Best trail running shoes 2025: Our trusted picks for all terrains

If there’s one shoe we’d happily use for every kind of trail run, the Arc’teryx Norvan LD 4 is it. This low-profile, stable, and impressively versatile shoe was the clear standout in our group test.

Across hot, dry conditions in the Surrey Hills (and some Spanish mountains!), the LD 4 felt confident and composed on everything from loose woodland paths to technical chalky climbs and even the odd bit of tarmac – god forbid.

The dual-density EVA midsole delivers a firm, stable ride that keeps you close to the trail, while still providing enough cushioning for long distances. We found it less plush than some competitors like the Hoka Speedgoat 6, but way more responsive and durable. After over 100 miles of testing, the foam still held up brilliantly.

The upper feels precision-engineered, with a modular mix of breathable mesh and tough TPU overlays. We especially liked the locked-in heel and protective toe bumper, though the laces have a tendency to slip loose if not double-knotted.

On the outsole, Vibram LightBase rubber keeps weight down while still delivering dependable grip on dry trails. Just don’t expect much bite in steep, muddy descents.

At £150, it’s not cheap – but if you want one trail shoe to handle almost everything, from road-adjacent loops to long-distance summer racing, the Norvan LD 4 is an exceptional option. We've also heard good things about the GTX version if you want water protection.

Read our Arc'teryx Norvan LD4 review or find the women's version here

When you've tested as many shoes as our reviewer Lily Canter – ultra runner, professional coach, and seasoned LFTO contributor – it takes something special to claim her top spot. Out of the dozens of shoes she's put through their paces, the Scarpa Spin Planet stands out as the best overall women's trail running shoe this year.

The Spin Planet combines serious ultra-distance comfort with standout eco credentials. The 100% recycled EXO upper is impressively durable, breathable even in summer heat, and offers structured lateral support without feeling overly restrictive. It drains water almost instantly – during a torrential 10km race, Lily never once felt that telltale squelch – though its fluffy laces do tend to collect grass seeds and debris.

Underfoot, Scarpa's two-layer EVA midsole (45% recycled) delivers a firm yet forgiving ride that holds up mile after mile. Cushioning is substantial without going full maximalist, and the 4mm drop keeps you feeling stable on varied terrain. The slightly narrow toe box may be a dealbreaker for wide-footed runners, but for most, the fit will feel dialled in.

The Presa outsole's 4.5mm lugs are clustered for propulsion, braking, and stability, making the shoe a dependable performer on everything from stony tracks to grassy fields. It’s less at home in deep mud, where the lugs can clog, but remains grippy and confidence-inspiring across most conditions.

Sustainability is more than a marketing line here: 90% of manufacturing and materials sourcing happens in Europe, with more than half of production in Italy. While no shoe is impact-free, the Spin Planet pushes the industry in the right direction.

Read our Scarpa Spin Planet review or find the men's version here

Though they may look more on the maximalist side, the Hoka Speedgoat 6 are a stunningly popular pair of trail running shoes. That's all down to their versatility and agility on the trail. After our first run in the Speedgoat, we were instantly impressed by their responsive feel, lightweight, and general zippiness. Very much a wolf in sheep's clothing, here's why the Speedgoat 6 remains a cult classic...

The shoe's lightweight yet durable construction includes an updated, breathable mesh upper that enhances ventilation while providing a secure fit. With a wider forefoot and midfoot design over previous iterations, the Speedgoat feels plenty stable over loose terrain and allows for ample toe splay.

The full-length EVA foam midsole, combined with the brand's signature Meta-Rocker technology, offers good impact absorption when it comes to running over more compact ground. This isn't at the expense of propulsion though, the curved form (4mm drop) literally rocks you off your feet, keeping that footfall rolling forward with much less effort than flatter, zero-drop shoes like the Vibram 5-fingers or the Merrell Vapor Glove 6.

Moving down to the outsole, the Speedgoat is equipped with 5mm zonal rubber lugs placement which ensures traction and grip both through lateral and medial planes of movement, which are a dream when tackling awkward ascents and loose terrain.

