Best Trail Running Shoes 2024

Trail running shoes come with many variations in grip and weight to suit different types of conditions and objectives. Here’s what to look for and the best options out there

For trail running, particularly in the mountains, it’s essential to have something on your feet that will help you feel confident enough to take that muddy corner quickly, to skip down a wet, rocky path, climb scree and jump logs. There are a lot of different options out there, however, and finding the right pair that can handle such a variety of conditions can be quite tricky. For this reason, we’ve compiled our selection of the best trail running shoes for 2024 along with a buyer’s guide to help you make the right shoe choice for your needs.

The Best Trail Running Shoes of 2024

In this test of a surprisingly diverse range of off-road running footwear, we’ve addressed all of the key areas mentioned above and suggested where each pair will be best placed. They’re all great, but in different ways and we’d recommend them for different uses.

There are three overriding questions to consider when you’re looking to buy a pair of trail shoes: what terrain will you be using them for? What kind of distances will you be running in them? What kind of feel do you like to get from a shoe? In this guide, we’ll help to pin point where each pair sits in regards to each of these criteria – and for more information on why that stuff is important, just jump right down to the bottom of the page or check out our in-depth guide on how to choose trail running shoes.

• Best Overall Trail Running Shoe: La Sportiva Mutant
• Best Trail Running Shoe for Cushioning: New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro V7
• Best Lightweight Trail Running Shoe: Asics Fujispeed 2
• Best Shoe for Running on Very Muddy Trails: La Sportiva Cyklon
• Best Barefoot-style Trail Running Shoe: Vibram Five Fingers

 

The Expert

I’m the editor of this site and I’ve been reviewing outdoor gear for our 10 years now. In that time, I’ve served as a judge for the Scandinavian Outdoor Award, ISPO Awards and in the OIA Awards and I’ve also done a lot of running. Two years ago I set a 500-mile FKT and I’ve run in various ultras around the world. I even once took part in the famous Man versus Horse race in mid Wales. No prizes for guessing who came out tops in that.

How We Tested Them

With the help of our Test Team, we’ve made sure all of the trail running shoes in this round up have been properly tested out in the environments they were made for. We haven’t just taken these for quick runs around the local dog walking field. No, we’ve made sure they’ve been used in real mountain environments – whether that’s through the bogs of Rannoch Moor in the Scottish Highlands, on hard-packed trails over high fells in the Lake District and even while setting FKTs on multi-day fastpacking adventures. In case of interest, we’ve also conducted similar tests to find the best running shorts and best running socks too. If you’d like to discover some new brands beyond some of the mainstream ones featured here, you might like our guide to the best new and boutique running brands.

 

La Sportiva Mutant

Price: £155
Weight: 320g
Best for: Rocky and muddy trails, medium-length distance
Key attributes: Sturdy, grippy, comfortable
Performance: 10/10
Value: 8/10

Not so long ago, we conducted a test to find the grippiest trail running shoes and it was the La Sportiva Mutant that came out on top. Not only was it the best product when it came to grip on different terrain but it also impressed us for its all-round offering. Quite simply, it is the best trail running shoe we’ve used in recent years.

Aside from the grip, one other aspect that stood out to us during our tests was the fit and feel of the upper. It’s unique design creates a very comfortable, secure and wrapping fit that fills you with a lot of confidence. The Mutant also strikes an excellent balance between durability, cushioning and weight. It feels light and fast but it also feels hardy and protective.

La Sportiva have made this specifically for mountain running but, from our experience, it’s the kind of shoe that has the versatility for all kinds of trail running.

