members-only post Apr 15, 2026 8 min read

The 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

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.

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.

If you purchase gear through links in this article, I may earn a small affiliate commission. For my training tools, exclusive content, free newsletter, and more perks become a member, (it's free!). -Alastair ✌🏼

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 at Dick's Sporting Goods

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)

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

8. Brooks Ghost Trail

Price: $150 at Dick's Sporting Goods

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".

7. 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

6. 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

5. KEEN Roam

Price: $165 at keenfootwear.com (30-day free trial, and free returns)

Weight: 10.6oz (301g) | Drop: 6mm (39mm heel) | Fit: True to size with roomy forefoot and secure heel

The KEEN Roam is a solid pick for runners who split their time between road and trail evenly. It delivers a stable, balanced ride that feels smooth and consistent no matter the surface. The QuantumFoam midsole hits a sweet middle ground between softness and responsiveness, keeping runs comfortable without feeling sluggish or unstable.

Traction is impressive too, the KEEN.ALL-TERRAIN outsole grips confidently on dirt, gravel, and wet pavement, yet still rolls smoothly on the road.

Add in the durable ripstop mesh upper, 925-mile durability rating, and thoughtful touches like reflective detailing and gaiter attachments, and you’ve got a dependable hybrid built to handle almost anything.

4. Nike ACG Pegasus Trail

Price: $155 at nike.com

Weight: 10.1oz (286g) | Drop: 8mm (35mm heel) | Fit: True to size with wider, taller toe box than previous Peg Trail model

The Nike ACG Pegasus Trail is the road-to-trail hybrid I keep coming back to for runners who want one versatile pair that handles everything. Pavement warm-up, gravel fireroad, light singletrack; the shoe transitions between all of it without skipping a beat. The ReactX midsole delivers a cushioned, protective ride that stays lively and grounded rather than soft or mushy.

Traction is where it really shines. The new ATC 2.0 outsole, Nike's best hybrid rubber yet, grips confidently on wet dirt, damp grass, and loose gravel while rolling smoothly and quietly on road sections.

Add in a secure heel lock, a well-draining upper built for all conditions, and solid protection against rocks and roots without a rock plate, and you've got a refined, capable hybrid daily trainer that earns its place at the top of this list.