All runners will agree that trail running and hiking are both ways for us to fulfill our innate need to move and workout in nature. Running on a treadmill, road running, or leisurely walks in the park may already be enjoyable for many, but they just don’t compare to running or hiking through the woods. Physical exertion in nature just provides a different “high.”

One of the most important tools for this kind of exercise is the right pair of trail shoes—a pair of sneakers that can keep up with your demands. When choosing your running shoe, personal preference will obviously play a big role, but you should always remember key factors like foot protection, grip, and fit should always outweigh appearance and brand. Whether you are a beginner trail enthusiast or a seasoned one, this article will help you decide which trail companion best fits your wilderness needs and running goals.

How To Choose The Best Trail Shoes For Running & Hiking

It’s normal to feel overwhelmed and lost when choosing the best trail shoes, especially because new ones come out every year. We’ve got three important questions that you can use to significantly narrow down your footwear choices.

1. What Are Your Goals?

You have to think about what you’re going to use your trail shoes for. Will they be for occasional running, daily training, or for competition? Will you be hiking in them every day? What kind of weather or trail conditions will you be encountering? 

Each goal influences the need for a specific feature. For example, if the shoes are for occasional running, you may need your trail runners to be comfortable and versatile. For daily training, you may need a pair that’s protective and stable. If you need the shoes for hiking, you may need to focus more on comfort, fit, and tread.

2. What Type Of Terrain Will You Be Running Or Hiking On?

Dirt, scree, snow, mud, grass, asphalt, trails, synthetic tracks—each type of terrain will need a different outsole (the bottom of a trail shoe). You’ll need the tread of your shoes to deliver enough grip and traction for sure footing. If you’re running or hiking over just flat dirt, then you’ll be alright with an outsole tread that’s not too chunky. However, if you’re dealing with highly technical terrain, you will need an outsole tread that will permit you to move fast but still be safe.

3. What Distance Are You Planning To Cover?

How far you want to run will help you focus on the durability and comfort your trail shoe provides. Other factors such as stack height may also come into play. Stack height refers to the amount of material between the bottom of your foot and the ground. A trail shoe with the most stack height is called a maximalist shoe. The one with the least stack height is a minimalist shoe. 

Maximalist shoes are usually for long distances because they offer the most protection and comfort. Minimalist shoes, on the other hand, are commonly for running short distances, allowing the runner or hiker a better feel of the ground.

When you have all of your answers to these three questions, you can then focus on other important factors.

Fit & Width

Fit is one of the most important factors when choosing any shoe, much less a trail shoe. Unlike regular running shoes which mainly focus on comfort, trail shoes need to be snug on the backfoot and midfoot to provide a locked-down feel while preventing the foot from shifting or moving while running on uneven terrain. On the forefoot, however, there needs to be enough room (at least a thumb’s width of empty space) for the toes to splay naturally.

Drop

Drop is a measurement that describes the difference in height between the toe and heel of the shoe. It’s also called the heel-to-toe drop. It matters because the drop of your trail shoe will support the running style you already have. When it comes to hiking, drop isn’t such a big factor, but you should pay attention to it when you are planning to dash through the woods. 

For example, a 10mm to 12mm drop is considered to be a traditional drop. It’s ideal for beginner runners as they tend to be heel strikers, which means they land on their heels when they run. Traditional drop measurements have thicker cushioning on the heel to protect runners. 

Trail running shoes with lower drops, on the other hand, tend to encourage midfoot striking, which is ideal because the impact on the lower limbs is reduced.

How We Chose The Best Trail Shoes

We based our reviews of the best trail shoes on the most important factors that runners should look at first. Mainly, we examined the grip, foot protection, durability, stability, and comfort of each trail shoe as these factors will directly affect a hiker’s or runner’s performance. To a lesser degree, we looked at the shoe’s usage, versatility, and price—factors that can appeal more to beginners. 

The Best Trail Shoes Of 2021

The Best Of The Rest

Brooks Caldera 4

Altra Timp 1.5

Brooks Cascadia 14

Salomon Speedcross 5

Best Grip Trail Shoe

The Salomon Speedcross 5 takes the cake when it comes to grip. Thanks to its widely-spaced lugs that are shaped like chevrons, you’ll feel more sure-footed on the trail. If you’re going to tackle wet or soft terrain, this is one of the top shoes to consider because it was specially designed for miles on the trail.

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Asics GEL-Venture 7

Most Affordable/Beginner-Friendly Trail Shoe

The Asics GEL-Venture 7 is a trail shoe with the friendliest price on our list. Its features are straight-forward when it comes to performance. However, it will likely won’t disappoint you when it comes to comfort. If you’re looking for an entry-level trail shoe with a price tag that’s hard to pass up, you can list the GEL-Venture 7 as a top choice.

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Salomon Supercross

The Friendlier Version of the Speedcross

Most would say that the Supercross is a friendlier version of the Speedcross series from Salomon. Price-wise, it’s only a few dollars less, but the Speedcross-like traction is still retained. One of the main differences is the forefoot fit. If you find the Speedcross 5 too narrow for your needs, you might want to give this pair a try.

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Altra Lone Peak 4.5 

Best Zero Drop Trail Shoe

Your toes will have a bit more freedom with the Altra Lone Peak 4.5. Most of the trail shoes on this list aren’t very forgiving when it comes to the roominess of the forefoot, but you don’t have to worry about that with the Lone Peak 4.5. It’s our top pick for the best zero-drop trail shoes, and that’s because it can make you more confident on the trail by delivering a good amount of stability.

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Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36 Trail

Best Cross Over Trail Shoe

Nike has always been highlighting versatility in their shoes, whether it is footwear mainly for fashion or for road running. The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36 Trail is no exception. It delivers adequate performance on the trail, but it comes second to none in the aspect of comfort and versatility.

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Hoka One One Speedgoat 4

Best Maximalist Shoe

Hoka One One’s Speedgoat is among the most popular trail running shoes on the market. The improvements made on this version are subtle, but they fine-tune elements that provide you with more durability and a better grip. The shoe does come in wide options, which is something new that Hoka is trying with the Speedgoat series.

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Brooks Caldera 4

Fans of the Caldera will appreciate this new iteration. With new tweaks that have improved its forefoot space, cushioning, and durability, it might just be the hiking or running companion you take with you to conquer the trail, especially if you’re looking for a lightweight, speedy, yet moderately protective trail shoe.

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Altra Timp 1.5

Most would describe the cushioning of the Altra Timp 1.5 as the sweet spot between the max cushioning of the Olympus and the moderate midsole of the Lone Peak. Delivering a responsive ride, it could be your next trail companion if you have already started down the path of using zero-drop trail shoes to explore the great outdoors.

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Brooks Cascadia 14

Brooks Cascadia 14 is an adequately cushioned trail shoe that has had been updated to improve its durability, comfort level, as well as extend and expand the options for its use. The previous version of the Brooks Cascadia was more at home on the trail, but with the Cascadia 14, you’re going to get a crossover shoe with the right amount of underfoot protection plus moderate stability.

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