Brooks Cascadia 19: first impressions 

Over 20 years ago, the very first Cascadia trail running shoe was issued (and designed with ultra running legend Scott Jurek), and it allowed Brooks to position itself at the forefront of the trail scene. The shoe was such a success that it has since gone through multiple reiterations, and the original was re-issued last month.

With trail running tech constantly improving, Brooks keeps finding ways to upgrade the design of the Cascadia, and it calls number 19 the most versatile yet, with testers describing it as "the multitool for trail runners".

In addition to a lighter build and lower drop (down to 6mm), the main headline is the updated Trail Adapt System, which is the brand's proprietary system of cushioning, outsole, and rock plate that's designed to provide stability and protection on uneven surfaces.

This has been updated since the 18 to include "a co-molded Ballistic Rock Shield" which basically increases your comfort on rocky trails by protecting your feet and offers a balanced, boundy ride that almost stretches to tarmac. A healthy 35mm wedge of soft, nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 cushioning allows for more flexibility underfoot without sacrificing control.

The outsole of this shoe is really worth mentioning, too. Even though the lugs aren't particularly aggressive looking, the chevron design and redesigned TrailTack Green technology really shine on a variety of trails, from rocky and dusty to bogs and wet grass.

The shoe has an impressive lockdown fit, which hugs the midfoot and leaves plenty of room for your toes, and while the upper is surprisingly thick, it's very breathable and dries pretty quickly. They're not as rugged as the 18, focusing more on an agile approach for both technical and fast runs, but there's enough protection for your toes.

Upgrades have also been made on the sustainability front. The outsole is now made with 25% recycled rubber, and overall, the 19 uses more recycled materials than its predecessors and is a CarbonNeutral certified product.

This is one of the more versatile trail shoes we've seen in a while. Available in wide sizing and waterproof versions, it performs well under technical conditions but is light and comfortable enough for a newer trail runner.

Brooks Cascadia 19: in the field 

Much to my shame, I haven't had much experience with Brooks trail runners over the years, despite the brand being an original purveyor of trail shoes. I thought they were a bit outdated, compared to Hoka and Merrell, which I've run in a lot, but in the name of nostalgia, I agreed to give the new model a test.

I've tested these in wet and dry conditions on gravel, grass, and a bit of mud and bog here in Scotland, and also wore them to Chamonix for this year's UTMB where I was following the race, but also squeezed in some running and hiking.

Here’s how they performed:

Sizing, fit and comfort

I always test a UK 4 (US 6), which is technically a half size up compared to my official size, but gives my feet room to swell and leaves room for thicker socks in the winter months. I don't have wide feet, but I do have high arches, and when I first put these on, I was a little concerned they weren't high volume enough, as the fit is extremely snug.

That, I think, is down to the tongue being really quite plush, particularly by modern trail runner standards. However, as soon as I got out on the trail, I realized these were going to be a win from the fit and comfort viewpoint.

I ran a hilly 10k in these for their first outing, and they felt absolutely great. The snugness I experienced didn't restrict my feet at all and instead just translates into a really secure lockdown fit for me. There's zero slippage of my foot inside the shoe, and my toes have plenty of room.

I was actually able to wear these for about 36 hours straight while I was following the UTMB and had no issues with comfort, and I've found them ideal for hiking too.

Breathability and protection

Because I've been testing these in the summer months, and as it's been a warm summer, I've had plenty of opportunity to assess their breathability, and I've never encountered sweaty feet (even during my 36-hour expedition).

It's a little surprising because the upper is quite thick and the tongue is very padded, but the porous mesh does exactly what it's meant to do, and when they get wet, they also seem to drain and dry quickly.

The upper isn't quite as tough as the shoe's predecessor, which is why it's lighter, but there are protective overlays around the toes and heel, and they kept my feet quite happy when I was scampering over the rocky trails of Chamonix.

Responsiveness, stability and grip

As soon as I got over the joy of the fit of these shoes, my mind went straight to that bouncy ride. These shoes might not have the massive stack of a pair of Hokas, and for that, you get a little more trail feel, but they're just as responsive, and that goes for soft grassy trails. I wouldn't wear them for road running, but when I do have to cross a little tarmac to get to the trail, they actually feel a lot cushier than my Speedgoat 6s.

They don't have a super wide geometry, but the overall design and fit do lend themselves to an extremely stable ride, even over quite unpredictable terrain.

Finally, the grip of these shoes really is something to write home about. The chevron lug pattern has proven itself a winner in other shoes, but I think the TrailTack Green outsole really is unusually sticky. I've never even slipped in these shoes, from steep, wet grassy descents and on dry, rocky trails. They don't look like they'd be a good match for mud season, but beyond the sloppiest conditions, these have some of the best traction I've tested.

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Comparison table

• How Advnture tests products

Hoka Mafate X: first impressions 

A big midsole on a Hoka trail running shoe is no big deal, but the sheer stack of the Mafate X shocked us with its towering 49mm under the heel. Add to that a carbon plate for propulsiveness, and we started to wonder what trail running's fastest-growing brand was thinking of.

If you think in imperial measurements, 49mm is nearly two inches tall, or four decks of playing cards stacked one on top of the other. In these shoes, you might actually want to consider wearing a helmet while you're running to protect your head from low-hanging branches on overgrown trails. That said, what you lose in the possibility of a concussion, you certainly gain in comfort.

There's almost no other way to describe the sensation of running in these shoes than to say it's like running with memory foam pillows strapped to your feet. The plushness of the EVA foam, known its durability and water-resistance, and PEBA foam (excellent energy return) is just al dente enough to give you an undeniable feeling of bounce, even on the softest grass trails, and your feet will remain happy for hours, even if you venture onto tarmac.

If you've never run on the trails in a Hoka shoe, the height of the midsole might reasonably make you feel a little nervous about the prospect of a sprained ankle, but in our field tests, we discovered a surprisingly stable ride, thanks to that carbon plate.

Beneath that staggering stack you'll find a Vibram Megagrip outsole with uniquely shaped 3.5mm lugs in a "tacos and pizza" design (yes, really) that's surprisingly effective on more slippery terrain.

There's also a new woven upper (ultralight to offset the added weight of the plate) that allows for easy drainage when you meet with waterlogged trails. This is the latest model from Hoka to feature its patent-pending "dynamic vamp" in the forefoot upper, which is designed to help your toes splay naturally as you run, and the result is a slightly higher volume fit than we're used to with Hoka shoes and a more generous toe box. For some, that might translate into having a bit of a harder time finding that all-important lockdown fit, but there is a woven sockliner and gusseted tongue to help, which also prevents debris from putting a hitch in your wagon.

In summation, the Mafate X handles a lot better than we expected in terms of grip and stability, whilst delivering on the promise of all-day comfort, but we can't help but be a little confused with this shoe. Set aside the fact that the jury is still out on whether carbon plates actually help trail runners, and you've got a pair of shoes that are priced and built for elite runners going the distance, but arguably on the heavy side for ultras.

They're billed as gravel shoes, and they're certainly a workhorse on that surface, so if you've got money burning a hole in your pocket and you're seeking comfort and responsiveness, they're worth a look.

Hoka Mafate X: in the field 

I won't lie, I was very curious to try out these shoes after spending the previous nine months running in the Hoka Speedgoat 6s. I've had a lot of success with the Speedgoats, but clearly, this was a completely different shoe and I had no idea how I'd handle that massive stack (and as the recipient of two knee surgeries, I'll admit I was a little nervous).

My first rodeo in them was a short 5k trail run on a straightforward trail in the UK's Lake District. When I got back to my car uninjured, I decided to immediately follow that up with an 8k run in steeper, hilly terrain with a mix of gravel, grass, and slate and make a day out of it. The following week, I decided to bring them with me to the Swiss Alps for a hiking and yoga retreat where I knew I'd have plenty of time to bookend our hut trip with a couple of trail runs in Verbier.

Since then, I've been testing them out on trails in the hills and mountains of Scotland to see how they handle different terrain.

Here’s how they performed:

Sizing, fit and comfort

I always test a UK 4 (US 6), which is technically a half size up but gives my feet room to swell and leaves room for thicker socks in the winter months. In the past, I've found Hoka shoes to be quite narrow – my old Clifton 8s rubbed my inner arches quite a bit, even though I don't have wide feet. So when I tested the Speedgoat 6s, I went for the wide sizing, and that seemed to be the solution.

For the Mafate Xs, however, no wide option exists, so I went with my usual size and was surprised to find that these shoes are much roomier than Hokas of days gone by. I have a high arch and found these to be high volume enough to handle my feet. In fact, I quickly learned that if I don't lace them tightly enough, my foot moves around just a little, but with proper lacing, I can achieve a nice snug fit around my midfoot, my heel is locked into place, and there's lots of room for my toes.

As for comfort, well I get that in supersized portions from these shoes. The initial sensation when I put them on was how plush they feel (and how tall I suddenly was). I'm not a 100-mile runner, so I honestly can't tell you how they perform over those types of distances, but on the days when I've run for hours in them, my feet have been nothing short of delighted.

The only caveat to that is that, because I didn't want to pay to check a bag for my trip to Switzerland, I also wore them for two long days of hiking, and I did find that I got foot fatigu,e which I suspect is down to the carbon plate, which provides zero flex. T

o caveat my caveat, Hoka does not advertise them as hiking shoes the way it does with some of its running shoes, so this isn't a design flaw, I just wanted to mention it in case you're looking for a shoe you can comfortably hike and run in. Since I tested these, Hoka has announced the Mafate X Hike, which may be what you're looking for, but it still has the carbon plate.

Breathability and protection

I can't say that these shoes offer the breezy breathability of my Merrell Long Sky Matryx 2s, but I've also worn them in some unseasonably hot weather in Switzerland (in the 80s) and had zero issues with hot, sweaty feet.

Like any good trail shoe, there's reinforcement around the areas where you're likely to hurt yourself on rocky trails. I'd say the protection against roots and rocks is medium, meaning you could certainly hurt yourself if you come up against a sharp rock, but you won't feel anything on gravel trails, which is what these shoes are built for.

While they're not meant to be waterproof, I've worn them through plenty of bogs in Scotland, and they drain quickl,y although they do take a little while to dry. This hasn't posed an issue as I've been running in the summer months, but it's more something I've noticed because I've washed them a few times.

Responsiveness, stability and grip

When you see a shoe with two inches of foam underfoot and a carbon plate, you expect it to be responsive. In the past, I've wondered if the sensation of energy return is just a placebo effect, but with these shoes, I can say with confidence that they feel like running on trampolines.

Because I've had a couple of knee surgeries, I can be a little timid about landing too heavily on my heel with my knees extended, but even on the downhills, I could feel these shoes soaking up all the shock and my knees were quite happy. They're actually even bouncy enough to handle tarmac with ease. Clearly, there's also absolutely no trail feel whatsoever.

Another potential worry for me with these shoes was stability. I've grown to love the trail feel and confidence I get from my Merrell Long Sky 2s, and wasn't sure about going back to a high stack. I started out quite gingerly on more technical trails in the Lake District and the Alps where I was looking at steep, rocky descents, but again, these shoes surprised me with their stability. I'm putting that down to the wide geometry and carbon plate, and while I wouldn't actually pick these for a technical trail in regular life, they really pose no problem on gravel and grass.

Grip is provided by lugs shaped like tacos and pizza, which let's be honest, feels like a gimmick. They're 3.5mm deep, which is ample for gravel, though not quite aggressive enough for mud, and I didn't expect much from them, but I have to admit, they really work. Having worn these for descending on slick slate and wet grass, I've never slid once, so I guess that lug design works.

Also consider

Comparison table

• How Advnture tests products

The best trail running shoes stand up in the toughest conditions, keeping you comfortable and stable over the many miles of treacherous terrain you're likely to encounter off-road.

These cushioned shoes from Merrell aim to tick boxes and are now up to a whopping 45% off in Backcountry's big Labor Day sale. If you're quick, you can get your hands on the Agility Peak 5 shoes for as little as $104.96 in men's sizes, and $76.97 in women's sizes. The sale runs until September 1.

This trail-ready pair combines breathable mesh uppers, designed to maximize airflow, with tough toe-caps to protect your feet from debris as you run. Inside, Merrell's FloatPro midsoles aim to balance comfort and support, while Vibram outsoles provide stability beneath your feet.

Outdoors expert Julia Clarke got a hold of the Agility Peak 5 trail running shoes in Chamonix, in the French Alps, where she got to put them to the test over many miles of strenuous running.

"If you don’t know, trail running in the Alps is, though magical, a special breed of demanding," explains Julia, who was very impressed by the Agility Peak 5's cushioning and stability on the trails.

"What struck me immediately was how comfortable the shoes are right out of the box," she continues.

"You’d be forgiven if you think these will be too unstable for rough trails, but as we start to climb steeply up into the mountains on the northwest side of the river, I have no problem keeping my balance, and my running mates also comment on how stable they feel."

Not in the US? Look below for today's best Merrell Agility Peak 5 shoes deals where you are.

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Look out, trail runners! Nike has unveiled its latest pair of trail running shoes to keep you comfy and propel you forward on the trails.

Nike describes the new ACG Ultrafly as "a trail-tuned super shoe purpose-built to move with the terrain, delivering ever-ready stability, traction, durability and comfort, even when the miles stop playing nice."

This pair won't be available to the public until the spring, but there's already plenty to be excited about.

Build

Nike went back to the drawing board to design its latest trail running shoes, gathering insight from testers all across the globe, who received prototype ACG Ultraflys to give feedback on.

After 13 rounds of testing, the final version features a redesigned upper and silhouette with a large toe-box, internal fit band, and gusseted tongue.

Nike hasn't specified which materials have been used, but claims that the new uppers are both fast-draining and breathable, so you can take on water crossings and rainy days with ease.

Nike says these new trail shoes were "built in the dirt, forged by every brutal mile, and is engineered for optimal performance and agility in the most demanding conditions."

Inside the shoes

Once inside, the ACG Ultraflys greet your feet with Nike's ZoomX foam midsoles and ZoomX sock liners. The American brand claims these midsoles are comprised of its "lightest, softest, and most responsive foam", to return energy and stop your feet from aching on the trails.

There's also a redesigned FlyPlate, which promises flexibility and vital support as you navigate varied terrain.

Outsoles

Grippy outsoles are essential for a good trail run, and Nike has gone with the experts. Vibram is trusted by brands across the globe for its stable and dependable outsoles, and is a common choice for hiking and trail running shoes.

The ACG Ultraflys feature Vibram's Litebase outsoles, which provide "superior grip, reduced weight and next-level control on rugged uphill and downhill terrain", according to Nike.

Price

Nike has yet to specify a price for its latest trail running shoes, but if previous models are anything to go off, you can expect to pay a pretty penny.

Its predecessors, the Nike Ultrafly, cost $270 and the ACG Ultrafly is likely to be similarly expensive.

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Hoka might have made a name for itself in the trail running shoe department, but the brand's hiking boots have also become well-loved on trails worldwide. Those who love the blend of plush, sneaker-style comfort with technical clout are going to want to pay attention to the California-based brand's latest announcement.

Hot off the chunky heels of the Mafate X trail running shoe, which hit the stores back in March, Hoka has announced the impending release of the Hoka Mafate X Hike. In any Hoka shoe, that X marks the spot where there's a carbon plate, and 15 years after the brand released its first Mafate shoe, it wasn't hugely surprising they'd attempted a more propulsive version for runners, even if the evidence is mixed on whether carbon plates really help trail runners.

It's also no great surprise that they're launching a new hiker, what with the popularity of the Kaha 3 and Anacapa 2, but we'll be the first to admit that the Mafate X Hike is the most interesting boot we've seen from the brand (and possibly any brand).

Meet the Mafate X Hike

Like the trail shoe version, it looks to boast a nearly impossibly high stack (the trail shoes are veritable skyscrapers at 49mm in the heel) thanks to supercritical EVA foam midsole, which is known for its durability and water-resistance. Unusually for a hiker, it's also got a carbon plate, something we've found really helps with stability in our field tests of the running shoe, but may also increase foot fatigue due to lack of flex.

The upper is made of Haptic material, which usually means it's 3D printed to cut down on waste. It's a treatment that's applied to synthetic fabrics to improve abrasion resistance and performance.

Unlike the trail runner, there's an integrated neoprene collar that brings them up quite high on the ankle. The brand says it provides extra ankle support and should help keep both debris and water at bay. There are adjustable speed hooks for more adaptability in lacing, and it looks as though the boot might share the same wide toe box (by Hoka standards, anyway) as the shoe.

The Vibram Megagrip outsole features the brand's unique "pizza and tacos" lug design, which we've found delivers surprisingly good grip. They haven't disclosed how deep the lugs are, but they look reasonably toothy in press images, and the midsole is entirely covered up for durability.

The most interesting new feature with these shoes, however, is the built-in RECCO reflector for improved searchability. This isn't unheard of; we've seen it recently in Scarpa boots, but it is unusual, and we're more used to seeing it in ski backpacks and waterproof jackets (gear you're likely to use for years). It's certainly a sign that the brand intends these high-profile shoes to be suitable for backcountry use, and there's no doubt that the Citrus/Alabaster color scheme makes you more visible to mountain rescue.

No word yet on the release date or weight of these beefy boots, though we suspect they're lighter than they appear, and equally, there's no mention of price yet on Hoka's website, though the trail runners are on the premium end of the price scale. With the addition of a RECCO reflector, we can't help but wonder if these will be Hoka's priciest hikers yet?

