11 Best Trail Running Shoes in 2024, According to Experts

We talked to different trail runners with lots of of miles under their belts and got their top recommendations on what to be mindful whilst you shop.

Fit

Your desired fit will determine the texture of your run, Bekah Broe, director of performance footwear at Disappointedtells SELF. “Some models can have a tighter, sleeker fit great for fast, technical trail runs, while others provide a more accommodating fit for endurance efforts,” she says. For example, shoes which have a really precise fit with a narrow toe box are great for precision. On the opposite hand, ones with a large toe box and flat shape will feel more comfortable whenever you’re running over long distances on relatively moderate terrain, but may feel a bit unstable whenever you get onto uneven ground. Either way, the shoe should feel good in your feet and never restrictive, and your toes mustn’t be overcrowded. If you intend to primarily run in hot temperatures, you might need to buy a half size larger than usual to accommodate foot swelling.

Cushioning

You can generally find trail trainers with minimal, moderate, or maximum cushion. “I select cushioning depending on the terrain,” Kommer says. If you like a snug, stepping-through-clouds running experience, have a look at shoes with a thick, well-padded midsole. Max cushion shoes are an important alternative for recovery runs or mellower trails, but be mindful that that plush ride comes on the sacrifice of stability. Minimal or moderately cushioned shoes will offer a greater feel for the trail, so that you’ll know what’s under your feet and have the option to maneuver calmly and quickly. Finally, truly minimalist shoes are a better option should you’ll be mixing your trail running with rock scrambling.

Outsole

This is a vital feature for trail runners—and sometimes what separates road trainers from ones which can be trail-capable. Specifically, the lugs and suppleness of the outsole will impact how the shoe feels during your run. Some trail runners have soft rubber outsoles, while others are more rigid. A softer outsole will allow the shoe to flex together with your foot, which is essential to get more surface area in touch with the bottom. However, it won’t be as durable as harder rubber. “If I’m occurring a mountain run where there will probably be numerous rocks, I’ll select something tough and stiffer,” says mountain runner Chanh Nguyen. “If it’s an actual trail run, I’ll select something more flexible that may allow me to run easily.”

Deeper lugs will allow for higher grip, potentially meaning fewer slips and falls. Look for an aggressive, deep lug pattern should you plan to wear your shoes on rugged trails or in mud. If you’re sticking to easier dirt paths—or need to use your shoes to run roads, too—search for a more moderate lug pattern. It shouldn’t be as shallow because the treads on a road shoe, but not as deep as those on an aggressive trail shoe.

Water Resistance

If the vast majority of your runs will probably be in wet conditions or within the snow, then you might need to search for a water-resistant or waterproof lining. Many brands use Gore-Tex to make their shoes waterproof, but some have their very own proprietary materials. On the opposite hand, should you’re only getting one pair of shoes for all of your trail runs and also you’ll be running in many alternative conditions, you almost certainly don’t want a totally waterproof trail shoe, since it won’t be as breathable and will make your feet sweat. Nguyen at all times opts for non-waterproof shoes: “If [my shoe] gets wet, I need the water to flee, not be trapped inside it.”

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