Best trail running shoes 2025: Tested and reviewed by the pros

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

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 Asics Trabuco Max 4 review or find the women's version here

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 here find the women's version here

The Adidas Terrex Agravic GTX is an especially lightweight entrance in this list designed for tackling mixed terrain at pace. Straight out of the box, the fit feels snug and precise, wrapping the foot securely thanks to a sock-like gaiter that helps keep out debris.

This will suit runners who like a locked-in feel, though those with wider feet may find it restrictive. The Gore-Tex membrane performed well on test in the Lake District, shrugging off shallow puddles and muddy trails, but, as with all waterproof trail shoes, water can still seep in over the tongue if you wade too deep.

Underfoot, the Lightstrike 2.0 midsole delivers a stable yet energetic ride. It’s not as bouncy as Adidas’ race-oriented Speed Ultra, but it still offers enough responsiveness to encourage a quick turnover. Cushioning is on the firmer side, giving good ground feel without feeling harsh.

The Continental rubber outsole, with its varied 4-5mm lugs, gripped confidently on wet rock, grass, and dirt, though it’s not as aggressive as a fell shoe. On balance, the Agravic GTX is a strong choice for those who want a nimble, weatherproof trail shoe with a performance-focused feel, provided the narrow fit works for their feet.

Read our Adidas Terrex Agravic GTX review or find the men'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 The North Face Vectiv Pro 3 review

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 and find the men's version here

Merrell’s MTL Longsky 2 Matryx brings major durability upgrades over its predecessor, making it a standout choice for technical trails and rugged terrain. The big innovation is the Kevlar-reinforced Matryx upper, which feels light and breathable while being tough enough for rocky descents.

However, the upper’s lack of stretch can feel restrictive, so sizing needs careful consideration.The FloatPro midsole balances softness with stability, providing excellent ground feel without sacrificing responsiveness. Paired with Vibram MegaGrip outsoles and 5mm lugs, the Longsky 2 excels in wet and loose conditions, gripping muddy Surrey trails and Lake District fells with ease.

Reversed lugs enhance control on steep descents, although exposed foam might raise durability concerns on sharp rocks.While not the most versatile shoe, it shines on demanding terrain, making it ideal for skyrunning and mountain missions. Small tweaks like more secure laces and better debris protection could elevate it further, but its performance for serious trail runners justifies the price.

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

New in 2024 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

The Stinson 7 is, in typical Hoka fashion, the exact opposite of a sleek, minimalist running shoe. It features a thick EVA midsole with a towering 42mm/37mm stack height (40mm/35mm in the women's version). We wore worried this would affect the stability of shoe, but Hoka have compensated by giving the Stinson 7 an extra wide platform.

Between the width and height of this sole unit, of course the Stinson 7 is outrageously comfortable. We'd even call it pillowy. The midsole features a design touch called Metarocker which aids heel-to-toe transitions, which works nicely with the huge amounts of cushioning to create a seamless flow when you're running.

Of course, this only lasts until things get hairy on the trail. Weighing 365g (men's 10) and sporting that wide outsole makes the Stinson 7 a tad clompy, which is great for long distances, but does come at the cost of agility. We wouldn't pick it for skyrunning.

That said, the Durabrasion rubber outsole performed pretty well across a range of terrains. It features 4mm lugs and wide mud channels which did their job on wetter outings. We've seen this sole before on the Hoka Challenger 7, and we were impressed then as well. Being able to handle damp grass is critical, and we were pleased to find that the Stinson 7 could hold its own all throughout the Yorkshire moors.

It may not be the best for tricky terrain, but if you're hitting more typical UK trails and looking for comfort and stability, then this shoe is the ticket.

Read our full Hoka Stinson 7 review or find the women's version here

Our favourite winter trail running shoe. 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 La Sportiva Cyklon Cross GTX review or 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.