Through our testing, we found that the Speedgoat 6 excels best over long-distance. It's one of the only shoes we've been impressed with straight out of the box, and that says a lot. There's also a Gore-Tex version available for wet-weather running. Now vegan and made from recycled components, we're happy to see Hoka take steps towards improving sustainability.

Read our Hoka Speedgoat 6 review or find the women's version here

For runners chasing speed across long distances, The North Face Vectiv Pro 3 might be the most complete carbon-plated trail shoe yet. With a towering 43mm heel stack and a new dual-plate midsole system, it’s clearly tuned for ultra-distance racing, especially on hard-packed trails where you can open up and settle into a rhythm.

We found the ride incredibly soft and energetic underfoot thanks to TNF’s nitrogen-infused Dream Foam. A full-length carbon plate adds stiffness and snap, while a separate TPU plate just beneath the foot boosts lateral stability.

It’s not a shoe that loves to go slow, but get it moving and the sculpted rocker geometry helps maintain that forward roll with ease.

The upper’s internal support frame, durable mesh and textured laces make for a snug, race-ready fit, though the minimal gusseted tongue started to fray in our testing. Traction is decent across varied terrain, but thick clay tends to cling to the outsole. It's built to last, though; after multiple long test runs, ours showed barely any signs of wear.

At £225, this is a premium option aimed squarely at dedicated ultra runners. But if you're chasing big mileage and podiums, the Vectiv Pro 3 delivers a rare blend of comfort, structure and racing pedigree.

Read our full The North Face Vectiv Pro 3 review

Our new top pick in the ultra category, the Cascadia 18 from Brooks is aimed squarely at trail runners who value stability, durability, and support above all else. We found this shoe impressively tough – having battered it on mountainous and muddy trails in the lake district over a particularly harrowing winter.

Now in its 17th generation, the Cascadia model has undergone more tweaks and overhauls than most cars at this point. Where the previous model (the Cascadia 17) presented a fairly roomy and relaxed fit, the Cascadia 18 has locked down its tightly-woven mesh upper, which now fits snugly and features an effective, wide-set lace system.

The slightly stiffer feeling won't be for everyone, but if you enjoy challenging trails, this one's the biscuit. Brooks have kept the rockplate from the last Cascadia, but it's now fitted inside the midsole foam, rather than sitting between the midsole and the outsole. This provides a firm, rigid underfoot sensation, meaning we didn't get much feedback from the ground, but did feel incredibly well protected from sharp rocks and other debris.

Rounding out the truly mountain-ready approach of the Cascadia 18 is Brooks' proprietary outsole unit, called 'TrailTack'. As the name suggests, this sole has great traction. We found it had solid bite and grip on all surfaces, from grass and mud to rock and scree. A truly versatile showing, with aggressive lugs separated by mud-shedding channels.

Brooks earn a bonus point for using 25% recycled content in their outsole, though hopefully the 18 will be even more sustainable.

Read our Brooks Cascadia 18 review or find the women's version here

New for 2025 in its third generation, the Scott Kinabalu 3 is back again with a “full re-design” and “improved comfort, protection and running efficiency”, according to the Swiss brand. We quickly found this description to be bang on – the Kinabalu 3 feels much more agile and cushioned than its predecessor.

The upper uses a tried and tested design, with soft and lightweight ripstop mesh covering the forefoot and top of the toe, and a sturdier thermoplastic polyerethane reinforcing the heel, toe, and sides. We noticed some decent flex in the polymer, with a fairly standard fit that feels locked in on the top but still accommodates your usual swell and splay.

The big highlight on the Kinabalu 3 is the midsole cushioning and rocker shape, which feels nicely springy and energetic, especially for a trail shoe that looks, at first glance, a bit chunky. The midsole is fairly thick, providing a comfortable and plush feel, and ultimately making us pleasantly surprised by how fast our test runs ended up being.

This is partially thanks to the rocker shape of the midsole which increases efficiency and gets you into a good flow on the trail. We were also quite impressed with the materials underfoot, which are all proprietary. Scott's 'Kinetic Foam' comprises the midsole and was notably light and responsive – Scott claim the material "provides 14% more energy than standard EVA".

