The 22 Best Trail Running Shoes of 2026

From trusted daily trainers to razor-sharp mountain racers, this lineup spans plush max-cushion cruisers, zero-drop natural runners, and grippy mud-slinging classics from legacy brands and scrappy newcomers alike. Which pair earns your vote for the trail?

1. 1
   Hoka Speedgoat 7

   The best-selling, most iconic trail running shoe line, known for max cushioning and Vibram Megagrip traction.
   1000pts
2. 2
   Nike Wildhorse 10

   A robust, protective trail shoe with ReactX foam and a durable grippy outsole for varied terrain.
   599pts
3. 3
   Altra Lone Peak 9

   The default thru-hiker and trail runner shoe, known for its zero-drop platform and roomy toe box.
   551pts
4. 4
   Salomon Ultra Glide 3

   A max-cushioned, road-to-trail hybrid shoe built for long, smooth-terrain efforts.
   551pts
5. 5
   Salomon Speedcross 6

   A legendary aggressive-lug trail shoe built for mud and soft, technical terrain.
   494pts
6. 6
   Inov-8 Terraultra G 270

   A graphene-outsole trail shoe with a wide fit cherished by ultra-distance purists.
   494pts
7. 7
   Hoka Torrent 4

   A lightweight, budget-friendly trail shoe that handles most everyday trail runs with ease.
   494pts
8. 8
   Hoka Zinal 3

   A lightweight, low-profile racing flat favored by speed-focused trail runners.
   428pts
9. 9
   Norda 001

   A boutique Dyneema-upper trail shoe with a cult following among elite mountain racers.
   428pts
10. 10
    Nike Terra Kiger 10

    A light, agile trail racer offering close ground feel and stability at speed.
    428pts
11. 11
    La Sportiva Bushido III

    A cult-classic technical trail shoe famed for its precise fit and sticky rock-grade rubber.
    350pts
12. 12
    Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra 2

    A super-shoe-inspired trail racer with a carbon-infused plate for elite speed.
    350pts
13. 13
    Merrell Agility Peak 5

    A grippy, off-camber-friendly trail shoe with an aggressive Vibram Megagrip outsole.
    350pts
14. 14
    Scarpa Spin Ultra

    A precision-fit Italian trail shoe favored by technical mountain and skyrunning specialists.
    350pts
15. 15
    Altra Timp 6

    A cushioned, wide-fitting Altra trail shoe popular for all-day comfort on varied terrain.
    350pts
16. 16
    Brooks Cascadia 18

    One of the longest-running trail shoe lines, prized for balanced cushioning and rock-plate protection.
    350pts
17. 17
    Brooks Catamount 3

    A propulsive, carbon-plated trail shoe built for racing and fast tempo trail efforts.
    257pts
18. 18
    Saucony Peregrine 16

    A long-running, versatile all-terrain trail shoe with a grippy PWRTRAC outsole.
    257pts
19. 19
    La Sportiva Jackal II

    A well-rounded max-cushion trail shoe designed for long ultra-distance efforts.
    0pts
20. 20
    Saucony Xodus Ultra 4

    A plush, protective ultra-distance trail shoe with a rockered ride and strong grip.
    0pts
21. 21
    Nnormal Tomir

    A minimalist, mountain-racing focused shoe co-created by champion ultrarunner Kilian Jornet.
    0pts
22. 22
    Topo Athletic Terraventure 4

    A wide-toe-box trail shoe balancing natural foot shape with moderate cushioning.
    0pts

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