The best trail running shoes 2023: speed on all kinds of terrain
Our selection of the best trail running shoes for tackling bogs, rooty tracks, gnarly ridges and technical trails

The best trail running shoes open up a whole world of liberating adventures on a variety of terrain types. Venture deep into the forest, undulate along a windswept coastline, delve into a dramatic gorge or climb high onto rocky mountain ridges – we've done all of this during our tests to bring you this guide.
No two trail running shoes are the same. Some are designed for rock and hard-packed trails; others feature aggressive lugs for an ironclad hold on sloshy mud. On raceday, you might reach for a ultralight pair, while a multi-day mountain race calls for shoes designed for comfort.
So, it's clear the best trail running shoe for certain types of run are different to others. You've also got your own preferences to consider, particularly around aspects like the heel to forefoot drop. If your best road running shoes feature a large drop, you'll want to stick to something similar to avoid any sudden change in form that could lead to an injury.
For this reason, we've tested shoes with a wide range of drops for this guide, from barefoot to maximalist. For us, the best trail running shoe overall is the inov-8 Trailfly Ultra G 300 Max, closely followed by the Saucony Endorphin Edge. However, the Trailfly G 270 V2, has just landed on the scene and is a surefire contender for the throne.
The best trail running shoes
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Shoes for technical terrain
Specifications
Reasons to buy
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In April 2021, inov-8 unveiled the Trailfly Ultra G 300 Max, featuring the world’s first graphene-enhanced midsole compound (called G-fly foam). Combined with the extreme durability of the graphene-enhanced rubber outsole the brand introduced in 2018, this shoe is taking trail running footwear into a whole new realm. Graphene has been reported to be the world’s strongest material, but as a nanotechnology it is also one of the thinnest. When inov-8 included the two-dimensional honeycomb lattice carbon allotrope (say that 10 times fast while running over rocks!) into a proprietary foam compound with help of scientists at the University of Manchester, it resulted in 25% more energy return and vastly enhance durability compared to other midsole
As trail runners, we want long-haul comfort from soft cushioning, rugged durability, grippy traction and energy propulsion that puts a spring in our steps, and the TrailFly Ultra G 300 Max offers all of that and more. Also, it doesn’t have the unyieldingly firm sensation as many new trail shoes do, with carbon-fiber propulsion plates embedded in their midsoles – instead, with these there’s a soft, flexible and resilient sensation that will pay dividends deep into a long training run or a 50K or 100-mile trail running race. On the downside, if you’re a tactile runner and you like a bit of trail feel, you’re not going to get any of that with these shoes, which have a chunky, almost maximalist midsole with a rocker, which performs well in terms of transference of energy, but completely cuts out any feedback from the terrain below your feet.
Read our full inov-8 Trailfly Ultra G 300 Max review
Specifications
Reasons to buy
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The first thing we noticed when we pulled the Saucony Endorphin Edge out of its box was its light weight and stiff build. Both of these can be attributed to a full-length carbon plate embedded in the midsole, which is springy and fun even on difficult terrain, offering plenty of control. This is reinforced by a full-length rockplate to protect the midsole EVA foam from stones and roots.
The upper is closely woven with a thinly cushioned, gusseted tongue to prevent ingress of dirt, grit, and water. The toe is reinforced with a generously sized rubberized area, and there's a firm plastic heel counter round the back. Saucony has also built in a heel loop to make the Edge easier to pull on swiftly when it's time to hit the trails. The outsole is equipped with chevron-shaped lugs, which are quite widely spaced. We found they prevented the accumulation of excess mud.
The Saucony Endorphin Edge is built for speed on tricky terrain, and gives a fast, fun ride thanks to its full-length carbon plate. The foam midsole strikes the perfect balance, offering enough cushioning to absorb shock (particularly on downhills) without compromising stability. If your wallet can take the hit, it's easily one of the best trail running shoes you can buy today.
Read our full Saucony Endorphin Edge review
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Reasons to buy
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These trail runners are lightweight for when we wanted to go fast and far and with an internal bootie that pulls on like a sock, we got an instant locked-in fit without having to retie our laces. Easy to pull on, the snug fit around the cuff is balanced with a roominess around the toe box which adds to the light, airy feel of these shoes.
Breathable mesh uppers with a TPU overlay manage to be durable and keep feet cool when out in hot weather, plus they’re quick drying for when we were splashing through puddles. Once we hit uneven, rocky terrain, we really appreciated the stability provided by the low 4mm drop combined with 5mm lugs on the MegaGrip soles, which hold up even in slick conditions. They’re not waterproof, but with gaiter attachments we could easily protect our feet in any deluge.