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First impressions

The appearance of this shoe isn’t necessarily for everyone; the extra-large toebox gives them a slightly goofy – even clownish – look, if you stare at it for too long. However, I’m the owner of a pair of wide Bozo-style feet, so for me, this generous provision of space across the ball of the foot was a very welcome sight, and it’s not something you see in many of the best trail running shoes, where ‘performance-fit’ is often code for ‘will crush your toes like a vice’.

Simply looking at these shoes, I immediately knew I wouldn’t have to squeeze my poor pinkies into some restrictive chassis, like one of Cinderella’s ugly sisters trying to impress a prince. Consequently, I was confident the MTN Racer 4s would be pretty comfortable trail running shoe. But would the hold and fit be firm enough for the shoe to deliver?

Although this is the fourth generation of this family of footwear, the MTN Racer 4s are the first off-road runners from Topo Athletic I’ve had a chance to genuinely trail test. I have trialed Topo road running shoes a couple of times before, over quite short distances at outdoor industry events, and I was impressed with the look and feel of those models (which were also wide in the forefoot), so I was looking forward to hitting the dirt in the MTN Racers and properly putting them through their paces.

Design

The generously proportioned toebox is the signature feature of the Topo Athletic brand, so let’s start there. The MTN Racer 4s are actually available in a ‘wide’ option, but even the standard version is much more broad across the ball of the foot than the vast majority of running shoes, which is ideal for any with wide feet or bunions, and also works really well for runners who like to splay their toes to increase trail feel. It certainly increases comfort levels over longer runs, when feet often swell.

But, while having enough room to spread your toes and stay comfortable is a massive bonus, you don’t want your feet to be sliding around in the shoe, as this can lead to a loss of control and confidence on technical trails, and result in blisters and hotspots. To prevent this, the rest of the upper on the MTN Racer 4s is designed to achieve a nice firm fit, with a snug midsection and a supportive heel cup. There is also a pair of cord hoops on the tongue for the laces to pass through – Topo call this feature the ‘double-tongue stay’ and it’s intended to keep the tongue where it’s supposed to be (nice and central).

Materials

The emphasis of these shoes is on breathability and drainage, rather than waterproofing (as it should be on most trail running shoes in my opinion), and the upper is primarily constructed from an unspecified but tough-looking synthetic mesh material.

This mesh is supported by a small TPU-type frame, which supplies a little more rigidity around the heel, along the lace system and across the toes. (Sadly, there’s no mention of any recycled content having been used). The toe cap is very minimalist, but the heel cup is a bit more substantial, and cockpit sits quite deep, with a tab protruding from the rear to support and protect the Achillies.

Topo’s designers favor neutrality, but the MTN Racer 4 does have a modest drop of 5mm, supplying extra cushioning to the heel, while the profile of the bottom of the shoe reveals a rocker shape to promote good cadence and forward movement.

There is no surround rand on the MTN Racer 4s, and no rockplate, but the midsole is around 1-inch (3cm) thick, so not only does it supply suspension, it also delivers a degree of protection to the side and bottom of your foot. The ZipFoam used in the midsole of the new 4s offers more springiness than EVA employed in previous editions of the MTN Racer.

Also new is the specially shaped FKT Insole (worth $25 / £20 per pair if you buy them separately) which come included on the inside of each shoe. This insert is made with beaded, closed-cell (so water-resistant) foam, which adds extra cushioning and improves comfort levels.

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The MegaGrip outsole, made by tread specialists Vibram, features well-spaced out lugs that are at least 5mm deep, and provide excellent traction and speed control without being overly aggressive.

The tongue is fully integrated to the upper, to prevent the ingress of grit and other trail debris. There’s also a ‘zipfoam’ Velcro hook on the outside of the heel, and a corresponding plastic hoop at the bottom of the lace system, for affixing any design of gaiter, so you can wear them in dusty or sandy conditions, on trails with tangle hazards and/or aggressive flora and fauna and through winter when running in snow. All of these are features that speak to the versatility and year-round useability of the shoe.

On the trails

Along with some wider excursions, I have mostly been running on my local trails while testing the MTN Racer 4s, taking them on a variety of terrain – technical woodland trails, hillside paths, coastal cliff-edge tracks and a mixture of pebble and sand beaches – and wearing them for short and longer runs. Offering an incredibly comfortable ride, combined with good levels of control, I have found them to be a very versatile shoe, perfect for training and competing.

Have I mentioned that these shoes have an extra wide toebox? Well, they do, and I love it. This is partly because of the sorry, misshapen state of my much-abused and knobbly feet, which make running in more restrictive shoes very painful, but it’s also because I love it when my toes can splay while I trot, especially on longer run, something I think adds not only to comfort levels, but also improves stability, balance and trail feel. I really felt these shoes gave me plenty of confidence on technical trails and sketchy descents.

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The MTN Racer 4s feel almost like barefoot running shoes in terms of their next-to-neutral profile and the way they let your toes spread. But, at the same time, the funky ZipFoam stuff used the midsole provides responsive suspension, and the generous (by Topo’s standards) 5mm drop means there is ample underheel cushioning in these shoes.

Also, the hold you can achieve around the heel and across the arched section of the foot is nice and tight, so your flappers don’t swim around inside the shoe, and you can stay in control.

The mostly mesh upper makes this shoe nice and breathable, and it drains and dries quickly if you take it through stream crossings or go through wet terrain. The water-resistant foam insole is exceptionally comfortable, and it doesn’t absorb any water, so stays light and quiet (there’s nothing more annoying than a loudly squishing shoe).

The integrated tongue works well to prevent grit, gravel and other trail debris from entering the chassis of the shoe and causing discomfort, irritation and potentially injury, and the double-tongue stay means the cushioned part of the tongue stays in position during longer runs.

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As mentioned, there’s no rockplate in the shank, and there is a lot of flexibility in the MTN Racer 4s, both in a tortional sense and along the length of the shoe. This makes for a comfortable ride, but also means you need to run with a tactile appreciation of the terrain you’re scampering across, lest you twist an ankle.

The lugs are well spaced out, so they don’t collect mud when conditions are gloopy, and the designs means they’re extremely grippy on all sorts of terrain without being too aggressive, so they’re very comfortable (to the point of being unnoticeable) even when you are running on hard-packed or sealed surfaces.

Considering the depth of the midsole and the size of the lugs, I found I got a surprising amount of feedback from the trail, which I enjoy.

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Teva Aventrail Running Sandals: first impressions 

When Teva announced it was releasing its first-ever trail running sandal and that it would take its cues from maximalist shoes, we were intrigued. The best trail running shoes, after all, require stability and protection, and something about a bouncy sandal just felt a bit wrong.

Running sandals aren't exactly a new concept, though they're certainly niche, but past models have been of the minimalist variety, such as those designed by Xero Barefoot. But instead of a thin sole and thong upper, the Aventrails are a robust, chunky affair.

The key talking point is the beefy midsole, which looks more like one found on something like the Hoka Mafate X than any running or hiking sandal we've tested. It's composed of a responsive EVA foam on the bottom and a light supercritical foam underfoot, while a nylon plate sandwiched between the two is designed to add protection and stability.

When wearing them, the initial sensation is one of extreme plushness that I found stayed with me for up to two hours on the trail, and delivers quite a springy run. And despite how substantial they are, they’re really quite light.

For the upper, Teva has combined its W strap system, which offers three points of adjustability using hook-and-loop fastenings, with a stretchy knit bootie that means none of the strap touches your skin. The result is a surprisingly snug fit where your foot doesn’t move around as much as you might expect, though I found that it wasn't totally free of rubbing. Wearing these with trail running socks would probably help, but I couldn't help thinking that’s defeating the purpose of running in sandals in the first place.

The whole point of these sandals is to get off the beaten (or paved) path, and I found the lugs on the Spider Rubber outsole to be a good match for both gravel roads and a mix of grass and bog.

It seems a bit redundant to mention that these sandals are breathable, because of course they are, and for that reason, they’re obviously a boon for running in hot weather, and they drain quickly if you meet water. When things get a little more technical, such as on steep singletrack, they do show a little weakness, but overall, they handle straightforward trails with aplomb, and they’re a great solution for adventure travel where you want versatile footwear that can be use for running and as a water shoe.

Teva Aventrail Running Sandals: in the field

My first experience with Teva sandals was back in 2009. I’d just moved to the Rockies and got a pair for river trips and, because that's what everyone else was doing, open-toed summer hiking. The soles were stiff, the straps a little hard to adjust and not the most comfortable, and I wore them for years, though rarely for hiking. When I heard about the Aventrails, I was skeptical, but curious.

I decided to pick a trail that wasn’t hugely technical to test them out over a couple of runs. But I wanted to give them a proper run for their money, too, so I chose a trail system that has some steeper slopes mixed in with rolling terrain, lots of grass and bog, and a little gravel. The first time I wore them, I ran for about an hour, and the second time for two hours.

Here’s how they performed:

Sizing, fit and comfort

I tested a UK size 4 (US size 6), and found that they run true to size. That's a half size up for me, so it gives my feet a little room to swell, though I honestly wasn’t sure if that applies in sandals. Anyway, the upper is neither too tight nor too loose, and there’s little room at the end, but not so much that I trip over.

My first impression when I put these on was surprise at how comfortable they are. In fact, they feel a lot more like a cushy pair of Hokas (and I mean Bondi 8s) than what I usually associate with sandals, and they have a good deal of arch support, which is great for me. This meant ongoing comfort underfoot out on the trail, and after two hours of running, I didn’t have any foot fatigue and really enjoyed the barefoot sensation, even in boggy areas.

The only issue I’ve had with these sandals is that after about an hour, they start rubbing my outer pinkie toe, and I’m not totally sure why. It left me with a small blister and wasn’t too serious, but it made me nervous about wearing these for long days. In both cases, I wasn’t wearing socks with them, and I wonder if that would help, but I honestly can’t imagine the point of wearing running sandals with socks. Surely the appeal is the barefoot-and-free feeling?

Stability and responsiveness

Because I’ve never run in sandals before, I started out really gingerly and made a point of using my running poles for stability. I just couldn’t believe that the high stack would be that stable and thought my feet would be slipping around, but amazingly, these performed pretty well, and as the miles went by, I started to get more confident and run faster and more naturally, even on steeper downhill sections.

The only time I had any issues with my feet sliding around was when I reached a particularly narrow bit of singletrack.

No surprises, but that high stack and nylon plate translate into a really smooth, responsive ride, even when I had to cross a short section of tarmac, and gives you almost no trail feedback besides that of bouncing.

Protection and grip

Sandals and protection don’t exactly go hand-in-hand, but I haven’t had any problems with toe stubbing. I think it’s because the wide geometry essentially acts like the edge of a bumper car and deflects any rocks or roots. That said, I haven’t had these out on really rocky trails and the thought of it still makes me nervous.

I was fully expecting them to constantly trap small particles of dirt between my foot and the sandal (with my old Tevas I was constantly stopping to empty them out), but I had no such problems. It seems like the knit bootie works to keep grime out, or perhaps I'm just towering so high above the ground that no gravel reaches my feet.

The Spider Rubber outsoles have decent-sized tiered traction lugs and have sufficed perfectly well for the terrain I’ve used these in. I’ve never slipped, but the trails have been fairly straightforward and non-technical.

Should you buy?

If you’re a sandal fanatic, these shoes could be the ones you’ve been waiting for. They somehow manage to combine the bounce of a maximalist shoe with that fresh, open-toed feel, but the rubbing on the pinkie toes could pose a problem.

What these shoes do well is provide a solution to adventure vacations where you want to travel light. If I were going somewhere like Corsica or Gran Canaria where I was expecting warm weather and wanted to run, hike, and get in the water but didn’t want to check a bag in, I could realistically wear these shoes on the place and use them for all my activities.

Also consider

Comparison table

• How Advnture tests products

Eyes up, trail runners, there's a new kid on the block. Tracksmith might be familiar to road runners, but the American brand has never made a foray into the trail scene - until now.

The new Tracksmith Eliot Range trail running shoes are the brand's first pair built for rugged wilderness trails rather than smooth roads. They're designed to optimize agility and comfort on the trails, and feature aggressive outsoles to keep you upright as you run.

Features

Although they're new to the market, these lightweight trail shoes boast several features that will be familiar to trail running enthusiasts.

Their woven ripstop uppers feature soft Merino wool linings, designed to increase comfort as you run. Merino wool is a popular choice for outdoor brands due to its smooth, non-itchy finish, and temperature regulating performance in extreme conditions.

Sturdy Vibram outsoles will also catch the eye. Vibram is the go-to choice for many brands for tough outsoles and is used by the likes of The North Face, Merrell, and Hoka. Vibram outsoles typically feature an aggressive formation of rubber lugs, designed to dig into rough terrain and stop you from slipping and falling.

The Eliot Range shoes are also lightweight, allowing you to speed through the trails without feeling weighed down. A men's US size 9 weighs in at just 9.9 oz (281g) per show.

They're available in two colorways: Clay / Silver / Gray / Faded Myrtle or just Faded Myrtle.

Price

At $240 (US only), the Eliot Range shoes are among the most expensive pairs on the market.

In comparison, our favorite lightweight trail running pair, Merrell Skyfire 2, comes from a well-established trail running brand and is available for just $200 (£170).

The Saucony Endorphin Edge shoes, which we ranked as our overall favorite trail running pair, also cost only $200 (£200).

We're yet to find out whether the Eliot Range trail running shoes are worth the full $240, but there's a lot to live up to with such a hefty price tag.

• The most comfortable trail running shoes: put your feet first with these lightweight, cushioned buys
• The best trail running shoes: get a grip on the trickiest terrain

Now that the dust has well and truly settled on the Western States 100 course, new data has revealed that one shoe brand was far and away the most popular choice among the competitors: Hoka.

A survey of data that was collected by the running site iRunFar and analyzed by TrailRunningReview.com shows that a whopping 32.6 percent of runners at the race this past June were wearing Hoka shoes.

The data was collected via video from a point early on in the race, and found that of the 369 competitors, some 118 took to the course in Hokas. Of those runners, 7.4 percent ran in the versatile and grippy Speedgoat 6s, while six percent ran in the springy Hoka Mafate Speed 4s and another six percent the propulsive, carbon-plated Tecton X 3s.

The results put Hoka about as far ahead of next-placed brand as Courtney Dauwalter was ahead of Katie Schide in the 2023 edition of the race, which is a long and winding way of saying that, in comparison, Altra was seen on just 12.4 percent of runners’ feet.

The Denver-based running brand is known for its low-to-zero drop and wide toe box in models like the Mont Blanc BOA beloved by Appalachian Trail champ Tara Dower, who put up a good fight at this year's race but DNFd at the 73-mile mark.

Annecy-based Salomon takes 7.7 percent of the pie, and Nike, which hasn’t previously been known for paying much attention to trail, was in fourth place at 6.3 percent and on the feet of overall winner Caleb Olsen, who raced in the new Ultraflys. Brooks, an early pioneer of trail running shoes, has slipped down in favor, coming in sixth place after burgeoning Adidas Terrex.

What’s perhaps more interesting is that brand representation at the starting line doesn’t seem to translate to representation at the finish. While the data collected doesn’t reveal who was wearing what, we can say with some certainty that only one person on either podium was wearing Hokas, and that’s second-placed Fuzhao Xiang who was powered to the finish by the yet-to-be-released Rocket X Trail. Winner Abby Hall and third-placed Marianne Hogan were running in shoes from their sponsors at Adidas Terrex and Salomon.

On the men’s podium, Hoka runner Jim Walmsley looked a dead cert to grab another podium in his Tecton X 3s, but he dropped out of the starting line up a couple of months before the race, leaving Caleb Olsen, Chris Myers and Kilian Jornet to take home the three winning buckles in shoes from Nike, Brooks and NNormal respectively.

What can we learn from this? That Hoka is officially a household name and that there’s no such thing as the perfect running shoe, probably. Read all the results at iRunFar and check out our guide to which Hoka trail running shoes are best for you.

• The best trail shoes for ultra runners: these robust and comfy rides are built for serious outdoor adventures
• The best hydration packs: on-the-go refuelling for your runs

Merrell might be best known as a hiking shoe brand, but recent years have seen the Michigan-based outfit make massive strides in trail running shoes, and its new release is designed for anyone seeking a technical shoe that can handle everything from tarmac to trail.

Personally, Merrell trail running shoes have become my favorite to run in over the last four years. The Merrell Long Sky 2 Matryx are unbelievably light, breathable, and sticky and have taken me from the volcanic trails of Gran Canaria to the rather soggier ones of Scotland without issue.

Last year, the Merrell Morphlite was released, offering the brand's first hybrid road-to-trail shoe that was built with enough cushion and responsiveness for hard roads and the stability and light grip for straightforward trails. I absolutely loved it, especially for vacations where I know I'm going to want to run, but am not sure what type of terrain I'm going to encounter. However, it wasn't built for technical or muddy trails.

Now, Merrell has taken what made that shoe so awesome and made it more technical for those who want to go further off-road but still travel routes that take them along roads.

Meet the Merrell ProMorph

The Merrell ProMorph, out now, shares DNA with the Morphlite, but it's designed to be more aggressive so you can take on rougher trails.

Since the biggest claim is that it provides better traction, let's start at the bottom and work our way up. Whereas the Morphlite left a fair amount of midsole exposed and has shallow lugs (3mm and 2mm) around the perimeter and under the heel and forefoot, the Vibram XS Trek rubber outsole of the ProMorph covers most of the bottom of the shoe and is absolutely peppered with small lugs. At 2.2mm, they're not super deep, but there are dozens (over 100?) of them, and the brand says this provides adaptable traction across a variety of terrain.

As for the midsole, the ProMorph has upgraded from FloatPro to FloatPro+, which uses the increasingly popular supercritical foam (that's nitrogen-injected) for lightweight responsiveness.

