Whether you’re brand new to trail running or you’re a yearslong hobbyist, the right trail running shoes are essential to your routine — from both a performance standpoint and a safety one.

Trail running involves jogging on trails — dirt, gravel, rock, grass — rather than paved asphalt roads. This means the shoes you choose have a lot of responsibility. They must be light enough to keep you agile, but have enough cushion to protect your foot. They must be breathable but durable. And they must offer the right amount of traction and drop for your preferred running style and terrain.

For this guide, we’ve partnered with REI to select our favorite picks from their inventory of trail runners. If you’re deciding between options, their site offers a detailed buying guide that gives you a deep dive into how to choose the right trail running shoes for you, explaining in depth what to look for when it comes to midsoles, heel-to-toe drop, lugs, and more.

What to look for when choosing trail running shoes (or How to choose the right trail running shoes for you)

When shopping for trail running shoes, you’ll have quite a few options to choose from. The best shoe ultimately comes down to personal preference—the types of trails you run on, the specs your foot needs (arch support, wide toe box), and your budget. Some of the most important things to consider:

Cushioning: This is the height of the foam between you and the ground. Light cushioning is good for stability and is best for asphalt and light trails. Most trail running shoes fall into the moderate cushioning category, offering around 30 millimeters of foam underfoot to give you support and protection from rough trails. High cushioning is around 34 millimeters and above, giving you an extra feeling of float on the trails.

Lugs: Deeper, more widely spaced lugs are good for rugged, loose, or muddy trails. Shallower lugs placed more closely together are great for more tightly packed trails because they give you a smoother ride. Lugs, typically made of rubber, can make a shoe heavier—so don’t go for deeper lugs than you need as you’ll just increase the weight of your shoe.

Heel-to-Toe Drop: Often just called the “drop,” this is the difference between the shoe’s heel height and toe height. A low drop is anything under 5 millimeters, a moderate drop is between 5 and 8 millimeters, and a high drop is over 8 millimeters. A low or no-drop shoe closely resembles how our feet are naturally positioned when we’re walking—and this style puts more load on your ankles and Achilles. The higher the drop, the more insurance that your heel will strike the ground first. And this drop puts more load on your knees and hips. The best drop height for you is whichever one feels like you’re running most naturally, so go with what you’re used to.

Our criteria:

Our team has researched and reviewed the leading wellness brands — and for this guide, we evaluated the best brands offering trail running shoes made with high-quality materials and construction. We regularly update this list with emerging options that meet the following criteria:

  • PERFORMANCE | These trail running shoes deliver dependable traction, comfort, and protection across a variety of terrains, helping runners feel confident on everything from smooth dirt paths to technical mountain trails.
  • SUSTAINABILITY | We prioritized brands using recycled materials, responsibly sourced components, lower-impact manufacturing, and transparent environmental initiatives whenever possible.
  • DURABILITY & VALUE | Trail shoes endure significant wear and tear. We selected models known for their durability, consistent performance, and strong reputation among both recreational and experienced trail runners.

Looking for more active footwear guidance? Check out our favorite sustainable running shoes, along with guides to the best compression socks and barefoot shoes.

1. HOKA

Best For | Rugged trails
Features | Vegan, supercritical foam insoles, Vibram® Megagrip lug outsoles
Price | $165

REI’s bestselling women’s trail running shoes, HOKA’s Speedgoat 7 Trail-Running Shoes are consistently considered some of the best trail running shoes on the market, especially for rugged or all-mountain terrain. They offer great cushioning, made with medium cushion responsive supercritical foam midsoles, so they’re excellent for folks with wide feet, high soles, or anyone who needs a little extra spring. They have a 5 mm heel-to-toe drop, reflective details, and a lightweight woven textile exterior so they’re nice and breathable. And the Vibram® Megagrip lug outsoles are made of durable 100% rubber and offer plenty of grip no matter the terrain, whether you’re running on pavement, packed dirt, rugged rocks, or slippery wet ground. Note that many reviewers suggest sizing up by a half size with these shoes.

Customer Review | “First pair of Speedgoats. Purchased for a month-long trip to Moab and these were STELLAR for a mix of running and hiking steep, hard, and varied terrain – scrambling up and down slickrock, boulders, and scree as well as soft sand/dirt and stream hopping (quick-drying!). Very lightweight, cushion-y, and agile feel for the truly aggressive grip and supportiveness.” – Vanya42 (Read more reviews.)

Shop HOKA
A blue and navy athletic running shoe with white and orange accents, featuring a thick white sole and rugged blue tread, displayed against a plain white background.
Two people in athletic gear run downhill on a rocky terrain under a cloudy sky, captured from a low angle.

