Best running shoes for hard-packed trails tested (2023)

Hard pack trails are easier to run on than boggy forests or sandy shores but they come with their own challenges, make sure you have the best shoes for the job


by Trail Magazine |
Updated on

Conditions on any trail run can vary enormously, but there are routes out there where the surface is guaranteed – it’ll be hard. Alpine trails or higher ground on paths in Snowdonia certainly come into that category so if you know it’s going to be solid underneath perhaps with rocks and roots to contend with, well then these are a few of the great shoes you should consider.

What to look for in a hard pack trail running shoe

Carbon - For many of us, running is all about going that bit quicker and there’s no argument carbon provides runners with more responsibility on the harder, more uniform trails this season provides. Some will run faster, while some will benefit from the reduction in impact carbon provides. Yes, there’s a cost but it’s well worth the investment.

Breathability - In the same way, you’d look for fabrics that breathe in t-shirts, go for materials that allow air and water vapour to escape from inside the shoe, while also allowing cooler air from outside to enter.

Weight - Of course, there’s no definitive weight in a running shoe as more than any other product, it’s very much individual. But, as a general rule, summer shoes are lighter and swifter feeling, so you’ll be thinking of shoes that weigh less than 300g for that rip-roaring 10km PB. If you’re thinking long distance though, think about additional cushioning and therefore in some, but not all, additional weight, bringing the shoes into the mid-300s.

Toe box - The rocks will be there summer, or winter so look for protection in that department year-round.

Drop - There’s almost a generational gap here. Older shoe models work off an 8mm-12mm drop for a higher, more cushioned ride while many of today’s shoes come in at around 4mm-6mm for a closer to the ground, faster feel. As with any shoe advice, it’s always about what feels good personally.

In theory, it’s worth progression to lower drop shoes as they do feel quicker (half the job), but it can be at a cost for your calf muscles. There are lower drops as well with 0mm replicating barefoot. The jury is out at the moment as to what is best!

Midsole - EVA, PU, TPU or Pebax are the foams of choice for most brands. All offer softness and flexibility to different degrees.

Fit - There’s the traditional lacing system of course, but the Salomon system and the Boa fit in a variety of brands including La Sportiva and Adidas do offer superb stability on rough, steep terrain. Consider the surfaces you’ll be running. Tough descents and contouring lend themselves to this new fit system.

Lug length - Summer shoes will offer less in the grip department, so lugs around 3mm at the most, while winter shoes go all the way up to 6mm and even beyond on occasion. Rubber, of course, wears quicker so longer lug length shoes need to stay strictly off-road!

The best running shoes for hard pack trails

Trail running best in test

Description

It’s difficult not to be excited when the word carbon is involved, especially when your heart rate

Pros

  • Great price for a carbon shoe

Cons

  • They are a little unforgiving

Description

These shoes combine plush cushioning, a tough and highly protective upper, good support throughout

Pros

  • An impressive longer-distance shoe combining grip, protection and comfort

Cons

  • Sizing needs attention

Description

Although road running shoes, the high-stack Cloudmonsters have a place on hard-packed trails,

Pros

  • Comfort - they have bags of it

Cons

  • Technically a road shoe so not much toe protection

Description

It looks a bit bulky and sort of slow, but one run later and you’ll be stunned by the responsive,

Pros

  • Good grip making them a nice all-rounder

Cons

  • They are a little heavy looking (but not actually in real life)

Description

The first thing you notice when slipping your feet into the Merrells is the amount of cushioning

Pros

  • Well-cushioned and grippy

Cons

  • More of an all-rounder than a trail shoe

Description

Ultra legend Tom Evans is behind this shoe. 'I wanted it to look sleek, aggressive and fast,' he

Pros

  • Very fast

Cons

  • Looks won't be for everyone

Description

The sixth iteration of the Stinson ATR packs a lot of comfort and cushioning into an already

Pros

  • Great shock absorption, made from recycled plastic

Cons

  • Quite heavy

Description

If you're looking for a pair of shoes for your next fast race, these are a solid option. Think of

Pros

  • Perfect for hard pack trail races

Cons

  • Sizing is a bit long

Description

With a close fit and tipping the scales at just 215g, the Sense 8 SGs are a fit-and-forget

Pros

  • Super light and non-intrusive

Cons

  • Bold fashion statement

Description

Following the launch of the graphene-outsole G 270 three years ago, the innovative brand has now

Pros

  • Long-lasting and packed with tech

Cons

  • Big, heavy and expensive
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