Search Categories

CFML PROCESSING: {ts '2025-10-17 09:34:37'}

What Are The Best Trail Running Shoes in 2025

"Choosing the Right Trail Running Shoes: A Friendly Guide to Finding Your Perfect Fit" When it comes to selecting the best trail running shoes, comfort should be your top priority. Look for shoes that offer a snug fit without being too tight, as this will help prevent blisters on those long runs. Don't forget to consider the type of terrain you’ll be tackling; if you're navigating rocky paths, opt for shoes with robust traction and protective toe caps. Cushioning is another key factor; you want enough to absorb impact but not so much that you lose ground feel and stability. Pay attention to the shoe's breathability, especially if you tend to run in warmer climates. Lastly, try on different models at the end of the day when your feet are slightly swollen, as this will give you the best sense of how they'll perform during your runs. Trust your instincts, and remember that the best trail running shoes for you might differ from what works for someone else—so take the time to find your perfect match!

1
103
58

New Balance Men's 410 V8

New Balance Men's 410 V8
Buy Now $69.99
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
2900 reviews

Why We Love It

What sets apart the New Balance Men's 410 V8 is its superior comfort and durability perfect for trail running. Customers love it for its excellent value for money, as it delivers high-quality features at a reasonable price.

Pros

  • Comfortable cushioning
  • Strong grip
  • Durable
  • Breathable
  • Good value for money

Cons

  • May run small
  • Not waterproof
  • Limited color options

A durable, comfortable, and breathable trail running shoe from New Balance.

The New Balance Men's 410 V8 is a durable trail running shoe engineered for utmost comfort and support. It offers a responsive cushioning and a rugged outsole ensuring a strong grip on uneven terrains. The shoe also features synthetic and mesh materials for breathability.

2
406
31

Saucony Men's Trail Runner

Saucony Men's Trail Runner
Buy Now $59.95
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
1200 reviews

Why We Love It

This shoe stands out for its versatility, making it suitable for a variety of outdoor terrains. The combination of comfort, breathability and excellent traction makes it a popular choice among trail runners. Plus, it's from Saucony, a trusted brand known for their quality running shoes.

Pros

  • Durable and versatile outsole
  • Supportive heel grid system
  • Breathable mesh upper
  • Comfortable fit
  • Excellent traction

Cons

  • Might run small
  • Limited color options

Versatile, breathable trail running shoe for optimal performance and comfort.

The Saucony Mens Excursion Tr16 is a durable trail running shoe designed for performance and comfort. It features a versatile outsole for excellent traction on various surfaces, a supportive heel grid system for stability, and a lightweight mesh upper for breathability.

3
159
92

ALTRA Lone Peak 7 Women's

ALTRA Lone Peak 7 Women's
Buy Now $99.99
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
1600 reviews

Why We Love It

We love the ALTRA Women's Lone Peak 7 Trail Running Shoe for its focus on comfort and natural foot movement. The enhanced traction and debris-blocking feature make it a top choice for trail runners. Customers love it for its balance of comfort, stability, and durability.

Pros

  • Comfortable cushioning
  • FootShape toe box for natural foot positioning
  • MaxTrac outsole for optimal traction
  • GaiterTrap tech to prevent debris entry

Cons

  • Slightly pricey
  • May take time to break in

Comfortable, stable trail running shoe with superior grip.

The ALTRA Women's Lone Peak 7 Trail Running Shoe is designed for trail runners seeking comfort, stability, and unmatched traction. This shoe features ALTRA's signature Balanced Cushioning platform and FootShape toe box, combined with a MaxTrac outsole for a perfect grip. It also has GaiterTrap tech to keep debris out.

4
611
55

Saucony Men's Excursion Tr14 Shoe

Saucony Men's Excursion Tr14 Shoe
Buy Now $59.99
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
2500 reviews

Why We Love It

This shoe stands out for its high-quality construction that provides excellent comfort and protection on the trails. Customers love its affordability and the outstanding performance it delivers in various terrains, making it a great choice for trail runners.

Pros

  • Exceptional traction
  • Comfortable cushioning
  • Breathable design
  • Durable construction
  • Affordable price

Cons

  • Limited color options
  • May run small

Durable, cushioned trail running shoe for optimal outdoor performance.

The Saucony Men's Excursion Tr14 Trail Running Shoe is designed to offer rugged durability and optimal traction for outdoor enthusiasts. It features a grid technology for superior cushioning, a durable rubber outsole for increased traction, and a trail-specific mesh upper for protection and breathability.

5
357
74

WHITIN Men's Minimalist Trail Runner

WHITIN Men's Minimalist Trail Runner
Buy Now $39.99
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
11000 reviews

Why We Love It

This product stands out for being inspired by the barefoot running trend, promoting natural foot movement. It's designed with a wide toe box for added comfort, and the durable construction is ideal for trail running. Customers love this shoe for its minimalist design and versatility across different terrains.