Stack height: 26mm/16mm / Drop: 10mm / Lugs: 5mm

BUY NOW: ELLIS-BRIGHAM.COM

 

 

Best Trail Running Shoe for Cushioning

New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro V7

Price: £145
Weight: 318g
Best for: Long miles on hard and soft trails
Key attributes: Comfortable, nicely padded underfoot, tough, grippy and protective
Performance: 6/10
Value: 7/10

The Hierro V7 is a tough-cookie trailer that’s perfect for people who want to pound the paths for long periods of time; over long distances. Beyond that durability, the standout feature is the cloud-like feel underfoot, courtesy of a fairly high midsole stack – 28mm at the heel and 20mm at the toe – of lightweight Fresh Foam X which gives a really plush ride, even on the hardest of trails (or any road sections). A light protective plate (not a full rock plate) also blocks out sharp rocks and roots well without making the sole overly stiff.

Bootie-style synthetic mesh uppers hug your feet nicely and zonal TPU threads, woven in at key points, enhance and elevate the structure of the shoe. Traction and durability is solid, thanks to a Vibram MegaGrip outsole with multi directional lugs on the underside. They run reassuringly grippy with a decent amount of bite, though they’re more dependable on defined trails – particularly any dusty or gravelly ones. They’re not the kind of shoe you’d want to use for flying down a steep and muddy fellside.

Stack: 28mm / 20mm / Drop: 8mm / Lugs: 4.5mm.

Selected for our Outdoor 100 – Read our full New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro review.

BUY NOW: RUNNERSNEED.COM

Asics Fujispeed 2

Price: £100
Weight: 320g
Best for: short to medium distance races on easier trails
Key attributes: light and agile, carbon-plated
Performance: 8/10
Value: 8/10

These had straight-out-of-the-box performance and comfort during our tests and, over the course of our test period, they’ve impressed us for their lightweight performance. The carbon plate definitely gives these a nimble feel but it’s not exaggerated. As such, the Fujispeed 2 makes for a good shoe for those who want to ease themselves into the world of carbon-plated running. 

On muddy trails they provided moderately good grip but the tread isn’t quite as aggressive enough for super steed muddy trails. We liked the rubber compound’s performance on wet rock though. 

We found that there was adequate cushioning under the heel on hard trails but the Fujispeed 2 are very light on protection at the ball of the foot and we did feel a little exposed to sharp rocks and roots. 

Still, if speed is your priority, these are a good option to go for. 

Stack height: 24mm / 19mm / Drop: 5mm / Lug depth: 4.5mm

BUY NOW: ALPINETREK.CO.UK

 

 

Best Barefoot-style Trail Running Shoe

Vibram Five Fingers

Price: £70
Weight: 136g
Best for: Trail running, light hiking
Key attributes: Innovative, good for barefoot runners, comfortable
Performance: 6/10
Value: 8/10

Yes, OK, we get it. These shoes are definitely a bit marmite – you either love them, or hate them. While they might look a bit odd, there is a deliberate thought process to them. They’re designed for people who want a more natural run, offering a zero drop, tiny stack height of just 5mm, low cushioning and of course that glove-like fit, all of which combine to give your feet a sensory perception and dexterity akin to running barefoot with the added bonus of skin protection and grip.

Whilst the mid-foot landing running technique may not be for everyone, and it’ll take some time to adapt to, it’s frequently praised by people for improving their running gait, creating a more efficient stride that lowers the impact through the knees and heels compared to that of heavily-cushioned running shoes.

OM editor Will counts himself as a fan. “I’ve walked in them, worked in them, and run on roads and trails in them,” he says in his review on our site. “I even took them on holiday with me for a week as my only pair of shoes. And I’ve really, really enjoyed wearing them.”

“I know they look strange, and they’ve certainly brought a lot of amusement to my friends and colleagues, but running in these feels absolutely brilliant. On trails, that sensory perception adds a whole new dimension, you get such a feel and connection with the ground below you, and generally feel much more agile and nimble.”

Stack height: 7.5mm / Drop:  0mm / Lug depth: 4mm

Selected for the 2019/20 Outdoors Magic Outdoor 100 – Read our full Vibram Five fingers review.

