With trail running growing so much in popularity, the sport has seen somewhat of a boom in recent years, with no signs of this trend tailing off any time soon. Did you know there are now over 200 trail shoes to choose from? 200!!!!!!! So, how on earth are you supposed to know which are the best trail trainers for you? When it comes to choosing the best trail running trainers for your needs, you probably have many questions. We aim to answer these and give you everything you need to discover the best trail running shoes of 2026.
Updated 06/04/2026
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Best Technical Trail Running Shoe – Saucony Peregrine 16
The Saucony Peregrine has long been the no-nonsense all-mountain workhorse of the trail running world, and the 16 is the best version yet. Saucony have made some significant upgrades here, most notably switching to a full Vibram Megagrip outsole, which was the one thing the Peregrine always lacked compared to its rivals. Combined with a softer, higher midsole stack and a more durable upper, this is now a genuinely complete technical trail shoe.
It’s low, fast, and connected, designed for runners who want to feel the trail beneath them rather than float above it. The 4mm drop and responsive ride make it a great choice for technical terrain where precision matters, and the new Vibram grip gives real confidence on steep, wet descents where previous Peregrines could feel a little sketchy.
Pros:
- New Vibram Megagrip outsole, a major upgrade
- Softer, more protective midsole than previous versions
- Fast, nimble and connected feel on technical terrain
- More durable upper than the 14 or 15
- Excellent value at around £130-£145
Cons:
- No rock plate. More ground feel than some runners prefer on very rocky trails
- Narrower toe box, not ideal for wide feet
- Runs true to size, but the fit is snug
BUY SAUCONY PEREGRINE FOR WOMEN
Best Trail Shoe for Beginners – Brooks Cascadia 19
The Brooks Cascadia has earned its place as a trail running classic for good reason, and the 19th version is the best it has ever been. Having stood the test of time since the early 2000s, Brooks has consistently refined this shoe — and with the 19 they’ve finally made the leap to a nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 midsole, which transforms the ride compared to previous versions. It’s noticeably lighter, springier and more enjoyable than its predecessors while keeping all the protection and stability that made the Cascadia a go-to recommendation for new trail runners.
This version is lighter and quicker than earlier Cascadias, while still offering the protection and cushioning that runners who prefer not to sacrifice comfort will appreciate. If you are a new trail runner with no prior experience and no idea what sort of trails you will be tackling, this all-around shoe remains a safe and excellent first choice.
Pros:
- New nitrogen-infused midsole — bouncier and more enjoyable than previous versions
- Immediate out-of-the-box comfort, no break-in period needed
- Integrated rock plate for underfoot protection on rocky terrain
- Versatile road-to-trail capability
- Available in wide fit for both men and women
- Gore-Tex waterproof version available
- Lighter than previous Cascadias at around 303g
Cons:
- Still on the heavier side compared to more performance-oriented shoes
- Not the best choice for very technical or steep terrain — comfort over agility
- Tongue retains moisture on warmer days
- Lugs are only 4mm so deep mud is not its strength
Best Wide Fit Trail Shoe – Altra Lone Peak 9+
The Altra Lone Peak has long been the go-to recommendation for runners with wider feet, and the 9+ is the best version yet. Altra’s signature zero-drop platform and famously roomy FootShape toe box remain unchanged, this is still the most accommodating shoe on the market for runners whose toes need space to splay, but the big news with the 9+ is the outsole. Altra have finally ditched their own MaxTrac rubber and replaced it with a full Vibram Megagrip outsole, which transforms the shoe’s performance on wet and technical terrain. It was the one thing previous Lone Peaks always lacked and it’s a genuinely significant upgrade.
The zero-drop design promotes a more natural running gait but does require an adjustment period if you’re coming from a shoe with a higher heel-to-toe drop. Take it steady for the first few weeks.
Pros:
- Widest toe box in trail running, ideal for wide feet, bunions or foot swelling on long runs
- New Vibram Megagrip outsole, a huge improvement over previous versions
- Zero drop for natural foot movement
- Comfortable straight out of the box
- Durable recycled ripstop mesh upper
- Stoneguard underfoot protection
- Good value at around £130
Cons:
- Zero drop takes adjustment. Not ideal if you’re used to a high-drop shoe
- Midfoot can feel roomy for narrower feet, consider sizing down half a size
- Less cushioning than max-stack shoes, may feel firm on very long distances
- Not the most stable on highly technical off-camber terrain
BUY NOW MEN
BUY NOW WOMEN
Best Road to Trail Shoe – Hoka Challenger 8
If your runs regularly start on tarmac before hitting the trails, the Hoka Challenger 8 is one of the best options available. The Challenger series has always excelled at bridging the gap between road and trail, and the 8 takes that comfort-first approach further than ever with a generous 42mm stack of plush EVA foam that makes both road and moderate trail surfaces feel effortless underfoot.
