Out of the woods: trail running shoes that aren’t hideous

Trail running shoes are typically assumed to be the clunkiest and least stylish of all trainers, but recently we’ve been seeing some shoes that, well, one could stand to be caught off the trail in and — gasp — may actually wear out in public!

Here are our top ten picks for trail shoes that aren’t ugly and still do the trick.

New Balance Fresh Foam 980 Trail shoe

$130

The latest NB fresh foam version features a no-sew overlay and gusseted tongue to prevent debris catching on or entering the shoe. The men’s version weighs in at around 10.3 oz. We like the colourway of this version a lot, especially its volcanic feel.

Nike Zoom Terra Kiger

$ 145.00

The Nike trail shoe is sleeker looking than one would assume from many trail shoes. The Nike Flywire technology meets a grippy outsole to create an adaptable trail shoe. The women’s shoes (featured in the photo) weigh approximately 7.4oz and the men’s shoe weighs only 8.6oz.

Saucony Peregrine 4

$125.00

Hardcore traction meets a flexible upper in this trail shoe that appears visually much like a racing flat. The shoes weigh in at 9.4 oz.

Brooks Cascadia 9

$150.00

The Cascadia 9s feature a no-sew overlay and are water resistant. These shoes are designed for a medium to higher arch and feature a loop on the heel for quick on and offs. The men’s shoes weigh approximately 11.7 oz.

The North Face Ultra Trail

$120.00

This North Face trail shoe combines a light weight, no-sew upper with Vibram trail specific soles. These shoes weigh in at 8.7 oz and are designed for a neutral stride.

Adidas Vigor 4 Trail shoe

$82.00

We’re feeling volcanic fire with this pair of trail kicks as well. The shoes weigh in at 13 oz and provide a mesh upper for breathability.

Under Armour Speedform XC  Trail Running Shoes

$100.00

Under Armour certainly isn’t afraid to limit their trail shoes to a mundane design. These lighter weight trail shoes also make a style statement. They repel water and weigh in at only 8.5oz.

Salomon Sense Pro

$140.00

One pull and you’re laced with these trail shoes. The shoes feature a seamless upper and weigh 8.8 oz.

Merrell All Out Rush

$120.00

The protected toe box of the All Out Rush prevents one from stubbing on rocks. The shoes also feature reflective detailing for those interested in staying on the trails until dusk starts to fall. We thought it was interesting that the site indicated that the shoes can be washed in cold water; most of us like to hit the trails to enjoy a bit of mud. The women’s shoes (shown in the photo) weigh 7.2oz and the men’s weigh 9.3oz.

Asics GT-2000 2 Trail

$120.00

Yet another seemingly volcanic inspired look, these Asics trail shoes are designed for neutral to moderate pronators. They weigh in at around 11.2 oz