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JOIN NOWBest Trail Running Shoes: Spring 2023
Going off-road this season?
You might be needing trail running shoes.
It’s always best to come into one of our stores to get a proper shoe fitting so we can make sure you end up with a suitable shoe for your foot strike and foot shape. No amount of internet research compares to the experience of going into a specialist and trying on a variety of different options and jogging up and down outside in them. Here is a small selection of popular trail shoes from the Run and Become range this season.
Trail shoes are built to cope with grass, hard-packed parkland, canal sides, forests and woodland trails. They can handle a little road running, but they have less cushioning than road shoes. The outsole has a deeper grip, and the upper is more durable as well. Some have more cushioning and less grip, and vice versa.
For seriously rugged terrain, have a look out the Fell Running Shoe Guide.
Cushioned Trail Shoes / Stable Trail Shoes / Low-Profile Trail Shoes / Waterproof Trail Shoes / Wide Fitting Trail Shoes
Hoka Speedgoat
With Hoka’s trademark maximal cushioning, the Speedgoat provides cushy shock absorption for long and ultra-distance trail running. Hoka’s “bucket seat” design means your foot sits lower in the midsole than you’d expect which makes it more stable than it looks. A hard-wearing Vibram Megagrip outsole with 5mm lugs helps keep your footing secure when the terrain is treacherous. Built on a 4.5mm offset so you’re on an even platform as you tackle the trails. Also available in wide fit.
Hoka Challenger
Mega-cushioned like all Hoka shoes the Challenger is a door to trail running shoe with 4mm lugs for on and offroading. Hoka’s early stage meta rocker rolls you through the stride and the midsole is thick enough that you don’t feel sharp rocks poking through. Also available in wide fit.
Saucony Endorphin Trail
This trail shoe features a thick midsole with plenty of energy-return cushioning. Speedroll technology is engineered to propel you forward, empowering you to your fastest speed. A durable 4.5mm deep grip provides traction on any trail surface. Whether you're looking for a well-cushioned trail shoe for long or short distances, the Endorphin trail will take you there.
Brooks Cascadia
Dubbed by Brooks an “SUV for your feet”, the Cascadia packs plenty of grip and its four pivot points – one on each side of the heel and forefoot, where the wheels would be if your foot was a car – serve to balance the foot on uneven terrain and provide an amount of pronation control if you’re running on firmer ground for any length of time. Extra 2mm of improved DNA LOFT 2 foam added to the midsole, offering the feet more cushioning for increased comfort. “Water in, water out” upper, which drains easily after getting wet, makes this a favourite for multi-surface running. New Ballistic Rock Stop plate protects the foot from sharp rocks. Also available in wide fit.
La Sportiva Akasha
The design of this premium cushion trail running shoe comes from La Sportiva, based in the Italian mountains, where they do all their testing. Trail Rocker technology in the midsole promotes a smooth heel -to-toe rolling motion. The dual mix FriXion XT sole offers durable, aggressive grip for exceptional traction. The Impact Brake System technology helps traction by enhancing grip downhill and absorbs impact. No need for a rock plate in the Akasha as its midsole is very thick, alongside the grippy, durable outer sole offering lots of protection.
Best Low-Profile Trail Running Shoes
These offer better proprioception, i.e. you can feel what’s going on beneath your feet, allowing you to be nimble over uneven ground with less risk of turning your ankle...
Hoka Zinal / Saucony Peregrine / Scarpa Spin Ultra & Spin Infinity / Altra Lone Peak
Hoka Zinal
Super lightweight and flexible, the Hoka Zinal is designed to take you through tough short trail runs with ease. The Vibram Megagrip outsole is a trademark for best quality and durability. Little details like gusseted tongue (to protect your feet against debris), 4mm heel drop, the Meta-Rocker, and breathable engineered mesh upper, make this incredible trail running shoe a perfect mate, even on challenging terrain.
Saucony Peregrine
The Peregine is a minimal, multi surface trail running shoe or what Saucony call a “run anywhere” shoe. A 4mm drop midsole with super bouncy PWRRUN cushioning gives you an energised feeling and a 5mm lugged sticky outsole gives you the security to run nimbly over your chosen terrain. A trail-specific upper protects the foot from off-road hazards.
Scarpa Spin Ultra & Spin Infinity
The Spin Ultra is the perfect choice for moderate- to ultra-distance runs. It offers adaptive cushioning that provides comfort and absorbs impact from hard surfaces. Ample upper protection and stability for all types of terrain, thanks to its built-in foot stabiliser control technology. Reliable MultiTraction Vibram megagrip outsole and Sock-Fit Lw will deliver springy, responsive, and smooth running. Awarded Trail Runner Magazine’s Editor’s Choice and Outside Magazine’s Gear of the Year.