The FloatPro Foam midsole strikes a nice balance between cushioning and a decent trail feel. These aren’t big and bouncy for super long runs, nor are they barefoot and minimal – they’re great for handling technical terrain and mixed conditions with confidence.
Read our full Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 trail running shoes review
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We found that the return of a modern classic didn’t disappoint. Fast feeling, responsive and simply fun to run in, the Trailfly G 270 V2 is an ideal companion for trail running exploits in the warmer months. Look elsewhere if muddy terrain or the kind of softer ground you get up on the hills and moors are you bag. However, most will undoubtedly enjoy these excellent shoes, which truly excel on harder surfaces and are comfortable for mile after mile.
Those familiar with the original G 270 will immediately appreciate that this is very much a case of evolution rather than revolution. The outsole and midsole are unchanged, it’s in the upper that things have been spiced up a little. The V2 boasts a brand-new mesh material, one that’s 25% more durable than its predecessor, according to laboratory testing. Another enhancement is in the positioning of the four overlay strips on both sides of the shoe. They’ve been moved further back and we found this gave more flexibility and breathability right across the forefoot.
The tongue is also a little tastier, with a form-fitting shape and more padding that helps to lock down the midfoot, something the Trailfly series is renowned for. Fit wise, we found the V2 holds securely across the midfoot and the heel feels nicely contained, while a wide toe box gives a nice amount of wiggle room. They’re comfy straight out of the box.
Read our full inov-8 Trailfly G 270 V2 review
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The Bushido II means business as soon as it bounces out of the box. These shoes are intended for running technical trails on pointy shaped hills. The design and fit is aggressive, with a big emphasis on stability in the lateral way the upper connects to the sole, so we found we could really drop the hammer and go for it on technical trails, while the style and layout of the lugs helped us stay comfortably in control during descents, putting faith in the ‘impact brake system’.
There’s a lot going on in the dual-compound ‘FriXion Red’ sole: the outer lugs rise up and wrap around the midsole, which inspires confidence when cornering and provides extra protection against sharp sticks and stones on the paths, while the studs on the central section supply extra traction and support. We found there was a reasonable amount of cushioning in the midsole, and the upper is constructed from a tough TPU skeleton combined with mesh, to keep the weight down.
There’s a modest 6mm drop between heel and toe, which is a compromise height, so we think this shoe will be comfortable for the majority of people, regardless of whether their forefoot, midfoot or heel hits the ground first. If you’re a purist barefoot runner, however, this drop might be a tad too much for your liking.
Read our full La Sportiva Bushido II review
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The fact that we’re running in the 12th iteration of the Peregrines is testimony to the enduring quality and popularity of this trail-running shoe. For the latest version, Saucony have shaved several grams off the weight of the shoe, making an already speed orientated trail hoof even more nifty. The size of the lugs has also been reduced slightly (by 1mm), and the PWRTRAC outsole has been redesigned with a densely concentrated tread and smartly placed chevrons providing traction and braking control where it’s needed.
The minimalist 4mm heel-to-toe drop remains, which facilitates low centre of gravity and good balance on technical trails. There is a new sockliner, which entirely envelopes your foot, prevents the ingress of grit and adds to comfort levels. Despite its lightweight construction, there is a new rockplate beneath the cushioned PWRRUN midsole of the Peregrine 12, which offered us good underfoot protection from sharp stones and sticks, and yet we feel the trail feedback is also better on this new shoe. Saucony have also use some recycled material in the construction of the lightweight, minimalist upper (available in three super bright colors for men and women), although they don’t specify how much.
Read our full Saucony Peregrine 12 review
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The Adidas Terrex Agravic Pro trail running shoe wins the prize for the longest name! And also it scores highly for the courage to innovate with the unique BOA L6 lace system down each side. This dial does mean the shoe is incredibly easy and quick to lace up and unlace, plus there are no laces over the midfoot area to catch on brambles and it feels very comfortable across this area.
We found that the fit is on the large size, so we recommend you go down a half size to see if it fits better, but it’s actually the volume of the shoe that’s big rather than the length. The ankle part also comes up higher than most other trail running shoes so it suits a higher volume foot. Both of these features mean the weight is on the heavier side, the pair is about 100g more than most other trail shoes, but if they fit your feet well this isn’t a deal breaker, and hopefully this means they will be very durable too - for this price you’d hope so!