2. Altra

Best For | No heel-to-toe drop
Features | Zero drop, wide toe box, rough terrain
Price | $145

Designed for running on rugged trails, Altra’s Lone Peak 9 Trail-Running Shoes are some of REI’s most highly rated women’s trail running shoes. The lightweight shoes have no-sew overlays and ripstop mesh uppers that make them super durable on high-mileage, rugged runs, while the Stoneguard™ inserts are comfortable yet protect your feet from rocks and roots and the moderate cushion absorbs shock. The rubber outsoles are grippy on rough terrain, the heel stack height is 25 millimeters, and reviewers mention they love how roomy the toe box is. The shoes have zero heel-to-toe drop, keeping your feet in a natural, stable position. And the shoe’s even been marked with the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance.

Customer Review | “I really love these shoes. The soles have an incredible amount of traction while making it easy to run up and down a trail-particularly on snow and gravel. The heel has been upgraded and grips better than older versions. The toe box is roomy and creates space so my toes have room to spread out and pull as I run uphill, then room to spread out to create a wider foot base as I run down hill. I felt stable on uneven terrain and in snow.” – Kate 90 (Read more reviews.)

Shop Altra
Close-up of a person’s legs hiking uphill on a rocky trail, wearing gray socks and trail running shoes with visible tread.
Person in shorts, colorful socks, and trail shoes climbing a red rock surface outdoors, with a hydration pack visible.

3. Salomon

Best For | Muddy trails
Features | High drop, grippy outsoles, mud-resistant uppers
Price | $150

For those who prefer a higher heel-to-toe drop, Salomon’s Speedcross 6 Trail-Running Shoes have a 10 millimeter drop and a total heel height of 32 millimeters. They’re designed for use on rugged trails and especially muddy ones, too, with their uppers and outsoles that shed mud quickly and deliver a powerful grip even on wet, slippery surfaces—the shoes’ Mud Contagrip® rubber outsoles have deep lugs that are “sticky,” giving you maximum traction when you most need it. The cushion is moderate, the lace closure has a “one pull” function for easily taking the shoes on and off, and their construction means they hug the foot comfortably. Plus, they’re made with recycled materials like PET bottles.

Customer Review | “The Speedcross 6 is my favorite shoe for hiking, trekking, and outdoor adventures…They are extremely comfortable, even with no initial break-in, and I had no blisters or sore feet…I was initially skeptical of the lacing system but they ended up being part of the genius of this shoe’s design – not only does the toggle keep the shoe secure and tight but it also eliminates the need to check whether your laces are still tied.” – Astera (Read more reviews.)

Shop Salomon
Pair of Salomon Speedcross athletic shoes in dark blue with black soles, shown from top and side views, featuring geometric patterns and branded logos on the tongue and side.
Close-up of a person wearing white trail running shoes and black leggings, running on muddy ground with mud splattered on the shoe and pant leg.

4. La Sportiva

Best For | Minimal cushion
Features | Low drop, highly grippy outsoles, thin cushioning
Price | $160

La Sportiva makes highly technical outdoor sports products, most of which are made at their headquarters in Italy’s Dolomites. While they make several different running shoe models at a range of prices, for a shoe with a lower stack and more minimal cushion, check out their Bushido III Trail-Running Shoes. One of their simpler models, the shoes are lightweight with breathable mesh uppers and side panels for even more airflow. They’re easy to slip on and off, they provide thin cushioning and a 6 millimeter drop, and they have fairly deep outsole lugs that provide excellent traction and stability. They’re designed for all types of terrain, with FriXion® Red bi-compound outsoles that have different contact surfaces so you get the right amount of grip on all surfaces. If you don’t want a snug, technical fit, the brand recommends sizing a half size up from your typical running shoe size.

Customer Review | “I LOVE LOVE LOVE these trail running shoes! They are very lightweight and comfortable and have very good grip for hiking on rocky uneven trails. I have fairly wide feet and usually wear a 7.5 or 8. I got these is an 8 and they fit great! I have tried on other trail shoes and this La Sportiva model is by far the best one I have ever worn. I usually feel the need to wear ankle support hiking boots when I do serious hiking, but I was VERY pleased with this trail shoe.” – MRTLB (Read more reviews.)

Shop La Sportiva
A single blue and black La Sportiva trail running shoe with a rugged sole and mesh upper, viewed at an angle on a white background.
Person running on a rocky trail, wearing blue trail running shoes and patterned socks, with mountains in the background under a clear sky.