The stack has gone up, from 26.5 in the heel to 32.5, while the 6.5mm drop has remained the same, and here's hoping the synthetic and mesh upper is as breathable as the Morphlite because that's an absolute dream on warm days. The added tech has added a little weight, but at roughly 9oz (260g), these are still astonishingly light.

It's definitely true that gear that serves multiple functions sometimes does a decent job at everything without excelling at everything, but based on my experiences with the Morphlite, my hopes are high that these will be the Leatherman of running shoes.

The Merrell ProMorph is available now in men's and women's sizing for $160 / £150 at Merrell.

• The best road to trail running shoes: footwear for all terrains
• The best trail running shoes: get a grip on the trickiest terrain

The dust on the trail has barely settled after the massive Hoka Mafate X landed back in May, and already the brand is hyping the next release in the iconic Mafate line.

The original Mafate was the trail running shoe that put Hoka on the map back in 2010 when the brand first launched in Annecy. At the time, it looked a little out of place with its thick midsole, rocker geometry, and bright colors in a sea of minimalist shoes, but only 15 years on, we've come to expect nothing less.

Hoka has continued to try to improve on the original design as technology advances, and in 2022, the Mafate Speed 4 came along lighter (thanks to a jacquard mesh upper and Profly foam), springier and with some pretty aggressive 5mm lugs, making it best for mountain running out of all the brand's trail shoes.

A few months back, Hoka gave the Mafate the carbon plate makeover, and we could barely believe our eyes when we got our hands on the Mafate X and saw that towering 49mm stack. Now, with the UTMB finals looming, the brand has decided it's time for the next edition of the non-carbon plate variety, and the shoe comes with one really intriguing difference.

Meet the Hoka Mafate 5

Midsole matters, especially when you're going the distance, and like many newer models, Hoka has constructed the midsole of the Mafate 5 using two different foams, a technique that's believed to provide both cushion and responsiveness.

Typically, the softer foam goes closer to your foot to help with comfort over the miles, and the firmer foam goes at the bottom to improve responsiveness, but in this shoe, Hoka has turned the tables, literally.

The softer, impact-absorbing foam on the Mafate 5 is closer to the ground, which the designers say helps negotiate rough trails WITH more control and deliver a smoother ride, and for that reason, this shoe is built for "mileage chasers."

The stack might be slightly lower than the X, but it's still massive at 45mm under heel, with an 8mm drop. While the 4 had a gussetted tongue to protect from debris, the 5 has gone the extra mile and added an optional gaiter to save you from having to empty your shoe mid-run.

In place of the jacquard upper is a warp knit upper with anti-fray treatment for durability, but the Vibram outsole remains in place with 5mm lugs for muddy days.

The whole package weighs around 8oz (220g) per shoe, which is a couple of ounces cheaper than either the 4 or the X.

The Hoka Mafate 5 is out now in both men's and women's sizing for $185 at Hoka.

• The best trail running shoes: get a grip on teh trickiest terrain
• The best trail shoes for ultra runners: these robust and comfy rides are built for serious outdoor adventures

Compared to some heritage hiking brands, at just 22 years old, Keen is just a baby. But in that time, it's managed to make quite a mark on the world of hiking footwear and establish itself as a maker of reliable hiking boots, shoes and sandals from the Targhee IV to the Newport H2. Now it's taking its winning formula and applying it to shoes purpose-built for faster adventures.

The Keen Seek, available on July 25, is the first trail running shoe from the Portland-based brand, and according to Keen, it's been two years in the making.

“We started to wonder: if we have proven better-for-your-feet fit, out-of-the-box comfort, and best-in-class durability and protection, why couldn’t we make something for those fans who want to move a little faster?” says Will Schuh, director of product management at KEEN.

Years in the making

Because Keen is best known for hiking footwear, the development team started the process of designing a trail shoe by conducting in-depth interviews with runners to learn more about what they look for in a trail running shoe.

Next up, they started working with a team of testers around the US, which the brand says helped "fine-tune the geometry and design" through multiple prototypes. This saw one of the lead developers at Keen run 900 miles in 2024, trying out various prototypes.

The whole process took around two years, and now, Keen believes it has a winning formula in the Seek.

Meet the Keen Seek

The resulting trail shoe is built with a roomy toe box to help your toes splay naturally, while a pre-molded TPU heel counter and lockdown-knit fit hold your foot snugly in place. A breathable textile upper is designed for warm weather, and a padded tongue and stretchy knit collar provide comfort over longer days.

Underfoot, you're looking at a modest 6mm drop and a durable QuantumFoam midsole that Keens says delivers a responsive, comfortable, and stable ride. The men's model has a massive 38.5mm of foam under the heel, while the women's version boasts 36mm. Either way, this looks built for well-packed and gravel trails.

If you do encounter crumbly or slick conditions, 4mm rubber lugs that are rated by Heeluxe to last 925 miles until worn smooth help you keep your footing.

There are some other nice perks too, such as a lace garage, reflective laces for safety, and an Eco Anti-Odor treatment to cut down on stinky shoes, made with natural probiotics that are reportedly safe for the environment.

All of this comes in at a relatively light (if not superlight) 10.9oz (men’s) / 8.75oz (women’s).

The Keen Seek will be available on July 25 in men’s and women’s sizing and in multiple colorways from Keen. In line with the brand's announcement that it would not raise prices to cover tariffs, is priced at a reasonable $185. It will be released in the UK in September.

• The best trail running shoes: get a grip on the trickiest terrain
• The best trail running socks: comfort and support on uneven ground

With their roomy toe box and cushy stack, it's no surprise that the Altra Olympus series has won the hearts of those who want to go the distance on tough trails. With the newest edition of the popular trail running shoe, the Utah-based brand has gone all in on the latest tech to help you tackle challenging trails with (more) ease.

The new Altra Olympus 275, available now, boasts several key upgrades compared to the previous Olympus 6. Now geared definitively towards technical trails and long-distance pursuits, the new upper is crafted from ultra-tenacious Matryx fabric, and that's great news if you and your shoes like to take on rough ground.

Matryx is engineered in France by twisting threads of polyamide and ultra-tenacious Kevlar together. These threads are then coated in polyurethane, which enhances both abrasion resistance and breathability. You can learn more in our article on Matryx, but for now, what you need to know is that it's light, tough, great for sweaty feet, and we've loved it in shoes like the Merrell Long Sky 2 Matryx.

What else is new?

Other upgrades include a built-in scree sleeve to keep debris out on gravelly and dusty trails and what Altra calls a "zonal fit lock" which it says is intended to provide a more secure fit, and that's a good thing when the shoe in question features the brand's roomiest toe box.

There's also a sock liner that's there to help improve the longevity of the midsole, meaning you'll hopefully be able to keep these shoes in rotation for longer.

Despite all that added tech, the shoe is ever so slightly lighter than the previous model, weighing in at a modest (if not featherlight) 11.9 oz / 338.8 g per shoe.

Underfoot, the brand has been smart enough to know what's working and remained true to the 33mm of compression-molded EVA foam in the midsole, so you can expect all-day comfort and stability, and (no surprises) they've taken a zero drop approach for a more natural trail feel.

Finally, they've stuck with the excellent Vibram Megagrip outsoles so you can stick to the trails whether they're wet or dry. Early reviews are highly positive, with runners praising the comfort, weight, and protection.

The Altra Olympus 275 is out now in both men's and women's sizing for $185 / £170 from Altra.

• The best trail running shoes: get a grip on the trickiest terrain
• The best running watches: tech to help you outpace your PB

Eying up the trails this summer? You'll need a comfy pair of running shoes to keep you stable and support your feet as you race through the wilderness. If your old ones are looking a little tired, check out this awesome deal on one of the comfiest pairs we've tested - the Nike Zegama 2s.

We rated these trail-ready shoes as the best pair for easy trails in our expert guide to the most comfortable trail running shoes, and they're now available for just $144.97 in men's sizes, and $151.97 in women's sizes at Nike.

On first glance, you're certain to notice this pair's impressively chunky 39mm stack. It's made from bouncy ZoomX foam, designed to cushion your feet and increase bounce as you sprint through the trails. Underneath, the Vibram Megagrip outsoles feature an aggressive formation of chevron lugs, which dig into the trails to keep you upright.

You're always going to lose a little stability with such a large stack height, but trail running expert Julia Clarke was pleasantly surprised by the outsoles' performance on the trails.

"I've made a point of running down steeper grassy sections where it wasn't super wet but there were still muddy patches and I didn't skid once, which was really a nice surprise," reads Julia's review for Advnture.

The Zegama 2s are a comfortable, lightweight pair suited to grassy and easier trails. If you're after something a little tougher for rocky terrain, check out our guide to the best trail running shoes.

Not in the US? Don't worry, you can still snag a great deal. Look below for today's best Nike Zegama 2 deals where you are.

• The best barefoot running shoes: feel the ground beneath your feet
• The best trail running shoes: get a grip on the trickiest terrain

We're right in the middle of the Amazon Prime Day madness, but funnily enough, many of the best deals aren't on Amazon at all! Big savings are often elsewhere during the mega sales event, as other retailers and brands scramble to keep up.

This year, we've stumbled across an epic deal on one of our favorite pairs of trail running shoes. The Merrell Agility Peak 5 shoes received a rare four-and-a-half-star rating in our review, and are now available for just $74.99 on the Merrell website.

The offer applies to the Neon Multi, Red Oxide and fluro White/Hylalite colorways so you'll be sure to be seen on the trails too.

This sturdy pair combines well-ventilated mesh and TPU uppers with supportive EVA foam footbeds and FloatPro midsoles, so you can run in comfort and absorb blows from the trail without your feet overheating. Beneath lie grippy Vibram MegaGrip outsoles, which dig into slippery and uneven terrain to keep you from falling as you run.

Trail running expert Pat Kinsella took on all sorts of terrain to test his pair and found them to be exceptionally stable throughout.

"The 5mm lugs are super grippy," reads his review for Advnture.

"They’re intelligently arranged to supply traction while climbing and brilliant braking control during descents, while being sufficiently spaced so they don’t accumulate loads of mud."

Pat's experience with the Agility Peak 5 was an overwhelmingly positive one, prompting him to describe this Merrell model as: "a very good trail-running shoe that will serve you well, whether you’re intending to tackle technical alpine terrain or just jog around your local trails".

Not in the US? Don't worry, you can still pick up a great deal. Look below for today's best Merrell Agility Peak 5 deals where you are.

• The best barefoot running shoes: feel the ground beneath your feet
• The best trail running shoes: get a grip on the trickiest terrain

Are you on the hunt for a dependable pair of trail running shoes this Amazon Prime Day? Then we've got the deal for you, as this comfortable Adidas Terrex pair is up to 69% off in the huge Amazon Prime Day sale.

The Women's Terrex Agravic Flow 2 trail running shoes were designed with harsh mountain trails in mind, and are now available for as little as $39.95 at Amazon, although prices vary per size.

Their abrasion-resistant mesh upper compliments limited but effective padding to shield your feet from damage as you run. Like most Adidas Terrex pairs, the Flow 2 shoes make use of a sturdy Continental rubber outsole which digs into wet and rocky terrain to keep you for falling.

Expert reviewer and former Advnture Editor Cat Ellis put her pair to the test over multiple tough lengthy runs in the wilderness, and was especially complimentary of their snug and cozy fit.

"I found the overall fit of the Adidas Terrex Agravic Flow 2 very comfortable; neither wide nor narrow, but with ample wiggle room in the toebox," reads Cat's review for Advnture.

"I prefer trail shoes with a relatively close fit, and the Agravic Flow 2's thin but strong upper felt reassuringly snug."

Cat was also fond of the pair's bouncy promoderator inserts, which lent "a good feeling of forward propulsion," and provided plenty of arch support.

If you're not in the US, you can look below for the best Adidas terrex Agravic Flow 2 deals where you are:

• The best trail running shoes: get a grip on the trickiest terrain
• The best trail running socks: comfort and support on uneven ground

Running at altitude can be a tricky business. Along with reduced oxygen levels and unpredictable weather, you have to contend with the varied terrain of mountain trails. The right footwear is essential, and we've spotted a great deal on a mountain-ready pair to help you speed through the mountains with confidence this summer.

The Arc'teryx Norvan LD 4 men's trail running shoes were only released in February but have been knocked down to just $119 in anticipation of Amazon Prime Day. The upcoming sale begins on July 8 and is expected to offer huge savings on all sorts of outdoor equipment.

The Norvan LD 4 trail running shoes were designed with unpredictable mountain terrain in mind. Along with a PFAS-free, abrasion-resistant polyester upper and flexible TPU reinforcement, they boast a reduced stack height for added stability. Their Vibram Megagrip outsoles feature Arc'teryx's Litebase lugs to keep you on your feet as you take on the slippery rocks and soft mud of harsh alpine trails.

This deal only applies to men's sizes, but you can find women's Norvan LD 4s for their list price of $170 on the Arc'teryx website.

Despite their technical design, these Arc'teryx shoes include plenty of features aimed at increasing comfort. A new sock liner intends to improve their fit over long distances, and a softened toe box reduces pesky toe bashing as you descend.

Don't panic if you're not in the US. Take a look below at the best Arc'teryx Norvan deals available where you are right now.

• The best trail running shoes: get a grip on the trickiest terrain
• The best trail shoes for ultra runners: these robust and comfy rides are built for serious outdoor adventures

These days, a pair of Hoka shoes is never far from a major trail race podium, and this year's Western States was no different.

While the first placed runners sported the yet-to-be-released Nike Ultrafly 2 (Caleb Olson) and the revered Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra (Abby Hall), Fuzhao Xiang took second place in the women's race, sporting a Hoka prototype.

The Chinese runner was back for another shot at the legendary California race over the weekend after taking second place last year. Her time of 16:47:09 was slower than her 2024 performance, but placed her once again on the podium, only 10 minutes behind Hall as runner-up and sixth fastest woman ever at the race.

That achievement also made Xiang the leader of Hoka's team at the 100-mile race, and inquiring minds wanted to know what shoes she was wearing. Would it be the Hoka Tecton X 3s that have seen Jim Walmsley win the Western States and Vincent Bouillard take the UTMB title in 2024?

Hoka, the official sponsor of WSER, has confirmed to Advnture that Xiang wore the brand's yet-to-be released Rocket X Trail, a shoe designed specifically for the demands of gravel racing.

“Fuzhao brought her A-game to the most legendary American trail race, and we couldn’t be prouder to see her hitting these heights at this point in the season. Western States has long been a proving ground, and it’s really meaningful to see Hoka on the podium again," says Mike McManus, Director of NA Sports Marketing.

What we know so far about the Hoka Rocket Trail

Previous iterations of the Rocket series, such as the Rocket X 2 have been built for road running, and this will be the first Rocket designed for the trails.

The inclusion of the X in the name denotes it has a carbon plate, and the brand tells us the shoe is ultralight and features a new A-TPU superfoam and "targeted traction" for speed over a variety of distances.

There's no mention of the model on Hoka's website yet, but a runner posted in a Reddit thread devoted to running shoes claims to have a few more details:

"I ran in a prototype last winter, it was light and quite responsive! It has a fairly high stack height and the midsole is on the firmer side. I really liked running in it, although with the 3 mm lugs and the higher stack height you're not going to be running with them in more technical terrain."

The Hoka Rocket X Trail will be available in limited quantities in the fall of 2025. If you can't wait, the Hoka Mafate X is out now for long-haul efforts.

• The best Hoka trail running shoes for different types of terrain
• The best trail running shoes: get a grip on the trickiest terrain

Founded in 2009, Altra is an American brand that has long been championing zero- or low-drop trail running shoes. These kinds of shoes place the foot in a more natural position, leading to a more natural gait on the trails. On its website, it wryly asks: “Why run in heels?”

The brand has grown into a giant in the trail running world and is today owned by VF Corporation, the same umbrella that counts The North Face, Napapjiri, Icebreaker, Vans and Timberland among its subsidiaries.

The brand has also been an advocate of a roomy toe box, allowing toes to splay upon impact. These ideals were devised by founder Golden Harper and they still form part of Altra’s Natural Fit ethos today. Both the wide toe box and a zero-drop are present in the Timp 5 BOA.

We reviewed the standard Timp 5 back in spring 2024 and there was a lot we liked, though reviewer Julia Clarke pointed to the lacing potentially causing some discomfort. So, we were intrigued to get our hands on the BOA version and give them a run out to see if BOA’s innovative system would elevate the overall running experience.

First impressions

When I look at the Altra logo, I’m somehow put in mind of the advent of computer gaming and the early motorsport games. If you’re of a certain age, you’ll know the ones I mean, when the car was fixed at the bottom of the screen as the road and the scenery moved towards you. It might be that the logo bears a bit of a resemblance to Atari’s Fuji logo, or it might be that it has a whiff of Formula One about it. The Ferrari red swish disappearing into the distance like a bend in the track at Monza.

Well, the Timp 5 BOA looks like what would happen if you took the 1995 McLaren F1 car and melted it down to create a running shoe. And why not? La Sportiva and Scarpa have been designing trail running shoes that have a definite racing car vibe for years. If you’re gonna be entering trail races, you might as well wear something that looks race worthy. I was testing the White/Coral colorway, but the Timp 5 BOA is also available in an understated yet cool Black/Black version. Though, why Altra felt the need to name Black twice, I don’t know. It’s just Black.

