The Best Trail Running Shoes of 2026

Bottom Line: Max cushion meets real mountain control with a locked-in fit and dependable grip, though you should know the upper runs a touch snug and isn’t especially airy.

The HOKA Speedgoat 7 ($165) marks a strong return to what made this shoe such a favorite in the first place. It combines the deep cushioning and trail protection the line is known for with a more secure upper and a ride that feels more energetic than the last version.

The Tech: The Speedgoat 7 pairs deep cushioning with a Vibram Megagrip outsole and an updated upper designed to lock the foot in place on technical terrain. HOKA also added dedicated attachment points for a gaiter, making it easier to keep dust, grit, and small trail debris out on dry or loose terrain.

What We Like: On long runs, we appreciate the balance. The shoe stays protective and comfortable for hours on trail, but it also feels more responsive and more capable when the terrain turns rocky, loose, steep, or awkward. The Vibram Megagrip outsole remains a major strength, delivering dependable traction across wet ground, loose dirt, and rocky sections, and the updated upper does a much better job of locking the foot in place on technical terrain. That added foothold is a real improvement.

What We Don’t: The added foothold seems to come with a slightly less airy feel through the upper. We also found the fit a little snugger than previous versions, and some runners may want to consider going up a half size, especially if they were already between sizes in earlier Speedgoats. While it maintains its legendary status, runners who prioritize raw energy return might find themselves cross-shopping this with the carbon-plated HOKA Tecton X 3.

Should You Buy It? If you’re a trail runner seeking a cushioned, do-it-all option for daily mountain miles, ultra training, and long race days, yes. It’s the definitive pick for those who prioritize secure footing and all-around versatility over an ultra-plush, roomy fit.

Bottom Line: If your runs regularly mix pavement, gravel, and smooth singletrack, the fast and light Pulsar is ready to move. Just don’t expect the heavy-duty protection needed for rough backcountry terrain.

The latest iteration of the Salomon Pulsar ($140) launched in September 2025, and it feels like the right shoe at the right time. With so many max-cushioned trail behemoths dominating this year, the Pulsar takes a different approach.

The Tech: The Pulsar has a 29 mm heel stack and 6mm drop. An internal sock sleeve with Salomon’s Quicklace system creates the fit, and 4 mm lugs on the Contagrip outsole handle traction. The build is lightweight, and the shoe is neutral in feel.

What We Like: The low stack helps the ride feel noticeably more connected, which means you’ll get more ground feel here than with most other max-cushioned trail runners from this season. That makes it a great choice for runners who don’t want to be completely insulated from the trail. It’s also a versatile road-to-trail pick: We used these kicks to cruise pavement to the trailhead and on mellow dirt, gravel, or packed singletrack. The upper and fit are dialed, with a snug, locked-in ride and no pressure points. The shoe runs true to size, and its lighter build keeps strides feeling relatively snappy. The lugs hit the sweet spot, grippy enough for mixed terrain but shallow enough to stay smooth on asphalt. Compared to the Brooks Cascadia 19, which acts as a protective, stable workhorse for the mountains, the Pulsar is significantly more streamlined and agile for faster-paced efforts on groomed paths.

What We Don’t: You don’t get the bombproof tackiness of Vibram Megagrip, and it doesn’t offer the heavy-duty protection needed for rough backcountry terrain.

Should You Buy It? If you want one shoe that takes you almost anywhere for fast, relatively short workouts, yes. The Pulsar nails the road-to-trail category, and at $140, it’s a lightweight, affordable option. If your runs lean toward rough mountain terrain, look at a more protective shoe like the Cascadia 19.

Bottom Line: The Peregrine 16 is the definitive one-shoe quiver. It offers a stable ride, moderate cushion, and elite Vibram grip that feels just as at home on a lunch-break dirt path as it does on a rugged weekend peak-bagging mission.