Meanwhile, the proprietary outsole leans into this smooth flowing approach with 3.5mm chevron-shaped lugs. It's not a very aggressive pattern or depth, but similar to the North Face Vectiv Pro, it excels when you're wanting to move fast over hard packed paths in the hills or woodlands.

We tested this shoe on a mixture of trails in the Lake District, and while they certainly aren't fell running shoes, the Kinabalu 3 is an excellent pick for mixed terrain, including the odd pavement which, let's face it, we can't all avoid.

Read our Scott Kinabalu 3 review or find the women's version here

Having tried (and binned) a load of budget footwear, we are so excited to say that the Asics Gel-Venture 10 is the best trail running shoe under £100, and it's not close. At £70, it offers a rare mix of comfort, support and road-to-trail versatility that punches well above its price tag.

This is a shoe for runners who value stability and cushioning over aggressive grip. The 10mm drop and AMPLIFOAM midsole, backed by Asics’ rearfoot GEL technology, absorb impact beautifully on hard surfaces, making it as happy on the road as on light trails.

It’s especially well-suited to neutral runners or underpronators, with the extra arch support offering noticeable protection over longer outings.

The fit is a strong point. The padded heel collar, thick tongue and secure lacing work together to lock the foot in place without rubbing, while the upper’s slightly padded mesh delivers decent breathability even in hot conditions. Toe box space is snug rather than roomy, so size up if you like extra wiggle room.

Underfoot, the 2.5mm arrow-shaped lugs grip well on grass, gravel and hard-packed dirt, though this isn’t a shoe for boggy or highly technical terrain. The outsole is rigid, which adds protection on rocky trails but limits ground feel.

At 274g (women’s UK5.5), it’s not the lightest, yet it never feels clunky for everyday running. Durability over years is untested, but the sturdy upper and overlays inspire confidence.

Read our Asics Gel-Venture 10 review or find the men's version here

The Hoka Mafate X is a carbon-plated trail shoe that blends long-distance comfort with real race potential. After struggling to find a carbon shoe that felt secure and stable off-road, our tester was surprised by how well the Mafate X delivered on both fronts.

Thanks to its three-layer midsole, including plush PEBA foam, a forked carbon plate and a base of supercritical EVA, you get a mix of soft cushioning and noticeable forward propulsion. It’s not the lightest shoe out there, but the payoff is real comfort and performance deep into an ultra.

We found the fit to be a standout feature – a wide toebox and padded, moulded heel counter create a secure yet accommodating feel, especially for runners who’ve struggled with Hoka’s traditionally narrow trail shoes. The woven upper is breathable and drains well, though the laces feel slightly flimsy.

Underfoot, the Vibram Megagrip outsole and 3.5mm lugs handle dry trails and rocky ground confidently. Grip suffers a little in the wet, and this isn’t one for technical mountain days, but the overall ride is smooth, stable and protected.

At £185, it’s expensive but not out of line for a premium carbon shoe. If you’re chasing long-distance comfort with a bit of zip, and want a carbon plate that feels stable rather than twitchy, the Mafate X is one of the best options we’ve tested.

Read our full Hoka Mafate X review or find the men's version here

The Merrell MTL Longsky 2 Matryx is built for the kind of mountain terrain that chews up lesser shoes and spits them out. It’s a leaner, lower-profile option compared to the chunky ultra-cushioned models dominating the ultra-distance scene, but that’s exactly what makes it so stable and confidence-inspiring on varied, technical ground.

The big upgrade from its predecessor is the Kevlar-reinforced Matryx upper – an ultra-tough weave that shrugs off rock scrapes and scree without feeling heavy or suffocating. There’s no give in the fabric, which keeps your foot locked in on steep ascents and sketchy traverses, though it does mean the fit is unforgiving if you like a little stretch.

Paired with Merrell’s FloatPro midsole, you get a ride that’s soft enough to cushion long miles yet thin enough for excellent ground feel. The 4mm drop encourages a natural gait, and at just 241g (UK9), it’s impressively light for something this tough.