The 4mm drop will need gradually easing into if you’re used to a shoe with a higher heel stack, while the Lightstrike cushioning protects the foot from trail buzz. We found thats the ride felt bouncy and propulsive so if these fit your feet, you’re in for a treat.
Read our full Adidas Terrex Agravic Pro review
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Where the aim is to move light and ridiculously fast through mountains, and where grip and confident footing are the preferred currency, On Cloudventure Peaks are pinnacle performers. These shoes are for intense, shorter-format racing on technical mountain trails where nimble footedness is key.
These are no door-to-trail shoe: they want the good dirt from the get-go. An initially stiff ride transforms as soon as you get off the buff and onto the rough. The more technical the better. A lowered drop of 4mm means they favour good running mechanics and a natural footfall. The sock-like inner and good tensioning through laces and welded skeleton gives a sublime fit with zero hotspots.
At the rear, a rigid heel holds your foot in place and reduces lateral roll, translating to more confidence and running fast over technical, rocky terrain. On’s signature cloud pods do feature, although to a diminished degree compared to some of their other shoes, with the front pods closed-in, while the ones on the rear grip zone do all the hard work, providing cushioning during downhill landings. Ground bite is as vice-like as you can get. Running up hill, it’s like you have teeth on the front; while downhill is like cloudsurfing.
We found them to be fast, lightweight and comfortable out of the box. For speedy missions in the mountains or racing on gnarly technical singletrack, we really do like these shoes, but that white duco colour scheme… well, let’s say the sooner you dirty them up the better.
Read our full On Cloudventure Peak review
Trail running shoes for heel-strikers
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Dynafit markets the Alpine trail running shoe as a ‘light, comfortable, all-rounder for technical terrain’ and we agree, finding it to be a jack of all trades that quietly does everything well. Cushioned enough to be comfortable yet minimalist enough to allow you to feel your way across the terrain, the Alpines are a great option for training runs, particularly if you’re a heel striking runner thanks to their 6mm drop.
Out of the box, they're good looking without being flashy. The protection around the heel and toes is immediately obvious, while its seamless tongue promises comfort without the chafing you get from pressure points. The Alpine Rocker sole design is intended to give excellent responsiveness and balanced cushioning even on rough terrain. Despite a good amount of cushioning, they manage to remain lightweight at 280g per shoe.
The outsole contains the same Vibram Megagrip rubber found on many other leading trail running shoes and approach shoes, giving ironclad grip on rock, and there are chevron-shaped lugs for traction on muddy surfaces, though these are not as aggressive as some, so aren't in their element in a quagmire. Unlike some Dynafit running shoes, there’s no waterproof membrane but then they’re not intended for long periods of wear, so this isn’t such an issue. It seems we do indeed have a competent all-rounder on our hands – or paws, as it may be.
Read our full Dynafit Alpine Running Shoe review
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Hoka Tecton X trail running shoes are designed for speed on the trails, while also offering plenty of comfort.
The upper is single-layer jacquard engineered mesh that hugs the foot. Hoka has added a non-molded EVA sockliner to aid support inside the shoe. Polyester laces with (undefined) recycled content fit into a ghillie lacing system to make it easy to lace them up to the required tension. Underfoot there is a a ProFlyX midsole, which combines a lightweight and responsive foam base with an ultra-soft foam in-sole lining.
The outsole is Hoka’s own design of Vibram Megagrip with Litebase construction. The lugs are 4mm depth and with “zonal rubber placement” to offer grip where needed. This is a shoe for running on forest tracks and lower level trails, as well as some asphalt, rather than technical, muddy and rocky hill paths and mountain slopes.
Read our full Hoka Texton X review
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Brand new from inov-8, these multi-terrain tackling shoes are designed so you can literally run out of your front door and hit the streets, woods, beach or park, without skipping a beat. As with almost all inov-8 shoes, the soles feature Graphene – the much-lauded hard-as-diamond-headed-nails substance reckoned to be the planet’s toughest material (which is included in both the outsole and the midsole in the Parkclaw).
