Off the Beaten Track: The Best Trail Running Shoes

ASIM: [B07PX3YW7Y]

The ASICS Gel Venture provides the support and traction you need on uneven terrain so you can focus on the scenery instead of the trail. The ORTHOLITE sockliner adds a layer of support to the GEL technology and molds to your foot for a customized fit that keeps you comfortable. Yet, you can remove the liner if you’d rather use your own inserts.

With New Balance’s Women’s 590v4 Fuel Core shoe, you get the top features of the brand’s trail running shoes at an affordable price. Users report that the shoe has ample cushioning that helps reduce knee and hip pain during runs. An extra-wide toe box helps improve balance, so you stay steady when your runs take you off-road.

Designed to mimic barefoot walking, WHITIN’s Minimalist Trail Runner offers maximum flexibility to increase your comfort during trail runs. This zero-drop shoe reduces stress on your joints, while the wide toe box increases your balance as you navigate uneven terrain. Reviewers note that the shoes tend to run larger than expected. One person had to order a shoe two sizes larger than usual.

The name says it all. New Balance’s Men’s 510v4 Cushioning Trail Running Shoe provides maximum cushioning and greater comfort for running through the woods. One reviewer noted that the shoe’s design distributes the edges of rocks and branches over the sole so that they’re less noticeable on the trail.

ALEADER’s hiitave Unisex Minimalist shoe is an excellent choice for runners with wide feet. The super flexible upper stretches and forms to the foot so they don’t feel crammed inside the shoe. It also features a wide toe box and zero-drop sole that provides more stability when running up and down hills.

Merrell’s Womens Glove 4 Trail Runner is completely free of animal products, making it a safe option for runners who need a vegan shoe. However, that’s not the shoe’s only selling point. The most common comment from reviewers is that the shoe is comfortable. Reviewers also mention that the shoes felt comfortable right out of the box and did not require a break-in period.

The Men’s Terrex Tracerocker Trail Running Shoe by adidas is a lightweight shoe that holds up well on the trail. Despite the abrasion-resistant ripstop, the shoe stays breathable for maximum comfort. According to one reviewer, the shoe wasn’t damaged when snagged by branches on an extended hike. Another reported that although it’s not a waterproof shoe, it didn’t hold in water during an off-road mud run.

Saucony’s Women’s Cohesion TR12 Trail Running Shoe is a popular choice for women who appreciate the way the shoes fit their feet. A wide toe box allows plenty of room for spreading the toes for greater balance, while the heel tapers for a snug fit. It’s top selling point, though, is the VERSAFOAM cushioning system that supports the feet for maximum comfort.

Salomon’s Men’s Speedcross 4 Trail Running Shoe takes cues from the brand’s iconic skiing shoe. Its aggressive grip keeps your feet from slipping and sliding on the trail and along off-road obstacle courses and mud runs. At the same time, it has just enough cushion to comfort your feet but still lets you feel the trail you’re running on so you can adjust your stride accordingly.

Running on trails or participating in off-road obstacle courses can take you through wet terrain. When that happens, it helps to have a water-resistant shoe like New Balance’s Men’s 481V3. The combination of water resistance and cushioned insoles keep your feet comfortable throughout your event. According to reviewers, their feet stayed dry even when walking through snow and rain or when working around water.