Underfoot, the Vibram MegaGrip outsole with 5mm lugs is outstanding on wet rock, loose gravel, and muddy climbs, with reversed lugs at the heel for superb braking. It’s not the plushest shoe for endless fire road slogs, but when the route gets technical, it feels rock solid.

This is a specialist’s ultra shoe - not the most versatile, but one of the most dependable choices for big mountain missions where grip, durability, and stability matter more than bounce or plushness.

Read our MTL Longsky 2 Matryx review or find the women's version here

he Saucony Peregrine 14 GTX sticks to its winning formula, offering minimal changes from its predecessor, the Peregrine 13, but delivering the same excellent performance we’ve come to expect. With a Gore-Tex Invisible Fit upper, this version strikes a solid balance between waterproofing and flexibility, though it still lags behind non-waterproof options in breathability.

The fit is spot-on, offering ample room in the forefoot with a secure heel hold, making it a reliable choice for a wide range of foot shapes.Its PWRTRAC outsole and 5mm lugs shine across all terrains, excelling on wet, dry, and muddy surfaces while shedding debris with ease.

Underfoot, the PWRRUN midsole provides just the right mix of cushioning and responsiveness for confident strides, while the shoe’s low weight (300g for GTX, 270g non-GTX) adds to its agility. Whether climbing technical hills or descending rocky paths, the Peregrine 14 keeps you stable and comfortable.

At £155 for the GTX version, it’s competitively priced, though its sustainability credentials are lacking compared to some eco-conscious brands. And if you don’t need the latest tweaks, the almost-identical Peregrine 13 offers similar performance at a lower price. Still, the Peregrine 14 GTX is a top contender for runners tackling variable terrain and mixed conditions.

Read our Saucony Peregrine 14 GTX review or find the women's version here

If you’re after a nimble, lightweight trail shoe, this isn’t it. But if you prioritise stability, durability, and all-weather protection, the XA Pro 3D V9 GTX is a serious contender. With a rugged build, Gore-Tex waterproofing, and Salomon’s signature Quicklace system, it’s as much a hiking shoe as a trail runner – ideal if you want one shoe that can do both.

The Contagrip outsole offers solid traction across mixed terrain, though its relatively short lugs don’t bite deep mud as well as more aggressive options. The firm EnergyCell+ midsole provides stability rather than bounce, and the 3D Advanced Chassis enhances control on technical ground.

It’s a tough, protective shoe that feels planted, but at 356g per shoe (UK 8.5), it’s on the heavier side. The fit is snug through the midfoot, with a reinforced toe cap for rock protection, though some may find the heel less locked-in than ideal.

Best for those who favour durability and support over agility, this shoe thrives on long, steady efforts in rough conditions. Not the most responsive, but it’ll get you where you need to go comfortably and in one piece. Definitely the most bombproof bit of kit on this list.

Read our Salomon XA Pro 3D V9 GTX review or find the women's version here

If you're curious about barefoot running but nervous about going full caveman, the Scrambler Low EV strikes a brilliant balance. This is Xero’s most trail-capable shoe yet – lightweight, flexible, and grippy enough for technical ground, but still kind on your soles thanks to its TrailFoam insert and removable insole.

The zero-drop, high-splay fit is classic minimalist fare, giving your feet room to move and your legs plenty of proprioceptive feedback. The Michelin outsole grips well on dry dirt and loose ground, and while it struggles a bit in the wet, it’s still leagues ahead of most barefoot options for trail traction.

We found the upper to be soft, breathable, and surprisingly durable for such a lightweight shoe. Sizing runs large and the laces are a faff, but the overall feel is natural and sock-like – ideal for warm-weather training and short, fast mountain missions.

It won’t suit everyone, but if you're looking to strengthen your feet or move more naturally over rough ground, this is the barefoot shoe we'd recommend first.

Read our Xero Scrambler Low EV review or find the women's version here

The Hoka Zinal 2 has undergone significant improvements compared to its predecessor. It's notably lighter, featuring a reduced heel drop, taller, more aggressive lugs, and a stretch-knit collar that acts as a gaiter, seamlessly integrated with the tongue.