The secret to the all-terrain capability of this shoe is in the design of the G-GRIP rubber outsole. There are 98 cleats per shoe, but these lugs are only 4mm in length and are so densely distributed they deliver good grip without pushing through the sole of the shoe and making it feel like you’re running in football boots when you’re on the tarmac or road (as can be the case with more aggressive treads, such as on the Mudclaw). Instead, you experience a pretty smooth ride, no matter what the conditions underfoot. There’s an 8mm drop on this model, as there is on the Parkclaw 260, but the difference with this model is in the Graphene-enhanced G-FLY foam midsole, which despite having a lower stack, provides more propulsion and energy return on each stride (inov-8 says 25% more), while supplying a comfortable and cushioned ride.
The metaflex feature in the sole means the shoes responds well to technical terrain, the Boomerang footbed cushions footfall and supplies some bounce, and trail feedback remains pretty good when you do go off road. The mostly mesh upper allows your feet to breath easily, reduces the weight of the shoe and means the material allows water to escape after river and stream crossings, and dries quickly. The fit is wide, for extra comfort over long distances, and these shoes felt comfy straight out of the box.
Read our full Inov-8 Parkclaw G 280 review
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The Wildcross is a fit-for-anything shoe armed with an aggressive fang-filled full-rubber Contagrip outsole, with multi-dimensional 6mm lugs designed to grip the path like a wild dog no matter how bad conditions get. Born to battle elements head on and cope with sodden, sludgy trails, the Wildcross are effectively water repellant to the top of the tongue, and quick to dry when breached. They allow feet to breath fairly well, too, although they might run hot in mid summer. The Contagrip outsoles bite down on technical terrain and cling to surfaces superbly, but shed mud quickly. This level of traction is excellent during slippery climbs, and it provides superlative confidence-giving control on steep descents.
There’s no protective rockplate, but the generous ‘EnergyCell’ high-rebound midsole absorbs plenty of impact and recycles the energy by putting a big bounce in your upward step. There’s a plush amount of cushioning where the cuff meets the ankle, and Salomon have left more room in the inner and toe box than usual, making this a running shoe you can wear with thicker socks in colder months, and ideal for those with wider feet, or bunions. A rugged upper chassis features water-repellent TPU mesh, cloaked by Gore-Tex–armed ‘Sensifit Wings’ that provide protection, stability and security, all secured snuggly to the foot by a quicklace system (pull tight, lock the toggle and tuck it into the pocket provided in the tongue, and you’re good to hit the trails, with zero chance of your laces coming undone and tripping you up).
Read our full Salomon Wildcross review
Barefoot style trail running shoes
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The hyper-agile Mesa Trail is the most footloose and fancy free trail-running shoe ever made by this American brand, who continue to evolve the category of minimally designed products with zero drop for dedicated barefoot enthusiasts. Xero Shoes bases all its products on the principles of natural running, allowing a runner’s feet to uninhibitedly interact with the ground.
The Mesa Trail has been designed for light, fast and agile running on a variety of trail surfaces, from smooth dirt to technical, rocky routes. It has a low-to-the-ground construction that is essentially a 5mm flexible rubber outsole, an interior 3mm foam layer and a 2mm insole that’s cushy, breathable and removable. The interior feel is bolstered by a thin breathable, moisture-wicking lining. The chassis is decidedly thin but, still offers ‘just enough’ protection from rocks, roots, gravel and other obstacles on the trail, while the outsole is made from durable rubber with 3.5mm lugs that serves up great traction and a tad more protection, and the reinforced toe bumper provides security against stubbed toes.
The Mesa Trail is exquisitely comfortable for such a sparsely cushioned shoe, but it still provides exceptional feel for the trail, which, depending on your experience with barefoot shoes and the surface you’re running on, could be a good thing or a bit of a challenge. Remember, running in minimally designed shoes takes know-how and experience, and initially you’re bound to endure some awkward landings and get some ‘stingers’ from pointed rocks and roots. (And avoid hard and sealed surfaces, otherwise your calves will be screaming.) But, if you’re a barefoot fan and like the concept of feeling the ground beneath your feet, you’ll love the comfort and agility of this shoe.
