We ask a lot of our trail running shoes. They have to be ready for all kinds of terrains, weathers and temperatures, while also giving us tip top support and stopping us from slipping up. They have to be amongst our best running shoes.
Of course, there is no one trail shoe that is perfect for all trail runners. So, we asked our expert testers which ones they’d recommend for all different types of trail running. Here’s what they said:
Keep reading for our guide to choosing the right trail running shoes, or scroll down for our in-depth reviews of each shoe.
How to choose the right trail running shoes
Trail running shoes usually come with a lot of technical info that can be tricky to understand make your shoe choice even harder. Here’s our guide of what to look for in a trail running shoe, and what all those terms mean.
Terrain
First of all, where will you be running and what will the ground be like? Trail running shoes are usually designed with a certain type of terrain in mind, whether that’s everyday woodland trails or technical rocky or steep runs. Work out where you’ll be doing most of your running, then read on.
Fit
Trail running shoes offer all the same options as road running shoes (width, heel-to-toe drop, etc). When in doubt, pick a trail shoe with similar specs to a road running shoe that you know fits you well. Your foot tends to move around more in trail running shoes due to the uneven terrain, so make sure that you don’t have too much extra room – you want to feel secure.
Laces
Trail running shoes often offer more in terms of laces. There are standard, tie-up laces, and these usually offer extra traction than their road running counterparts to keep your shoes on securely. Some brands, like Salomon, offer pull-tight laces, with a little section to tuck the spare length away. These can be really helpful in wet or muddy conditions, and can help you get the shoes on and off more easily – very helpful if they’re caked in mud!
Lugs
These are the thick spikes on the outsole of the shoe. They give you grip in muddy or wet conditions. When it comes to trail shoes, size maters!
Shorter lugs (2mm-4mm) will be best for the everyday trail runner. They offer a decent amount of grip, but are short enough that the shoe is still quite flexible and comfortable. They’re also usually better at handling on-road running, which is hard to avoid at the beginning and end of trail running routes.
Longer lugs (5mm+) are better suited to runners who will be tackling very muddy, steep or technical trails. The extra length offers much more grip, but can cause the shoe to become quite rigid, which can be uncomfortable on easier sections or on longer runs.
Carbon plates
Carbon plates started life in the race and road shoes category, but they’re now popping up in trail running shoes from bigger brands like HOKA and North Face. Just like in their road shoe counterparts, they offer extra propulsion. This sounds great, for sure, but it offers an extra challenge when trail running. If you’ve been trail running for a while, and you’re quite nimble on your feet, you’ll appreciate this extra bounce. If you’re a more beginner or cautious trail runner, the plates may give you a little bit too much of a pep in your step to place your foot correctly.
To waterproof or not waterproof?
This is an age-old question in trail running. The bottom line is, even the most waterproof of trainers aren’t going to protect you completely from the elements. Every pair has a big hole – where your foot goes in! That being said, waterproofing technology is improving all the time, and some of today’s trail running shoes offer really good protection.
Some trail runners swear by waterproof shoes, saying they prevent blisters from soggy socks and keep you light on your feet. Others reckon that waterproof shoes are less breathable and don’t drain water as well if it does get in. Ultimately, it comes down to personal choice.
Want to know more? Check out our guide on buying the right running shoes that has all the info you need to know.