Anyway, that’s enough about how they look. How do they feel to wear? The design of the BOA fit system means the upper is virtually all one piece, a bit like a sock liner, with an elasticated top, over which the lacing system sits. This means they're comfortable for casual wear, but you can dial in the fit around the midfoot as tight as you like when it comes to tackling the trails. To begin with, I noticed a little discomfort around the ankle at the padded part, where the BOA dial sits. However, once I’d worn the shoes in a little, this disappeared. As you’d expect from Altra, there was plenty of wiggle room for the toes.

The BOA system

The obvious feature that sets the Timp 5 BOA apart from the standard Timp 5 is the BOA fit system, in this case the PerformFit Wrap Configuration system, which wraps over and conforms to the shape of the midfoot. For the uninitiated, the BOA system replaces traditional lacing with a system of thin but durable cords. These cords are threaded through the upper and are tightened using a dial.

This has a few advantages. First, it makes putting on and taking off your shoes really quick and easy. To loosen the cords, all you have to do is pull the dial outwards. This is particularly handy for winter pursuits when you may be wearing gloves. I very much appreciated the ability to tighten and loosen the BOA fit on the La Sportiva Cyklon Cross GTX and the Scarpa Ribelle Run Kalibra G without exposing my digits to the chill.

Secondly, the system allows for a fine-tuned fit that can be further tightened very quickly while you're running. Plus, unlike standard laces, there’s next to no chance of the system coming undone. The downside is that it doesn’t provide the opportunity to tighten a specific region, as with standard laces. And, just as shoes with a Gore-Tex membrane are more expensive than those without, a shoe with a BOA fit system tends to be more pricey than the same shoe without it. The list price of the standard Timp 5 at time of writing is $155 (£135), as opposed to $175 (£155) with the BOA fit. I'd assert it's worth the markup though.

Other features

The mesh upper provides a little protection while delivering excellent breathability. Unlike with the standard Timp 5, there’s no Gore-Tex option with the BOA fit system. Instead, you get a super quick drying synthetic upper that won’t keep your socks dry if you gambol through puddles but will ensure there’s airflow to your feet. There are reinforced rands at the toes and the heel for additional protection against rock abrasion.

Much of the Timp 5 BOA’s 29mm stack height is to do with its EGO MAX midsole, which provides high levels of cushioning for a ride experience that Altra file under the Float category. If you’re after tonnes of trail feel, forget about it. If you want a propulsive, maximalist ride, you’ve come to the right place. This soft and stable platform provides comfort for those running long – think trail marathons and ultras.

Vibram provides the rubber for the outsole with its Megagrip, a compound found in many running shoes, hiking shoes, such as Aku’s Trekker Lite III and Danner’s Trail 2650 Campo GTX, and approach shoes, like Scarpa’s Crux. As well as being durable, Megagrip provides solid traction on both wet and dry rock, which is why it’s such a popular choice when footwear brands are designing shoes that can deal with the occasional bit of scrambling terrain.

Altra has opted for many little P-shaped lugs of 4mm depth, rather than big chunky ones. Fairly standard for summer trail running shoes, 4mm provides enough bite for the majority of trail conditions, though I’d need more aggressive, longer lugs for the soft ground of winter (in the UK at least). The lugs point backwards at the front of the shoe and forwards at the back of the shoe, providing decent braking power when lolloping downhill. Like the Salomon Speedcross, the lugs also curl up to the toe cap, like front points on crampons, providing additional traction when ascending steep ground.

At the heel there’s both a fabric loop and a Velcro tab. The fabric loop enables the wearer to clip the shoes into a carabiner or hang them up. The Velcro tab, Altra’s Gaiter Trap, makes the shoes compatible with Altra’s strapless Trail Gaiter – a nice touch. There are several reasons why you might want a gaiter for running, including keeping snow out or protection against the abrasive qualities of scrubland environments.

In the outdoor lab

I tested the Timp 5 BOAs on runs around my usual stomping ground, Bristol’s Henbury Gorge, as well as in Wales’ Bannau Brycheiniog National Park. Runs in the gorge allowed me to compare them directly to my usual summer choice, Inov8’s TrailFly G 275 V2, as well as many other pairs I’ve tested here. The gorge’s blend of ups, downs, soft ground, rooty forest paths, rocky limestone sections and hard-packed trails are a great laboratory for putting trail shoes through their paces.

What was immediately obvious was the lack of trail feel you get with a 29mm stack height. It’s not non-existent, but it’s not ideal if you’re the barefoot runner sort. I personally enjoy the running experience with a bit more trail feel, though I’m aware that not everyone loves this, so I’ll try not to hold it against the shoes.

However, with plusher cushioning comes greater bounce. I was able to coax some decent speed out of the Timp 5 BOAs, notably clocking my fastest ever time on a particular mile-long Strava segment. Not only was it my own PB for this stretch, but I also even scraped into the top 10 of all time. Whether this was down to the shoes or other factors – I have cut out ultra-processed food, you know! – is hard to tell. However, it’s clear that the Timp 5 BOAs can go fast.

Having tested plenty of footwear featuring Vibram Megagrip soles, both on running shoes and approach shoes, it came as no surprise to find the Timp 5 BOAs coped well on both wet and dry rock.

As for fit and comfort, I can’t fault them. The BOA system enabled me to achieve a desired fit and my heel always felt locked in. I suffered from none of the claustrophobia around the toe region that I’ve experienced in some shoes and nor were my toes banging against the front of the shoe during long, sustained descents.

The levels of protection are moderate, which is to be expected for a running shoe with a mesh upper. However, I did value the additional shielding provided by the subtle rands at both the toes and the heel.

All said, the Timp 5 BOA trail running shoe is a versatile and comfortable operator. If you like a plush level of cushioning and aren’t too bothered about feeling the trail beneath your feet, they’ll see plenty of use. They’re grippy, fast and a pleasure to wear, while the BOA system is easy to use and provides a great fit.

Also consider

Comparison table

Seeking to dominate the trail this summer? We can't promise we can get you in Kilian Jornet condition, but we can help you save money on the kit that he swears by.

Right now, you can pick up the tough Nnormal Kjerag trail running shoes for as little as $136.50 in Backcountry's summer sale. That's a giant 30% off the regular list price for these high-quality shoes, which Jornet says he put 400k in between racing the UTMB, Hardrock 100, Zegama and Sierra Zinal.

"It was the best test, and the best outcome.”

Built for the toughest trails by the brand co-founded by the ultra running legend, the Kjerags boast a Vibram Litebase outsole with 3.5mm lugs, which not only provides sticky grip, it cuts down on weight (by 30%) and is 50% thinner for a better trail feel.

Durable Matryx uppers breathe well for summer runs and hold up against rocky terrain with an abrasion-resistant construction.

This deal to all colors and sizes, and the exact discount depends on your sizing, but the key thing is to hurry, because the sale ends July 6.

If you're not in the US, scroll down to the bottom of this article for today's best deals on Nnormal trail shoes where you are.

A modest 6mm drop and specially engineered foam midsole sits directly against your feet, which the brand says provides the "best-possible propulsion and compression, less slippage, and way fewer blisters."

If you're not in the US, here are today's best deals on Nnormal trail shoes where you are:

• The best trail shoes for ultra runners: these robust and comfy rides are built for serious outdoor adventures
• The best trail running shoes: get a grip on the trickiest terrain

Swiss running brand On has taken another confident step off-road with the release of a new shoe engineered for elite runners it says "pushes the boundaries of trail running."

The On Cloudultra Pro is the first release from the Zurich-based brand's latest Ultra collection, and if you can't tell by the name, it's built for runners who want to go the distance.

According to On, the Cloudultra Pro is intended to optimize your performance in ultra distance races, with "enhanced running economy, energy return and overall comfort," the latter of which the brand is well known for. Let's break that down, shall we?

What's the story with the On Cloudultra Pro?

Following on from the On Running Cloudultra road to trail shoes, the Pro adds the brand's latest and most successful tech in a much lighter package – the Pro weighs just 275g per shoe, which is nearly half the weight of the Cloudultras.

For comfort and energy return, the shoe is equipped with a dual-layer Helion HF hyper foam midsole. This is the first time we've seen this foam in an On trail shoe, but they used it in the Cloudboom Strike, a prototype of which was on the feet of 2024 Boston marathon winner Hellen Obiri, so it's no surprise that they think they're on to a winner.

Standing tall at 39mm under the heel, there's no question it's intended to rival shoes like the Salomon S/Lab Ultra Glide and Hoka Mafate X, but the rocker sole is more subdued than what we're used to seeing from On, and you're looking at the same modest 6mm drop as other Cloudultra models.

For energy return over the miles, On has sandwiched its "Speedboard" plate between the layers of foam. This isn't carbon – and according to a recent Salomon analysis of carbon plates in trail shoes, that may not be a bad thing – but it's the same idea and according to On it "converts the kinetic energy of each landing into a powerful take-off," essentially letting you go faster without increasing effort.

Obviously when you're on the trails and going over long distance, it can be the terrain itself that slows you down rather than your fitness, so for the outsole, On has applied its new Missiongrip outsole, which it says was selected from a design process that started with over 200 initial options that were narrowed down to a few for "rigorous" field testing.

The lugs aren't deep enough to write home about at just 3.5mm, but On says the testing process helped engineers "determine the optimal lug shape, orientation and density." This sounds similar to the approach Hoka has taken with the Mafate X and in our field tests, the right lug shape and orientation seems to be able to make up for depth even on technical trails.

The On Cloudultra Pro is available now for $260 / £250 from On in both men's and women's sizing. It precedes the On Cloudultra 3 which shares many of the same traits but is intended for all-levels of runner and is out July 3.

• The best trail shoes for ultra runners: these robust and comfy rides are built for serious outdoor adventures
• The best trail running shoes: get a grip on the trickiest terrain

When you've been making sports shoes for over a century, you know when you're onto a good thing, and that's why Brooks keeps coming back to its near-legendary Cascadia trail running shoe.

The Seattle-based brand just dropped details of the next iteration of the popular line, the Brooks Cascadia 19, which it says is its most advanced trail shoe to date.

The very first Brooks Cascadia trail running shoe was designed with ultra running legend Scott Jurek, and released all the way back in 2004, only a year after the first UTMB race and before trail runners had their choice of shoes built specifically for rough terrain. It allowed the brand to position itself at the forefront of the trail scene and the shoe was such a success that it was re-issued last month.

Technology has come a long way in the last 24 years, and Brooks keeps finding ways to improve upon the design of the Cascadia. It's calling the 19 the most versatile yet, with testers describing it as "the multitool for trail runners."

What's new?

The main headline with the 19 seems to be the updated Trail Adapt System, which is the brand's proprietary system of cushioning, outsole, and rock plate that's designed to provide stability and protection on uneven surfaces. The Cascadia 18 featured the Trail Adapt System, but now the brand says it's been improved to include "a co-molded Ballistic Rock Shield" which basically increases your comfort on rocky trails by protecting your feet.

As far as cushioning goes, the official specs show a healthy 35mm wedge of softer, nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 cushioning, which allows for more flexibility underfoot without sacrificing control. The 19 has an added 2mm of height under the heel, but the total drop remains modest at just 6mm.

Upgrades have also been made on the sustainability front. The redesigned TrailTack Green outsole is now made with 25% recycled rubber and sports 4.5mm lugs to help with traction and control. Overall, the 19 uses more recycled materials than its predecessors and is a CarbonNeutral certified product.

In design, the brand is clearly going after runners who want to explore more technical terrain than they could do in a style like the lightweight Catamount, whether that's scree slopes or slick switchbacks, but don't need something as aggressive as the Caldera.

Despite the added tech, it's on the lighter end of trail shoes we've tested, with an average weight of just10.5oz (300g) for men's sizing and 9oz (256g) for women's.

The Brooks Cascadia 19 is out August 1 for $150 / £135 at Brooks with a Gore-Tex version available.

• The best trail running shoes: get a grip on the trickiest terrain
• The best lightweight running jackets: barely-there waterproofs

We’re no strangers to Inov8’s excellent TrailFly family. Inov8 is a British outdoor brand that specializes in creating trail running shoes forged in the English Lake District, the spiritual home of fell running. The fells’ mixture of boggy terrain, rocky ridges and wet climate demands footwear that’ll claw at mud while still holding firm on wet rock. Down the years, the brand's sponsored athletes have included the likes of Barkley Marathons legend Jasmin Paris, Damian Hall, Nicky Spinks and occasional Advnture contributor James Forrest.

The TrailFly family of shoes are some of Inov8's faster offerings, with more of a slant towards speed than the grippier Trailtalon and MudTalon shoes. The latter two are great for damp days on soft terrain in the wild hills and mountains, whereas TrailFly shoes are suited to harder-packed surfaces. However, don’t let this fool you into thinking the TrailFlys don’t cut it in the higher places. I took on a more challenging variation of the UK’s National Three Peaks Challenge wearing the superb TrailFly G 270 V2s and loved every minute.

So, when the lovely Cumbrians at Inov8 landed a message in my inbox with news of a new TrailFly, I was stoked to get hold of a pair and test them out on the trails.

First impressions

The first thing I noticed is that the Zeros have a more generous fit than the snugger, foot-hugging G 270 V2s. The wider toe box is immediately apparent, and I’d say the more relaxed fit makes them a few iotas more comfortable. I didn’t notice any issues due to this on my initial runs. My heel was locked in place and the Zeros felt nicely responsive, with a decent amount of trail feel. They were immediately comfortable.

They're attractive too, featuring the redesigned Inov8 logo that replaced the old one in 2024. I was testing the Blue/Orange version, which makes for a vivid aesthetic, particularly when set against damp, grey hills.

A feature evolution

The TrailFly Zero is, as its name suggests, a zero-drop running shoe. This means that the drop between the height of the heel and the forefoot is 0mm. This isn’t new, the TrailFly G 275 V2 was also a zero-drop shoe.

‘Standard’ running shoes tend to have a drop in the region of 6mm to 12mm, while some maximalist shoes have an even higher drop. As for the high heels worn by Anna De Armas’ Paloma in James Bond film No Time To Die, they clock in with an impressive 105mm drop. Needless to say, while these shoes are clearly ideal for espionage and gut-toting shenanigans, you wouldn’t want to run the UTMB in them…

A zero-drop shoe, like the Trailfly Zero provides something akin to the natural feel of a barefoot shoe, working with your foot towards achieving a more natural gait. The debate around the best amount of drop has raged for many years but, generally speaking, a smaller drop is better for those who strike with the forefoot or midfoot, while a drop of around 6mm or more is better for heel strikers. I personally prefer a lower drop and it’s certainly what I’m used to having worn the G 275 V2s for over a year now. The stack height is 12mm, notably less than the previous shoe, which brings the foot closer to the ground, enhancing the amount of trail feel.

Inov8 says that the new TrailFly Zero has an ‘improved anatomical fit’ thanks to a protective MET-CRADLE that locks the heel and midfoot in place when laced up, keeping everything nice and secure. Unlike the G 275 V2s, the tongue isn’t fully gusseted, so debris can invade the inner sanctum of the shoe.

As mentioned, the toe region is roomier, allowing plenty of space for splayed digits. I’d say the Zero feels less restrictive than its predecessor on the whole. I was testing the Standard version, as I have relatively narrow feet. Those with wider feet or those who value loads of toe space can also opt for the Wide version.

The Zeros deploy Inov8’s Boomerang footbed, a cushioned insole that uses compressible TPU beads to retain energy, The idea is that the footbed releases the energy, propelling the runner forward. Inov8 say that the design has been 'rigorously tested' for long lasting performance. The midsole utilizes the brand’s Flyspeed Pro foam to cushion the ride. Working in tandem with the footbed, it’s designed to maximize energy return while absorbing shocks from the ground beneath your feet.

Inov8 have spent a long time hammering home the message that the Graphene it uses in its outsoles is 'the world’s strongest material' and they’re at it again here. In my experience, Inov8’s trail shoes do last longer than much of the competition. I’ve been through several pairs of Salomon Speedcross shoes in my time. I've watched as their lugs have ground to nothing but imprints of where a proud gripper once stood. This hasn’t been the case with my Inov8 pairs, which have stood the test of time admirably well. Maybe there's something in this Graphene business after all...

And so, to the design of the outsole, which is substantially different to the previous iteration. The lugs are still 4mm deep, which suggests a good amount of traction on soft terrain but not as much as with the deep mud-gripping claws you get on some. However, the previous array of T-shaped lugs has been usurped by a more numerous, aggressive array of chevron-shaped lugs, with a much more obvious braking zone towards the back of the shoe. There are also flat-topped lugs at the front and back, which provide more surface area when in contact with bare rock.

Unlike the G 275 V2s, the Zeros feature a heel loop. This allows you to clip them into a carabiner or hang them off a hook, should you wish.

The shoes weigh somewhere in the region of 9.7oz (274g) per shoe (US 9 / UK 8). I say in the region of, as I weighed my brand-new pair and the right shoe came out as 9.9oz (282g) and the left shoe was 9.5oz (269g). Curious weight differences aside, this makes them a fairly light option, though even lighter trail running hooves exist if you’re obsessed with every ounce when it comes to race day.

Taking to the trails

I’ve been testing the TrailFly Zeros on my local Bristol trails and in the hills of the Bannau Brycheniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park during the late spring and early summer months. Britain enjoyed a prolonged dry spell during the test period, though towards the backend I was able to enjoy a few wetter runs on soft ground, both in Bristol and on the pens of South Wales. They performed well regardless of whether I was pounding rooty woodland trails, packed gravel, grassy hillsides, or rocky ridges.

Broadly speaking, I found the Zeros just as capable and fun to run in as the G 270 V2s. Fit wise, as alluded to, they feel roomier, which makes for greater comfort. Despite not fitting quite as snugly, I had no issues with the heel slipping and the fit felt secure throughout. Neither did I didn’t notice any issues with breathability, even when running in temperatures of between 70 and 86°F (20 and 30°C).