Read our full Xero Shoes Mesa Trail review
Trail running shoe | RRP | Weight | Drop | Best use |
inov-8 Trailfly Ultra G 300 Max | $190 (US) / £170 (UK) | 300g / 10.6oz | 6mm | Ultra running, all-distance trail running on hard and rocky terrain, and some road running |
Saucony Endorphin Edge | $200 (US) / £200 (UK) | 255g / 9oz | 6mm | Trail running, mixed terrain routes |
Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 | $140 (US) / £115 (UK) | 280g / 9.9oz | 4mm | Technical trail running |
inov-8 Trailfly G 270 V2 | $170 (US) / £150 (UK) | 270g / 9.5oz | 0mm | Running on hard-packed trails and rocky surfaces |
La Sportiva Bushido II | $130 (US) / £130 (UK) / €170.50 (EU) | 305g / 10.75oz | 6mm | mountain paths and technical singletrack trails |
Saucony Peregrine 12 | $130 (US) / £130 (UK) / €150 (EU) | Men’s: 275g / 9.7oz; Women’s: 235g / 8.3oz | 4mm | Trail running across a wide variety of terrain, up to ultra distance |
adidas Terrex Agravic Pro review | $220 (US) / £170 (UK) | 308g / 10.9 oz | 4mm | High-volume feet on any trail terrain |
On Cloudventure Peak | $150 (US) / £135 (UK) | 260g / 9.1oz | 4mm | technical trails, mountains, steep terrain, racing |
Dynafit Alpine Running Shoe | $139.95 (US) / £116 (UK) | 280g / 9.9oz | 6mm | An all-rounder for technical terrain, great for training runs |
Hoka Texton X | $200 / £175 | 240g/8.5oz | 5mm | Trails and tarmac |
inov-8 Parkclaw G 280 | $180 (US) / £160 (UK) | 280g / 9.8oz | 8mm | Road and trail, up to ultra distance |
Salomon Wildcross | $130 (US) /£120 (UK) | 290g/10.2oz | 8mm | Superb for technical trails and tough terrain in all conditions |
Xero Shoes Mesa Trail | $120 (US) / £105 (UK) | 215g / 7.6oz | 0mm | A 3-season minimally designed barefoot-style trail running shoe ideal for a variety of types of terrain |
How we test trail running shoes
Our reviewers test trail-running shoes on varied terrain, including technical singletrack and mud, in a range of conditions, on training outings and during competitive events. Specific features (including grip, foot support, toe and heel protection, cushioning, waterproofing, breathability, materials used and general comfort) are tested against claims made by the brand, and we assess factors such as durability, environmental impact and value for money.
How to choose trail running shoes
Working out which of the best trail running shoes are right for you is a fairly involved process, but only because the range is so rich. Of course, it all depends on when and where you intend to run, and your personal preferences in terms of how much or little you like to ‘feel’ the trail.
If you're just working out how to start trail running, it's important to invest in quality footwear, first and foremost. From there, all you need to do is start to find good trails to run, kit yourself out with things like running gloves and trail running sunglasses, and you're good to go.
The only thing that will stop you now is a trail running injury. You can significantly reduce the risk by matching your ambitions with the best trail running shoe for you. If your local trails are steep, rocky and often wet, then prioritise a shoe with good lugs offering great grip. If you’re going to be doing a bit of road running en route to your nearest trails, perhaps choose a shoe with a less aggressive outsole that can cope well with both sealed and unsealed surfaces.
So, before you buy, consider the following...
Comfort and fit
Striking a balance between weight and comfort is always an important consideration when choosing the best trail running shoes. You need footwear that will remain comfortable (and light, ideally) when wet, because trail running often involves legging it through mud, puddles, bogs, wet undergrowth and foliage, and tackling stream crossings. Try before you buy – make sure you have enough room in the toe box, and that the collar, tongue and lacing system won’t rub or cause you discomfort or hotspots.
If you’re doing any technical running at all, especially on tight twisty singletrack, it’s important to get your shoe as tightly cinched to your foot as possible, to avoid internal slippage. People’s feet vary enormously – if you have a wide foot or suffer from bunions, some brands (Salomon, for example) might be a bit tight. Other brands allow too much room in the toe box for runners with narrow feet. Often people have subtle differences between their left and right feet – try both shoes on (with running socks on) to make sure they’re comfortable and don’t have immediate rubbing concerns.
Protection
Unlike names, sticks and stones definitely can hurt you, and you will encounter plenty of both while trail running – and lots more besides. The wilderness is ungroomed – that’s why we love it. Inevitably, a trail running shoe won’t offer you as much protection from trippy roots, knobbly rocks and other natural obstacles as the best hiking boot, best hiking shoe, or even the best budget hiking boots, but look carefully at how substantial the outersole is, and check to see is there is a rockplate in the midsole, which will prevent the worst foot injuries (punctures) should you run over something seriously sharp. An integrated tongue will help keep grit out.