Pros

  • Comfortable fit
  • Wide toe box for natural foot movement
  • Durable and lightweight
  • Improves stability and traction
  • Suitable for various terrains

Cons

  • Minimal cushioning
  • May not be suitable for those needing arch support
  • Sizing may vary

Comfortable, barefoot-inspired trail running shoe with a wide toe box.

WHITIN Men's Minimalist Trail Runner is a barefoot-inspired shoe designed for trail running. It features a wide toe box for comfort, flexibility, and natural foot movement. Made from durable and lightweight materials, this shoe promotes stability and traction on various terrains.

6
392
27

New Balance Dynasoft Trail Runners

New Balance Dynasoft Trail Runners
Buy Now $68.66
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
212 reviews

Why We Love It

These New Balance trail runners are loved for their comfort, durability, and versatility. The Dynasoft cushioning provides a responsive ride, making these shoes perfect for both running and walking on a variety of terrains. They're also from New Balance, a trusted brand in athletic footwear.

Pros

  • Comfortable fit
  • Robust Dynasoft cushioning
  • Durable suede upper
  • Grippy outsole for all terrains
  • Popular brand

Cons

  • May run narrow
  • Pricey for some budgets

Comfortable, durable, and versatile trail running shoes with Dynasoft cushioning.

The Men's Dynasoft Tektrel V1 Suede Trail Running Shoes from New Balance are a popular choice for trail runners, offering a robust and comfortable fit. They feature Dynasoft cushioning, providing an ultra-responsive ride coupled with plush comfort for an amplified performance. The shoes are also designed with a durable suede upper and a versatile outsole that grips all kinds of terrain.

7
253
76

Brooks Men's Cascadia 18 Trail

Brooks Men's Cascadia 18 Trail
Buy Now $104.00
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
439 reviews

Why We Love It

The Brooks Men's Cascadia 18 is designed to tackle any trail with its durable construction and superior traction. It's loved by runners for its perfect balance between comfort, protection, and responsiveness, making it a reliable choice for trail running.

Pros

  • Durable construction
  • Responsive cushioning
  • Superior traction
  • Underfoot protection
  • Comfortable fit

Cons

  • Somewhat pricey
  • May run small

Durable and protective trail running shoe with enhanced traction.

The Brooks Men's Cascadia 18 Mountain Trail Running Shoe is designed for runners that want a durable, responsive, and protective shoe for trail running. It features a BioMoGo DNA midsole and a Ballistic Rock Shield for underfoot protection, and a TrailTack sticky rubber outsole for increased traction on wet and dry surfaces.

8
569
61

Brooks Glycerin 22 Running Shoe

Brooks Glycerin 22 Running Shoe
Buy Now $164.95
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
604 reviews

Why We Love It

The Brooks Glycerin 22 stands out for its maximum cushioning and plush comfort, making it an excellent choice for runners who value comfort and protection over speed. The shoe's durability and high-quality construction make it worth the investment.

Pros

  • Extremely comfortable
  • Excellent cushioning
  • Durable
  • Smooth transitions
  • Ideal for long runs

Cons

  • Pricey
  • May run narrow
  • Not optimal for speedwork

Premium running shoe with superior cushioning and comfort.

The Brooks Men's Glycerin 22 is a high-end neutral running shoe designed for ultimate comfort and performance. This shoe features a plush DNA LOFT cushioning, a reconfigured midsole, and a soft upper, offering smooth transitions and an exceedingly comfortable feel.

9
434
76

Adidas Kantai Trail Sneaker

Adidas Kantai Trail Sneaker
Buy Now $59.34
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
39 reviews

Why We Love It

We love the Adidas Men's Kantai Trail Sneaker for its comfort and durability. These shoes are built to last through rugged terrain yet they don't sacrifice style or comfort, making them a great pick for any trail runner.

Pros

  • Superior cushioning for comfort
  • Durable construction
  • Excellent traction for trail running
  • Stylish design
  • Reputable brand

Cons

  • More expensive than some alternatives
  • May not fit well for wider feet

Durable, comfortable trail running shoes from Adidas with superior traction.

The Adidas Men's Kantai Trail Sneaker is a rugged and durable running shoe specifically designed for trail running. It features superior cushioning for comfort and is built to withstand different terrains while providing excellent traction.

10
143
80

PUMA Reflect Lite Trail Sneaker

PUMA Reflect Lite Trail Sneaker
Buy Now $47.62
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
376 reviews

Why We Love It

The PUMA Reflect Lite TrailSneaker stands out for its comfortable, lightweight design, making it ideal for long runs or walks. Additionally, the reflective detailing is a highly appreciated feature, enhancing visibility and safety for those who prefer early morning or evening workouts. The shoe's versatility and high user ratings further illustrate its quality and performance.

Pros

  • Lightweight and comfortable
  • Durable construction
  • Reflective detailing
  • Versatile design suitable for trail running or daily wear
  • Highly rated by users

Cons

  • May run small in size
  • Only available in limited color options

Lightweight, durable PUMA trail running shoe with reflective details for visibility.