Scarpa Spin Infinity is like the Spin Ultra but with limitless cushioning. If you need a shoe you can trust on long- and ultra-distance trail running and racing, this is your winning combination: extra cushioning, outstanding grip, protection and stability to help you reach your goals.
Altra Lone Peak
Like all Altra shoes, the Lone Peak has a spacious, rounded, 'footshaped' toebox to encourage toe splay, and a zero-drop platform to keep you on a level footing. A sticky rubber outsole with a TrailClaw lug pattern gives grip in boggy, wet conditions. Lugs are positioned directly beneath the metatarsals so they dig into the earth as if they were an extension of your feet. A rock plate protects the foot from sharp stones.
Best Waterproof Trail Running Shoes
Most trail running shoes are not waterproof because if you step in a puddle that goes over the top of your waterproof shoes, the water will get in and won’t be able to get out so you’ll end up with waterlogged feet. Instead they are designed with easily draining materials so if the water gets in, it can get out just as easily. However if waterproofing is important to you, you can try these...
Brooks Cascadia GTX / Saucony Excursion GTX / Salomon Alphacross GTX / Scarpa Spin Ultra GTX
Salomon Alphacross 4 GTX
The lightweight and flexible Alphacross 4 GTX has been crafted to protect your feet against wet conditions, uneven trail runs or hikes. The extended heel counter and padded tongue holds your foot in a secure fit. The upper features trademark Gore-Tex, the fully waterproof membrane – you just have to be careful not to let water in from the top, as it's difficult to dry out the inside.
Scarpa Spin Ultra GTX
All the benefits of the Spin Ultra in a Gore-Tex version, so you can hit the trails in challenging weather. Strike the perfect balance between comfort and breathability, while keeping your feet warm and dry in wet conditions. Receive fully waterproof protection from this exceptional 6mm-drop shoe.
Best Wide-Fitting Trail Running Shoes
It's always been hard to find a good trail running shoe that fits a wide foot. Up until now it's been a question of trying the widest of the standard width options. But finally there's a decent trail shoe on the market that's made for the wider footed amongst us...
Salomon Speedcross Wide / Hoka Challenger Wide / Hoka Speedgoat Wide / Salomon Ultra Glide Wide / Brooks Cascadia Wide
Hoka Challenger Wide
Made for running on mixed terrain. Good grip for the soft stuff yet the outsole is not too rigid so you can use it on harder, flatter ground (like pavements) as well. Plenty of shock absorption. Also available in standard fit.
Hoka Speedgoat Wide
In comparison with the Challenger, Hoka Speedgoat has a more durable Vibram Megagrip outsole. Not only does it have deeper lugs, but it also offers the 'stepped' lugs feature, which will help you to shake away the mud from your shoes and keep your feet light. Also available in standard fit.
Brooks Cascadia Wide
Cascadia (2E for men, and D for women) is Brooks’ first incarnation of a wide-fitting trail running shoe, offering protection and comfort for wide feet on rocky, muddy or uneven terrain. The built-in rock plate gives extra protection against sharp rocks and stones. The heel drop is 8mm for better connection to the ground. Featuring a velcro gaiter attachment so you’ve the option to use gaiters when running on sandy terrain (gaiters are not included). Also available in standard fit.
With the right trail running shoes you’re equipped for anything the weather might throw at us this season. Enjoy getting off the pavements and discovering the countryside.
Thandanani MakhathiniSeptember 8, 2021 at 6:36am
Hi There , thank you for the wonderful information on best trail shoes shoes but I was wondering what you think of the Nike range especially the WildHorse 7 which I recently bought (sale) but have not tested it yet. I can judge by the comfort that it is a shoe to beat the ground but I'm concerned about the weight especially the huge bulky heals, can these shoes not wear me down in the middle of a race e.g. 21kms trail? Once again , thank you for excellent tips and advises. Warm Regards Thando Makhathini Pietermaritizburg, South Africa ReplyNandanti MartaskovaSeptember 8, 2021 at 11:37am
Hi Thandanani,
Thank you for your comment. I am happy to hear that you like our blog post on trail shoes. We don't stock Nike WildHorse running shoe so I can't give you any information on its technologies or performance. I would suggest to start with your new shoes slowly and break them in gently by walking in them around for 20-30 min. Because the cushioning is brand new and it is a new shape for your feet it is good to start with them slowly. Then you can do couple of short runs in them for 20 minutes. After a couple of short runs you can use them for your long runs. You should be able to find out after a couple of short runs if this style is suitable for you. I hope this helps. Good luck with your running.