The cushioning is about right for me – I like to be able to feel and respond to the trail and I’m not so much of a fan of maximalist shoes. Inov8 say the Zero is 'perfect for everything from trail intervals and fartleks, though to ultramarathons', but I think, for really long distances, some may prefer the additional cushioning of the new TrailFly Max.

When it comes to the really rocky stuff, the Zero’s new features bring both improvements and ‘even better ifs’. I have no doubt that the outsole is far better suited to scrambling terrain. Towards the front, there are 9 flat-topped lugs, which provide a good deal of surface area for techniques like smearing when negotiating angled slabs.

There’s noticeably more flat rubber at the very tip of the shoe too. It’s not quite the ‘climbing zone’ you see on approach shoes, but it’s a step in that direction. This provides a little more security when edging across rock. Likewise, the back of the outsole features four flatter platforms, ensuring a decent hold whenever I struck with my heel while hopping from boulder to boulder.

The ‘even better if’ – and I’m really nit picking here – is that their fit feels slightly less precise than the previous iteration. It’s only a minor thing but the roomier toe box makes them feel slightly less secure on technical rock sections – though this is compensated for by the improved design of the outsole.

Off the rock and back on the sloppy stuff, I felt more confident when bounding downhill in the Zeros than in the G 270 V2s. The back half of the outsole has a more aggressive braking region, with 13 angular, chevron shaped lugs as opposed to the previous iteration’s nine T-shaped offerings. Although I’m yet to test the Zeros in winter, I’d imagine they’d grip better than previous iterations based on all of this – but I’d still prefer the aggressive lugs on something like the TrailTalon for this kind of thing.

However, for your standard sort of trail runs on hard-packed ground, Inov8 have done it again with the TrailFly Zero – a super, minimalist shoe that you'll get plenty of use out of.

With summer more or less in full swing, you might be looking for a lighter, more breathable pair of trail runners to hit the rough stuff with, and I've got the perfect deal for you. Right now, you can grab the super tough Merrell Long Sky 2 Matryx trail running shoes for just $119.73 at REI. That's a great savings of 25% off the list price for these shoes, which I've taken all over the world in the last year.

When you think of Merrell, you might well think of an old school hiking brand, but since entering the trail running market a few years ago, they continue to impress me. The Long Sky 2 Matryx are my absolute favorite from the brand so far, whether I'm fell running on slate in the Lake District or taking on volcanic rock in Gran Canaria.

These lightweight trail running shoes grip to the steepest of slopes to give you confidence when the going gets tough, breathe extremely well during long hot runs and the tough Matrix upper is abrasion-resistant while protecting your toes on technical trails.

They're super light, so I always chuck them in my bag when I'm traveling and the FloatPro Foam midsole has great flex for an easy roll-through and gives excellent trail feel.

This deal applies to both men's and women's sizing, but it looks like they're selling fast, so I recommend you jump if you want this deal.

Scroll down to the bottom of this article for today's best deals on the Merrell Long Sky 2 Matryx trail running shoes if you're not in the US.

The traditional lacing system makes these easy to pull on and adjust for a snug fit around your heel and midfoot. The toe box leaves plenty of room for comfort over many hours, though we think these shoes excel best on technical runs rather than over long, rolling hills where you might want a slightly bouncier ride.

Not in the US? Here are today's best deals on the Merrell Long Sky 2 Matryx trail running shoes where you are:

• The best trail running shoes: get a grip on the trickiest terrain
• The best trail running socks: comfort and support on uneven ground

Trail running is a booming industry, and it seems Lululemon hasn't given up on the idea of carving out a piece of that pie for itself with news of the release of its third trail running shoe.

Though it's no longer accurate to describe Lululemon as a yoga brand – the Vancouver-based apparel company made a name for itself with yoga pants in the early 2000s, but has since expanded out into all types of athletic wear and lifestyle apparel – it's only recently that its started to experiment with trail running. Or footwear for that matter.

It was in 2022 that Lululemon first tried its hand at shoes, with a women's-only line intended for road running, cross-training and weightlifting. That was followed by the women's Blissfeel Trail in 2023, the brand's first trail running shoe, which was developed for easy trails. Then came the Beyondfeel in 2024, designed for both men's and women's feet, which took a leaf out of Hoka's chunky midsole book and added some very non-technical-looking lugs.

Unlike its unwavering command over yoga pants, running shorts and sports bras, Lululemon's entry into trail running hasn't exactly been seismic. Former Advnture editor Cat Ellis tested the Blissfeel Trail back in 2023 and noted that the uppers lacked the protection required for more rugged trails (where she ended up with a broken toe), the midsole wasn't firm enough and she was unable to get a good lockdown fit. They were also heavy.

But that was then, and now the Lululemon Wildfeel has landed, promising "rugged traction," a precise fit and better protection for those rocky trails.

What's the story with the Wildfeel?

Based on looks alone, the Wildfeel is pretty eye-catching, though the massive logo on the side is bound to divide the crowd. It eschews the wide geometry favored for improved stability and seen in many trail shoes like the Nike Zegama 2, and with a slim build looks more similar to something like the Hoka Zinal 2.

Traction is obviously one of the key differences between a road shoe and one built for trails and the Wildfeel sports Multi-directional 4mm lugs that look a great deal more aggressive than either of its predecessors, and the brand says the rubber outsole is made to resist abrasion.

To improve fit, Lululemon says the design is "tuned to support the unique morphology" of male and female feet, and images show that the shoe is equipped with an extra lace hole to help you get a more secure lockdown.

As for protection, Lululemon says the Wildfeel's knitted sock-like upper "flexes with your foot" which doesn't sound super promising if it's defense you're looking for, but it has added TPU overlays and a toe bumper, which, if effective will be a step up from the Blissfeel Trail. It also helps keep debris at bay, which does bode well for loose trails and gravel.

As we mentioned before, we thought the Blissfeel Trail was a little heavy, and thanks to those additional protective details, the Wildfeel looks to be even heavier at 11.6oz (328g) per shoe for a US Men's Size 9, making it heavier than almost every trail shoe we've tested except for the Saucony Xodus Ultra 2 and the Adidas Terrex Agravic Ultra. So it might not be your first pick for long runs. It's also reduced the drop down to a more neutral 7.5mm.

Till we get the Wildfeel out on the trail, we can't say if it's really got the chops, but if you can't wait, the Lululemon Wildfeel trail running shoe is available now in men's and women's sizing for $168 at Lululemon.

• The best trail running shoes: get a grip on the trickiest terrain
• The best women's running leggings: for getting out in the colder months

Hoka might already be the fastest-growing trail running brand on the planet, but the California-based company is showing no signs of resting on its laurels as it hypes yet another release for those of us who love running on the rough stuff.

Hot on the heels of the Mafate X, which launched mid-May, and the re-release of the iconic Speedgoat 2 at the beginning of May, the Hoka Challenger 8 has rolled into town looking ready for whatever terrain you care to test it on.

The Challenger series is built for those who like to mix it up between road and trail, and when we asked the brainiacs behind the brand's designs which model is best for gravel and mixed terrain, they recommended the shoe's predecessor, the Challenger 7. Of course, that was before we knew the 8 was imminent.

What's new?

Like the bestselling Clifton 10, which recently dropped sporting some big upgrades, the Challenger 8 hasn't held back on the revamp front. Describing the new shoe as a "gravel-grinding workhorse loved for its hyper cushy ride," Hoka says it's added even more foam underfoot (the previous edition already boasted 31mm) and has improved the fit with a "minimal" upper, plush collar, and a 3D screen printed toe cap for added protection.

The drop on the 8 has increased from 5mm to 8mm but remains neutral with a symmetrical cushion bed.

Once again, the brand has reimagined the lug orientation on the outsole, with a 4mm multi-directional design that it says ensures the best all-terrain ride yet. If you are taking to the roads, the shoe also features reflective details for safety.

The Hoka Challenger 8 is available now in both men's and women's sizing for $155.

• The best road to trail running shoes: footwear for all terrains
• The best trail running shoes: get a grip on the trickiest terrain

If you’ve looked down in the last couple of years, you’re bound to have noticed a lot of Hoka shoes on a lot of feet.

Hoka shoes are everywhere, from town to trail and from street to summit, and while you might be accustomed to outlandish color schemes and midsoles thick enough to rival your favorite camping mattress these days, this brand’s distinctive shoes looked pretty far out when they first burst onto the trail-running scene.

The year was 2010. Instagram had just launched, Apple released the very first iPad and running shoes were having a minimalist moment. Barefoot shoes with zero drop were in, and the prevailing philosophy was that cushioning would destroy your body from the feet up. Some of us were even going so far as to hit the trail in Vibram Fivefingers shoes, designed with an individual pouch for each of your precious toes.

In Annecy, France, a revolution was quietly brewing. Two former Salomon employees named Nicolas Mermoud and Jean-Luc Diard had an idea for something different: an oversized shoe that would offer protection, cushioning, and bounce in a lightweight design.

Together, they formed Hoka and released the Hoka One One Mafate trail running shoe. It featured a thick midsole and rocker geometry that probably looked a little out of place next to the Brooks Cascadia 15 and Salomon XT Wings that came out the same year. But fast forward to today, and Hoka's influence over the trail running market is undeniable.

Now the fastest-growing running brand in the world, Hoka is the title sponsor of the world’s biggest ultra marathon, the UTMB, and an official heavyweight in the trail world. If you love hitting the dirt when you’re running, or are thinking of trying trail running this year, at some point you’ll want to test out some Hoka shoes to see if you vibe with them.

Now they've been making shoes for 15 years, there are plenty of different models to choose from, so we reached out to the brand to ask which Hoka trail running shoes are best for different types of run. Here’s what they told us.

Race day: Tecton X3

If your goal isn’t just to cruise through the hills but rather to set a PB at your next trail race, you might want to take a leaf out of ultra runner Jim Walmsley’s book. Recent years have seen the Arizonan establish himself as one of the fastest long-distance trail runners on the planet, and he’s laid down some impressive course records at the UTMB and Western States sporting the Hoka Tecton X 3s.

These shoes will have you race day ready if it’s long distances and rough terrain you’re looking at. They do look a little futuristic, but that’s down to the knit collar that extends up from the tongue like a gaiter to mitigate trail debris, and it’s a feature we’re seeing pop up in other trail shoes from brands like Salomon and even Arc’teryx.

With a 38.5mm stack, you’ll have plenty of padding as the miles go by, and the X in the title denotes a carbon plate for added propulsion, which has added wings for stability. The rocker sole is built for speed and grippy 4mm lugs help you keep up your pace like Walmsley on the downhills (well, probably not quite that fast). Despite the plate and added frills, these shoes aren’t super heavy either.

Mountain running: Mafate Speed 4

Not all trail running is mountain running, but when your fast-paced adventures include climbing and descending, you’ll want shoes designed for alpine conditions.

For mountain runners, the brand recommends the Mafate Speed 4. The Mafate family of shoes exhibits the brand’s pinnacle of technical shoes for negotiating tricky terrain, and this iteration took everything that was great about the EVO Mafate and Mafate Speed and made it more breathable, lighter and more responsive.

With deep 5mm lugs, you can confidently navigate scrabbly, slick and steep slopes while a relatively low stack (33mm) and 4mm drop keeps you stable when the ground beneath you is anything but.

There is, of course, plenty of reinforcement around the toe box to protect you from rocks on the trail, and a sturdier foam in the midsole better holds up against hard terrain.

Long runs: Speedgoat 6

For those long days when you’re putting in training miles at low speed, you need a few things from your shoes: comfort, durability and lightweight nimbleness.

Enter the Hoka Speedgoat 6, which demonstrates all of those characteristics in a technical shoe that can handle all kinds of terrain. These aren’t the cushiest shoes you’ll ever wear, but you can stay comfortable for hours thanks to 40mm of foam under the heel, a foot-hugging internal chassis and a breathable upper.

They’re also rugged. I’ve run hundreds of miles in my Speedgoat 6s and they still look nearly new (when I clean them anyway). The woven uppers are really robust and additional overlays add protection for your toes while the outsoles give loads of coverage.

They’re not featherlight, but they are a couple of ounces lighter than the other shoes on this list, so they won’t start to feel like lead weights by mile 10.

Easy runs: Torrent 4

Not every run is a race. In fact, most training happens during much easier runs – and it’s silly to beat up your pricey race day shoes for these outings. Get yourself a pair of Hoka Torrent 4s for shakeout days and short runs and enjoy a balanced ride.

Compared to a lot of other models (in Hoka’s catalog anyway), these shoes scream both moderation and 'in it for the long haul'. After all, these are the shoes you’ll wear most frequently, so you’ll likely appreciate that the stack isn’t too high (33mm) and the drop pretty neutral (5mm).

Without prescriptive technologies to help with stability, you can run more naturally but you’ll still be able to benefit from enough cushioning when you decide to go further, and a responsive toe-off if you want to pick up the pace. These versatile shoes wrap your foot in the Active Foot Frame and are robust enough to hit the trail time after time.

Gravel and mixed terrain: Challenger 7

If your local trails tend to involve more grit than slick rock, the Challenger 7 , with a grip pattern inspired by the tread on gravel tires, are a good choice. Just like on a truck's tires, the outsole on these shoes features smaller, tightly spaced lugs in the center, and larger, more aggressive lugs around the edges, a design that improves traction on uneven terrain and allows the shoes to shed debris easier.

If you’ve tried other Challengers and weren’t so keen, this seventh edition has been completely reimagined from the ground up. The mesh upper is simpler, the foam midsole lighter and plusher.

This shoe is designed to take you from the street all the way to the summit and therefore it’s also the model the brand recommends when your runs involve a mix of tarmac and trail.

Muddy trails: Speedgoat 6 GTX

Some of us love running on muddy trails (and some of us just don’t have a choice), but either way, sticky, slippery conditions require special hooves.

We’ve already mentioned the Speedgoat 6s as great for long runs due to their comfort, durability and light weight, but they have one other super power. The revised lug orientation on this edition is inspired by (what else?) the hoof of a goat, and it really does lend impressive traction during mud season.

For truly wet and muddy conditions, grab the Speedgoat 6 GTX and the Gore-Tex Invisible Fit waterproof membrane to protect your feet from blisters and swamp foot.

• The best trail running shoes: get a grip on teh trickiest terrain
• The best trail shoes for ultra runners: these robust and comfy rides are built for serious outdoor adventures

First impressions

I have a love-hate relationship with Salomon shoes. I generally love the look, feel and reliably category-leading design of the fleet-footed French running brand’s trail running shoes, but often the last used on their more performance-orientated models squeezes my forefoot and I find the toebox too tight.

Painful bunions and the broad shape of my gnarled and trail-wizened floor slappers, means I often need to opt for boots and shoes designed specifically for wider feet, and I have struggled like Cinderella’s ugly sisters to try and make many Salomon shoes fit me in the past (especially the more technically advanced Slab versions, which prioritize performance-enhancingly tight foothold over comfort) usually to no avail.

Suffice to say I was over the moon to try the Ultra Glide 3 shoes on and discover that I could go straight out for a 6 mile (10k) run without suffering any pain whatsoever. Quite the opposite, in fact, these shoes felt like comfortable, grippy slippers. How exciting.

Look and availability

The Salomon Ultra Glide 3 is available for men and women now, for a comparatively reasonable list price and comes in a range of attractive colorways. Once again, the Salomon naming department has clearly been hitting the red sweets hard, and among the imaginatively named options are ‘Cosmic Sky’ and ‘Excalibur, Icicle and Neon Flame’. There is also a ‘Proto Pack’ option, which appears to be just another color choice.

Design and materials

The Hoka-led trend of trail-running shoes sporting spectacularly spongetastic maximist midsoles continues, and the Ultra Glide 3 boasts a whacking great stack that starts at 41mm above the heel, and drops to 35mm at the toe (not quite as insanely enormous as the recently re-released Hoka Mafate X, but big nonetheless). This cushiony midsole is made with impressively lightweight EVA-based ‘energy’ foam.

Continuing the lightweight design, the upper of the shoe is primarily comprised of a synthetic mesh, strengthened with a TPU skeleton (which forms a minimalist rand) and backed by an EndoFit internal sleeve.

There is generous amount of padding around the heel and across the top of the tongue, which is only partially integrated with the chassis, via a wide elasticated band.

The Ultra Glide 3 features a quicklace tightening set-up which is very speedy to use, and the Sensifit system ensures you can achieve a confidence-inspiring secure and firm fit.

This is the third generation of this shoe family, and the latest arrival has the same 6mm drop, but boasts very slightly deeper lugs than the Ultra Glide 2s. The design of the All Terrain Contagrip outsole is pretty funky – the arrow-shaped studs (some facing forward for traction, others pointing backward to help with braking) are well spaced out, to reduce the amount of mud and muck you might collect, and the face of the sole is wavy, with several deep dimples.

It's good to see some recycled content in the Ultra Glide mix with this model, although Salomon don’t divulge what percentage or which parts of the shoe have made using fabric spun from plastic bottles, but I’m going to assume it’s mainly the mesh in the chassis.

On the trails

I have been testing the Ultra Glide 3s over the last few months, while running on woodland trails, moorland and hillside tracks, pebbly beaches and rocky coastal paths, and can confirm that Salomon’s all-terrain claims about this model’s capability levels are legit. It really is a very versatile off-road shoe, which can handle just about any sort of landscape – and this really suits me.