The Saucony Peregrine 16 ($150) is the shoe GearJunkie tester Chris Kassar reaches for when the route includes a little bit of everything: packed dirt, loose gravel, rocky singletrack, and road connectors. It isn’t flashy, but that’s the appeal. It’s a straightforward, versatile trail runner built for the grind of daily miles across varied terrain.

The Tech: Saucony increased the stack height by 4 mm, bringing the foam to 32/28 mm. The upper is a simple mesh that wraps the foot securely without adding unnecessary bulk.

What We Like: The stickier rubber compound gives the shoe a far more confident feel. On Teton trails outside Jackson, Kassar noticed the outsole felt secure on loose rock and damp forest tread without making the shoe feel clunky on smoother, hard-packed sections. This Goldilocks stack update is enough to take the edge off rocky trails and save your legs during high-mileage weeks, yet it avoids the tippy feel of max-cushion models like the HOKA Speedgoat 7. It maintains a stable, connected ride that allows you to react quickly to the trail beneath you. The fit is predictably excellent and slightly more forgiving in the toebox, wrapping the foot securely for sidehilling and quick turns. Compared to specialized racers, the Peregrine 16 is the most balanced option in this guide.

What We Don’t: The 4 mm lugs are slightly shorter than previous versions, and the moderate cushion won’t match the plushness of max-cushion shoes like the Speedgoat 7.

Should You Buy It? If you want one reliable shoe that bridges the gap between neighborhood paths and high-mountain adventures, yes. It isn’t flashy, but it’s stable, grippy, and versatile enough to handle just about anything you throw at it.

Bottom Line: The Scarpa Ribelle Run 2 is a precise, protective trail shoe built for steep, technical terrain, snowy ridgelines, and rocky alpine missions, though its narrow fit and rigid arch won’t suit every runner over long distances.

Scarpa brings its deep mountaineering heritage to the trail with the Scarpa Ribelle Run 2 ($199), a shoe that performs more like a nimble approach shoe than a standard runner in our experience.

The Tech: Rather than the high-stack, pillowy midsoles currently trending, Scarpa uses Super Critical Bounce Foam, which falls in the middle-cushion range. The shoe has aggressive lugs, a climbing-inspired rand, and a quick-lace system. It sits lower and rides a bit stiffer than most trail runners.

What We Like: Tester Conni Mahoney took these on a demanding 20-mile ridgeline traverse in Montana, where she covered steep, snowy pitches and slick, technical uphills. In those moments, the aggressive lugs and climbing-inspired rand offered a high level of protection and traction, helping her stay grounded. The quick-lace system is highly efficient, providing a secure-feeling fit that didn’t budge during aggressive movements. Compared to the Merrell Agility Peak 6, the Run 2 feels more in tune with the ground, which we found gives it a distinct advantage when things get steep or rocky. Mahoney kept reaching for the Scarpa when she knew she’d be scrambling or dealing with messy alpine conditions.

What We Don’t: She found the fit to be quite technical and leaning toward the narrower side, especially through the midfoot. Mahoney also noticed that the arch area feels somewhat high and rigid. During testing, this led to arch discomfort early in a long effort, suggesting that while the security is a plus for technical climbs, the internal geometry might not suit every runner over high mileage. The Merrell is a bit more forgiving for everyday miles.

Should You Buy It? If you have a medium-to-narrow foot and prefer mountain-ready confidence over a pillowy feel, this is a solid addition to the gear closet. If you want a more forgiving shoe for everyday miles or have a wider foot, consider something like the Agility Peak 6.

Bottom Line: High-mileage recovery meets race-day performance in a stable, max-cushion package, though the substantial underfoot bulk might feel excessive for some runners.

The North Face created a successful sequel with the Altamesa 500 V2 ($170), a shoe that shows max cushioning doesn’t have to feel like running on marshmallows. Mahoney tested these on a variety of terrain, ranging from recovery miles in Yosemite National Park after a 50K to a 13K race on technical trails in Colorado. In both scenarios, the impact protection felt top-tier.