The PUMA Reflect Lite TrailSneaker is a sleek, versatile men's athletic shoe designed for both style and performance. It features PUMA's signature comfort and support, making it ideal for trail running, hiking, or everyday wear. The shoe is noted for its high-quality materials, lightweight construction, and reflective detailing for enhanced visibility during low-light conditions.

Product Comparison

Compare features across all products in this category

6 Features 10 Products Updated Oct 13, 2025
Product Durability Cushioning Type Traction Technology Weight (grams) Water Resistance Toe Box Width
1 New Balance Men's 410 V8
Yes Responsive Rugged outsole Approx. 300 No Standard
2 Saucony Men's Trail Runner
Yes Supportive heel grid Versatile outsole Approx. 280 No Standard
3 ALTRA Lone Peak 7 Women's
Yes Balanced Cushioning MaxTrac outsole Approx. 290 No Wide
4 Saucony Men's Excursion Tr14 Shoe
Yes Grid technology Durable rubber outsole Approx. 290 No Standard
5 WHITIN Men's Minimalist Trail Runner
Yes Minimal Natural traction Approx. 250 No Wide
6 New Balance Dynasoft Trail Runners
Yes Dynasoft cushioning Versatile outsole Approx. 310 No Standard
7 Brooks Men's Cascadia 18 Trail
Yes BioMoGo DNA TrailTack outsole Approx. 320 No Standard
8 Brooks Glycerin 22 Running Shoe
Yes DNA LOFT Smooth outsole Approx. 290 No Standard
9 Adidas Kantai Trail Sneaker
Yes Superior cushioning Durable outsole Approx. 310 No Standard
10 PUMA Reflect Lite Trail Sneaker
Yes Comfort-focused Versatile outsole Approx. 240 No Standard
1

New Balance Men's 410 V8

Durability
Yes
Cushioning Type
Responsive
Traction Technology
Rugged outsole
Weight (grams)
Approx. 300
Water Resistance
No
Toe Box Width
Standard
2

Saucony Men's Trail Runner

Durability
Yes
Cushioning Type
Supportive heel grid
Traction Technology
Versatile outsole
Weight (grams)
Approx. 280
Water Resistance
No
Toe Box Width
Standard
3

ALTRA Lone Peak 7 Women's

Durability
Yes
Cushioning Type
Balanced Cushioning
Traction Technology
MaxTrac outsole
Weight (grams)
Approx. 290
Water Resistance
No
Toe Box Width
Wide
4

Saucony Men's Excursion Tr14 Shoe

Durability
Yes
Cushioning Type
Grid technology
Traction Technology
Durable rubber outsole
Weight (grams)
Approx. 290
Water Resistance
No
Toe Box Width
Standard
5

WHITIN Men's Minimalist Trail Runner

Durability
Yes
Cushioning Type
Minimal
Traction Technology
Natural traction
Weight (grams)
Approx. 250
Water Resistance
No
Toe Box Width
Wide
6

New Balance Dynasoft Trail Runners

Durability
Yes
Cushioning Type
Dynasoft cushioning
Traction Technology
Versatile outsole
Weight (grams)
Approx. 310
Water Resistance
No
Toe Box Width
Standard
7

Brooks Men's Cascadia 18 Trail

Durability
Yes
Cushioning Type
BioMoGo DNA
Traction Technology
TrailTack outsole
Weight (grams)
Approx. 320
Water Resistance
No
Toe Box Width
Standard
8

Brooks Glycerin 22 Running Shoe

Durability
Yes
Cushioning Type
DNA LOFT
Traction Technology
Smooth outsole
Weight (grams)
Approx. 290
Water Resistance
No
Toe Box Width
Standard
9

Adidas Kantai Trail Sneaker

Durability
Yes
Cushioning Type
Superior cushioning
Traction Technology
Durable outsole
Weight (grams)
Approx. 310
Water Resistance
No
Toe Box Width
Standard
10

PUMA Reflect Lite Trail Sneaker

Durability
Yes
Cushioning Type
Comfort-focused
Traction Technology
Versatile outsole
Weight (grams)
Approx. 240
Water Resistance
No
Toe Box Width
Standard

Frequently Asked Questions About Trail Running Shoes

What makes a trail running shoes the "best"?

We evaluate products based on quality, performance, value for money, user reviews, durability, and ease of use. Our rankings are updated regularly to reflect the latest market offerings and user feedback.

How often do you update your trail running shoes recommendations?

Our team continuously monitors the market for new products and updates our recommendations quarterly. We also adjust rankings based on user feedback and new testing results.

Do you test all the products you recommend?

Yes, whenever possible, we physically test products in our labs. For products we can't test directly, we rely on verified user reviews, expert opinions, and detailed specifications to make informed recommendations.

What if I'm looking for a specific type of trail running shoes?

Our top 10 list covers the most popular and highly-rated options. If you have specific requirements, check our detailed product descriptions and pros/cons to find the best match for your needs.