BUY NOW: ALPINETREK.CO.UK

 

Best of the Rest

 

La Sportiva Cyklon With Boa Fit System

Price: £140
Weight: 315g
Best for: Medium-distance mountain running, summer hiking
Key attributes: Well-cushioned, good traction, zero drop
Performance: 8/10
Value: 8/10

The Cyklon shoe is the result of an exclusive collaboration between La Sportiva and Boa who make an extremely innovative precision fit system that’s an alternative to lacing. The two brands have both worked together here to develop something called a Dynamic Cage which creates a super precise, micro adjustable fit.

This ‘cage’ is essentially three individual panels throughout the shoe’s upper (two on the inside and one on the outside) and they link up with the Boa Fit System. When you press down on the Boa cog and twist it, this pulls in those three panels, directing lace tension to four specific areas around the midfoot. It creates a completely even tension right the way around your foot to make for a very stable ride.

Alongside the Boa Fit System and that wraparound tongue, the upper features a breathable mesh right throughout it which is stiffened and protected on its flanks and at the toe by a TPU laminate. Around the ankle, there’s an elasticated fabric that serves like a gaiter, blocking out any unwanted gravel, dirt and debris.

There’s also 6.5mm lugs, La Sportiva’s proprietary rubber compound FriXion, an EVA foam midsole with TPU lateral inserts under the heel, and a stack height of 7mm. Grippy on pretty much everything – there’s a lot to like here.

Stack height: 26.5 mm / 19.5mm / Drop: 7mm / Lug depth: 6.5mm

Selected for the 2019/20 Outdoors Magic Outdoor 100 – Read our full La Sportiva Cyklon With Boa Fit System review.

BUY NOW: ALPINETREK.CO.UK

 

 

Scott Kinabalu

Price: £130
Weight: 290g
Best for: Rocky trails, medium to long distances
Key attributes: Sturdy and protective, grippy, fast feeling
Performance: 10/10
Value: 9/10

Scott’s Kinabalu was a standout product in our Outdoor 100 product guide this year, with OM editor Will even going so far as saying it’s “the best trail shoe I’ve ever run in.” How about that then.

It’s a shoe that’s built for distance, with a good cushioning and a nice rocker to create a bit of forward propulsion on the trail. Looking at the midsole, Scott has made use of their own in-house Kinetic Foam to produce a material that’s capable of springing you out of every turn – so much so that Scott claims that this foam midsole is able to return 14% more energy (compared to standard EVA) on every stride.

Then there’s the grip. The outsole features an interesting multi-layered lug design – one that doesn’t look too dissimilar to that of an all weather tyre found on that of a 4X4. While the lugs give you bite on soft stuff, you’ll also get a good stick on harder, smoother surfaces too – stuff like bouldery slabs and pavements.

“I’ve done a lot of trail running and hiking in these over the last three months and they’ve been excellent,” said our editor Will. “I like that the sole is stiff enough to block out sharp roots but there’s still a proprioception and responsiveness. I like the slight rock they have which makes them feel really fast. I like their breathability, I like their protection and I like the grippiness they provide. And, well, they look pretty good too I reckon.”

Stack height: 29mm / 21mm / Drop: 8mm / Lug depth: 4mm

Selected for our Outdoor 100 2022/23 – Read our full Scott Kinabalu review.

BUY NOW: SCOTT-SPORTS.COM

 

Arc’teryx Norvan LD 3

Price: £150
Weight: 265g
Best for: Long training runs, orienteering races
Key attributes: Breathable, lightweight, good traction
Performance: 9/10
Value: 7.5/10

This is a trail shoe built for long runs, the kind of thing that’s designed for those mountain excursions where you’re taking on a mix of sustained climbs and long, loping descents, over all kinds of terrain and over the course of a few hours as well. It’s a good option for orienteering challenges or longer fell races.

Starting with the upper, the Norvan LD 3 features lightweight and breathable fabrics that make use of a combination of mesh and toughened plastic to provide a blend of comfort and support. The inside of the upper has been designed as a two-layer system, where a second internal layer helps to reduce any friction that could, potentially, lead to day-ruining blisters when you find yourself miles into a route.