The Tech: The Altamesa 500 V2 has a full-length DREAM nitrogen-infused TPU foam midsole, a SURFACE CTRL SC2 rubber outsole with 4mm lugs, and a broader underfoot platform than the original.

What We Like: Mahoney found the midsole remarkably plush, yet it retained enough energy return to keep her moving efficiently when the miles got long. The fit is generous where it counts: While it isn’t quite as wide as a

Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4, the toebox was still notably spacious. The V2 feels more stable thanks to its broader platform, and the outsole provided enough grip for loose rocks during our technical 13K test.

What We Don’t: Mahoney noticed the upper was a little tight across the instep. Loosening the laces helped, but there was still slight pressure on longer runs. She also found the shoe lacks a bit of that nimble flickability on downhill switchbacks and technical trails, and we noticed the traction wasn’t quite as biting as we wanted on longer, technical descents. The substantial underfoot bulk might also feel excessive for some runners.

Should You Buy It? If you’re a runner who prioritizes underfoot protection and a consistently stable ride on less-technical trails, yes. We see it as an all-purpose daily trainer or a long-distance option.

Bottom Line: A high-performance super shoe for the trail that combines propulsive carbon plates with plush cushioning, but those with wide feet may not love the updated X 3.

HOKA has redefined what a trail super shoe can be with the Tecton X 3 ($275), blending propulsive carbon plates with a dual-layer foam that saves your legs during the longest efforts. Lead tester Mahoney selected these as her top pick for high-consequence efforts, including several 100-mile races. From the soggy, rain-slicked roots of North Carolina trails to the rugged, high-altitude terrain of the Crazy Mountain 100, the shoe felt fast and surprisingly stable for such a high stack height.

The Tech: This version introduces a dual-layer PEBA midsole, the same high-rebound material used by road racing elites, paired with propulsive carbon plates. New carbon fiber plate winglets wrap up the sides to help center the foot. The X 3 features an updated knit collar that acts as a built-in gaiter, a Matryx textile upper, and a Vibram Megagrip outsole.

What We Like: We felt the midsole provided a level of snap and leg-saving protection that’s rare in the woods. The stability for such a high stack height likely comes from the winglets. The knit collar was particularly effective at keeping debris out during mountain adventures, and the Matryx upper felt secure and durable. Mahoney considered the Megagrip top-of-class for bite on loose climbs and muddy descents alike. Unlike the

Nnormal Kjerag 2.0, which relies on a minimalist feel for speed, the Tecton X 3 uses technology to propel the runner forward while absorbing massive amounts of impact.

What We Don’t: Not everyone loves the feel of a full-sock gaiter, and you still need to wear socks. The race-oriented fit is decidedly more locked-in and narrow than we are used to in a HOKA shoe, so those with wide feet may not love it. The $275 price point is also hard to ignore.

Should You Buy It? If you’re a runner looking to shave time off an ultra or preserve your quads during long efforts, yes. The performance gains justify the cost, though wide-footed runners should try it on first.

Bottom Line: Built for runners who like to move quickly and precisely, the Kjerag 2.0 keeps weight impressively low without feeling flimsy, but its stripped-down vibe will appeal more to efficient racers than those chasing max comfort.

The Nnormal Kjerag 2.0 ($195) is built for speed. Lightweight and precise, this shoe feels like it was designed for runners who want to move quickly over technical ground without any wasted effort.

The Tech: The Kjerag 2.0 has no rock plate, no padding, and no insole. Its upper is woven from individually coated synthetic and Kevlar fibers. Sizing is unisex, with long, narrow lasts.

What We Like: What really sets the Kjerag 2.0 apart is durability. We tested these on a burly, off-trail mission in Colorado’s Holy Cross Wilderness that climbed 3,000 vertical feet and included bushwhacking through a downed forest, talus hopping, and scree scrambling in the high alpine (and absolutely freaking out when we ran into a bear!). Despite that day of pure abuse, the Kjerags escaped unscathed, with nary a loose thread to show for it. We credit the bombproof upper, and for a shoe this light and fast, it’s rare to be so indestructible. Without a rock plate, you get direct terrain feedback as you cruise on by.