The All Terrain Contagrip outsole isn’t just funky looking, it’s also highly functional, providing really good grip on everything from wet rocks to mucky trails covered in slippery tree roots. I love the fact you don’t end up running around with a heavy layer of mud on the underside of your shoes (thanks to the well-spaced lugs), and the all-ready substantial 4mm studs are made even more effective by the dimples in the design of the sole. Clever stuff.

And this shoe is super comfortable, no matter what sort of surface you’re running across. Obviously the midsole is massive, and that sumptuous degree of cushioning comes at the cost of any real feedback from the trail, but the energy rebound and sense of positive forward momentum while running in these shoes is extraordinary.

I like the level of connectivity and secure fit that is achieved with the Sensifit system and Quicklace tightening set-up. I didn’t experience any movement within the shoe (so I’ve no concerns about developing blisters), and not only does the Ultra Glide feel like it’s firmly clamped to my foot, I also don’t need to worry about laces coming undone. The padding and support around the heel is excellent too. I do wish the tongue was better integrated to the internal sock, however, as this would better protect against the ingress of grit and other trail debris.

There’s no rockplate in the mix here, the little rand doesn’t offer much in the way of protection against trail hazards, and the toecap is tiny, so the Ultra Glide 3 relies heavily on its monster midsole and giant stack depth to supply protection against sharp sticks and stones. I haven’t personally experienced any problems with this, but it’s worth noting if you habitually tackle more gnarly terrain or trails with lots of obstacles waiting to attack you.

The Ultra Glide 3s are not waterproof, and neither do they claim to be, but instead my sweaty feet have been enjoying the enormous degree of breathability offered by the mainly mesh upper. I found that these shoes also drain very well after you splash through water obstacles such as streams, but all that padding around the heel becomes sodden and heavy, and it takes ages to dry.

All things considered, though, the Salomon Ultra Glide 3 is a very well-designed, ridiculously comfortable and impressively versatile shoe, which serves regular trail runners extremely well and can cope with almost kind of terrain and distance.

• Get the most enjoyment from your adventures with the most comfortable trail running shoes
• Pair your shoes with the best trail running socks, shorts and tops

Also consider

After months of hype, the Hoka Mafate X trail running shoe has finally arrived, and it's a towering titan even by Hoka standards.

As a quick recap, the original Mafate was the first trail running shoe from Hoka, released back in 2010 when the brand first launched in Annecy. At the time, it looked a little out of place with its thick midsole, rocker geometry, and bright colors in a sea of minimalist shoes, but it wouldn't take long for a trail shoe revolution to take place.

The brand stuck with its mission to build oversized shoes that would offer protection, cushioning, and bounce in a lightweight design and has kept coming back to its roots in the Mafate model, looking to continually improve things as technology advances.

When we first reported on the Hoka Mafate X back in December, we thought the big story might be the change to the lugs, away from the classic chevron design and towards a "tacos and pizza" (yes, really) design that senior Hoka designer Sean Denniston explained "added smiling tacos at the forefoot of the outsoles because the wearer is moving forward and sad face tacos on the heel because they are braking."

Of course, there's also that fact that, as denoted by the addition of "X" to the title, this model boasts a forked carbon plate to add a pop of propulsion to the shoe which Hoka says makes the model more responsive than its predecessors (the jury is still out as to whether carbon plates help or hinder trail runners).

That stack

But now that it's here, we realize what we actually need to be talking about is the mammoth stack height on these high-altitude hoofs, which are nearly as tall as the mountains you're planning to run in them. You probably thought the Hoka Tecton X was plush at 35mm. You definitely knew the Bondi 8s were steep at 43mm. But the Mafate X are veritable skyscrapers at 49mm in the heel, and an 8mm drop.

If you think in imperial measurements, that's nearly two inches tall, or four decks of playing cards stacked one on top of the other. In these shoes, you might actually want to consider wearing a helmet while you're running to protect your head from low-hanging branches on overgrown trails.

Needless to say, Hoka purpose-built these shoes for those long-haul efforts where you need maximum cushion, and you'll get it in the form of PEBA (Polyether Block Amide) foam, known for its excellent energy return at the core, and Super critically foamed EVA carrier, which is known for its durability and water-resistance.

What else is new?

Moving on from the staggering stack, those uniquely shaped lugs are carved 3.5mm deep into Vibram Megagrip outsoles, helping your shoes bite into variable trail surfaces the way you'd chomp a taco or slice of pizza. There's also a new ultralight woven upper that Hoka says allows for easy drainage when you meet with waterlogged trails.

This is the latest model from Hoka to feature its patent-pending dynamic vamp in the forefoot upper, which is designed to help your toes splay naturally as you run, and your foot shoe be locked in place thanks to a woven sockliner and gusseted tongue, which also prevents debris from putting a hitch in your wagon.

And finally, if its monstrous midsole is making you wonder, yes, the Mafate X is relatively heavy at 12.1oz (343 g) for a men's size 10 (US).

The Hoka Mafate X trail running shoe is available now for $225 / £185 in men's sizing in zest / mountain fog and women's sizing in feldspar / mountain fog at Hoka.

• The best trail running shoes: get a grip on the trickiest terrain

When we took the Saucony Peregrine 12 trail running shoes to the trails three years ago, we really weren't convinced that anything could be better than their predecessor. We were wrong.

These nimble, lightweight shoes help you tackle technical trails with gusto, and they're on sale. Right now, you can pick up the Saucony Peregrine 12 trail running shoes for just $69.73 at Amazon. That's a huge 42% off the regular list price for women's sizing in these excellent shoes, while in men's sizing you can find them for as little as $81.96.

This deal comes not long after we spotted an awesome 50% off the Saucony Peregrine 13, so why would you bother with the 12? Where do we even start?

For this version of the Peregrine, the designers shaved several grams off the weight of the shoe, making a trail hoof already designed for speed even niftier. The size of the lugs was reduced slightly (by 1mm), and the PwrTrac outsole was 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 a low center of gravity and good balance on technical trails. There is also a new sockliner, which entirely envelopes your foot, prevents the ingress of grit and adds to the comfort levels.

"They are currently my reach-for trail running shoes, and the featherweight and well-ventilated design of the main shoe make them absolutely ideal for summer running," says Advnture writer and trail runner Pat Kinsella.

The exact discount you receive depends on whether you're shopping for men's or women's sizing, and which size you need, but all sizes and colorways are subject to a hefty discount.

If you're outside of the US, scroll to the bottom of this article to find the best deals on the Saucony Peregrine 12 trail running shoes near you.

Saucony has used some recycled material in the construction of the lightweight, minimalist upper (available in three super bright colors for men and three more for women), although they don’t specify how much

If you're not in the US, you can look below for today's best deals on the Saucony Peregrine 12 trail running shoes where you are:

• The best trail running shoes: get a grip on the trickiest terrain
• The best trail running socks: comfort and support on uneven ground

Trail running shoes are such a personal choice. Some runners like to bound through the wilderness in a lightweight barefoot pair, feeling all the quirks and imperfections of the trail beneath their feet as they run. Others prioritize comfort, choosing a cushioned, springy pair with plenty of support and a large heel to toe drop. If you fall into the latter camp, then these reduced trail shoes might be the ones for you.

The Terrex Agravic 3 trail running shoes boast plenty of supportive features, and are now available for for as low as $84.73 in men's and women's sizes at Backcountry.

They have an 8mm drop and Lightstrike midsole cushioning to absorb the impact of rough terrain on the trails. Beneath, the Continental rubber outsoles feature sizable 5mm lugs, built to help you stay upright whether you're sprinting up rocky mountains or across desert trails.

The synthetic uppers feature seamless overlays, designed to optimize airflow and keep your feet from overheating on sweaty runs in the spring and summer sunshine.

Not in the US? Don't panic, you can look below for today's best Terrex Agravic trail running shoes deals below:

• The most comfortable trail running shoes: put your feet first with these lightweight, cushioned buys
• The best trail shoes for ultra runners: these robust and comfy rides are built for serious outdoor adventures

The best trail running shoes combine sturdy protection and reliable traction with a comfy build to help you bounce around the trails and enjoy running in the wild.

If you're in the market for technical trail running shoes this summer, check out this wilderness-ready pair from Arc'teryx.

The Sylan Pro trail running shoes feature plenty of protection, support, and underfoot traction, and they're now available in men's and women's sizes for just $161.73 at REI.

Built for uneven and unpredictable terrain, these trail running shoes include protective rock plates that sit beneath the shock-absorbent EVA and Polyolefin midsoles to ward off rocks and other trail waste. Atop the shoes, integrated tongue pockets hide your laces to prevent any snagging.

The grippy Vibram rubber outsoles feature an aggressive 6mm lug design, so you can stay upright whether running up rocky mountains or through muddy valleys.

The Sylan Pro trail running shoes are also lightweight. Despite multiple trail-friendly features, these Arc'teryx shoes weigh just 1lb 5oz (584g) thanks to their fine nylon and polyurethane-coated recycled polyester uppers.

These race-ready shoes are available in the vibrant Solaris/Black colorway.

If you're not in the US, you can look below for today's best Arc'teryx trail running shoes deals where you are.

These prices are updated daily, so you can get the most bang for your buck.

• The most comfortable trail running shoes: put your feet first with these lightweight, cushioned buys
• The best trail shoes for ultra runners: these robust and comfy rides are built for serious outdoor adventures

Thanks to the rise and rise of Hoka, trail runners have gotten used to seeing some brash shoes out there. Now, Merrell has got in on the trend with a new release that's certain to make a statement on the trail.

The Merrell MTL Adapt Matryx trail running shoe is out now, and after the release of the SpeedARC Surge BOA back in January, it's one of the more outlandish-looking shoes we've seen from the Michigan brand.

After establishing itself as a leader in the hiking footwear with models like the world's bestselling hiking boot, the Moab, Merrell suddenly burst onto the trail running scene two years ago with some truly excellent shoes, including the Morphlite, Agility Peak 5 and Long Sky 2 Matryx, which all remain in high rotation among my trail footwear collection.

The new MTL Adapt Matryx shares some DNA with the Long Sky 2 Matryx – namely the use of super-strong and light Kevlar fibers in the upper to make it breathable and abrasion-resistant. But the first thing that catches the eye is the oh-so chunky midsole.

Constructed with a hefty 36mm of FloatPro foam in a bubble design, the brand says this shoe is designed for athletes competing in ultra marathons, and this addition offers enhanced cushioning and energy return, for comfort and responsiveness over long distances. The footbed is also wide, which makes for a more stable ride, though it might not work for runners with narrow feet, and the shoes have a neutral 6mm drop.

So, has it got the goods?

Looking at the specs, this shoe is more than just a cocksure midsole and loud colorways. A breathable mesh lining keeps your feet cool and dry by allowing sweat to escape and water to drain quickly if your trail is flooded.

A padded collar helps offset the wide footbed and makes for a snugger fit, while strategic 3D Print and TPU overlays in wear zones increase durability, extending the life of your shoes. There's also the handy elastic lace keeper we've seen on other Merrell shoes that helps keep your laces secure and out of the way which is a blessing when the trail is overgrown and on race day.

Underfoot, the brand has gone with reliable Vibram MegaGrip rubber outsoles to make these shoes a tactical contender for both dry and wet surfaces, with 4mm lugs to both enhance traction and easily shed debris as you run. A fair amount of midsole is exposed to cut weight, however, which could reduce their shelf life.

With each shoe weighing just 10.15oz (288g), these shoes barely weigh more than the featherlight Long Sky 2 Matryx but offer significantly more cushioning. If they perform as well as those shoes, we think Merrell might just be onto a winner for long runs.

The Merrell MTL Adapt Matryx trail running shoe is available now for $180 from Merrell.

• The best trail shoes for ultra runners: these robust and comfy rides are built for serious outdoor adventures

Fancy a dip after your run? These unique Merrell shoes combine the fast-draining, ocean-friendly tech of water shoes with enough traction to help you speed through the trails as you run.

The Hydro Runner SE X RCI shoes from Merrell are now available for just $57.73 at REI - a handy 32% off their list price in the early summer sales.

Built for multisport use on the shore and in the waves, this unique pair features a lightweight EVA foam shell and mesh upper, designed to optimize airflow. The 100% recycled mesh footbed covers and high-rebound EVA foam midsoles aim to support your feet as you speed through the trails.

Alongside ocean compatibility, this pair's water shoe features are well-suited to coastal runs and boggy areas. The slip-on Hydro Moc construction aims to drain and dry quickly, so you can quickly return to running in comfort after the odd puddle or wet section.

Underneath your feet, Merrell's own sticky rubber outsoles are designed to provide a stable, slip-free running experience. They feature sizable, aggressively-positioned lugs, which dig into uneven wilderness terrain to help you run with confidence.

If you're not in the US, you can look below for today's best Merrell Hydro shoes deals where you are.

These prices are updated daily, so you're sure to get the most bang for your buck.

• The most comfortable trail running shoes: put your feet first with these lightweight, cushioned buys
• The best water shoes: fast-draining, quick-drying and ready to take you from the shore to the sea

The trail running world, it seems, is feeling nostalgic. First, Hoka dipped into the archives with a re-release of the legendary Speedgoat 2, and now Brooks has reissued its most iconic trail shoe.

The Brooks Cascadia 1 trail running shoe was first released all the way back in 2004, only a year after the first UTMB race and before trail running became the runaway global success it is today.

Designed with ultra running legend Scott Jurek, the Seattle-based brand positioned itself at the forefront of the trail scene with the first Cascadia, which is now in its 18th iteration 21 years on.

The brand says the reissue has remained largely true to its "ready for anything" design, that it calls "a literal trailblazer." The Brooks Cascadia 1 reissue has the same zero drop as the original and a rock plate to protect your feet from sharp trail hazards over long distances. It's still got what the brand calls its Pivot Posting System, which it says provides stabilizing suspension on both sides of the heel and forefoot.

HydroFlow cushioning in the midsole is still built for comfort on long runs, but has seen an update with newer technology that is more forgiving.

The (slightly) updated Brooks Cascadia 1 is available now from Brooks for $140 in throwback Moonbeam/Black/Camellia and Yellow/Black/Moonbeam colorways.

• The best trail running shoes: get a grip on the trickiest terrain
• The best lightweight running jackets: barely-there waterproofs

Just days after we spotted the awesome Saucony Endorphin Edge trail shoes for 65% off, we've found you another great deal on trail running shoes from the Michigan-based brand.

Right now, you can scoop up the popular Saucony Peregrine 13 trail running shoes for as little as $69.95 at Amazon. That's a massive savings of 50% off the regular asking price for these terrific trail shoes, which can handle just about anything you throw at them.

A well-cushioned midsole and protective rock plate mean you can run (or hike) further without facing foot fatigue, while excellent traction means you can stay on your feet through snow, ice and mud. When you get home, dried mud simply shakes out of the deep lugs and if you're still wearing the 12s, these shoes were generally viewed as an upgrade over the previous iteration.

The exact discount you'll receive depends on sizing, but the percentage off most sizes seems to be at least 36%, which means most of you won't pay more than $90 for these excellent shoes, which typically retail for $140.

This deal applies to men's sizing in the Wood/Fossil colorway and women's sizing in Spring/Canopy colorway, but you will find smaller discounts on other colorways if you're picky.

If you're outside of the US, scroll to the bottom of this article to find the best deals on the Saucony Peregrine 13 trail running shoes near you.

Runners reports a natural feeling ride in these shoes, which balance a lockdown fit with zero heel slippage with an airy and comfortable upper.

If you're not in the US, you can look below for today's best deals on the Saucony Peregrine 13 trail running shoes where you are:

• The best trail running shoes: get a grip on the trickiest terrain
• The best trail running socks: comfort and support on uneven ground

In less than 10 years, the name Hoka has become practically synonymous with trail running. The brand, which was founded in Annecy and is now headquartered in California, is the title sponsor of the UTMB, the world's biggest trail race. Its shoes are on the feet of some of today's best trail runners, Jim Walmsley and Vincent Bouillard included. And the brand credits its success with one shoe in particular – the Speedgoat 2. So this spring, Hoka has decided to bring it back.

It might seem hard to believe now, but when it was originally released in 2017, the Speedgoat 2 was the first trail running shoe from Hoka that a lot of trail runners actually liked running in. The first Speedgoat had received a resounding thumbs down from the critics, who loved the ride and grip, but couldn't believe how narrow the toe box was.

So Hoka called in the expertise of Utah ultra runner Karl Meltzer to take another stab at the design, and when they came up with the Speedgoat 2, it was a runaway success (for anyone who could get past the aesthetics of a Hoka shoe anyway).

Hoka is clearly so fond of the memory that it has now re-released the shoe, in its original form, calling it an "iconic throwback." It still boasts a rocker sole with 32mm of stack under the heel and a neutral 5mm drop. It still has no carbon plate, and plenty of cushion for long runs. Vibram Megagrip outsoles with 5mm lugs help you tackle slick terrain while protective overlays on the uppers protect your feet from rough trails. It's got the wider toe box that got runners to embrace it in the first place. The only difference is a new colorway, Wild flower / Electric tangerine, but you can still get it in the OG Citrus / Blue.

The re-release has garnered enough hype among Hoka fans that it's even generated its own Reddit thread after a sneak peek of the shoe was released several months ago. Some runners are excited, while others think that at $160 / £155, the model now seems pricey for "old tech."

Next to the Speedgoat 6, which was released last summer and retails for $155 / £140, the Speedgoat 2 lacks some technical details. Specifically, the internal support chassis in the midsole that improves stability and the gusseted tongue to help keep debris out. The Speedgoat 6 also sports what the brand calls "dynamic vamp" – a stretchy fabric in the toe box to improve toe splay – a revised lug orientation to increase traction and a lighter foam in the midsole.

