How I tested and chose the best trail running shoes

When it comes to finding the best trail running shoes, I approach every new release with a critical eye and a commitment to honest, no-fluff reviews.

Every shoe featured in this roundup has been thoroughly tested by myself, on real trails, in all kinds of weather, and over technical terrain that pushes each shoe to its limits.

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Learn more about my review process.

This hands-on approach helps me cut through the marketing noise and figure out which shoes actually deliver on their promises.

I stay independent and objective, and every review you watch on my Youtube Channel reflects my real-world experience. I want to help you find the trail shoe that fits your needs, not just the one that’s trending.

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If you purchase gear through links in this article, I may earn a small affiliate commission. For exclusive content, my free newsletter, and more perks become a member of my site, (it's free!). -Alastair ✌🏼
The 6 Best Road-To-Trail Running Shoes, Right Now
All-terrain, transition running shoes are capable on a mixture of light trails, such as parks, forest trails and gravel tracks, as well as road surfaces
Alastair RunningAlastair Dixon
The Best Trail Racing Shoes, Right Now
Premium trail running shoes designed for getting the most out of your race day; including vertical kilometers, skyraces, ultramarathons.
Alastair RunningAlastair Dixon

All-mountain trail shoes are the do-it-all workhorses of the trail running world. They’re built for everything from mellow fire roads to technical mountain trails—so if you’re looking for the best trail shoes overall, this is where to start.

14. Salomon S/Lab Ultra Glide

Price: $250 at Salomon

Salomon S/Lab Ultra Glide Review: Pacman Ghosts For Feet
Comfort-focused and ultra-ready, the S/Lab Ultra Glide is built for long miles—just don’t expect race-day speed if you want to gun it.
Alastair RunningAlastair Dixon

Weight: 10.6oz (301g) | Drop: 6mm | Fit: True to size with a medium width

13. Arc’teryx Norvan LD 4

Price: $170 at Arcteryx / Sportsshoes (For UK Readers)

Arc’teryx Norvan LD 4 Review: A Winning Streak!
Arc’teryx nails it again! The Norvan LD 4 is a premium trail shoe with secure fit, max traction,balanced cushioning for long mountain runs.
Alastair RunningAlastair Dixon

Weight: 9.8oz (279g) | Drop: 6mm | Fit: Runs large—size down for narrower feet

12. On Cloudultra 3

Price: $190 at On

On Cloudultra 3 review: It’s A Great Upgrade Overall!
A smoother ride and better traction define the new and improved Cloudultra 3
Alastair RunningAlastair Dixon

Weight: 10.1 oz (286g) | Drop: 6mm | Fit: True to size with a narrow midfoot

11. Merrell MTL Adapt Matryx

Price: $180 at Merrell.com / £170 at Sportsshoes.com (For UK Readers)

Merrell MTL Adapt Matryx Review: Hello, You Cheeky Rascal!
Built for big trail days with cushion, grip, and structure. It’s not light or breezy but damn it’s where the Speedgoat series should be, minus the weight.
Alastair RunningAlastair Dixon

Weight: 11.2oz (318g) | Drop: 6mm (Stack of 36mm/30mm)| Fit: True to size, with a roomy forefoot

10. Saucony Peregrine 16

Price: $150 at Saucony / Sportsshoes.com (For UK readers)

Saucony Peregrine 16 review – softer, grippier, and finally complete!
Upgrades include more cushioning, Vibram Megagrip traction, and it keeps the same fast all-mountain feel that made the Peregrine one of my favorites!
Alastair RunningAlastair Dixon

Weight: 9.8oz (278g) | Drop: 4mm | Fit: True to size, medium width

9. ASICS GEL-Trabuco 13

Price: $145 at REI / Sportsshoes.com (For UK readers)

ASICS GEL-Trabuco 13 Review: It Chomps Down Everything
This rugged, stable, long-distance all-mountain trail running shoe comes with serious mountain credentials. It’s a HIT for me!
Alastair RunningAlastair Dixon

Weight: 10oz (283g) | Drop: 8mm (34mm heel / 26mm forefoot) | Fit: True to size, medium width

8. La Sportiva Prodigio Pro

Price: $195 at REI / Sportsshoes (For UK Readers)

La Sportiva Prodigio Pro Review - A New Trail King Is Born
La Sportiva’s Prodigio Pro hits a sweet spot for trail runners seeking agility, comfort, and solid traction without a carbon plate
Alastair RunningAlastair Dixon

Weight: 9.1oz (258g) | Drop: 6mm (Medium) | Fit: Runs small—size up half a size.

7. On Cloudultra Pro

Price: $260 at On.com

On Cloudultra Pro review: On’s first true ultra trail racer
Light, snappy, and impressively stable for long mountain miles; the Cloudultra Pro sets a new benchmark for On’s trail line.
Alastair RunningAlastair Dixon

Weight: 9.5oz (269g) | Drop: 6mm | Fit: True to size, medium width

6. KEEN Seek

Price: $185 at keenfootwear.com | (women's version here)

KEEN Seek review: A super comfy road-to-trail shoe, built to last
KEEN’s first trail running shoe blends durability, comfort, and stability into a road-to-trail package that’s dreamy to run in
Alastair RunningAlastair Dixon

Weight: 10.9oz (308g) | Drop: 6mm (moderate) | Fit: True to size, medium width with a spacious toe box

5. Salomon S/Lab Genesis

Price: $200 at Salomon.com / £180 at Sportsshoes.com (For UK readers)

Salomon S/Lab Genesis Review: So Much To Love Here
Secure, lightweight, and responsive—this rugged all mountain trail running shoe thrives on mixed terrain and long adventure days up to 50K.
Alastair RunningAlastair Dixon

Weight: 9oz (255g) | Drop: 8mm (medium) | Fit: True to size, narrow-medium width

4. Hoka Speedgoat 7

Price: $165 at REI

Hoka Speedgoat 7 review: the trail GOAT is back
Hoka fixes the fit (when you size up...) and ride, bringing the Speedgoat back to what made it such a trusted all-mountain trail shoe in the first place.
Alastair RunningAlastair Dixon

Weight: 10.1oz (286g) | Drop: 5mm | Fit: Runs small, so I recommend sizing up half a size; medium width with a secure midfoot and heel hold, with a wide option available.

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