What We Don’t: The unisex sizing means women should size down 1.5 from their usual (give or take). The long, narrow feet combined with no padding or insole mean beginner runners likely want to look elsewhere, because these are certainly not a plush shoe.

Should You Buy It? For experienced runners who want a fast, durable shoe to run over and through mountains, the Kjerag 2.0 is a great choice. If you find it too punishing, the Salomon Genesis offers a similarly durable upper with a much more forgiving midsole.

Bottom Line: This rugged, mountain-focused shoe prioritizes grip and rock protection rather than cushioning. It’s a solid pick for technical scrambles or alpine trails, though some may find it too firm for long days.

Merrell targets technical terrain with the Agility Peak 6 ($160), designed for tough trails where standard runners might struggle. We took these into the heart of the Colorado Rockies for spring scouting missions, running through slushy creek crossings to muddy trails typical of the high-alpine thaw.

The Tech: This version has a refined lug geometry that creates an aggressive shoe. The Agility Peak 6 uses a Vibram MegaGrip outsole, an integrated rock plate to protect against sharp debris, and FloatPro foam. It has a heel sling and a narrower performance fit.

What We Like: In our experience, the outsole inspired confidence on wet rock and mud, allowing us to maintain a steady pace even as the terrain steepened. The heel sling provided a secure anchor, which we welcomed during steep descents where heel slippage can be a major distraction. The snug midfoot and toe box provided a controlled feel on off-camber sections. FloatPro foam feels resilient rather than pillowy, maintaining a stable base on uneven ground. For rugged adventures where a trim fit and underfoot protection matter, this is a reliable choice.

What We Don’t: The midfoot and toe box felt fairly snug to us, so consider sizing up if it’s too narrow. Compared to the plusher, roomier toe box of the Altamesa 500 V2, the Peak 6 is firmer and has a more traditional fit, and some may find it too firm for long days.

Should You Buy It? If you want a grippy, protective shoe for technical scrambles and alpine trails and you have a medium-to-narrow foot, yes. If you prioritize cushioning or a roomy toe box, the Altamesa 500 V2 is the better fit.

Bottom Line: Plush, smooth, and surprisingly capable for such a highly cushioned shoe, the Xodus Ultra 4 shines on all-day outings where comfort matters most, though it can feel like a bit much for quick, nimble efforts.

The Saucony Xodus Ultra 4 ($170) is one of the most confidence-inspiring trail shoes we’ve worn. Compared to the Ultra 3, it carries a bit more weight, but that’s because Saucony added even more of its plush foam underfoot.

The Tech: The Xodus Ultra 4 has a dual-density midsole in a bathtub construction, where the midsole gently cradles the foot and wraps around it, all wrapped in a firmer chassis for durability and protection. The outsole is Vibram Megagrip.

What We Like: The result is a shoe that feels noticeably softer and bouncier than the Ultra 3. On long runs, our feet felt fresh and supported, and despite the extra cushion, the shoe never felt slow or heavy underfoot. The midsole kept our stride reasonably lively, while the bathtub construction added stability on uneven terrain, even as we trotted down a rock-covered slope outside Aspen. Megagrip is arguably the gold standard for traction, and whether we were hiking up slick, gritty sandstone in Western Colorado or navigating muddy steeps in the San Juan Range, it was incredibly reliable. It easily out-grips the Salomon Genesis on wet, slick surfaces. You also get a dash of versatility: Sure, the Xodus Ultra 4 is built for long hauls, but we’ve also been using it as a daily driver and a hiker without hesitation.

What We Don’t: It carries a bit more weight than the Ultra 3, and it can feel aggressive when fast and light is the goal.