Grip
Arguably the most important job the best trail running shoes need to perform is to keep you the right way up. Check out the configuration of the lugs on the outersole of the shoe you’re looking at, to see how aggressive they are. Think about it like the tread on the tyre of your car or mountain bike – simplistically put, the chunkier the tread the better grip and traction you will have on rough terrain, but the slower you’ll be in smoother conditions.
Very aggressive lugs can make it feel like you’re walking around in football boots when you’re on sealed surfaces or rock hard ground. Rear-facing lugs on the heel can help you stay in control during steep descents. Materials are important too, softer rubbers provide a better, more bitey grip, but they’re not as hardwearing and will rub away relatively quickly.
Waterproofing and breathability
There is a tendency for outdoorsy types to automatically gravitate towards footwear with Gore-Tex (or equivalent) membranes in the uppers, but often this is overkill in a trail running shoe, making them run unnecessarily hot and pushing the price up. Trail running shoes tend to have a low cut cuff, well below the ankle, so it doesn’t take much for water to get in over the top – and if that happens then no amount of waterproofing will keep your socks dry. It’s often better to go with a shoe that incorporates lightweight mesh or materials that will drain and dry quicker, and allow your foot to breathe much better.
Durability
While you can’t expect to get the same lifespan out of a pair of trail running shoes as you would hiking boots or walking shoes (because they’re made from lighter materials and get subjected to more sustained and intense treatment), a degree of robustness should be sought. Check out materials, stitching and seam sealing, and look carefully at lacing systems for any signs that they might be vulnerable to failure. Harder outsoles are more longlasting, but softer rubbers supply better grip. Inov8’s graphene outersoles claim – with a fair amount of justification – to offer both.
Performance
While we often spend a lot of time inspecting the design of the upper or analyzing how well an outersole will perform, much of the magic in the best trail running shoes happens in the typically hidden midsole. Do your research or inspect the shoe to see how much cushioning it offers, and what the rebound is like. Pick a pair of shoes with a high lace eyelet – most do have at least one on either side of the shoe, higher up than the standard lacing system goes – which is useful for preventing shoe loss during bog crossings.
Drop, cushioning and rockers
Traditionally, running shoes were typically made with a ‘drop’ (which refers to the difference between the height of the heel and the toe) of around 12mm. In more recent years, the best trail running shoes have trended towards reducing that drop to 8mm or less, to better tune into the human bodies inherent, natural running style and because trails are much more forgiving on joints than roads are.
General guidance is runners who naturally heel strike (land on their heel first) should opt for shoe with a higher drop, whereas mid and forefoot strikers should go for a smaller drop. Debate continues about which form is the best, with some claiming that heel striking is bad for you, while others arguing that it's only when you actively try to change your form too quickly that injury is likely to occur. With this in mind, it's good to match your current form with the correct amount of drop.
Minimalist shoes have a very small drop, and true ‘barefoot’ shoes have none at all – taking a very tactile approach to the trail, where you fully engage with and can feel the terrain you’re running over, and have to think carefully about foot placement. Confusingly, you can get shoes with loads of cushioning in the sole, often called ‘maximalist’, that also claim to be minimalist because of their small drop. It’s better to think about the two things separately: how much drop do you prefer, and how much cushioning do you like?
Some maximalist shoes have a ‘rocker’, which means instead of being flat to the floor, the bottom of the sole curves like the legs of a rocking chair, helping (it’s claimed) with forward propulsion from foot strike to lift off. Whether you love or hate these options is very subjective, and often comes down to your running style (whether you’re a heel, midfoot of forefoot striker). Try them on the trails and see what suits you best.
Value
We’ve all got budgets limits we need to stay within, and trail running shoes aren’t cheap, but if you find a hardwearing trail running shoe that’s suitable for all your off-road running needs, then it’s worth shelling out a bit more for it. Better to buy a shoe made with robust materials, than to go cheap and end up needing to replace more often.
- Best road running shoes: lace up and hit the streets
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Writer, editor and enthusiast of anything involving boots, bikes, boats, beers and bruises, Pat has spent 20 years pursuing adventure stories. En route he’s canoed Canada’s Yukon River, climbed Mont Blanc and Kilimanjaro, skied and mountain biked through the Norwegian Alps, run an ultra across the roof of Mauritius, and set short-lived records for trail-running Australia’s highest peaks and New Zealand’s Great Walks. He’s authored walking guides to Devon and Dorset, and once wrote a whole book about Toilets for Lonely Planet. Follow Pat’s escapades here.