These changes enhance responsiveness and energy return, making it a great choice for shorter runs. Despite reducing some of Hoka's usual cushioning, the shoe still offers ample shock-absorption through the midsole, making it well suited to the roads and trails alike. It falls on the "Responsive" end of Hoka's cushioning scale.

The fully integrated stretch-knit tongue and collar are a standout design feature, offering easy slip-on access and keeping debris out. The shoe sits lower around the ankle than we're used to, but this is quickly forgotten once you get moving, and it certainly contributes to the light weight.

One minor drawback is the pull-tab on the rear, which may rub against the Achilles tendon when worn with super-low trainer socks. But this has an easy fix, which we're sure you can guess.

Read our Hoka Zinal 2 review or find the women's version here

Our favourite winter trail running shoe for 2025. La Sportiva's Cyklon Cross GTX may seem imposing in its profile, but it's a remarkably comfortable and versatile winter trail running shoe. When worn with running leggings, it blends in seamlessly and doesn't appear outlandish.

The integrated gaiter is highly effective at keeping out dirt, snow, and puddle splashes. Initially, we were skeptical of the BOA lacing system, but it's a fantastic addition to a shoe like this. It offers a snug fit that's easily adjustable and quick to fasten or release.

The Cyklon Cross GTX boasts an exceptional outsole featuring La Sportiva's Frixion White compound, known for its durability and superb grip. Combined with its aggressive lug pattern, this shoe excels in muddy and snowy conditions, and it's also compatible with La Sportiva's AT Grip spikes for icy terrain.

While it provides ample debris protection and generous underfoot cushioning, it does have limited toe protection, featuring only a minimal TPU toe cap. This is worth considering if your routes involve rocky terrain. Nevertheless, for cold conditions, this is our top pick.

Read our full La Sportiva Cyklon Cross GTX review

Find the women's version here

With some of the best grip we’ve tested all season, the Under Armour Infinite Pro really impressed us on wet, muddy trails. The full-length Vibram Megagrip outsole and hexagonal lugs made short work of boggy cross-country courses, offering secure traction even during sharp direction changes. This is a trail-specific shoe through and through – don’t expect it to be forgiving on tarmac.

Despite not being advertised as waterproof, we found the thick upper lining kept our feet dry through puddles and mud, although it did trap heat. There’s a trade-off in comfort, too: the toe box is tight (even for narrow feet), and the HOVR+ midsole felt much firmer than expected, causing fatigue on longer runs. Sizing up is a must.

Cushioning around the heel and ankle support is solid, and we appreciated the rugged design touches like pull loops and debris protection. Sustainability-wise, these don’t offer much yet—but Under Armour have plans for improvement by 2030.

At £125, they’re decent value for a grippy, mud-ready shoe. We’ll keep reaching for them on parkruns and XC races, but they’re not our go-to for double-digit mileage.

Read our full Under Armour Infinite Pro Unisex review here

While the other products in this list will keep your shoes squeaky clean on the outside, these dryer bags will help soak up the moisture from your running shoes on the inside. Keeping them feeling fresh and free of that post-run 'pong'. We've never come across such a handy product to help refresh our kicks after wet runs. These sacks are stuffed with 100% cedar wood, which absorbs moisture out of the inside of a shoe four times quicker than air drying. They're also re-useable – simply hang them up to dry after use for six hours in between runs, then they're ready to go again!

This Nikwax bundle is a footwear care kit for leather and fabric materials, complete with a brush and a dry bag. This kit earns high marks for its sustainability credentials, and the included dry bag proves invaluable during extended running trips and adventures.

This compact Footcare Kit from Sidas contains a bundle of mini-sized items geared towards caring for your feet over long distances, and getting you to the finish line pain-free should any issues flare-up mid-run. This is truly a Hail Mary rolled up in one smart little pouch!

Those who enjoy long days out on the trails will know that they often come hand in hand with sore feet, black toes, and sometimes blisters. The Sidas Footcare Kit is small enough to fit into any running pack and includes heel and toe protection pads to stick over blisters, gel toe sleeves to protect against black toes, or lessen any pain from black toes already forming (make sure your trail running shoes have a little extra room in the toe-box to accommodate these). Along with two 15ml tubes of anti-friction cream and recovery cryo gel.