Best Trail Running Shoes 2024

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Best Trail Running Shoes 2024

The best trail running shoes excel in fit, comfort, traction, durability and support, incorporating technologies and materials to ensure reliable performance and protection beyond the beaten path. Given trail running’s staggering growth in recent years, it stands to reason that more brands are entering the space with unique shoes, which is why we tried several pairs to identify the best trail running shoes in 2024. Our favorite shoe, the Hoka Speedgoat 5, uses a grippy Vibram outsole and plush cushioning to help your legs feel fresh for miles, while the Altra Lone Peak 8 offers a roomy fit for flat, wide feet. These and five other models made the final cut.

Lace up the best trail running shoes to tackle endless miles of technical terrain.

Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailers

MOST POPULAR

Weight: 10.3 ounces | Cushion: Maximum | Drop: 4mm

Pros:

  • Ample cushioning for optimal comfort
  • Available in regular and wide sizing
  • Lighter than previous iterations of the Speedgoat

Cons:

  • Not as durable as we’d hope to see from a trail shoe

Hoka Speedgoats have a cult-like following among trail runners of all abilities, and the more you wear them, the more they shine. We were pleased by the soft cushioning with every passing mile while running on a dirt road in the Tahoe area, but that’s not to suggest that these shoes aren’t capable beyond groomed paths. They also hold their own on rugged, mountainous terrain, too, as the 5mm Vibram lugs grip the ground with ease.

In fact, you’ll see a pair or Hokas on the feet of many a professional trail racer because the subtle rocker design propels you forward and offers a smooth toe-off as you bound down the trail. While the millimeters of foam isn’t as durable as you might expect from a best-selling trail shoe, the long-term comfort and superior grip make up for it run after run.

Weight: 10.4 ounces | Cushion: Standard | Drop: 8mm

Pros:

  • Great price point
  • Comfortable and stable
  • More durable than the previous-gen Divide 3

Cons:

  • Better-suited for beginners

The Brooks Divide 4 is a straightforward and affordable trail running shoe designed for easy terrain and the beginner trail runners among us. This 8mm drop shoe focuses on comfort, reliability and durability without unnecessary features, making it a popular budget-friendly choice for anyone who’s new to trail running or runs casually.

Recent updates have improved the Divide’s performance in areas like stability, protection and comfort. While it may not stand out in any particular category, its durability and affordability provide great value that’s hard to beat, especially if you can find it on sale. The comfortable upper and wide platform make it perfect for quick, no-fuss runs. With that said, it’s not suited for technical and demanding trails but excels over simple, flowy terrains to keep both your feet and your wallet happy.

Weight: 10.6 ounces | Cushion: Maximum | Drop: 6mm

Pros:

  • Plus, comfortable cushioning
  • Durable, protective upper

Cons:

  • Not well-suited for technical terrain

The Brooks Caldera 7 is a fantastic choice for trail runners tackling long distances. With a 6mm drop, it strikes the perfect balance between comfort and stability, and the nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 midsole provides a lightweight, cushioned ride that adapts to your stride and the changing terrain.

The breathable mesh upper kept our feet cool and dry as the temperatures climbed throughout the day, while reinforced overlays offered extra protection and support. The TrailTack rubber outsole is surprisingly grippy on both wet and dry surfaces, making it a reliable material for various trail conditions. Its plush cushioning makes it a bit harder to really feel surfaces underfoot, so it might not be the best option if you’re navigating technical or rocky terrain, but if you’re looking for a shoe that’s comfortable and confidence-inspiring over long distances, this one’s hard to beat.

Weight: 7.05 ounces | Cushion: Standard | Drop: 6mm

Pros:

  • Incredibly lightweight
  • Durable design
  • Vibram outsole for improved grip

Cons:

  • Expensive

The Nnormal Kjerag is a standout lightweight trail running shoe that’s perfect for those seeking speed and agility on the trails. Weighing in at just 200 grams, or less than half a pound per pair, it’s designed to feel almost weightless, which allows for quick, nimble movements. The shoe features a low-profile 6mm drop, which we found promotes a natural running gait and enhances ground feel.