There's also the question of durability – some users complained that their Speedgoat 2s didn't hold up to much wear, while I've put 300k in my Speedgoat 6s and they look almost new when I wash the mud off.

It does seem that you might be paying more for less in terms of tech with the Speedgoat 2, but then again, a look at the two models side by side suggests that the shoe might be getting narrower again. I personally got the wide version even though I don't have wide feet. So I can understand why some runners with wider feet might be relieved to go retro.

The bottom line is, if you loved the Speedgoat 2 when it originally came out, you'll love it again now. The Hoka Speedgoat 2 is available for $160 / £140 in all gender sizing from Hoka in three colorways.

• The best trail running shoes: get a grip on the trickiest terrain
• The best road to trail running shoes: footwear for all terrains

The best trail running shoes combine ample protection with dependable traction to help you speed through the trails without losing your footing. If you'd like a little extra support at the same time,, check out this mid-cut Hoka pair, which wrap around your ankles to ensure stability while you run.

The Speedgoat 6 is one of our favorite trail running shoes, and the mid-cut version is now available in men's and women's sizes for just $134.94 at REI.

This trail-ready shoe boasts a breathable, 100% recycled polyester mesh upper and waterproof Gore-Tex membrane to keep you dry and maximize airflow when the rain closes in.

Alongside its extra ankle support, the Speedgoat 6 also features cushioning EVA foam midsoles and ensure stability with its aggressive Vibram outsoles.

Trail running expert Julia Clarke was thoroughly impressed by this model's comfort and stability in her review for Advnture.

"The grip is truly goat-level, and I remained upright coming down steep and loose trails," said Julia.

"These shoes are also impressively stable, even on those rocky alpine trails where a rolled ankle is almost a given. The wide geometry, lower drop and firmer midsole all mean I can move quite confidently in these almost no matter what is underfoot."

If you're not in the US, you can look below for today's best Hoka Speedgoat 6 deals where you are.

These prices are updated daily, so you're sure to get the most bang for your buck.

• The most comfortable trail running shoes: put your feet first with these lightweight, cushioned buys
• The best trail shoes for ultra runners: these robust and comfy rides are built for serious outdoor adventures

If you're thinking about giving barefoot running or hiking a go, there's one brand that stands out above all others for minimalist shoes, and that's London's Vivobarefoot.

Right now, you can pick up the bestselling Vivobarefoot Primus Trail II FG women's shoes for only $124 at Vivobarefoot (UK readers can snag them for £101). That's a generous $40 off the regular asking price for these lightweight shoes that thoroughly impressed us with their quality build and ethical approach when we took them out on test.

"The grip was brilliant and the shoes inspired confidence on even the most slippery of surfaces. Also, considering the amount of traction they give, you still feel the ground rather than the treads," says Advnture writer Pat Kinsella.

The FG in VivoBarefoot Primus Trail II FG refers to ‘Firm Ground’, but Vivo claim the Primus Trail IIs can cope with most sorts of underfoot conditions – wet or dry, rocky and rubbly or firm – with the sole (armed with 4mm lugs) offering multi-terrain traction and a sticky rubber compound for all-round grip and durability. However we like them best on the trails, at any pace.

This deal applies to women's sizing in the smart Insignia Blue colorway. If you're new to the world of barefoot shoes, check out this article on what happened when I wore Vivobarefoots for six weeks to find out some of the benefits.

If you're outside of the US and UK or looking for men's sizing, scroll to the bottom of this article to find the best deals on Vivobarefoot Primus Trail II FG shoes near you.

US deals

UK deals

The Primus Trail II FGs are made entirely from recycled materials, which earns a huge tick. They’re also easy to transport, being light and easy to fold and squish into a bag or pack.

If you're not in the US or UK, you can look below for today's best deals on Vivobarefoot Primus Trail II FG shoes where you are:

• The best barefoot running shoes: feel the ground beneath your feet

Spring is finally here, and if you're anything like us, you'll be itching to hit the trails for a run in the warm weather. Alongside the right clothing and plenty of water, you'll need a breathable pair of trail running shoes to help you navigate the wilderness without overheating.

If you're in the market for a dependable pair for the spring season, check out the Helly Hansen Men's Featherswift trail running shoes, which are now available for just $76.73 at REI - 30% off their list price.

These nifty trail shoes are a nimble alternative to some of Helly Hansen's heavy-duty models. Their polyester/polyurethane uppers feature Helly Hansen's Light-Frame and Max-Vent technology, which aims to maximise breathability and speed in the wilderness.

While you run, your feet will be supported by a moderately cushioned EVA foam midsole, designed to strike a balance between comfort and a decent feel for underfoot terrain. There's also the Max-Grip rubber outsole, which digs into the ground to provide stability and confidence on the trails.

Built with the environment in mind, the Featherswift trail running shoes include multiple recycled components, like 100% recycled polyester webbing, 100% recycled laces, and 100% recycled toe box and heel reinforcements.

Not in the US? You can look below for today's best Helly Hansen trail running shoes deals where you are.

• The best trail running shoes: get a grip on the trickiest terrain
• The best trail shoes for ultra runners: these robust and comfy rides are built for serious outdoor adventures

We scour the internet daily to find the best outdoor deals for you, and sometimes there's one that's worth stopping the press for, like today's offering from Saucony. Right now, you can pick up the awesome Saucony Endorphin Edge trail running shoes for a mere $69.99 at Amazon. That's a gigantic savings of 65% off the regular asking price for these terrific trail shoes, which we gave a perfect five stars in our field tests.

When former Advnture editor Cat Ellis tested these shoes out, she noted that the carbon plate and foam midsole work together to provide "uncompromising stability" on rough trails.

"The Saucony Endorphin Edge is the most comfortable trail shoe I've ever worn. It fits true to size, and the toebox is particularly roomy, giving plenty of room for your feet to swell during a long, hot run," says Cat, who also says the lacing system delivers a secure, lockdown fit.

Amazon has these shoes listed as hiking shoes, but make no mistake, while it works as a hiking shoe thanks to the excellent traction, the Saucony Endorphin Edge is built for speed on tricky terrain. The outsole is equipped with chevron-shaped lugs, which are quite widely spaced to prevent the accumulation of excess mud. The closely-woven upper resists splashes, but is very breathable too for warmer days.

This deal applies to women's sizing in the Fog/Zenith colorway and men's sizing in the bold and bright Prospect Quartz colorway, and we recognize that might not be your first pick (though it definitely makes a statement), so if you're seeking something more demure, you can pick them up for just $79.99 in black.

If you're outside of the US, scroll to the bottom of this article to find the best deals on the Saucony Endorphin Edge shoes near you.

The amount of cushioning on the Edge feels just right to us; enough to absorb lumps and bumps, but not so much that they feel bouncy or unstable at low speeds. It's also springy thanks to that carbon plate, which feels particularly great on hills.

If you're not in the US, you can look below for today's best deals on the Saucony Endorphin Edge shoes where you are:

• The best trail running shoes: get a grip on the trickiest terrain
• The best trail running socks: comfort and support on uneven ground

If you're a trail runner, there's a decent chance you have a pile of shoes in rotation. A light, bouncy pair for days you want to go fast, a more rugged design with deep lugs for muddy trails, and shoes that prioritize comfort when you want to go the distance. But wouldn't it be nice if you could have just one pair of shoes and switch out the midsole? That's a question that's clearly been on the minds of ultra runner Killian Jornet and the folks at Nnormal, who recently unveiled a shoe that does exactly that.

The innovative (to say the least) Nnormal Kboix 01 is what the brand calls "a multisport, modular shoe" that lets you choose your own adventure by swapping out different midsoles built for different types of run.

"Each shoe is an invitation to customize your experience depending on the demands of varied terrains," writes Nnormal, adding that the clever approach also enhances durability, essentially giving you more mileage out of each pair – something that's very much in line with the Spanish runner's philosphy of sustainability.

The game-changing shoe, which has already picked up an ISPO Award, comes in three different iterations, each with two different midsoles included. Then you can add a third midsole for an additional £40 if you want more options.

The Soft midsole is made using EVA supercritical foam (that means it has lots of air bubbles to make it super light), which is best for your easy runs or slow recovery. When you want to go fast, the Reactive midsole made with TPU supercritical foam provides very high levels of rebound and for long runs and hikes, the Bounce midsole is made from EBA supercritical foam for comfort mile after mile.

The upper is made using super strong and breathable Matryx EVO Light Jacquard Material and underfoot, you'll find a Vibram Megagrip outsole for the best grip on the trickiest terrain.

The brand says the shoe has been tested by 150 athletes over the past year, and we're assuming that includes Jornet, who's racked up some seriously impressive feats recently, including climbing all 82 4,000m Alpine peaks in just 19 days. Next up, he's competing at Western States for the first time since 2011, where we'll find out if his Kboix are any match for Jim Walmsley's Hoka Tecton X 3s.

The Nnormal Kboix 01 is available now in both men's and women's sizing for $240 / £240 from Nnormal, and additional midsoles cost $40 / £40 each. It joins other models such as the Tomir 2.0, Kjerag and Kjerag Brut from the brand, which was launched by Jornet with family-owned footwear company Camper in 2022.

• The best trail shoes for ultra runners: these robust and comfy rides are built for serious outdoor adventures
• The best running backpacks: for everything you need on the move

Imagine being told you cannot run. Picture this scenario playing out not because you are injured, or you haven’t entered an event by the cut-off date, or you don’t have the right kit or anything like that – but simply because of who you are. Can you envisage feeling like you dare not leave your own house and do something as normal, natural and innocuous as going for a run around your neighborhood?

Try as I might, I can’t. Running is something I’ve taken completely for granted my whole life. I always think of it as the most accessible of all the adventure sports. But that’s my unconscious privilege speaking. Talking to Fatima and Sada, while running around the streets of East London, I finally fully realise just how lucky I am to be able put on a pair of road or trail shoes and go out for a jog whenever and wherever the hell I want to. I never even have to pay it a second thought.

There have been a smattering of scenarios during the decades when, while running trails deep in a dark wood or finding myself vaguely lost in a dodgy looking side street of an unfamiliar big city, my danger-detecting radar has twitched, and I’ve felt a bit out of my comfort zone. But that’s it. For so many people around the world, especially women, this kind of footloose freedom is completely inconceivable.

The fight for the right to run

Fatima and Sada are ambassadors for Free to Run, a charity founded by ultrarunner and human rights lawyer Stephanie Case in 2014, which aims to empower girls and women through involvement in outdoor sports (most often running, but also hiking and camping escapades). They organise programs in several countries – particularly places scarred by conflict and riddled with gender inequality.

Free to Run is active in Iraq and Palestine, and had been working in Afghanistan until developments in 2021 forced them to dramatically change tack. Now, with participation in outdoor pursuits impossible for women in the Taliban-controlled country, clandestine indoor fitness programs and virtual initiatives are supported.

The not-for-profit programs include one run by Sahira Hassan in Duhok, Iraq, who trains and mentors groups of young Yazidi women from an ethno-religious minority community that has faced years of persecution. Through group running, these women find support, strength, inspiration and a sense of fulfillment and achievement.

Sahira has coached several as they prepared for and competed in the Erbil International Marathon. In 2024, one of her team, Dima, placed in the top five overall in the half marathon distance – a genuinely groundbreaking achievement.

I came across Sahira’s story while editing a new edition of Lonely Planet’s Epic Runs of the World book. I felt chastened – not just by the contrast between my own obliviously carefree approach to sport (and the opportunities my daughter happily has as she begins her own running journey) and the breathtakingly steep challenges the girls and women being led by Sahira face before they’ve even lace-up a shoe – but also by how little I’d thought about this before.

Digging a bit deeper, I discover that Free to Run is supported by runners all around the world, who take part in races and challenges to raise awareness and funds for the organization, and I’m keen to get involved.

On a sunny spring morning, I meet with several of these supporters, along with Ericka from Free to Run, James from Untamed Borders (who helped Free to Run organise the sadly now-cancelled Marathon of Afghanistan, the country’s only mixed-gender sporting event), plus Fatima and Sada. We rendezvous in the On running store on Brushfield Street, before heading out for a pre-breakfast shakedown run ahead of the London Landmarks half marathon, in which most people present are competing the following day.

Spitalfields is a vibrant multicultural suburb, and the concrete walls, bridges and underpasses are colorfully adorned with street art referencing many of the conflicts and struggles that form the backdrop of Free to Run’s initiatives. The roads around the market, which will be full of hustle and bustle within the hour, are gloriously peaceful at 7.30am, providing the perfect environment for a gentle urban jog and jabber – an experience that turns out be the most educational and thought-provoking run of my life.

• Pair your shoes with the best trail running socks
• For optimal comfort and temperature control, choose the best running top
• The best trail-running shorts make every outing enjoyable

From fleeing in fear to running for fun

Brimming with excitement about the upcoming challenge, Sada would never have dreamt when she was growing up in Iraq that one day she would be running for fun, let alone to find peace of mind. Her home, back then, was on the outskirts of the much-storied and myth-enveloped city of Babylon, famous for the Hanging Gardens that ranked among the seven wonders of the Ancient World, and the mythical Tower of Babel. Just over 50 miles (80km) from Baghdad, it’s a place steeped deep in history and culture, but for much of the 1980s, ’90s and early 2000s, the entire region was war-torn and dangerous.

“The only running I did as a child was running for my life, away from the noise of explosions,” Sada says. “It wasn’t until years later, after I came to London, that I saw people going running because it was something they actually wanted to do. For leisure!

“For a while I just watched them. And then eventually I decided to try it. I bought some gear, and now I actually describe myself as ‘a runner’. Whenever life gets a bit much, and my head is full of worries, I go for a run and it really clears my mind. I’ve done several marathons, and I got involved with Free to Run because I want girls living where I grew up to see that women can run. It’s so much harder to deny the rights of women when they are more visible.”

Trail blazer

For Fatima, the path that led her into running was the arduous route she had to take to school each morning. As a little girl living in a mountain village in the Jaghori District of Central Afghanistan, 4,000 meters above sea level, she had to walk for an hour along mountain roads to get to school each morning.

“Once I arrived late, and as a punishment I was beaten on the hand with a stick,” she tells me. “My hand was freezing cold and it was agony. I swore it would never happen to me again, and from that day on I always ran to school to make sure I got there in good time.”

This proved to be an excellent training regime for a pursuit that has helped shape the rest of her life. Fatima, who is from the Hazara community in Afghanistan (a Shia Muslim ethnic minority that suffered severe persecution over several decades), came to Britain with her family in 2008, when she was 14. Very quickly a teacher recognised her extraordinary strength in cross-country running, and she went on to compete twice at county level in the English Schools’ Athletic Association Cross Country Championships.

Now, besides working as a nurse and fitness trainer, Fatima is a highly accomplished ultra runner. She has just returned from the 150km Trans Sahara marathon in Morocco, and last August completed the CCC, a brutally tough 100km race through the Alps from Courmayeur via Champex-Lac to Chamonix (part of the UTMB), one of the only Afghan women to ever compete in such an event.

A deep passion for the sport is evident in her eyes and the large smile that lights up Fatima’s face as we chat about the running challenges she has taken on and the races she has in her sights for the future, but she remains acutely aware that, for girls and women back in Afghanistan, even the idea of going for a short jog is utterly unthinkable. Since the Taliban regained control of the country in 2021, girls have been prevented from attending school at all, and the opportunity to take part in sporting activities has evaporated. Women in Afghanistan can no longer work, study or simply go running – things we consider as the basics in life.

And so she re-issues the challenge that so stumped me when we first spoke: “Imagine being told that you can’t run, just because of who you are.” Women are no longer allowed to train for professions, let alone work out for fun or fitness. “My cousin was in her fourth year of a medicine degree, and she was forced to stop studying,” Fatima explains. “The resilience and courage of the women of Afghanistan to keep going through life inspires me to continue my running journey in hope of raising awareness, and for their voices to be heard.”

To this end, Fatima is currently running races, events and challenges in 26 cities around the world – one for every letter in the alphabet, to raise awareness about Free to Run and the great work it does. You can follow and support her progress on Instagram and contribute to her goal via this JustGiving page.

As we say goodbye and disperse, punters start strolling in off the pavement to peruse the Swiss-designed running gear on display in the On store, and I have to resist the urge to start shouting about how lucky we are to be able to simply pick a pair of shoes off the shelf and head out for a run. I’ll never take it for granted again.

Looks are the last thing I usually judge a shoe on, but to be completely honest, I thought the Altra Torrin 8 was a pretty fugly shoe when I first saw it. This is partly, perhaps, because the bright sole on the black & orange version I have been testing really accentuates the deep stack and makes the shoe look a bit boxy – to be fair, some of the other colorways are much more handsome, especially the white & blue iteration, which is very cool-looking.

Leaving such superficial considerations aside, I was looking forward to testing the Torin 8 to see how that enormous EgoMax midsole would perform on and off road. The Torin is intended primarily as a road running shoe, but intriguingly (and unusually for a road runner) it has zero heel-to-toe drop. It also appears to be designed with comfort very much front of mind, as opposed to all-out speed and performance (with a particularly wide toebox and a lightweight, highly breathable mesh upper atop that big spongy stack) so I suspected it could also work well as a trail running shoe in certain conditions.

There are, of course, plenty of salient differences between road and trail running shoes, and the Torin 8’s toothless outsole is definitely not designed for tackling mud or technical off-road routes with slippery rocks and tree roots. But for high-tailing it along hardpacked, dry and dusty trails, and enjoying lots of mixed-terrain running adventures, this looked like a good option. And since I often have to run several streets to reach my local wild paths, I’ve been looking for some good road-to-trail shoes.

