The Best Trail Running Shoes

Carrying the nickname of Karl Meltzer, the record holder for the most 100-mile trail races, the HOKA ONE ONE Speedgoat 4 has the soft cushioning you need to stay comfortable through many miles. This shoe features aggressive lugs to provide great traction on all types of terrain and a new upper for an improved fit.

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With its most recent iteration, the Altra Olympus 4.0 got both a style and performance upgrade. While this shoe has enough comfortable cushioning for ultramarathon distances, we love that it never feels sluggish or sloppy on the trails. The Olympus 4.0 is the perfect long-distance trail running shoe for those who value Altra's roomy toe box and zero-drop design.

Designed for durability, style, and comfort, the Nike Pegasus Trail 2 is perfect for everything from city streets to mountain peaks. The React foam provides soft cushioning on any terrain, and the rubber lugs are patterned to provide a smooth ride whether on the road or on the trail.

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Whether running an ultramarathon, racing the clock for a PR, or hiking your local trails, the HOKA ONE ONE Torrent 2 can do 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, the Torrent 2 is the quiver killer that any trail runner can appreciate.

We are loving this brand! The Inov-8 Trail Talon 235 combines a lightweight and sticky grip to excel on harder terrain. Featuring a new lightweight upper design, the Trail Talon creates an improved fit with added protection and support. We felt that the shoe is a great choice for going fast without losing comfort during your everyday trail runs.

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The Nike Zoom Terra Kiger 6 is a lightweight trail running shoe that provides the perfect balance of cushioning and traction for nimbleness on the trail. This low-profile trail running shoe provides an amazing, connected feel to the ground on even the most technical terrain. Meanwhile, the forefoot Zoom Air unit and the segmented rock plate ensure that you are still protected from sharp rocks and debris underfoot.

The ASICS Gel Fujitrabuco Lyte is the lightweight, neutral version of the Fujitrabuco 8. With a lower heel-toe drop, 82 g less weight, and no stabilizing elements, the Fujitrabuco Lyte is made to go fast! We love the shoe for trail races or fast-off road runs.

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The Altra Timp 2 offers a balance of cushioning and agility that works for almost any trail run. The new Quantic midsole is protective enough for ultramarathons and responsive enough to pick up the pace when your legs are feeling fresh. If you are looking for a zero-drop shoe that can handle any trail, look no further than the Altra Timp 2.

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The Altra Lone Peak is well known for a natural running experience thanks to its zero-drop design and roomy toe box. Thanks to its trimmed-down upper and the modified lacing system, the Lone Peak 4.5 offers even more flexibility and comfort so your feet can move uninhibited along the trail.

Tear through mud and dirt in the Saucony Peregrine 10. With a comfortable fit and balanced cushioning, the Peregrine can handle any terrain you throw at it.

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