Constructed with a breathable, quick-drying mesh upper, the Kjerag keeps your feet cool and comfortable even as a run heats up. The Vibram Litebase outsole, with its grippy Megagrip compound, offers excellent traction on a variety of surfaces, and the shoe’s midsole provides a perfect blend of cushioning and responsiveness, making it ideal for tackling technical terrain with ease. While the design is expensive, we’ve covered Nnormal’s commitment to building long-lasting shoes that are easier on the planet, so your kicks should last a bit longer than you might expect and make Mother Nature a bit happier along the way.

Weight: 10.7 ounces | Cushion: Standard | Drop: 0mm

Pros:

  • Roomy toe box gives the foot space to breathe
  • Lightweight yet cushioned
  • Zero drop design provides a barefoot-like experience

Cons:

  • Zero drop and open toe box won’t agree with all feet

Altra Lone Peak trail running shoes are known for two things: a zero-drop design and an extra-roomy toe box. And this toe box is truly wide—runners with wide or flat feet will rejoice knowing their toes can splay out in a more natural position with each step. If you’ve only worn narrow shoes that compress your feet, the feeling is entirely new.

Now let’s talk about the zero-drop design, which basically means the footbed is completely flat. While most shoes raise your heel above your toes by a few millimeters, zero drop shoes keep your heel level with your toes, requiring more flexibility in the calves. This takes some time to get used to, and many retailers suggest you only wear them for light mileage during the first few weeks of use so your body can adjust. However, many runners think this design provides a more intimate experience on the trail once your feet adapt because it’s similar to a natural, barefoot gait. We’ve been wearing the Lone Peak series for years and have come to love its combination of space, grip and durability.

Weight: 10.6 ounces | Cushion: Standard | Drop: 9.5mm

Pros:

  • Design blends elements of road and trail shoes
  • Ample cushioning
  • Wider toe box

Cons:

  • ReactX foam can feel unstable
  • Pricey for a shoe that isn’t good at one specific thing

If you’re just testing the trail running waters or you like to mix miles on pavement with others on dirt, a versatile road-to-trail shoe will serve you best. For such dynamic needs, Nike created a trail-ready version of their cushy road classic, the Pegasus Trail 5, that blends elements of both a road and trail shoe so you can transition from the streets to singletrack all in one run. All in all, it’s perfect for runners who love to start their run from their front door and don’t intend to tackle technical terrain.

Runners love how comfy this shoe is: The Nike ReactX foam provides soft cushioning which lessens impact on the road but it may feel a little wobbly on technical trails. However, we want to stress that the major downfall of this shoe is the rubber outsole, which is extremely unstable in wet conditions. This won’t be a dealbreaker for all runners, but if you frequently tackle wet trails or live in a wet region of the country, consider shopping for something with a bit more grip.

Merrell

Merrell Trail Glove 7

Weight: 8.46 ounces | Cushion: Minimal | Drop: 0mm

Pros:

  • Very lightweight
  • Breathable upper releases excess heat and moisture
  • Made with recycled materials

Cons:

  • Minimal cushioning and thinner sole
  • Sizing runs large

Barefoot-style trail running shoes are a source of contention and debate among passionate runners. Some people hate ‘em, others love ‘em. If you’re in the latter category, you’re going to love the Trail Glove 7s from Merrell. These are minimalist shoes with maximum research, testing and experience that went into the design from the ground up, starting with an intricate and grippy tread pattern that’s shallow enough to maintain flexibility and tactile response, which is what you’d expect if you were barefoot.

A thin EVA insole provides some cushioning and support, though by and large your foot feels the ground, albeit with softened impacts. And the mesh upper is thin and soft, adhering to your foot like a second skin, and it’s held in place by laces and integrated webbing. Of course, this isn’t a shoe for everyone, and those who need support and cushioning should look elsewhere, but if you enjoy the “less is more” principle, this shoe will serve you well.

Why Trust Forbes Vetted

In addition to our coverage of trail running shoes, the Forbes Vetted gear team has extensively reviewed other pieces of running equipment, including GPS watches, heart rate monitors and dedicated guides that cover the best Nike running shoes and Hoka running shoes.