It is fairly lightweight for an everyday trail shoe at around 264g for a men’s size 9, and the 42mm stack height paired with an 8mm drop makes it a shoe that works for many people in many situations. The redesigned outsole lug pattern handles gravel, packed dirt and light trail well, and the breathable mesh upper dries quickly even after getting wet.
Just be clear on what it is… this is not a technical trail shoe. The lugs are 4mm, and there is no rock plate, so if your trails are steep, rocky or muddy you will want something with more grip and protection, such as the Speedgoat 7. But for everyday mixed running where comfort over distance is the priority, the Challenger 8 is hard to beat.
Pros:
- Exceptional comfort straight out of the box
- Plush 42mm midsole for high mileage days
- Excellent breathability, great for warmer months
- Handles road, gravel and moderate trail equally well
- Very durable, regularly lasts 400 to 600 miles
- Available in wide fit
Cons:
- Not suitable for technical, rocky or steep terrain
- No rock plate and limited underfoot protection
- Heavier than the Challenger 7
- Traction falls short in wet or muddy conditions
- Some runners will miss the nimbler feel of the previous version
Great on Hard and Rocky Terrain – Inov-8 TrailFly Ultra G 300 Max
This shoe has a sizeable stack of cushioning in the midsole, which offers more comfort and protection over longer distances. The headline feature is the graphene-enhanced G-FLY foam, which Inov-8 developed specifically for this shoe. Graphene had previously only been used in their outsoles, but here it has been incorporated into the midsole foam too, delivering 25% greater energy return than standard foam and impressive durability, with lab tests showing the midsole still performing well after 1,200km of use.
Designed specifically for hard, rocky trails and ultramarathon distances, the TrailFly Ultra G 300 Max excels on tough, technical ground where its graphene rubber outsole and 4mm lugs provide excellent grip on rock, gravel and packed terrain. It is worth noting that this is not a mud shoe. The lugs are optimised for harder surfaces rather than soft, boggy ground, so pair it with something more aggressive on winter trail days.
Additional features include a thin, strong gusseted tongue that holds the top of your forefoot firmly, and the material around the ankle and Achilles tendon is well-contoured to reduce gaps that might catch dirt and grit, ideal if you are fed up with stopping to remove stones mid-run. The ADAPTER-FIT technology also allows the upper to flex and adjust to foot movement and swelling on longer efforts.
If you want a light shoe that will fly over the trails this is probably not your pick, but if you need something built for the long haul on tough, hard-packed terrain, the TrailFly Ultra G 300 Max is up there with the best.
Pros
- Comfortable Cushioning
- Durable
- Versatile
- Secure Fit
- Breathable
Cons
- Pricey
- Heavier than others
- Break-In Period
- Design Preferences
- Narrow Toe Box
Most Sustainable Trail Shoe – Merrell Agility Peak 6
Trail running and sustainability are increasingly going hand in hand, and Merrell has long been one of the brands leading the way. The Agility Peak 6 is built with a Leno-weave engineered mesh upper designed for durability as well as breathability, and Merrell’s broader commitment to reducing environmental impact makes this the most eco-conscious choice in our roundup. The brand also runs an active footwear recycling initiative, so when your pair eventually reaches the end of its life, it doesn’t have to end up in a landfill.
Beyond the sustainability credentials, though, this is simply a very good trail shoe. The Vibram Megagrip outsole with 5mm multidirectional lugs delivers outstanding grip on wet rock, muddy descents and loose terrain, making it one of the most confident shoes in our roundup when conditions turn rough. A forefoot rock plate protects against sharp debris, the full-length FLEXconnect grooves in the midsole help the shoe adapt to uneven ground, and the fit has been noticeably improved over previous versions with better heel lockdown. It retails at £145 in the UK, with a Gore-Tex waterproof version available at £170.
If you want a shoe you can feel good about buying that also performs brilliantly on the trails, the Agility Peak 6 earns its place in any trail running collection.
Pros:
- Merrell’s strong sustainability and recycling credentials
- Outstanding Vibram Megagrip traction on most surfaces
- Forefoot rock plate for underfoot protection
- Full-length FLEXconnect for ground adaptability
- Improved heel lockdown over previous versions
- Gore-Tex waterproof version available
- Suitable for distances from short trail runs to 100km ultras
Cons:
- FloatPro foam midsole is not the most energetic or bouncy underfoot
- Runs on the firmer side, which suits some but not all runners
- Narrower fit, not ideal for wide feet
- At £145 it sits at the higher end for this category
Great for Wet and Muddy Trails – Salomon Speedcross 6
The Salomon Speedcross 6 is a trail running shoe that is designed for muddy conditions. It has a Contagrip outsole with deep lugs that provide excellent traction, even in wet and slippery terrain. The upper is made of a breathable mesh that keeps your feet cool and dry, and it has a SensiFit construction that provides a snug and secure fit. The Speedcross 6 is also available in a Gore-Tex version for added waterproofing.
