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

Hoka Speedgoat 7

The best-selling, most iconic trail running shoe line, known for max cushioning and Vibram Megagrip traction.

1000pts

2

Nike Wildhorse 10

A robust, protective trail shoe with ReactX foam and a durable grippy outsole for varied terrain.

599pts

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

Salomon Ultra Glide 3

A max-cushioned, road-to-trail hybrid shoe built for long, smooth-terrain efforts.

551pts

5

Salomon Speedcross 6

A legendary aggressive-lug trail shoe built for mud and soft, technical terrain.

494pts

6

Inov-8 Terraultra G 270

A graphene-outsole trail shoe with a wide fit cherished by ultra-distance purists.

494pts

7

Hoka Torrent 4

A lightweight, budget-friendly trail shoe that handles most everyday trail runs with ease.

494pts

8

Hoka Zinal 3

A lightweight, low-profile racing flat favored by speed-focused trail runners.

428pts

9

Norda 001

A boutique Dyneema-upper trail shoe with a cult following among elite mountain racers.

428pts

10

Nike Terra Kiger 10

A light, agile trail racer offering close ground feel and stability at speed.

428pts

11

La Sportiva Bushido III

A cult-classic technical trail shoe famed for its precise fit and sticky rock-grade rubber.

350pts

12

Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra 2

A super-shoe-inspired trail racer with a carbon-infused plate for elite speed.

350pts

13

Merrell Agility Peak 5

A grippy, off-camber-friendly trail shoe with an aggressive Vibram Megagrip outsole.

350pts

14

Scarpa Spin Ultra

A precision-fit Italian trail shoe favored by technical mountain and skyrunning specialists.

350pts

15

Altra Timp 6

A cushioned, wide-fitting Altra trail shoe popular for all-day comfort on varied terrain.

350pts

16

Brooks Cascadia 18

One of the longest-running trail shoe lines, prized for balanced cushioning and rock-plate protection.

350pts

17

Brooks Catamount 3

A propulsive, carbon-plated trail shoe built for racing and fast tempo trail efforts.

257pts

18

Saucony Peregrine 16

A long-running, versatile all-terrain trail shoe with a grippy PWRTRAC outsole.

257pts

19

La Sportiva Jackal II

A well-rounded max-cushion trail shoe designed for long ultra-distance efforts.

143pts

20

Saucony Xodus Ultra 4

A plush, protective ultra-distance trail shoe with a rockered ride and strong grip.

143pts

21

Nnormal Tomir

A minimalist, mountain-racing focused shoe co-created by champion ultrarunner Kilian Jornet.

143pts

22

Topo Athletic Terraventure 4

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

143pts