Trail Running Shoe Review

Even the most committed runners sometimes wake up dreading another training day pounding the pavement. Insightful runners recognize this sagging enthusiasm as one of the first signs of burn-out, and rather than risk injury and compromise the rest of the running season, many will work trail running into their training. Trails offer a change of scenery, which invigorates the mind, and the softer running surfaces reduce impact on the body. While some runners are satisfied using their road shoes during trail runs, proper trail running shoes provide better traction and protection, and improve the off-road experience.

Some things to think about before buying trail running shoes:

Outsole

Trail running outsoles vary from hyper-aggressive lugged models for muddy conditions to small, densely packed nubs perfect for hardpacked trails. Some companies use stickier rubber for improved traction on rocks, but these grippy compounds are often less durable than the harder, conventional rubber.

Stability

Uneven trail surfaces demand shoes with rigid heel counters and wider outsoles for improved stability.

Conventional medial articleing controls the foot during the gait cycle.

Weight

Lightweight, trail runners are perfect for smoother, well-groomed trails, but these minimalist speedsters often lack the support, stability and durability needed for rugged conditions.

Ride Height

Putting the runner’s foot closer to the ground increases stability but also reduces cushioning, as there is less material for impact absorption. This slight decrease in cushioning, however, is not a major issue during trail runs as the dirt surface is much softer than paved roads.

Uppers

Look for durable uppers that protect against rocks and sticks, and prevent water, mud and dirt from entering the shoe.

Protection

Many trail shoes have a semi-rigid plate between the outsole and midsole for protection against rocks and roots. Stiff toe bumpers provide similar protection for the toes.

This season’s new trail shoes are lighter and more flexible then ever, while also maintaining their typical aggressive treads and protection from the elements.

::GEARBOX
Cascadia 4 – $140
Brooks
03423

Men’s – 12.2 oz, 345 g

Women’s – 10.1 oz, 286 g

With its close-to-the-ground ride and aggressive outsole, the Cascadia 4 is perfect for fast trail running in a variety of conditions. A ballistic textile layer between the outsole and midsole protects the foot from rocks without compromising forefoot flex and toe-off. This season, Brooks adds a biodegradable BioMoGo midsole for excellent cushioning with low environmental impact. This is a great shoe for fast trail runners seeking excellent traction.

::GEARBOX
CP Paragon – $120
Merrell
05823

Men’s -10.5 oz, 300 g

Women’s -oz, g

Lightweight and with highly breathable side panels, the CT Paragon is well-suited for fast runs on moderate trails. The carefully sculpted outsole bites into softer soil and grips tenaciously on hard-packed trails and pavement. The small medial article and flexible forefoot should appeal to efficient runners wanting a fast trail shoe that won’t slow them down during brief sections of pavement.

::GEARBOX
Trail Sensor 2 WR – $170
Asics
03323

Men’s – 13.6 oz, 385 g

Women’s – 11.1 oz, 314 g

Sporting an innovative quick-lacing system, the GEL-Trail Sensor 2 WR locks the midfoot for stability on and off the trail. Carefully positioned low-profile lugs deliver excellent traction on hard packed trails without compromising speed on the pavement, and the decoupled heel conforms to uneven terrain while maintaining cushioning and stability. This is a great choice for runners wanting one shoe for running on both pavement and trails.

::GEARBOX
Mirage – $95
Under Armour
03923

Men’s – 12.6 oz, 357 g

Women’s – 10.5 oz, 298 g

The lightweight and stable Mirage combines great cushioning and control on uneven terrain. Under Armour’s foot sleeve encircles the midfoot, minimizing foot-slip, while the wide outsole with low-profile lugs sticks to hard-packed trails. A firm plastic toe cap prevents bruising from rocks and a densely woven upper keeps out dirt and debris. This is a versatile trail shoe that will work for the majority of trail runners.

::GEARBOX
MT 909 OR – $130
New Balance
03523

Men’s – 12.3 oz, 349 g

Women’s – 9.6 oz, 273 g

Close to the ground and with excellent cushioning, the 909 is great for long trail running sessions. Durable rubber encircles the perimeter of the outsole and the entire heel, while sticky rubber under the forefoot ensures great traction on rocky terrain. The low profile lugs minimize weight and are ideal for hard-packed trail conditions. New Balance’s Nlock lacing system surrounds the midfoot for extra stability, while a semi-rigid toe bumper prevents bruising from rocks and roots. An excellent option for runners who want stability and control during fast, hard-packed trail runs.

