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Best OverallA waterproof trail running and hiking shoe with Vibram Megagrip for sloppy, wet conditions and a protective toe rand. The description refers to a Mid version while the specs list a low top, so confirm the cut.
A highly cushioned neutral trail shoe made for mixed soil and mountain surfaces, in a bright Flame Cherries Jubilee colorway. It is not water resistant, and the description gives few technical details.
A max-cushion trail shoe for long runs over rough ground. The listing gives little detail beyond the spec sheet, so drop and outsole compound are unknown.
A waterproof, plush road to trail shoe with GORE-TEX Invisible Fit and a gravel tire inspired lug layout. It suits mixed routes in wet weather more than steep technical mountains.
A heavily cushioned neutral trail shoe for hikes and rough singletrack. It is not water resistant, so wet crossings and slushy days soak the foot.
A max cushioned neutral trail shoe for long, comfortable miles on dirt. With no bullets or description, grip pattern, drop and waterproofing beyond the basics are unknown.
A stable, waterproof trail shoe with speed laces and grippy rubber for rough, wet terrain. It runs small, so most buyers should size up.
A neutral, moderately cushioned trail runner from Altra with a mesh upper and rubber outsole. The listing carries no feature bullets, so details like drop and lug depth are unknown here.
A cushioned neutral trail shoe with a lugged outsole and rearfoot gel for comfortable off-road runs and hikes. It is not water resistant, so wet trails mean wet feet.
A versatile, moderately cushioned trail shoe with grippy lugs that also handles hiking and light road use. It is not water resistant, so wet trails mean wet feet.
A lighter, grippy neutral trail shoe with redesigned lugs and added protection. It is not water resistant, and stack and drop are not listed.
A light, moderately cushioned neutral trail shoe with a Vibram outsole and a low height drop. It repels water but is not waterproof, so creek crossings mean wet feet.
A low cut lacrosse cleat built for quick lateral cuts on turf and grass. Despite the trail running label, it is a field cleat and will not suit trails or pavement.
A heavily cushioned trail shoe with a grippy Vibram outsole for hikers and trail runners on long, rough routes. The breathable mesh is not water resistant, so wet crossings mean wet feet.
A cushioned, neutral running-style shoe with a stretch-bootie upper and an outsole meant for pavement and firm trails. It is not water resistant, and the listing blends everyday styling with trail language.
A stable, protective trail running shoe with waterproofing named, a new midsole material and an all-terrain outsole. The spec table names a different model and says not water resistant, so treat those lines with care.
A plush, protective trail shoe for long runs on rough ground, pairing Fresh Foam with a Vibram outsole and toe protection. It is not water resistant.
A flexible, low-profile trail shoe for runners who like a flat, close-to-the-ground feel. The listing is thin on cushioning and grip details, so check them before relying on it for rough trails.
A casual, cushioned knit sneaker for everyday wear and light running. It carries no trail features despite its category label, and the lining fields contradict each other.
A neutral road and track trainer with moderate cushioning and a secure lace-up fit. The category label says trail running, but the listing supports road use only.
A zero-drop trail shoe with a wide toe box and a grippy lugged outsole. Weight is not listed, and the data does not agree on how weatherproof the lining is.
A maximum-cushion running shoe built with extra depth for deeper-volume feet and diabetic foot care. The description carries almost no construction detail, so check the full Brooks page for stack and weight.
A moderate cushion, neutral trail shoe with DNA Loft foam for everyday dirt paths. It offers no water resistance, so autumn and winter runs through wet ground will soak through.
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Altra Olympus 5 Trail Running ShoeModel Olympus 5Brooks Cascadia 16 Trail Running ShoeModel Cascadia 16Salomon XA Pro 3D GTX Trail Running ShoeAltra Lone Peak 5 Trail Running ShoeModel Lone Peak 5Saucony Excursion TR15 Trail Running ShoeModel Excursion TR15Saucony Peregrine 12 Trail Running ShoeModel Peregrine 12These 6 trail running are the most searched brands and models among the established products in this category (monthly searches for each brand and model); on a tie, the one with more owner ratings ranks first. Product data comes from public Amazon listings (updated 21 days ago). We do not test products ourselves.
Brooks, New Balance, ALTRA, Hoka, Salomon lead this category among the 11 brands that passed our curation checks.
A listing appears only when it has a recorded price, a minimum customer rating, and enough ratings or monthly sales. Generic and unbranded listings are left out, while every real brand stays, including brands sold only on Amazon. The ones that pass are ordered by how many people search for that brand and model each month; review counts only break ties.
Trail running shoes on this page add grip, protection and stability for running on dirt, gravel, rock and mud. The first decision is the terrain, because light trail shoes suit groomed paths and mixed routes, while aggressive lugs and rock plates suit technical mountain trails.
Cushioning and drop are the next questions. Maximum cushioned shoes protect legs on long distances, while shoes with moderate cushioning, closer to the ground, give more feel on technical descents. Zero drop shoes with a flat profile place the heel and forefoot at the same height, which changes the load on calves and needs a gradual transition.
Grip and protection come next. Deeper, wider spaced lugs bite into mud, while shorter lugs suit hard trails. Toe bumpers and rock plates protect from sharp stones. Unlined uppers drain and dry quickly after stream crossings, while lined uppers feel softer.
Fit matters on descents. A secure heel and midfoot stop the foot sliding forward, and a roomy toe box lets toes spread. Trail running shoes with a wider base feel more stable on uneven ground, and shoes with a rock plate protect the foot on long runs over sharp stones. Many trail runners rotate a cushioned pair for long runs and a lighter pair for shorter, faster outings. Carry a small blister kit on long runs, and replace insoles if you need more support. Clean mud off after each run and let the shoes dry away from direct heat, which can damage glues and foams. Waterproof versions suit cold, wet seasons but take longer to dry if water gets in over the top. Check the return policy before muddy runs.
Before buying, check the terrain, cushioning, drop, lugs, protection and the return policy. Gaiters keep grit out, and replacing shoes when lugs wear down keeps your footing secure.
How we list products: every listing here has a recorded price, a minimum customer rating and enough ratings or monthly sales. Generic and unbranded listings are left out; every real brand stays, including brands sold only on Amazon. Products are ordered by monthly searches for their brand and model on every page.Editorial policy
