The very best models to carry you on off-road adventures of all shapes and sizes
Are you tired of walking the same old route or are you interested in trying something new? You can explore forests, hills, mountains, beaches, and more with the underfoot security you need if you wear the correct trail running shoes.
Trail running has amazing mental and physical benefits. Researchers have found that going off the established path lowers anxiety, lowers chance of injury, and requires you to engage more muscle groups.
The majority of miles covered by many of the world’s best distance runners, especially those from Ethiopia and Kenya, are off-road, with weekly concrete runs infrequent. There are several benefits to regularly stepping off the tarmac, even if you’re preparing for a road marathon.
The Sylan is Arc’Teryx’s response to the need for a fast-moving shoe on challenging terrain from its professional trail athletes. Although it checks all the performance boxes, it’s a very adaptable choice that will work for runners of all skill levels on all types of terrain. The hefty yet nimble EVA/polyolefin blend midsole strikes the ideal balance between cushioning and responsiveness. However, the Sylan’s rocker design is what sets it apart from the competition, providing an incredibly smooth ride over packed, rolling trails.
The impact is similar to road super shoes, despite the lack of a plate (thus road sections also roll by with ease). After taking a plunge in an Alpine stream, the upper mesh effectively sheds water and is both secure and breathable. An elevated soft-knit ankle collar with a handy pouch to tuck your laces into serves as a miniature gaiter to keep debris out. You can feel the athlete’s input coming to life, and there is excellent attention to detail. On tricky descents, the Vibram outsole’s excellent traction provides complete confidence. An exceptional performer.
Pros
- Highly versatile
- Smooth ride
- Breathable and water-resistant upper
Cons
- Not great for really muddy trails
- The seamless inner shoe is integrated into the tongue for a comfortable and secure fit
- The ultra-light midsole made of dream foam provides super high rebound
- Rocked midsole geometry for long-lasting forward drive
- Durable material
With the addition of PEBA midsole foam to a carbon plate, the Vectiv Pro I marked a significant advancement for trail super shoes. It seemed as though a truly super-shoe experience had arrived on the trails. However, there was a serious issue: the top was so thin that big-toe blisters were generated by our testers’ feet touching the edges of the winged carbon plate, as reported by other irate runners on social media. This most recent version has a new, thicker knit mesh upper that makes a big impact. Now that the hot areas have vanished, you can enjoy the journey. It’s exquisitely smooth, and as your stride lengthens, you can feel the acceleration as the rocker becomes more pronounced towards the forefoot.
Additionally, as the kilometres accumulate, your legs remain considerably fresher because of the cushioning we know from road super shoes. While the Pro II runs like a dream on twisting and fairly challenging terrain, it can feel too stiff for very rocky situations, like all plated trail shoes. However, it genuinely takes “super” off-road at its second attempt.
Pros
- New upper is vast improvement
- Plenty of cushioning
- Rocker adds acceleration to your stride
Cons
- Too stiff for rocky conditions
- Textile, Synthetic
- Polyurethane
Hoka’s Speedgoat line has developed a devoted following in the ten years since the original version hit the trails because to its unique combination of traction, responsiveness, stability, and comfort.
Although it follows the same route, the v6 has major improvements. A new compression-molded EVA midsole solves some of the v5 runners’ durability and disintegration concerns. It translated to a slightly firmer ride, but it held up better as the kilometres passed. A new designed woven mesh upper and midfoot reinforcements that prevent scuffing and lock the foot firmly to the base are two more changes.
Although one tester felt that the toebox pinches a little bit, the overall form is also marginally slimmer, which contributes to the feeling of being locked in. In addition to the stronger midsole and tighter fit, the on-trail stability is enhanced by the arch and medial support, especially on more challenging terrain. Additionally, the Vibram Megagrip outsole’s 5mm multidirectional lugs provide excellent traction in every circumstance.
Pros
- Versatile
- Secure lockdown
- Brilliant traction
- Improved durability
Cons
- Firmer ride than previous version
For runners taking their first steps off-road, Nike’s classic road trainer is now available in a trail version that is a true road/trail hybrid.
A new React X foam midsole adds increased responsiveness to the trails and feels fantastic on pavement, especially for longer distances. Additionally, it helps prevent blisters by being somewhat wider and having a little bit more volume across the forefoot. The mesh upper offers “zonal breathability” where it’s most needed, enhancing durability in high-friction areas. Off-road, it performs best on less challenging trails, grassy pathways, and gravel roads, offering a dynamic yet comfortable ride.
In comparison to more extreme trail models, the traction isn’t aggressive enough when the going gets extremely steep or slippy, and the protective features are scaled back with no underfoot rock plate and minimal toe protection. But, unless you’re taking on a particularly challenging task, there’s enough to keep you secure and comfy, and they’re unquestionably long-lasting.
Pros
- Reduced rubber on outsole good for road to trail
- Wider than previous version
- New React X foam adds extra responsiveness
- Smooth and cushioned ride
Cons
- Traction less suited to very steep or slippy terrain
- No underfoot rock plate
- Jacquard upper
- 100% recycled lacings and webbing, 100% recycled breathable mesh lining, 100% recycled mesh footbed cover
- Internal bootie for locked-in fit
- FloatPro Foam midsole for lightweight comfort that lasts
- Merrell sticky rubber outsole with durable traction that grips when and where you need it
This is a shoe for runners looking for great versatility at a modest cost. Olympian for the 10,000 meters in the US, Alexi Pappas, raced the 2024 Los Angeles Marathon in Morphlites because they make them joyful on the road.
The lugs were found by one tester to be sufficiently shallow to almost vanish on road and treadmill runs, yet sufficiently grippy for the trails, only beginning to slip slightly on really wet terrain or extremely tricky single track.Merrell’s premium FloatPro midsole is positioned between your foot and the nubby rubber outsole. Ultimately, it is really simple compressed EVA foam with minimal flash, but it is dependable and long-lasting; after 100 miles, none of our testers saw any early signs of wear and tear.
While there were a few small complaints about fit and the need for some lace-wrenching to achieve a decent lockdown, all things considered, this is a fantastic choice for those just starting out on the trail and not yet ready to shell out a lot of money for highly specialised equipment they won’t use (and that won’t be as comfortable on the road).
Pros
- Good on roads and trails
- Reliable and durable
- Bargain price
Cons
- Not for technical or slippy terrain
- Midsole lacks some excitement
