‘Which running shoes should I buy?’ As a gear tester who runs regularly and tests dozens of pairs per year, I get asked this often. Here’s my advice for choosing the best trail running shoe for you, without the BS.
More than any other equipment in the outdoors, running shoes are an extremely personal choice. A shoe loved by one may be loathed by others. And with so many options, it can be hard to know where to begin. Here are some guidelines and ways to make shoe buying easier.
Having run many ultramarathons like the Leadville 100, The Rut, and the TransRockies Run, GearJunkie editors put down some big miles. And in testing myriad shoes, we’ve learned some consistent truths about how to choose the best for ourselves. We also have our favorites, so hop to the end of the article to see some of our favorite trail running shoes on the market now.
Trail Running Shoe Buyer’s Guide
1. Try On Several Pairs
2. Set Realistic Trail Running Goals
3. Consider Stack Height
4. Usually, Waterproof Is Bad
5. Lug Length: Long for Soft Surfaces, Short for Hardpack
![Trail running shoes](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2015/03/S-LAB-Fellcross-3-from-Salomon-700x379.jpg)
6. Foam or Rock Plate?
7. Shoe Width
8. Trail Running Shoe Weight
Trail Running Shoes Checklist
- Fit: A thumb’s width of empty space at the toe, with snug heel and midfoot. Some space around the forefoot can be good. Wear shoes for as long as possible before buying. Any small annoyance felt in the shop will be magnified dramatically miles down the trail.
- Drop: How many millimeters of drop from heel to toe? Depending on running form and preference, you may want anywhere from a flat zero-drop to 12 mm or more. Investigate this before shopping.
- Tongue: Does it fit comfortably? Will it keep rocks out of your shoe?
- Outsole: Choose big lugs for soft soil and mud, and small lugs for hard soil and rock.
- Weight: The lighter the better. We consider 12 ounces the maximum for a men’s size 9.
- Price: More expensive doesn’t mean better. Judge the shoe by its attributes, not its price.