How I chose the best road-to-trail running shoes

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

Every trail shoe featured in this roundup has been thoroughly tested by myself, on real trails, in all kinds of weather, and over various types of terrain that transition shoes should be able to handle, I take running shoes to the edge, to see where their breaking point is.

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Learn more about my review process.

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

The Best Running Shoes, Right Now
From daily training miles to trail ultras and race-day PRs, these are the best running shoes of the year (so far) that I personally rely on and recommend after thousands of miles of real-world testing. This is the ultimate running shoe rotation.

I stay independent and objective, and every review you watch on my Youtube Channel or read right here on this blog 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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Affiliate Disclaimer: 'Alastair Running' is reader-supported, if you purchase through links on this site, I may earn a small affiliate commission - thank you for your support! -Alastair
The 10 Best All-Mountain Trail Running Shoes, Right Now
The do-it-all workhorses built for everything from mellow fire roads to technical mountain trails, and even ultra running adventures.
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.

Road-to-trail running shoes, sometimes referred to as all-terrain, door-to-trail, hybrid or even transition running shoes are designed to be capable on a mixture of light trails, such as parks, forest trails and gravel tracks, as well as for running on road surfaces.

People also love these shoes for travelling with, as they can handle all eventualities, like the impromptu mountain hike, for example.

12. New Balance Hierro v9

Price: $155​ at REI.com / Sportsshoes.com (For UK Readers)

Weight: 11.2oz (318g) | Drop: 4mm (low) | Fit: True to size, snug fit

11. Merrell Nova 4

Price: $130 at merrell.com£108 at sportsshoes.com (For UK readers)

Weight: 9.5oz (269g) | Drop: 8mm (medium) | Fit: True to size, medium width (with a roomy toe box)

10. On Cloudsurfer Trail 2

Price: $170 from On.com

Weight: 9.9oz (281g) | Drop: 8mm (medium) | Fit: True to size, medium width (forgiving fit with wider lacing)

9. Craft Xplor 2

Price: $150 at craftsports.us (women's version available here)

Craft Xplor 2 review: Comfort-first road-to-trail running shoes
The Xplor 2 provides top comfort, grip, and everyday versatility, without feeling compromised on either surface

Weight: 11.1oz (315g) | Drop: 6mm (medium) | Fit: True to size, medium width, roomy toe box

8. Salomon Aero Glide 3 GRVL

Price: $160 from Salomon.com / Sportsshoes.com (For UK Readers)

Weight: 9.7oz (275g) | Drop: 8mm (medium) | Fit: True to size, wide width

7. Brooks Ghost Trail

Price: $150 at brooksrunning.com

Brooks Ghost Trail review: a road runner’s entry point to gravel and light trails
A smooth, Ghost-like ride with just enough trail traction for mixed-surface training and door-to-trail miles

Weight: 10.6oz (301g) | Drop: 8mm | Fit: True to size, medium width, comfortably shaped toe box

A really natural step for road runners who already love the Ghost feel but want to mix in gravel paths, dirt park loops, and light woodland trails without switching into something aggressively “trail".

6. Merrell ProMorph

Price: $160 at merrell.com / Sportsshoes.com (For UK Readers)

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

5. Nike Pegasus Trail 5

Price: $150 at Nike.com / REI / Sportsshoes (For UK Readers)

Weight: 10.2oz (289g) | Drop: 9.5mm (high) | Fit: True to size, medium width (snug in the toe box)

4. HOKA Challenger 8

Price: $155 at REI.com / Sportsshoes.com (For UK Readers)

Weight: 9.5oz (269g) | Drop: 7mm | Fit: True to size, medium width with more toe box room than Speedgoat

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