Should You Buy It? For most trail runners, the Xodus Ultra 4 is a safe and dependable workhorse of a pick, especially for all-day outings where comfort matters most. If you want something quicker and more nimble, look elsewhere.

Bottom Line: Keeping the roomy toe box and zero-drop feel fans love, the 9+ adds a vastly better outsole, making it a much more confident pick for loose and steep terrain, even if it still leans more steady than speedy.

The Altra Lone Peak 9+ ($160) takes everything fans love about the iconic Lone Peak and gives it a traction upgrade. On a two-day backpacking trip in Colorado’s Hunter-Fryingpan Wilderness, we put it through long miles and a steep, loose descent.

The Tech: Compared to the standard Lone Peak 9 ($140), which uses Altra’s proprietary MaxTrac rubber, the 9+ has a Vibram Megagrip outsole. Altra also slightly tweaked the EGO midsole, aiming for more responsiveness and durability while keeping the time-honored zero-drop feel. The toe box is roomy.

What We Like: The roomy toe box kept our feet comfortable even after long miles, and the Vibram outsole crushed it while descending a thousand-foot, scree-covered pass, providing far more confidence on steep or loose terrain. While the Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4 also caters to the wide-foot crowd, the Lone Peak offers a more natural zero-drop experience that diehard Altra fans crave. If you’re a diehard Lone Peak fan, the 9+ feels like the natural evolution.

What We Don’t: We liked them better for hiking than for running, since they’re stable and protective but not overly peppy. They still lean more steady than speedy.

Should You Buy It? If you’re a die-hard Lone Peak fan, or you want a roomy, zero-drop shoe with more confident traction for steep and loose terrain, yes. If you’re after a quick, peppy running shoe, look elsewhere.

Bottom Line: When you want one shoe to handle changing terrain and steady training without much fuss, the Cascadia 19 is an easy pick thanks to its balanced ride, reliable stability, and no-drama feel.

The Brooks Cascadia 19 ($150) is one of the most comfortable trail shoes we’ve tested this year, and a major step forward from the clunkier Cascadias of old. We took them on an 11-mile, 4,500-foot climb up the tallest 14er in Colorado, and they were so comfortable we never took them off during the long car ride home.

The Tech: The Cascadia 19 has a 6 mm drop (down from 8 mm) and a lighter weight than the 18. The TrailTack Green outsole is paired with a flexible rock plate, and the midsole cushioning is balanced rather than overbuilt. The new laces are thin, and the tongue is plush and padded.

What We Like: With the lower drop and lighter weight, the ride feels nimble and responsive without sacrificing the protection that made this line a favorite among mountain runners. These now feel more like running shoes than hiking shoes. The traction is standout: The outsole is so tacky it could rival Vibram Megagrip, biting into loose dirt, rock, and steep grades with ease. The rock plate keeps sharp, jagged terrain from poking through, and the midsole hits a sweet spot of comfort. They lack the extreme stiffness of the Scarpa Ribelle Run 2, making them a much more approachable choice for a wide variety of trail runners. They’re lighter, nimbler, and a walk-off home run for us.

What We Don’t: The new laces are a little thin, and while the plush padded tongue keeps them from being a bother, we think it borders on too padded. The Cascadia 19 also may not be the tank the 18 was.

Should You Buy It? If you want one shoe that handles changing terrain and steady training without much fuss, yes. It’s a balanced, comfortable, approachable pick, and the tradeoffs are worth it.

Bottom Line: With a wider platform, softer ride, and much-improved traction, the Cloudultra 3 finally feels like a complete trail shoe for those wanting max cushion. Just keep in mind the fit still favors narrower feet.

The On Cloudultra 3 ($190) is one of the brand’s strongest trail offerings to date, with legitimate updates that make this latest version more versatile and enjoyable.

The Tech: The Cloudultra 3 has a wider platform paired with a rocker profile, a new dual-density Helion HF Hyperfoam midsole, and an overhauled outsole with a new lug pattern.

