Best Trail Running Shoes
Top trail running shoes ranked by transparent trust scores.
8 products ranked
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Top Pick
9.4
Excellent
HOKA Speedgoat 6
Ranked #1 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
#1
9.4
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #1 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Vibram Megagrip bites wet rock
- Plush cushion for ultra distances
- More stable than previous versions
Cons
- High stack feels tippy on off-camber terrain
- Narrow fit in standard width
Don't buy this if…
- Don't buy if you like feeling the trail underfoot, since the tall max-cushion stack mutes ground feedback.
#2
9.2
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #2 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Unmatched grip in mud and soft ground
- Secure foot-hugging fit
- Quicklace is fast and snag-free
Cons
- Deep lugs feel awkward on hardpack and road
- Runs narrow through the midfoot
Don't buy this if…
- Don't buy if most of your miles are on dry hardpack or pavement, because the tall lugs wear fast and ride harshly there.
#3
9.0
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #3 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Roomiest toe box in trail running
- Zero drop promotes natural stride
- Ninth version fixed past durability issues
Cons
- Zero drop strains calves for heel strikers
- Moderate cushion for very long ultras
Don't buy this if…
- Don't buy as your first zero-drop shoe without a slow transition, since sudden switching commonly causes calf and Achilles soreness.
#4
8.7
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #4 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Stable and predictable on mixed terrain
- Comfortable for road-to-trail runs
- Durable upper resists abrasion
Cons
- Heavier than race-oriented rivals
- Grip merely average in deep mud
Don't buy this if…
- Don't buy if you chase podiums, as the Cascadia prioritizes durability and stability over speed and weight.
#5
8.5
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #5 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Excellent blend of agility and protection
- Sticky outsole across terrain types
- Fair price for the feature set
Cons
- Firm ride for long ultras
- Toe box tapers for wide feet
Don't buy this if…
- Don't buy for 50-mile-plus efforts if you like plush shoes, since the firmer PWRRUN foam beats up feet late in ultras.
#6
8.3
Good
Consensus
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Ranked #6 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Best-in-class precision on technical rock
- Extremely secure fit
- Durable Matryx-style mesh upper
Cons
- Firm and narrow for casual cruising
- Minimal cushion for long road connectors
Don't buy this if…
- Don't buy for smooth buffed-out trails, because the stiff technical build feels harsh where agility is not needed.
#7
8.1
Good
Consensus
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Ranked #7 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Smoothest road manners of any trail shoe here
- Soft, bouncy ReactX midsole
- Sleek enough for everyday wear
Cons
- Shallow lugs slip in mud
- No rock plate for sharp terrain
Don't buy this if…
- Don't buy for rocky technical trails, since the soft foam and shallow lugs give up protection and grip where it gets rough.
#8
7.9
Good
Consensus
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Ranked #8 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Wide toe box with secure midfoot
- Vibram outsole grips reliably
- Comfortable 5mm drop compromise
Cons
- Smaller dealer network for fit testing
- Slightly heavy for tempo days
Don't buy this if…
- Don't buy if you want a locked-in racing fit, because the anatomical last trades precision for comfort.
Quick Comparison
How We Rank
Composite trust score from expert reviews, user sentiment, complaint analysis, and value assessment.
Trust Score
Weighted composite of all factor scores
Expert Score
Aggregated expert review ratings
User Sentiment
Community votes and review analysis
Value Score
Price-to-performance ratio
Freshness
Recency of reviews and data
Change Log
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