Why Trail Shoes Are Different
Trail running shoes aren't road shoes with lugs. They feature aggressive outsole tread for grip, rock plates for protection, reinforced uppers for durability, and lower stack heights for stability on uneven terrain. We ran 800+ miles across 10 models on mud, rock, roots, and scree. For comparing trail shoes to hiking boots, see our trail runners vs hiking boots guide.
Quick Picks
| Pick | Model | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏆 Overall | Salomon Speedcross 6 | $140 | Soft/muddy terrain |
| 💰 Value | Nike Pegasus Trail 5 | $130 | Road-to-trail versatility |
| 🏔️ Technical | La Sportiva Bushido III | $160 | Rocky, technical terrain |
| ☁️ Cushion | HOKA Speedgoat 6 | $155 | Ultra-distance, max cushion |
| 🌊 Mud | Inov-8 Mudclaw G 260 | $145 | Deep mud and wet grass |
| 🏃 Speed | Salomon S/LAB Ultra 3 | $180 | Fast trail racing |
| 🔥 Budget | Altra Lone Peak 8 | $130 | Wide feet, natural ride |
| 🌿 Eco | Merrell Agility Peak 5 | $120 | Recycled materials, light trails |
Detailed Reviews
#1. Salomon Speedcross 6 — Best Overall
Salomon Speedcross 6 Trail Running ShoesEDITOR'S CHOICE
The Speedcross has been the world's best-selling trail shoe for a decade, and version 6 is the best yet. Deep 6mm Contagrip MA lugs bite into soft terrain like nothing else. EnergyCell+ midsole provides cushion without sacrificing ground feel. Quick-lace system for no-fuss tightening. This is THE shoe for muddy, soft, and loose terrain.
- Best grip on soft/muddy terrain
- Deep 6mm lugs are aggressive
- Quick-lace system is genius
- EnergyCell+ cushion is comfortable
- Iconic design, proven for a decade
- Lugs wear fast on hard surfaces/road
- Narrow fit — not for wide feet
- Not the best on rock slabs
- Outsole can pack with mud in deep muck
#2. HOKA Speedgoat 6 — Max Cushion
HOKA Speedgoat 6 Trail Running Shoes
Named after ultrarunner Karl Meltzer ('Speedgoat'), this shoe combines HOKA's signature max cushion with Vibram Megagrip outsole for serious trail traction. 33mm stack height absorbs rocks and roots. 5mm lugs grip well on mixed terrain. For ultra-distance runners and anyone who wants maximum protection underfoot.
- Maximum cushion for trail
- Vibram Megagrip outsole
- 33mm stack absorbs everything
- Wider toebox than most trail shoes
- Comfortable for ultra distances
- Heavy for a trail shoe (10.4 oz)
- High stack reduces ground feel
- Not the best on technical terrain
- Outsole lugs wear moderately fast
#3. La Sportiva Bushido III — Best for Technical Terrain
La Sportiva Bushido III Trail Running Shoes
The Bushido III is built for mountain running where precision matters. FriXion XF 2.0 outsole grips wet rock better than any shoe we tested. Low 6mm drop and stiff rock plate handle scrambles and technical descents. Trail Rocker sole for smooth transitions on uneven ground. This is a mountain runner, not a forest jogger.
- Best grip on wet rock in our test
- Rock plate handles technical terrain
- Low drop for ground feel
- Extremely durable upper
- Italian quality construction
- Firm ride — not for all-day comfort
- Narrow fit
- Not enough cushion for ultra distance
- Premium price for niche use
#4-8. Additional Picks
Nike Pegasus Trail 5BEST VALUE
The most versatile trail shoe — handles road sections and light trails equally well. React foam cushion, full rubber outsole, and a trail-specific upper that sheds debris. For runners who mix road and trail, or want one shoe that does both adequately.
Inov-8 Mudclaw G 260 Trail Running Shoes
8mm graphene-enhanced lugs that grip deep mud like cleats. This is a specialist tool — useless on road but unmatched in truly muddy conditions. Obstacle course racers and fell runners swear by them.
Altra Lone Peak 8 Trail Running Shoes
The widest toe box in trail running (FootShape design). Zero-drop platform. Balanced Cushioning. MaxTrac outsole. For runners with wide feet or those who prefer a natural foot position. Updated 8th version with improved drainage and breathability.
Salomon S/LAB Ultra 3 Trail Running Shoes
Salomon's race-day trail shoe. Lighter and more responsive than the Speedcross, with a Contagrip outsole tuned for mixed terrain. The shoe of choice for competitive ultra trail runners. Advanced Chassis for stability. Premium price for premium performance.
Merrell Agility Peak 5 Trail Running Shoes
Made with 50% recycled materials. Vibram EcoStep outsole, FloatPro foam from sugarcane. Light and nimble for easy-to-moderate trails. Not the grippiest or most protective, but comfortable and eco-conscious.
Comparison Table
| Shoe | Price | Weight | Drop | Lug | Best Terrain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salomon Speedcross 6 | $140 | 10.0 oz | 10mm | 6mm | Mud/soft |
| HOKA Speedgoat 6 | $155 | 10.4 oz | 4mm | 5mm | Mixed/ultra |
| La Sportiva Bushido III | $160 | 9.2 oz | 6mm | 4mm | Rock/technical |
| Nike Pegasus Trail 5 | $130 | 9.8 oz | 8mm | 3.5mm | Mixed/road-trail |
| Inov-8 Mudclaw G 260 | $145 | 9.2 oz | 0mm | 8mm | Deep mud |
| Altra Lone Peak 8 | $130 | 10.3 oz | 0mm | 4mm | Mixed/wide feet |
| Salomon S/LAB Ultra 3 | $180 | 9.0 oz | 8mm | 4.5mm | Racing/mixed |
| Merrell Agility Peak 5 | $120 | 9.6 oz | 4mm | 3.5mm | Light trails |
Trail Shoe Buying Guide
Match Your Shoe to Your Terrain
This is the most important rule in trail shoe selection. Deep lugs (6mm+) for mud and soft ground. Shallow lugs (3-4mm) with sticky rubber for rock. Mixed lugs (4-5mm) for varied terrain. A mud shoe on rock is dangerous; a rock shoe in mud is useless.
Cushion vs Ground Feel
High-stack shoes (HOKA, Salomon) absorb impact for ultra distances. Low-stack shoes (La Sportiva, Inov-8) provide ground feel for technical terrain. Your preference depends on distance and terrain difficulty. For shoe rotation strategy, see our rotation guide.
Waterproof vs Non-Waterproof
Counterintuitively, most trail runners prefer NON-waterproof shoes. Waterproof shoes trap sweat and water that enters from above. Non-waterproof shoes drain and dry faster. Only choose waterproof for winter running or consistently wet (but shallow) conditions.
Decision Matrix
Sources & Further Reading
- iRunFar. "Trail Shoe Reviews Database." irunfar.com
- UltraRunning Magazine. "Shoe Roundup 2025." ultrarunning.com
- Trail Runner Magazine. "Best Trail Running Shoes 2025." trailrunnermag.com
- Switchback Travel. "Budget Trail Shoe Testing 2025." switchbacktravel.com