::GEARBOX
ProGrid Xodus – $140
Saucony
03723

Men’s – 12.3 oz, 349 g

Women’s – 11.1 oz, 314 g

The ProGrid Xodus’s firm and responsive ride translates into control and speed on the trails. A snug fit across the midfoot increases stability on uneven terrain, while the solid-fabric uppers repel water and prevent dirt from entering the shoe. Vibram’s Trek outsole provides exceptional grip in wet and dry conditions and the rounded-heel strike zone creates a smooth and fast transition. For truly messy conditions, Saucony also includes a built-in gater clip. A top option for rugged conditions.

::GEARBOX
Supernova Riot 365 – $130
Adidas
05723

Men’s – 13.5 oz, 370 g

Women’s – 11.4 oz, 322 g

The Supernova Riot 365 provides a surefooted ride on rocks, mud and hardpack thanks to its aggressively lugged outsole. Adidas’s decoupled ForMotion heel is incredibly smooth and takes the sting out of rough trails. A firm medial article controls inward roll without restricting the transition.

This comfortable, easy-riding shoe excels in a variety of conditions and is perfect for runners with medium arches.

::GEARBOX
Syncroseek III WRX – $160
Pearl Izumi
03623

Using a softshell fabric upper, the Syncroseek III WRX is surprisingly water-resistant without compromising breathability. The small-spaced lugs provide superb traction on hard-packed trails and a resilient plate sandwiched in the forefoot protects against rocks and roots. For extra durability, Pearl Izumi wraps the toe box and heel cup with abrasion-resistant rubber.

::GEARBOX
Trail Burst – $70
Reebok
10123

With its low weight and small short densely packed lugs, the Trial Burst is a great option for runners spending time on the road or on smooth, hard packed trails. A protective toe bumper protects against abrasion on rocky trails while Reebok’s DMX cushioning ensure a smooth ride and responsive toe-off.  Fast trail runners wanting a well-priced shoe that can transition between pavement and dirt, should seriously consider the Trail Burst.

::GEARBOX
X-1 Evolution – $130
Teva
03823

Men’s – 13.5 oz, 370 g

Women’s – 11.4 oz, 322 g

This nimble trail shoe achieves its feathery weight by using a one-piece mesh upper with welded reinforcements. This manufacturing process minimizes weight without compromising the shoe’s structure. The low-profile, widely spaced lugs shed mud, but lack the traction of beefier designs in very wet and muddy conditions. The X-1 Evolution is a good option for neutral runners seeking a fast racing shoe for variable conditions.

::GEARBOX
XT Hawk and Whisper – $130
Salomon
06023

Men’s – 10.9 oz, 310 g

Women’s -oz, g

Renowned for their serious trail shoes, this year, Salomon introduces the road- and trail-worthy men’s XT Hawk and the women’s XT Whisper. Intended for less-extreme terrain, these shoes are light and responsive on the road, but also have plenty of traction and control for the trail. A firm medial article controls inward roll, while the low ride height encourages a faster pace. The women’s XT Whisper employs a softer and lighter midsole, reflecting female runners’ lower weight.  Runners seeking one shoe for a variety of terrain and wanting a shoe with medial control and a flexible forefoot control will enjoy the new XT Hawk and XT Whisper.

::GEARBOX
Voza – $120
The North Face
06223

Men’s – 11.7 oz, 328 g

Women’s -oz, g

The Voza represents the evolving face of trail running shoes, with tons of traction and durability for off-road adventures, and cushioning and control for conventional road training. Small, densely spaced lugs bite into hard-packed terrain without slowing speed on the road. The lightweight upper is highly breathable and reinforced with synthetic overlays for structure and stability in the midfoot and forefoot. The Voza should appeal to runners looking for a versatile trail shoe that also works on paved surfaces.

::GEARBOX
Wave Ascend 3 – $150
Mizuno
05923

Men’s – 11.7 oz, 331 g

Women’s – 9.4 oz, 266 g

Mizuno updates its classic trail runner this season with a slightly lower ride height and deeper lugs. The result is a more stable ride and better traction in almost all conditions. Mizuno’s X-10 rubber outsole is very grippy without compromising durability. With its slightly wide forefoot, snug heel and traction-to-spare, the Wave Ascend 3 performs well in muddy conditions and hard-packed trails. A great update.

::GEARBOX
Wildcat – $100
La Sportiva
06123

Men’s – 11.9 oz, 339 g

Women’s – 9.9 oz, 282 g

Expanding on its successful trail running program, La Sportiva this year introduces a stable and nicely cushioned trail shoe – the Wildcat. A high-grip Frixion rubber outsole digs into loose terrain, while the rigid external heel counter provides stability and control on difficult trails. La Sportiva also nincludes proven features, such as an external scree guard over the tongue and a beefy rubber toe-box guard for protection against bumps. Perfect for runners wanting stability, cushioning and protection.