The midsole provides just the right amount of cushioning thanks to Arc’teryx’s collaboration with midsole manufacturers Dow. They’ve essentially produced an EVA midsole that’s been designed to cushion the foot from repeated stresses while providing a quick and snappy response following a foot strike.

Underfoot, the outsole uses Vibram’s new Litebase technology, which cuts weight without affecting shock absorption or grip. The lugs have a depth of 4mm which is about average for a trail shoe. They give good grip on muddy tracks and gravel as well as decent ability on wet rock.

Selected for the 2022/23 Outdoors Magic Outdoor 100 –Read our full Arc’teryx Norvan LD 3 review.

Stack height: 27mm / 18mm / Drop: 9mm / Lug depth: 3.5mm

BUY NOW: ALPINETREK.CO.UK

 

Arc’teryx Sylan GTX

Price: £220
Weight: 327g
Best for: Long miles on hard trails
Key attributes: comfy, create a smooth stride, durable
Performance: 8/10
Value: 6/10

The thing that stood out the most when we tested the Sylan was the curved rocker geometry to the sole unit. It creates a feeling of forward propulsion when you’re running. This feeling is strange at first but it doesn’t take long to get used to. In the short term, this can save you energy, while it could help to prevent injuries from occurring in the longer run

From our experience with this, we’d say it’s a great shoe for long runs at a slow pace – so things like mountain ultras. We did find it has its limitations on muddy trails, with the lugs not shedding as well as we would’ve liked. As such, we’d say it’s better for dry and hard packed trails than for soft, sloppy stuff. 

The shoe pictured is the Gore-tex version which makes for a good hiking shoe. We’d recommend the non Gore-tex version for anyone looking for something for regular trail running.

Read our full Arc’teryx Sylan GTX review.

Stack height: 28mm / 22mm / Drop: 6mm / Lug depth: 3.5mm

BUY NOW: ALPINETREK.CO.UK

 

 

On Cloudvista

Price: £130
Weight: 280g
Best for: High mileage trail running on hard-packed defined trails
Key attributes:  ‘Cloudtec’ midsole cushioning, recycled polyester upper, impressive propulsion
Performance: 8/10
Value: 7/10

The Cloudvistas feature that iconic ‘Cloudtec’ midsole technology that makes use of a series of U-shaped blocks of soft, yet responsive, ‘Helion’ foam. These blocks have been hollowed out to both reduce weight and increase the amount of cushioning. By joining rows of these U-Shaped blocks together, On create a midsole that’s extremely cushioned that’s said to reduce muscle fatigue and lower heart rate.

The CloudTec features a channel down the middle of them to allow the outsole and midsole to flex in a range of directions. This flex means that, depending on the way you strike, you’re always going to get a consistent strike and toe off. Speaking of toe offs, the Cloudvista features a 7 mm heel to toe drop which leads to a good deal of rocker to roll off.

Aside from the unique midsole unit, the On Cloudvistas have been designed to be lightweight yet still protective. This is thanks to a main upper that’s been built from 70% recycled polyester, a perforated tongue to keep things airy and breathable and a TPU mudguard that’ll be able to shrug off any rocks and roots.

Full Specifications

Stack height: 33m / 22mm / Drop: 10 mm / Lug depth: 2.5mm

Selected for the 2022/23 Outdoors Magic Outdoor 100 – Read our full On Cloudvista review.

BUY NOW: ALPINETREK.CO.UK

 

Saucony Peregrine 12

Price: £78
Weight: 275g
Best for: Any distance over mixed-terrain
Key attributes: Good versatility, hardwearing build, lightweight, responsive
Performance: 7/10
Value: 8/10

The beauty of the Peregrine 12s is their broad appeal to all kinds of trail runners. Though, with a heel to toe drop of 4mm, they’re more suited to those whose forefoot or midfoot hits the ground first, rather than those who heel strike.

