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.

**Read our full Arc'teryx Norvan LD4 review
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**Find the women's version here
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Find the GTX version here

The Merrell Morphlite is a solid option for new trail runners seeking an affordable hybrid shoe that transitions well between road and trail. Over a month of testing on Surrey’s muddy trails and woodland paths, the Morphlite impressed with its excellent grip and breathability, performing well during quick changes in direction and on mixed surfaces.

At just 215g per shoe, the Morphlite feels light and bouncy, but this comes at the cost of comfort. Its firm FloatPro Foam midsole lacks the cushioning needed for longer runs, causing discomfort over sharp terrain or extended distances. The shoe’s flat profile also promotes overpronation, making it less suitable for runners with ankle or tendon vulnerabilities.

The outsole features a mix of 3mm perimeter lugs and 2mm multi-surface lugs, striking a balance between road and trail traction. While not fully waterproof, the double-lined toe box and splashproof upper offer a decent defence against wet conditions. Sustainability-conscious runners will appreciate the use of recycled materials, including 100% recycled laces and mesh components, though this shoe doesn’t fall under Merrell’s dedicated eco-friendly range.

If you’re starting out on trails or sticking to shorter distances, the Morphlite delivers value and reliable grip at an accessible price point. For those eyeing longer or more technical runs, a more cushioned option might be worth considering.

Find the men's version here

Read our full Merrell Morphlite review

Few shoes walk the line between cushioning and structure as confidently as the Asics Trabuco Max 4. It keeps the plush, protective ride that road-to-trail runners love about the Trabuco Max series, while firming things up with a more stabilised platform and slightly lowered stack height.

You don’t get much ground feel, but you do get smooth transitions, strong heel-to-toe flow, and an impressively locked-in fit. we love the upper – the jacquard mesh is much softer and more breathable than the previous version we tried (read our Trabuco Max 3 review).

Although it’s not as tough as ripstop or Matryx alternatives, the structure holds together well thanks to a TPU perimeter overlay and thick ankle padding. The heel and collar feel especially plush, creating a snug, secure fit right out of the box.

Underfoot, the FF Blast+ Eco midsole feels firmer than before, but still protects your feet on sharp or uneven trails. The new M-shaped lugs on the ASICSGRIP outsole add subtle traction improvements and help deliver that smooth, rolling ride on woodland paths and hard-packed ground.

It isn't a bargain, but the Trabuco Max 4's combination of long-distance comfort, consistent performance and subtle eco upgrades (including a bio-based midsole) help justify the price. It definitely deserves top spot for road-to-trail.

**Read our full Asics Trabuco Max 4 review
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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 full Scott Kinabalu 3 review

Find the women's version here

The Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed is a lightweight trail shoe built with one thing in mind: fast racing. From the first wear, our tester found it to be energetic and responsive, with a breathable upper and lively midsole that begs to go quick.

A dual-density Lightstrike midsole delivers both softness and propulsion, while the rocker design adds smooth momentum on hard-packed trails. Continental rubber outsoles with 3mm lugs offer solid grip across most conditions, though they're definitely more suited to harder, less technical surfaces.

The upper is sleek and stripped back, prioritising breathability and minimal weight over water resistance or plush comfort (see our review of the Agravic Speed GTX, which has a far more hardcore, waterproof upper). There’s very little padding around the ankle, which helps keep weight down but can cause some discomfort on cambered trails or sloped traverses.

That said, the fit feels race-tuned, and textured laces and an asymmetric tongue add to the shoe's dialled-in, featherlight feel.

At 240g (UK 8.5), this is one of the lightest trail shoes we've tested, and it shines on race day or fast training efforts. But with limited lateral support and a non-waterproof upper, it’s best kept for dry conditions and well-maintained trails.

It’s a great choice for short-to-mid-distance trail races, or for road runners looking to dip their toes into off-road events without sacrificing speed. The laces are a surprising highlight too – they just don’t come undone!

Find the men's version here

Read our full Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed review

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
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Get the Men's version here

If you're heading into an ultra or clocking up huge mileage on dry, hard-packed trails, the TrailFly Max is the best Inov8 shoe we’ve tested for the job.

With a huge dose of nitrogen-infused FlySpeed Pro foam underfoot and a redesigned NaturalFit last, this new release adds serious comfort and bounce without abandoning Inov8’s signature ground feel.

You get a 35mm heel stack and 6mm drop – enough for real underfoot protection and all-day comfort, but not so much that it feels disconnected or unstable.

In our testing, the TrailFly Max struck a rare balance: soft enough to feel plush, yet responsive enough to keep up the pace when fatigue sets in. The Boomerang insole adds a nice layer of rebound too, especially welcome on longer outings.

We also liked the lightweight, breathable upper, though it’s less robust than burlier models and might not stand up to seasons of abuse on rocky routes. Traction from the 4mm G-Grip graphene lugs was excellent on mixed terrain, particularly in the dry.

At £150, the TrailFly Max is good value for a performance-focused ultra-distance shoe. It's not built for deep mud or mountain scrambles – but for spring and summer trail ultras, we reckon this is Inov8’s most comfortable long-distance shoe yet.

**Read our full Inov8 TrailFly Max review
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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

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.

Find the women's version here

Read our full Saucony Peregrine 14 GTX review 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 full Salomon XA Pro 3D V9 GTX review

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 full Xero Shoes Scrambler Low EV 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

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

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.