Design and materials

The Altra Torin 8 is available in Gore-Tex and non Gore-Tex versions. I have been testing the latter, and this is the style I would choose unless I was running regularly in snow. Not because they’re cheaper – which they are, a little bit – but because, no matter what brands and manufacturers claim, shoes definitely breathe much better without a GTX (or other) membrane, and that’s more important to me than waterproofing when I’m running. If you’re looking at using the Torin 8 as a walking shoe, a role it can fulfill (if you stick to sealed surfaces and easy, well-maintained paths), then the GTX version might be worth considering, but I still think this is a fair-weather shoe, so a membrane is a bit superfluous.

The chassis on the Torin 8 is made primarily from a synthetic mesh, designed to be both very lightweight and highly breathable. The heel is substantially reinforced with stiffer material to offer more support. There is also plenty of cushioning around the cuff, to buffer the bottom of the ankle, and the rear of the shoe offers a very good Achilles shield. The stack is so high on these runners there is little need for a protective rand around the side of the foot (and, of course, these shoes are primarily intended for use on sealed surfaces anyway, where this is less of a priority than on obstacle-strewn trails). For the same reason, while there is a toecap, it’s not especially rigid. The tongue is padded for comfort, but not integrated (again, because designers aren’t expecting runners to encounter lots of grit and sand).

Although the EgoMax midsole is a whopping 3cm high, there is no heel-to-toe drop on these Torin 8s, so the plush cushioning is distributed right along the full length of the shoe. They do feature a slight rocker, with the toe end lifting slightly to promote good cadence and forward propulsion as you roll through your stride.

The rubber outsole is made in-house by Altra. It doesn’t feature any lugs, but in place of trail-gripping studs there are grooves and channels running along the bottom of the shoe, to provide some torque on sealed surfaces and hard-packed terrain, and prevent you from aquaplaning in wet conditions.

On the run

I have spent the last month or more running across a mixture of landscapes and terrain types while testing the Altra Torin 8s. These are presented by the brand as road shoes, and I have been putting them through their paces on the unforgiving streets of London, but as I suspected, they also cope with dry trails very well.

And why would I wear these shoes on trails? The simple answer is that they are extremely comfortable. The weather has been hot and dry while I’ve been testing the Torin 8s, and the dusty hard-packed trails I have been exploring are every bit as solid feeling as the mean streets in the Big Smoke, so I have been very much appreciating the luxurious levels of cushioning offered by that stonking great 30mm stack.

Also, besides acting as a bumper, this midsole provides energy return and momentum (which is accentuated by the rocker), and the lack of lugs on the underside of the outsole makes for a much smoother ride.

It has also been unseasonably warm for several weeks now, and I’m loving the breathability of the mesh in the upper, which has prevented my feet from overheating and kept sweating to a minimum.

In the heat, feet swell (especially on longer outings) and I often struggle to find a shoe that keeps my toes comfortable, but I had no such problems with the Torin 8s. The toebox is really generously wide, and no matter how long I spent on the road or trail (usually a mixture of both), my feet never felt restricted or uncomfortable. At the same time, however, I felt like the shoe had a firm and secure grip on my foot.

There is nothing flashy about the flat laces, but they reliably stay done up from start to finish, which is something worth celebrating whether you’re pounding the pavements in a city or scrambling across remote and rugged hilltops. Interestingly, the Torin 8s boast the extra lace hole for use in bogs (to prevent you losing a shoe) but such a soggy scenario is definitely not the ideal terrain to be wearing these shoes in.

The outsole on these shoes certainly starts to struggle if conditions underfoot are in any way wet or slippery when you venture off-road, but you just need to be conscious of this and chose when and where to wear them. Because the tongue isn’t integrated, sand and grit can (and does) enter the chassis, potentially creating a bit of annoyance, but again, this only happens when you take them beyond the shoes’ comfort zone.

Also consider

With spring finally here, there's no better time to invest in new gear and head onto the trails for a long-distance run. If you're in the market for a trusty pair of trail running shoes to help you bound around the backcountry, check out this sleek pair from Adidas.

The Adidas Terrex Agravic GTX trail running shoes are available for just $119.95 in men's and women's sizes at Backcountry - slashed to 25% off their list price in the spring sales.

These waterproof trail running shoes are designed to ward off rough terrain and keep you upright at all times. They're made from a synthetic Gore-Tex mesh and feature 4mm Continental rubber lugs, which dig into the trails to ensure stability.

The impact-absorbing midsoles and abrasion-resistant upper overlays seek to support your feet so you can enjoy comfortable, pain-free runs. You'll also be protected from the rain, thanks to an Invisible Fit Gore-Tex membrane, which blocks moisture and maintains airflow while you run.

If you like the look of these Adidas trail running shoes but aren't in the US, you can scroll to the bottom of this article for today's best deals where you are.

If you're not in the US, here are today's best Adidas Terrex Agravic deals where you are:

• The most comfortable trail running shoes: put your feet first with these lightweight, cushioned buys
• The best trail shoes for ultra runners: these robust and comfy rides are built for serious outdoor adventures

US-based brand Xero has made a name for itself since launching in 2009, by producing some of the best barefoot shoes on the market, not just for trail runners, but also wild amblers and ramblers.

Having already spent some time testing the original Xero Scrambler Low, a very good all-terrain barefoot shoe for fair-weather running or hiking across a wide variety of terrain, I was interested in seeing what Xero had done to improve the design and performance of this shoe.

To begin with, however, I was a little mystified, because the new EV version of the Scrambler looks almost identical to its predecessor. This wasn’t helped by the fact that I was, once again, testing the Scramblers in black – I should note at this point that, for this version, there is another exciting colorway available: the rather exotic-sounding Dark Irish cream & sunny lime. When I looked into it a bit more, I realised the major change to this shoe is in the material used in the upper.

Design and Materials

Let’s start with the main update to this shoe, which is in the material used in the upper. The original Scrambler won praise for the quality and durability of the Michelin outsole, but the upper often failed to last as long. There is a weak spot on the chassis of this shoe and the Mesa Trails above the ball of the foot (right at the top of the toes), where the material has a tendency to split – and once that happens the shoe is destined for landfill. To its credit, Xero has listened to the feed back about this, and have used a new synthetic material here: a tight-weave, abrasion-resistant mesh that promises to last much longer.

The stack is also very slightly bigger than on the previous Scrambler, having climbed from 10mm to 12mm, and this might put off some ultra-orthodox barefooters (if so, they would do well to check out the Xero Mesa Trail). As with the originals, these shoes come with a removable inner – you can leave this in for a bit of cushioning or, for the fundamentalists, take it out and soak up the extra feedback from the trail. Despite the stack, and regardless of whether you use the inner or ditch it, there is still zero heel-to-toe drop on the new Scrambler EV.

Most other elements of the shoe remain essentially the same, because, well, if it ain’t broke, no need to fix it. The Michelin-made outsole is still made tough, with embedded TrailFoam to provide a little bit of return and 3mm lugs that are comfortable to run on no matter what the conditions underfoot are like.

The Scrambler Low EV features a reasonably wide and genuinely foot-shaped toe box, giving your pinkies plenty of room to spread when you are running on the trails.

These are pretty minimalist shoes by design, and there isn’t much in the way of protection for your ankles or sole. There is a vague hint of a toe cap, which supplies a tiny bit of buffering. I don’t, however, recommend toe-punting any large stones if you can possibly help it, or wearing the Scramblers while swinging an axe or sledgehammer, for that matter.

The Scramblers remain very bendy, and are lightweight, easy to pack running shoes to travel with. Sadly, no recycled materials appear to have been used in this entirely synthetic (vegan-friendly) shoe.

On the trails

I have been running on the tricky trails and pebbly and boulder-strewn beaches of the South West while wearing the new Xero Scrambler EV shoes for the last couple of months and, on the whole, I’ve been impressed (albeit with two small sores and one largish caveat).

Once again, I’ll start with the updates, which I found to be a very mixed blessing. I am not an ultra-orthodox barefoot runner, and I quite enjoy both the existence of a small stack on these shoes, and the inclusion of an insole that supplies a (very) slight amount of suspension. The Scramblers are designed and promoted as all-terrain shoes, and I think they live up to that name, with the modest lugs providing enough grip to keep you upright on all sorts of slippery surfaces, while still allowing lots of trail feel. Likewise the small stack and subtle insole both let feedback to keep coming loud and clear through the sole, but I found they also empowered me to cut loose and to go hard on boulders and lumpy hard ground without crippling myself.

When it comes to the new material used in the chassis, however, I’m less enthusiastic. I appreciate the extra durability (no one wants to fork out $150 for a new pair of shoes every few months, and it’s true that Xero shoes perish far too quickly above the ball of the foot) but I did find this denser weave material to be abrasive. I appreciate a good pair of running socks when using trail running shoes, but when I’m wearing barefoot shoes, I would rather go commando below the ankle, so I can let my toes spread and make the most of the trail feel. (Although, I appreciate that many people prefer to use socks when wearing barefoot running shoes.)

I had experienced excruciating rubbing issues when running sans socks in the waterproof version of the Xero Mesa Trail (a shoe that made no sense to me), but I’d had no such issues with the original Scrambler Lows. To my disappointment, the new fabric employed in the Scrambler EVs started rubbing my skin in identical points (just below the ankle on the inside of my foot) after a couple of miles. The rubbing wasn’t as severe as I experienced with the Mesa Trail WPs, but it was uncomfortable nonetheless. Maybe I’m just thin-skinned. Thankfully, I was able to sort it out and continue to run sockless by applying a bit of petroleum jelly.

Aside from this annoyance, the Scrambler EVs have been impressive. The new mesh might be tougher (and rougher) but it still allows your feet to breathe. The wide toebox is very comfortable and the lacing system, which integrates with a midfoot strap (TPU wings on either side of the chassis), facilitating a firm foot hole, which gave me confidence on technical trails.

This confidence is backed up by the excellent Michelin outsole, where the chevron-shaped studs used in the tread are positioned in a multidirectional pattern, offering decent braking control during descents, and reliable traction when you’re steaming up hill. The rubber is quite hard, however, which means they’re prone to slipping on smooth, wet surfaces such as damp paving stones and logs. The rigidity of the tread does mean, however, that the lugs will likely last for a long time (the Scramblers come with a 5,000-mile sole warranty).

There is an extra pair of optional lace holes you can use in really boggy scenarios to avoid losing a shoe in the gloop, and a hook on the front for affixing gaiters in more challenging conditions (although I’m not sure I’d be wearing this shoe while messing about on snow and ice).

The toe protection is minimal, but better than nothing. My only other grumble is the fact that the tongue isn’t integrated, and sometimes allows grit and sand to get into the upper of the shoe.

Also consider

Barefoot running has shot to prominence in the past two decades and continues to grow in popularity with every passing year, as runners crave the natural, close feeling of the trails underneath their feet.

The best barefoot running shoes are typically lightweight, featuring minimal support and as little as 3mm of underfoot protection.

The Trail Glove 7 barefoot shoes from Merrell are no different. These breezy, minimalistic running shoes aim to create a natural feeling on the trails and are currently available for just $89.96 in men's and women's sizes at Backcountry.

The Trail Glove 7s feature 100% recycled synthetic mesh uppers and grippy Vibram outsoles with small but stable 2.5mm lugs.

Like many barefoot shoes, this pair is zero drop, meaning that there's no difference in height between your heel and forefoot. This design reduces support but increases a natural feeling on the trails, allowing you to jog and sprint as you would without shoes.

The Trail Glove 7 trail running shoes weigh just 8oz (227g) and have been reduced in the Lichen/Gum, and Oyster colorways in men's sizes and Chalk/Gum, Highrise, and Jade in women's sizes.

Look below for today's best Merrell trail running shoe deals where you are:

• The best trail shoes for ultra runners: these robust and comfy rides are built for serious outdoor adventures
• The best barefoot running shoes: feel the ground beneath your feet

Hoka's most iconic trail running shoe has received a major upgrade in the technical department, and is looking more super than ever before.

The Mafate is the shoe that started it all for Hoka. Released by the Annecy-based brand back in 2010, it featured a thick midsole and rocker geometry, which won't sound that odd if you only started trail running in the last 10 years. At the time though? Those shoes looked like they'd just landed from Mars compared to other minimalist shoes dominating the trail space.

Fast forward to 2025 and super-stacked midsoles look like they're here for the foreseeable. Now the Hoka Mafate X is taking things to the next level.

The inclusion of X in the title means that, like the Tecton X 3, and any other Hoka shoe with X in the name, the newest Mafate will have a forked carbon plate to improve the shoe's propulsiveness. In this case, it's sandwiched between foam midsoles made of PEBA (Polyether Block Amide) and super critically foamed EVA carriers that are injected with gas to make them ultra-light. Altogether, that makes for a gargantuan 41.5mm of foam under the heel which is up more than 8mm on the Mafate Speed 4.

Needless to say it features the same MetaRocker design as previous models to help you move forward with less effort, and the drop has increased from 4mm to 8mm.

A Hoka midsole getting bigger isn't necessarily breaking news, but what's upstairs in these shoes is worth a bulletin. Compared to the single-layer jacquard mesh uppers of the 4, the brand has utilized what it says are patent-pending dynamic ultralight woven textile uppers that allow for easy drainage, which could make these shoes a good choice for routes with lots of river crossings.

Underfoot, it's no surprise that the brand has once again gone with the reliability of Vibram Megagrip outsoles, but in place of the chevron-shaped 5mm Vibram Traction lugs are the pizza and taco shapes the brand unveiled at last year's Running Event with 3.5 mm lugs for variable terrain.

It's a little surprising to see the Mafate dressed up in such a technical outfit, and the updates have added a modest two ounces per shoe, but it's clear that Hoka means for the newest edition to be built for the long haul. How it all holds up requires the test of time.

The Hoka Mafate X trail running shoes are out on April 15 with a retail price of $225, but you can pre-order men's sizing in the Zest/Mountain Fog now at REI and have them on the trails by Easter.

• The best trail running shoes: get a grip on the trickiest terrain

Nike has long been the reigning brand for road runners, birthing the modern movement of super shoes, so when it began its foray into trail running, it was no surprise when it kept its signature big, bouncy midsoles.

If you're looking for a more comfortable, bouncier approach to running on soft ground, right now you can pick up the Nike Zegama 2 trail running shoes for just $89.93 at REI. That's a whopping 50% off the regular list price for these trail running shoes, which I found to be surprisingly rugged when I tested them last year.

Yes, they look like road running shoes, and nice ones at that, but these shoes displayed excellent grip thanks to chevron-shaped lugs. They also have a built in ankle gaiter which really helps if you run a lot on dusty or rocky paths where debris can sneak in and slow down your journey.

That big, bouncy midsole comes thanks to the brand's ZoomX foam and it's as plush and comfortable as it looks, which makes these shoes great for longer trail runs as well as road runs, and along with a rock plate in the forefoot makes for a more responsive ride too.

This deal applies to men's sizing in Armory Navy/Sail and women's sizing in all colorways.

If you're not in the US, scroll down to the bottom of this page for today's best deals on the Nike Zegama 2 trail running shoes near you.

I was surprised at how stable these shoes were despite the 39mm stack and rocker sole. They don't have a wide geometry, but I was quite confident running over rough ground in them. I also found that they don't have a ton of room for high volume feet, so if you have high arches definitely try them on indoors first.

I personally didn't find them to be the most breathable of all the trail running shoes that I own, perhaps due to a more durable upper, but ultra runner Riley Brady has managed some pretty impressive desert feats in theirs, including at the very hot Javelina 100, so they've clearly got the goods for some who want to go the distance.

If you're not in the US or UK, here are today's best deals on the Nike Zegama 2 trail running shoes where you are:

• The best trail running shoes: get a grip on the trickiest terrain
• The best trail running shorts

Rugged trail running shoes sometimes sacrifice comfort for protection and they're often pricey, so it's all the better when you can find a shoe for the trail that's comfortable and affordable. Right now, you can scoop up the highly-rated Salomon Speedcross 6 GTX trail running shoes for as little as $115.46 at Backcountry. That's a generous 35% off the regular list price for these shoes, which we called "sublimely comfortable" in our field tests.

Former Advnture editor Cat Ellis took these shoes for a spin and said wearing them "feels like pulling on a favorite pair of slippers right out of the box."

" I didn't want to take my review pair off, even when they were caked in mud," she says.

These aren't just built for bounding around town looking sporty, however. We found they tackled muddy surfaces with ease, thanks to chunky, chevron-shaped lugs which extend right onto the end of the toe for extra purchase when running up hills. The lugs are sharply angled to really dig into the ground, giving as much push-off as possible.

If your hands are cold or you're speed mode, a Quicklace system works like a drawstring, avoiding the need to fiddle with knots when your hands and cold and dirty. Just press the button on the toggle, pull the lace to tighten, then tuck the whole assembly away into a little pouch. It's a neat system that works well.

This deal applies to men's sizing in the Black/Sulphur Spring/Bird of Paradise colorway, so make sure you scroll through the different options to find the best savings. If you're shopping for women's sizing, you can save 25% on all colorways for a total of $123.71, which is a nice price.

Not in the US? Scroll down to the bottom of this article for today's best deals on the Speedcross 6 GTX trail running shoes where you are.

These rugged shoes feature a Gore-Tex membrane for sloppy spring conditions and a tight ripstop mesh upper that increases durability and keeps out debris. They're not the best for rocky terrain owing to the super flexible soles, but for most trail running, you'll be comfortable all day.

If you're not in the US, here are today's best deals on Speedcross 6 GTX trail running shoes where you are:

• The best trail running shoes: get a grip on the trickiest terrain
• The best trail running socks: comfort and support on uneven ground