They boast soft, springy, award-winning cushioning that absorbs the impact of each strike without removing the feel of the terrain. The upper is as minimal as ever, featuring pliable overlays to shield against trail debris. To get the optimum fit Saucony offer half sizes which, in addition to the contoured sockliner, makes for a personalised feel. A fabric loop on the heel means they can be clipped into a harness, while a D-ring towards the bottom of the laces makes them compatible with gaiters too.

The outsole, on the other hand, uses redesigned tacky PwrTrac technologies that give the shoes a rugged grip on a range of surfaces, including grassy hillsides, rocky scrambles, muddy ground and rooty forest tracks. The 5mm lugs allow for an aggressive approach and are shaped to shed mud, while the abrasion resistance of the rubber means that this is a pair of trail shoes that should last pretty well.

Stack height: 26.5mm / 22.5mm / Drop: 4mm / Lug depth: 5mm lugs. 

Selected for the 2022/23 Outdoors Magic Outdoor 100 – Read our full Saucony Peregrine 12 review.

BUY NOW: RUNNERSNEED.COM

 

Columbia Montrail Trinity AG

Price: £135
Weight: 290g
Best for: Rocky terrain, mid-distance runs
Key attributes: bouncy, comfortable
Performance: 7/10
Value: 6/10

These guys are seriously bouncy, especially thanks to the bulky heel stack which makes the rear third of the shoe feel like it’s been fused with half a donut. This extra springy heel also provides great propulsion when navigating through uneven, rocky trails, so make sure you can keep up with your gear before launching into anything too tricky.

The heel stack does give the shoe a fairly steep 8mm drop. The Techlite dual-density midsole combined with the OrthoLite Eco insole ensure that the Montrails are super comfortable right out of the box. The cushioning provides great protection on jagged terrain, though it also significantly reduces the feeling of the ground underfoot. Overall, this is a desirable effect – of course you don’t want to feel every bump – but the lack of feedback can require a bit of getting used to. Once you’ve mastered the Montrails, it feels like running on air.

Stack height: 32mm / 24mm / Drop: 8mm / Lug depth: 4mm

BUY NOW: COLUMBIA.CO.UK

 

 

Merrell MTL Long Sky 2

Price: £115
Weight: 260g
Best for: Mountain running, variable terrain
Key attributes: Lightweight, grippy, precise
Performance: 9/10
Value: 7.5/10

These technical mountain runners are possibly the best showing from Merrell’s recent hot streak in the trail running world. It seems that the team at MTL (Merrell Test Lab) have taken the very best features from the original Long Sky and the well-loved Moab Flight, and combined them to create Long Sky 2.

They’re impressively robust despite being super lightweight, thanks in no small part to the overhauled midsole construction. The new Float Pro Foam is light and bouncy on the foot, yet tough on technical terrain. This pairs excellently with the all-condition Vibram Megagrip outsole which has demonstrated powerful grip in wet and even icy conditions.

The toebox is fairly slim, but this is an intentional move from Merrell to ensure a secure and precise fit. Your feet are also locked in through the midfoot and heel, and the integrated liner and tongue unit make the shoe extremely easy to make quick, subtle manoeuvres with. Precision is the aim of the game here, from the form-fit upper to the low stack and responsive foam, everything about the MTL Long Sky 2 is perfect for staying in touch with technical terrain.

Stack height: 23.5mm / 19.5mm forefoot / Drop: 5mm / Lug depth: 5mm.

BUY NOW: MERRELL.COM

What to Look for in a Trail Running Shoe

The first thing to be looking out for on a trail shoe is the grip. In many cases, particularly in places where it’s muddy and wet, you’ll want as near to football boots as you can find. That being said, if you’re trail running on dry and dusty paths, overly aggressive lugs might be a hindrance.