Kind Regards
ReplyNandanti
SallyApril 1, 2021 at 11:03pm
Hi,I do a lot of long distance walking / ultras, and need shoes with good cushioning and a wideish toe box. My normal shoe size is 6. I have had Hoka challengers 2, 3 and 5. I love this shoe but each time the model changes, the sizing has changed so I’ve worn size 8, 7.5 and - last year - 7.5W respectively. Although the 7.5W seemed ok in the shop, it is too big for fast walking, so my foot is in the wrong place and can’t roll naturally with the shoe. It’s like walking uphill and is very tiring. So I’m wondering with the Hoka challenger 6 whether to order a 7W or to risk another 7.5W. Any advice on how the 6 compares with the 5 in terms of sizing? Thanks! Reply
Nandanti MartaskovaApril 7, 2021 at 3:00pm
Hi Sally, I am sorry to hear that you are having difficulties with the fit of Hoka shoes. If your feet are sliding inside the shoes I would suggest you look at some Currex insoles. These insoles are shaped under the arch so I believe that they can help to prevent sliding of your feet inside the shoes. We also offer very good refund policy on these insoles. If they don't fit or feel right after you've tried them on you can always send them back for a refund or exchange within 30 days.
Regarding your original question, according to my knowledge the new Challenger ATR 6 can feel just a bit wider. The length should be the same. It is very difficult for me to advise you what size would be the best for you over email. I would suggest you order them both and try them around the house, then return whichever one doesn't feel right. We offer a free return policy. Hope this helps.
Thank you
Nandanti
ReplyPhilJanuary 29, 2021 at 3:15pm
Hello team.I'm a fairly prominent pronator and am looking for a trail running shoe/wide/12 which are not easy to find. I'd prefer a flashy look and laseless but beggers cant be chosers :-)
Suggestions? Reply
Nandanti MartaskovaJanuary 29, 2021 at 4:43pm
Hi Phil, thank you for your comment.
The shoe companies don't make wide-fitting trail running shoes with support to correct over-pronation. I know it is a bit frustrating. You can always get the pair of neutral ones and put some insoles with support in them to decrease the overpronation. Our best insoles are Superfeet. The carbon insole features the strongest support. The run comfort insole is more cushioned with medium support.
Here is our selection of wide fitted trail running shoes:
Please let me know if you have any questions or if there is anything else I can do for you. Thank you.
Kind Regards
ReplyNandanti
Jason DawesDecember 14, 2020 at 3:35pm
I previously run in Salomon Speedcross 4's GTX (which were neat) and have recently bought the Speedcross 5 Wide (non GTX) and I now want to buy a trail shoe with Gore Tex. Are you able to compare the Speedcross 5 GTX with the Hoka Speedgoat 4 GTX?Thank you. Reply
Nandanti MartaskovaDecember 14, 2020 at 6:24pm
Hi Jason, We don't stock the Speedcross 5 GTX or the Hoka Speedgoat 4 GTX so I can't give you any info on these shoes. Please let me know if you have any question or if there is anything else I can do for you. Thank you, Kind Regards Nandanti ReplyRebecca MurrayDecember 12, 2020 at 12:17pm
Hi,I have a pair of Hoka Challenger ATR 6 - my trail runs are a mix of road/towpath/muddy trail - love the feel of the shoe but I am getting huge blisters under the arch of my foot. When I run on the road I use saucony guide with no problems (and my previous shoes were brooks adrenalines). I obviously over pronate a bit and have flattish arches and I wondered if this was the problem. Am I likely to be able to fix this problem with new insoles or do I really need to be looking at other shoes? Thanks Reply
Nandanti MartaskovaDecember 14, 2020 at 1:40pm
Hi Rebecca, Thank you for your comment.
The Hoka Challenger ATR 6 are the neutral trail running shoes without any support to correct over-pronation. Saucony Guide and Brooks Adrenaline feature support and decrease over-pronation. As your foot touches the ground in your Hoka shoes your arch and ankle rolls inwards as there is nothing to hold it (no firm support to stop the excessive inward movement). This is why you are getting the blisters underneath your arch. It is difficult to find on the market a trail shoe with support. I would suggest to you to get a pair of insole with the support. Our most supportive insoles are Superfeet carbon insoles (these are very good for flat feet). The second best option and s little bit less strong, are Superfeet Run comfort insoles. Please take the original soft insoles out of your Hoka shoes and replace them with the supportive insoles. Test them and see if they work for you. We are happy to exchange/refund them if they don't work for you (even if you trim them you still have a warranty on them). Please let me know if you have any questions or if there is anything else I can do for you. Good luck on your trail runs.