5. Brooks

Best For | Everyday running shoe
Features | Running shoe look, grippy rubber outsoles, breathable uppers
Price | $150

The Ghost Trail-Running Shoes by Brooks are another one of REI’s most highly rated trail running shoes. They’re super breathable, made with soft mesh uppers while the toecaps and mudguards protect your feet from wet or dirty conditions. Their midsoles have a moderate cushion for comfort and buoyancy. And the outsoles are made of Brooks’ TrailTack Green rubber, a grippy rubber compound made with 25% recycled material, while 3 millimeter lugs provide extra traction but keep the profile low. They have an 8 millimeter heel-to-toe drop, and they’re designed for lighter, less rugged terrain. And we love the sporty look that makes the shoes just as good for running errands as they are for jogging on sidewalks or for hitting the trails. 

Customer Review | “I usually wear a size 8, and size up to 8.5 for running shoes. For these, I may have been ok with an 8. They do not feel tight on my feet and I can see myself running and using them for more casual walking. They feel very breathable and have plenty of cushion. The traction is great for my running needs and I’ve had no difficulty transitioning from trail to gravel and back.” – ASchu (Read more reviews.)

Shop Brooks
A person in a black shirt sits at a table holding a white and blue running shoe; chairs and a table are visible in the background.
Person wearing white socks and cream-colored running shoes with blue and yellow accents standing on a gravel path outdoors.

6. Topo

Best For | Wide toe box
Features | High cushioning, roomy toe box, lightweight
Price | $155

Topo’s Ultraventure 4 Trail-Running Shoes are both highly supportive and cushioning and also lightweight, weighing a half a pound each. The shoe has breathable mesh uppers made from recycled material and roomy toe boxes so they work well for people with wide feet—and roomy toe boxes are good for anyone, helping your toe spread out for better balance for comfort. The shoes’ 30 millimeter platforms give you responsiveness and a soft feel, along with a high cushion for buoyancy that’ll stay resilient over time. The heel height is 35 millimeters, so the shoes have a moderate 5 millimeter drop. They’re some of REI’s most highly rated trail running shoes, but they’re versatile enough for walking, hiking, jogging, and running errands, too.

Customer Review | “I was hesitant to buy a brand I’d never heard of, but wow are these shoes comfortable! …These work so well my husband commented yesterday how many more miles I can go with him without pain. They provide firm cushioning in the heel and the forefoot for a springy step, and the moderate tread works well on concrete, gravel, dirt, and grass. They are ideal for women who want a roomy toe box but have a narrow heel.” – KristinW (Read more reviews.)

Shop Topo
Person wearing a sports watch ties the laces of a blue and yellow running shoe while standing on a rock in an outdoor, wooded area.
Person running outdoors on rocky terrain, wearing black shorts, a dark green top, black socks, and gray trail running shoes. Only legs and part of torso are visible.

7. Saucony

Best For | Simple, versatile shoe
Features | Lightweight, Vibram® Megagrip outsoles, wide toe box
Price | $150

For a trail running shoe that’s both lightweight and designed for rugged terrain, check out Saucony’s Peregrine 16 Trail Running Shoes. They’re nimble, weighing only around a half pound each, and the brand recently introduced Vibram® Megagrip outsoles for excellent grip on even the roughest terrain. The shoes have mesh uppers, a wide toe box, and a low heel-to-toe drop of 4 millimeters. They have extra foam in the midsoles for a medium cushioning level for comfort, along with forefoot rubber toe wraps for extra protection on rugged trails. Plus, the lining is made from recycled PET.

Customer Review | “I run trail ultras and have used these for a quadrathlon… They are perfect for my high mileage trail running demands and feel really great on downhills because the traction helps me pick up speed without feeling heavy. Would recommend to anyone looking for a good trail running shoe or if you are looking for something grippy and comfortable that will last. I don’t really even have to break these in very much because they’re so well made.” – Tess (Read more reviews.)

Shop Saucony
Person in running gear climbs a steep, wooded hill; they wear white socks with “Atoonau” text and bright green running shoes. The background is misty forest.
Pair of white and coral trail running shoes with patterned uppers, thick cushioned soles, and Vibram outsoles, displayed against a plain background.

THIS STORY IS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH OUR FRIENDS AT REI

Natalie Gale is a Contributing Editor at Good Gear and The Good Trade. She is a freelance journalist covering lifestyle, wellness, sustainability, and food for publications like Bustle, The Zoe Report, Boston Globe Media, The Good Trade, and others. When she’s not writing, you can find her on a hike, at the farmers’ market, in a yoga class, or planning her future travels. Find her on Instagram or at nataliekgale.com.