Here are some of the features of the Salomon Speedcross 6:
- Contagrip outsole with deep lugs for excellent traction in mud and wet conditions
- Breathable mesh upper with SensiFit construction for a snug and secure fit
- Gore-Tex version available for added waterproofing
- EnergyCell+ midsole for cushioning and responsiveness
- Protective toe cap for durability
The Salomon Speedcross 6 is a great choice for trail runners who need a shoe that can handle muddy conditions. It is comfortable, durable, and provides excellent traction.
Here are some of the pros and cons of the Salomon Speedcross 6:
Pros:
- Excellent traction
- Breathable mesh upper
- SensiFit construction for a snug and secure fit
- Gore-Tex version available
- EnergyCell+ midsole for cushioning and responsiveness
- Protective toe cap for durability
Cons:
- Can be a bit heavy for some runners
- Pricey
Overall, the Salomon Speedcross 6 is a great choice for trail runners who need a shoe that can handle muddy conditions. It is comfortable, durable, and provides excellent traction.
Best Zero Drop Trail Shoe – Inov-8 Trailfly G 270 V2
A low-profile shoe allows you to feel what is going on beneath your feet, making you nimbler over uneven ground with less risk of rolling an ankle, and nobody does zero-drop trail running better than Inov-8. The Trailfly G 270 V2 has built a devoted following since winning four Trail Running Shoe of the Year awards and remains one of the best zero-drop options available in 2026.
The headline feature is the graphene-enhanced Graphene Grip rubber outsole, a material that is scientifically proven to be 50% stronger, 50% more elastic, and 50% harder wearing than standard rubber. In practice, this means exceptional grip on hard, rocky and technical terrain and an outsole that outlasts most of the competition. Some runners report getting over 1,000 miles from a single pair, which makes the price tag considerably easier to justify.
The POWERFLOW MAX foam midsole delivers a snappy, responsive ride, and the BOOMERANG footbed adds up to 40% greater energy return compared to a standard insole. At 270g it is remarkably light for what it offers, and the V2 update brought a more durable and breathable upper mesh alongside improved heel padding and midfoot lockdown.
This is a shoe for runners who want to feel connected to the trail beneath them. It is not the most cushioned option and the relatively low 22mm stack height means it is not ideal for those coming from a maximalist background. But for runners who love the zero drop philosophy and want a fast, precise, durable shoe for hard-packed and rocky terrain, the Trailfly G 270 V2 remains one of the best choices available.
Pros:
- Exceptional graphene grip outsole, one of the most durable in trail running
- True zero drop for a natural, connected running experience
- Lightweight at 270g
- BOOMERANG footbed delivers strong energy return
- Wider toe box than most Inov-8 shoes, rated 5 out of 5 on their own fit scale
- Versatile from 5K to ultramarathon distance
- British brand with strong fell running heritage
Cons:
- 22mm stack height is lower than many modern trail shoes, not for those wanting maximum cushioning
- Takes some adjustment if you are coming from a high-drop shoe
- Not suited for deep mud, designed for hard and rocky terrain
- Premium price point, around £150-£170
The Best Trail Shoes for You
How do you know which are the best trail running shoes for you? It can all seem a little confusing. Even when you are an old hat at the sport and have purchased many pairs previously, there are still so many decisions to make, especially when so many new brands and models come to market.
We spend hours researching and testing trail running shoes and we still get ourselves stuck on which ones to buy. It’s very much a case of trial and error as we have found. Not everyone is the same, no two trails are the same, and your requirement for a trail shoe may be completely different to your other running buddies. We try to help you see through some of the jargon and help you make a more informed decision.
Things to Consider When Choosing the Best Trail Running Shoes 2026:
- Cushioning
- Support
- Wide fit
- Zero drop/low profile
- The type of terrain – rocky, muddy, boggy, wet, dry?
- Distance – Are you training for an ultra or do you run shorter distances?
- Waterproof – are they the best choice of shoe and what are the benefits?
To help you make the best decision, we have selected ten of our favourite trail shoes that are all great for different reasons. Have a browse and see what works for you.
Choosing the Best Trail Running Shoes 2026
While we appreciate that this is not an exhaustive list of the best trail running shoes, we hope that you have found the above information useful. The truth of the matter is, everyone is different. While one person may love the Hoka brand, another will prefer Salomon. Once you find the right pair of shoes, though, the chances are you will own a few pairs of them at some point. We certainly do.
Best trail running shoes 2026 – got a favourite? Share it with us. We’d love to hear your feedback.
Disclaimer: Posts may contain affiliate links. We earn commissions if you shop through the links on this page. We never recommend anything that we haven’t tried or researched ourselves and all our reviews are designed to help you make a more informed decision.