Kind regards, Nandanti
ReplykhautinhNovember 22, 2020 at 9:39pm
Hi,I am more road runner and want to train for trail running. Would you please give me some recommends for shoes? Thanks
KhauTinh Reply
Nandanti MartaskovaNovember 23, 2020 at 11:24am
Hi Khautinh, Thank you for your comment. It is difficult for me to advise you what kind of trail running shoes would be the best for you without seeing your feet and knowing more information. The best would be for you to also try on the shoes and see which one has the best fit and feel for you. Every brand is different. They shape their shoes in a different way and put a different type of cushioning in them. We are going to re-open our London store next week. If you can't come to one of our stores we offer online gait analysis. By seeing your feet and gait we will be able to recommend some trail running shoes. Please let me know if you have any question or if there is anything else I can do for you.
Thank you.
ReplyKind Regards, Nandanti
PeterBondJune 11, 2020 at 9:38am
Hi, I have only very recently started running. I brought some nice light Haglofs as I like their neutral non bulky look. However, I don't know if they are the right shoes for me and I find that my right foot starts to hit the ground flat and hard after about 20 minutes jogging. My trail takes me across pedestrian paths, roads, uneven terrain of narrow hard soil paths of very uneven terrain up and down hill and over grassland too. How would I be able to understand what is the right shoe for me without coming in to the shop? ReplyNandanti MartaskovaJune 13, 2020 at 2:38pm
Hi Peter
Thank you for your comment. We don't stock Haglofs shoes so I can't give you any information on them. It is difficult for me to suggest some running shoe options for you without seeing you running. In our stores we make sure customers get the most suitable running shoes with natural gait analysis, or we also offer online gait analysis. By watching you running we can advise you on the most suitable type of running shoes.
I hope that this is helpful. Please let me know if you have any questions or if there is anything else I can do for you.
Kind Regards
ReplyNandanti
Petr DoskarMay 25, 2020 at 6:46pm
Hi Nandanti,I have been running for 4 years now and having 47 years, 187cm and 100 kg though (man:-). I have always worn Asics FujiTrabuco 4-6 and my achilles tendon and plantar fasciitis on the right leg are rather painful and my ankle is getting a bit swelled after the running (I do experience this last year). Running 2-3 times x 6km in parks, roads and light forrest trails (1/3 each). My question is simple - what running shoes should I buy (hard surface/trail/universal etc.) and which model would recommend pls (I was looking at Asics again, Inov-8 Parkclaw or Mizuno, maybe Hoka)? Thank you and I do appreciate your time.
Take care Petr Reply
Nandanti MartaskovaMay 26, 2020 at 5:32pm
Hi Petr,
Thank you for your comment. It is difficult for me to advise you on running shoes without seeing your feet and your running gait. Our stores are closed for now but we offer online gait analysis. If you send us the videos and pictures we ask for, we will be able to advise you on the right type of running shoes.
You might also benefit from reading this article: Plantar Fasciitis from Running
Proper running shoes are very important but you can also consider seeing a physio. I hope this is helpful, please let me know if you have any questions.
ReplyNandanti
TiwilightMay 3, 2020 at 9:16am
How Saucony Excursion GTX are good for trail running? ReplyNandanti MartaskovaMay 4, 2020 at 1:45pm
Hi,
Thank you for your comment. Yes, the Saucony Excursion GTX is a very good shoe for trail running. It has a different feel to the Brooks Cascadia. The Excursion doesn't have the rock plate to protect your feet against sharp rocks or stones, so it has a more flexible feel. The Cascadia does feature the rock plate, that is why it feels a bit stiffer but protective. These two shoes are designed for different trail runs. Saucony Excursion is made for the softer wood paths, muddy trails and grass, as the grip is deep. The Brooks Cascadia is designed for a mixture of everything: mud, grass, wood paths but also for rocky terrain.
Hope this helps.
ReplyGood luck on your trail runs.
TiwilightFebruary 25, 2020 at 6:02am
Great info i personally like Women's Brooks Cascadia 13 GTX ReplyNandanti MartaskovaDecember 14, 2020 at 1:42pm
Hi,Yes, Brooks Cascadia 13 GTX is an excellent trail running shoe.
Good luck with your running.
Kind Regards
Nandanti Reply