  • Gear editor Cam Vigliotta, who contributed to and oversaw this story, has a background in kinesiology and uses his education in biomechanics when reviewing running shoes. As a dedicated runner who has competed in races ranging from 5K to 50K, he has worn trail shoes from such brands as Nike, Altra, Hoka and Brooks.
  • Hannah Singleton, the author of this story, is a former backpacking guide based in Salt Lake City who has extensive experience with trail running shoes; she uses them not only for running, as you might expect, but backpacking, too. She combined her long-term experience with expert insights courtesy of Melissa Perez, a California-based trail running coach, when putting together this list.
  • This story is regularly revised to ensure all the information is accurate and each recommendation is still the best in its class. It was last updated in May 2024.

How We Chose The Best Trail Running Shoes

The best trail running shoes aren’t like those you’d wear on the road; they’re built to offer grip and protection, all while providing long-term comfort for the miles ahead. If you’re eyeing them for wet or truly technical terrain, you’ve got to factor that in as well. Our evaluation process involved getting hands-on with every shoe model on this list and delving into real customer reviews to see how our experiences stacked up against others’.

Through our own extensive testing and quality time spent with these shoes, along with deep dives into research, we carefully handpicked our top recommendations. Rest assured, these are the best trail running shoes you can buy in 2024.

What To Look For In The Best Trail Running Shoes

For better or for worse, there’s no one-size-fits-all trail shoe. The make and model you choose will depend on several factors, from personal comfort to trail conditions. Once you figure out what type of trails you’d like to run on, you can hone in on features to consider such as “fit, protection and traction,” says Perez.

Fit

If your shoe is uncomfortable, it’ll be hard to motivate yourself to run. That’s why one of Perez’s top considerations is fit. “The fit of your trail shoe should be based on comfort and support,” she explains. Trail running shoes aren’t as stiff as hiking boots, so if the shoes aren’t comfortable when you try them on, they won’t be comfortable on the trail. “Think love at first feel,” Perez says.

When shopping online, you can take some precautions to ensure a proper fit. Look for shoes that are marketed towards your foot type. For example, Altra is known for its wide toe box designs, while La Sportiva shoes tend to run narrow. And be sure to buy from a retailer with a great return policy in case the shoe doesn’t fit.

Protection

Protection is another crucial element of trail running shoes—and it’s one of the features that sets trail shoes apart from road shoes. “Whether you’re running on groomed trails, multi-purpose trails or rugged terrain, pick a shoe that will keep your feet safe from objects like rocks, sticks and roots that may penetrate through your shoe,” says Perez.

Most trail shoes have rock plates—a firm layer between the outsole and midsole that protects your foot from sharp objects. Others have toe guards on the front of the shoe for the same reason.

Traction

If you plan to run on anything more rugged than a dirt path, traction is one of the most important considerations. The tread pattern—the lugs on the bottom of the shoe—provide “stability and allow a smoother transition on various terrain,” explains Perez. Additionally, the rubber of the outsole is crucial for traction, too. Vibram soles are common among high-quality shoe brands because the rubber is sticky, durable and well-established as a shoe outer. Other brands like Altra, however, use their own proprietary rubber technology.

Need a guiding principle? Essentially, the more technical the trails, the deeper the tread pattern and the stickier the rubber you’ll need.

Water Resistance

If you frequently encounter wet conditions, consider shoes with water-resistant or waterproof features, as these can help keep your feet dry and comfortable, preventing blisters and discomfort.

Keep in mind, however, that waterproof shoes are designed to prevent moisture from getting in, but any moisture inside the shoe will have a hard time getting out. If your feet sweat or your shoes come in contact with a large puddle, they’ll have a hard time drying out, which is why many runners prefer non-waterproof options that technically let water in but remain breathable and dry out much faster.

Durability

Assess the trail shoe’s construction and materials to ensure it can withstand the demands of trail running. Look for reinforcements in high-wear areas like the toe cap and heel counter that enhance durability, and read buyer reviews to better understand how a shoe holds up over time.

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