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 review, I may earn a small affiliate commission. ☕️ If this review helps you out, consider buying me a coffee. -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.
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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.

12. Salomon S/Lab Ultra Glide

Price: $250 at Salomon.com / Sportsshoes (My favorite UK online running store)

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

11. Arc’teryx Norvan LD 4

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

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

10. On Cloudultra 3

Price: $190 at on.com

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

9. Merrell MTL Adapt Matryx

Price: $180 at Merrell.com / ÂŁ170 at Sportsshoes.com (For UK Readers)

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

8. Saucony Peregrine 15

Price: $140 at Saucony / REI / Sportsshoes (For UK Readers)

Weight: 10oz (283g) | Drop: 4mm | Fit: True to size, medium width

7. ASICS GEL-Trabuco 13

Price: $140 at REI / Sportsshoes.com (For UK readers)

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

6. La Sportiva Prodigio Pro

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

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

5. On Cloudultra Pro

Price: $260 at On.com

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

4. KEEN Seek

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

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

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