road running shoes, on the other hand, have uppers with less reinforcement and more mesh for a lighter, more breathable design since they encounter less rugged terrain. The midsoles in road shoes focus on cushioning to protect the feet from the impact of running on pavement. Some road shoes include stability posts to control excessive inward motion known as pronation. Additionally, the outsole of trail shoes typically has deeper, more pronounced lugs, providing better traction on uneven surfaces, while road shoes have smoother outsoles for better grip on paved roads.

• Are trail running shoes suitable for hiking?

The short answer is yes! In most cases, trail running shoes are a great option for hikers. Compared to hiking boots, trail running shoes are going to be lighter in weight and more breathable, and they offer a range of traction options. On the other hand, hiking shoes and boots are going to provide more stability, durability, foot and ankle protection, and all-around good traction. The choice between trail running shoes or hiking shoes is a tricky one, as no one option will work for everyone. The best thing to do is look at the pros and cons and see what fits best for your personal needs.

• How should trail running shoes fit?

A trail running shoe should be comfortable without feeling sloppy or loose in the heel or midfoot. A perfect trail shoe fits perfectly—from width and length to the arch height and shape and your overall foot volume. Check out our article How to Find Your Running Shoe Size and Fit for a more in-depth look.