What We Like: The first thing we noticed was the wider platform. Combined with the rocker profile, we felt like we could efficiently cruise through bumpy terrain without any lateral stability concerns. The midsole runs noticeably softer than the last iteration. It feels forgiving, but not mushy: You don’t sink through and crunch the ground beneath your feet, which makes it a nice balance for daily trail miles. Traction is another upgrade. The outsole is grippier than past Cloudultras, largely rectifying a big gripe about these shoes, and it was reliable on downhills with only the occasional slide-out. And, good news: These outsoles definitely don’t gather rocks like early On shoes. Runners with narrow or regular-narrow feet will feel right at home, and it’s an excellent option for a stable, max-cushioned running shoe.

What We Don’t: Fit remains the lone caveat. The midfoot is still on the narrow side, although it is much improved from V2. The traction is also still not on the same level as Vibram Megagrip or even Brooks TrailTack Green rubber.

Should You Buy It? If you have narrow or regular-narrow feet and want a stable, max-cushioned trail shoe with more versatility than past Cloudultras, yes. If you have wider feet, try it on first, or look at a roomier option.

Bottom Line: Tough enough for rough miles but agile enough to keep things fun, the Genesis blends durability and dependable traction in a package that works just as well for long runs as it does for big hiking days.

The Salomon Genesis ($170) has quickly earned a reputation as one of the toughest trail shoes out there, and it’s no coincidence that ultra legend Courtney Dauwalter trusts them for big miles.

The Tech: The Genesis is built with a Kevlar-reinforced synthetic upper. Underfoot, Energy Foam (a blend of EVA and olefin) provides the cushioning, and a Contagrip outsole handles traction.

What We Like: The Genesis brushes off abrasion, roots, and rocks without showing wear. They’re burly and protective, but not clunky. There’s still a surprising amount of agility and responsiveness, especially for a shoe this durable. The cushioning strikes a nice balance between comfort and responsiveness, while the outsole bites reliably on everything from gravel to rocky scrambles. They offer a level of durability that rivals the Nnormal Kjerag 2.0, but with a significantly more cushioned and comfortable midsole. We’ve loved them not just for long trail runs, but also for big days of hiking, where the stability and protection shine.

What We Don’t: There isn’t a ton of ground feel thanks to the 33 mm of cushion beneath the heel, but we can live with that.

Should You Buy It? If you want a durable, dependable trail shoe that’s just as at home on long runs as on big hiking days, yes. It’s protective and tough without feeling clunky, and it’s a more comfortable option than the Kjerag 2.0 if cushioning matters to you.

Bottom Line: Serving up generous forefoot room without sacrificing cushion, the Ultraventure 4 is a reliable long-distance companion that excels on moderate, dry trails rather than truly technical or muddy ones.

The Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4 ($155) keeps the wide toebox, low heel drop, and cushioned midsole that made the series so popular, making it our top pick for runners who need extra forefoot space.

The Tech: The Ultraventure 4 has a 5 mm drop, a ZipFoam midsole, and a Vibram XS Trek EVO outsole that remains unchanged from the last version. The upper uses recycled mesh and overlays, and the heel cup has been redesigned.

What We Like: The updated upper and overlays improve security and debris protection without feeling sloppy, while the redesigned heel cup locks the foot in place. The ZipFoam has been tweaked for a slightly bouncier ride that shines on long runs, helping reduce foot fatigue. The outsole offers reliable traction on most terrain. It offers a very similar foot-shaped experience to the Altra Lone Peak 9+, but with a drop that many runners find easier on their Achilles. Even without a rock plate, it still feels protective and comfortable, excelling as a versatile, long-distance shoe.

What We Don’t: The outsole lacks the bite for truly technical or muddy conditions, and the shoe is best suited to moderate, dry trails.

Should You Buy It? If you have medium to wide feet and want a cushioned, long-distance shoe for moderate trails, yes. If you regularly run technical or muddy terrain, look for a shoe with more aggressive traction.