Another issue can be when the lugs on an outsole are so deep and so close together that they hold onto mud and become clogged. This then affects the amount of traction you’ll get. The trail shoes in this list are made by reputable trail running brands and all of them will be designed to shed mud, though we’d argue that some will be better than others on slippery fells. Inov-8 is a brand that’s well known for creating ultra grippy shoes. La Sportiva and Salomon also have a strong reputation there.

Some trail shoe outsoles look aggressive but are made of tough rubber, meaning they’re great on muddy paths, but they’ll be like ice skates on wet, steep roads or chalk. With that in mind, it’s worth looking into the characteristics of the rubber compound that’s used. Some brands, like Saucony and Salomon, will state whether the rubber compound is made for soft trails or hard ones. A soft, squeezy rubber is usually a sign that the shoes will grip on hard surfaces, while firm rubber will tend to provide the most traction on soft trails.

Proprioception

Proprioception, crucial in trail running shoes, refers to the body’s innate sense of spatial awareness and movement, aiding runners in navigating varied terrains with enhanced balance and control.

When running, your feet and toes are constantly making tiny adjustments to help your balance. If there’s a hard and thick sole, and one that doesn’t twist torsionally, then the effect of your toes on your balance could be quite negligible. Somehow, the result can be a feeling of instability, making you lose that much-needed confidence.

Related: Best Trail Running Packs
Related: Best Trail Running Caps

Compare, for example, your walking boots. Apart from being uncomfortable for running, they’d also feel unstable. Good trail running shoes should allow you to feel the ground and have enough space to let your toes work. Some of the examples here will enable the foot to be very close to the ground meaning the foot can balance well. The negative is that you’ll feel more of the stones and roots.

Waterproof Versus Non-Waterproof

Generally speaking, running in waterproof trail running shoes isn’t ideal. First of all, that’s because when you’re going at tempo you’re going to what something that provides as much breathability as possible, and membrane-lined shoes can get clammy when you’re really working hard. There’s also then the fact that water can easily get into trail running shoes when conditions are wet and, with waterproof shoes, once that moisture gets in then it tends to stay in. With non-lined shoes, when that moisture gets in, at least it can get out and your feet can dry out as soon as the conditions get drier.

Still, that’s only generally speaking. There are conditions where waterproof shoes might be beneficial. On short runs in cold weather and when there’s no risk of water creeping in at the ankle, waterproof trail running shoes can be great. The thing is, depending on where you are, those conditions might not come about too often – certainly not in the UK where we conducted our tests of these shoes!

What Does ‘Stack Height’ Mean On Trail Running Shoes?

It’s easy for trail running brands to throw ‘stack height’ and ‘drop’ numbers at you, without explanation of what they influence, so we’re here to put that straight.

Firstly, stack height represents the thickness of the midsole at both the toe and heel. With the modern-day polarisation between highly cushioned and barefoot running shoes, this number is becoming an increasingly important stat that’ll show how the shoe will likely behave. Put simply, shoes with high stack heights will be more cushioned, but less responsive due to little underfoot feel. Low height shoes will be less cushioned, but will have greater stability and feel underfoot.

The amount of stack height you choose is of course all down to personal preference.

What Does ‘Drop’ Mean On Trail Running Shoes?

The difference in stack height between the heel and toe is what’s known as ‘the drop’. A 0mm drop, for example, would have the heel and the ball at the same level – as you would barefoot. In recent years, ‘barefoot running’, where people run in shoes with a very low stack height, has become extremely popular. The drop can be anything between 12mm and 0mm. Anything below 5mm would be considered a ‘low-drop’ trail running shoe.

The drop of the shoe affects how your foot strikes the ground whilst running. High drop (8 mm+) shoes promote a heel strike (due to the cushioning in the heel), while low-mid drop (- 8mm) promote a mid-forefoot strike.

It’s important to remember that stack height and drop are independent of each other. Depending on your preferred gait, you could find high stack height trail shoes that still have a zero or low heel-to-toe drop.

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