11 Best Trail Running Shoes in 2024, According to Experts

Best for Beginners

• Pros: Suitable for roads and trails, fully waterproof
• Cons: Less aggressive lug pattern, not especially protective

When Bennett saw her friend’s Pegasus Trail shoes hold up like a champ after taking on Utah’s Narrows hike and wading through some waist-deep water, she had to try a pair for herself—and she was not disappointed. “They are really comfortable to run in on the trails,” Bennett says, noting that her pair dries quickly, even if she winds up in deep puddles. “As far as grip and tread go, they aren’t the most aggressive,” she adds, so we’d consider the Pegasus Trail to be a great starter shoe, while you find your footing on moderate terrain. If you’re looking to walk and run on your outings, you'll be well-served by the Pegasus Trail, too—it won a 2023 SELF Sneaker Award for Best Hiking Sneaker.

• Available sizes: US 5 to 12 | Available widths: medium | Heel-to-toe drop: 8.5 millimeters | Weight: 8.00 ounces | Lug height: 3.50 millimeters | Waterproof: yes

Best High-Cushion

• Pros: Extremely comfortable, easy and secure pull-tab lacing system
• Cons: May run large, not suitable for very technical terrain

In her Salomon Ultra Glide 2 shoe review for 2023’s Sneaker Awards, our tester declared herself a “cushion covert” after always opting for minimally cushioned trail runners. “I nearly bounced off the ground with each step, and my toes had plenty of room to breathe in the summer heat,” she wrote. The padding on the Ultra Glide 2 may feel a little excessive when you first put it on, but once you get moving the ride will feel smooth and your feet will feel cradled. “If you’re anything like me and need all the help you can get to increase comfort and enjoyment on a run, I would highly recommend this pair,” she concluded.

• Available sizes: US 5 to 11 | Available widths: medium | Heel-to-toe drop: 6 millimeters | Weight: 8.43 ounces | Lug height: 3.5 millimeters | Waterproof: no

Best for Long Distances

• Pros: Well-cushioned, durable
• Cons: Zero-drop design may feel uncomfortable or take some getting used to for some

“I have a few different pairs [of Altras] that I rotate for different kinds of runs,” ultrarunner Katie Kommer tells SELF, noting that the Timp is her go-to for longer efforts and races. The Timp has lots of cushioning, so it’s well-suited to prevent foot fatigue over long periods. Kommer also likes the precise fit of the Timp—it provides room for your toes to wiggle, but narrows at the midfoot to feel secure around your arch. She says they have better durability than other shoes in Altra’s lineup, and it shows: In the span of six months, she ran a 55K and a 12-hour race with 13,000 feet of elevation gain in the same pair of Timps.

• Available sizes: US 5.5 to 12 | Available widths: medium | Heel-to-toe drop: 0 millimeters | Weight: 8.60 ounces | Lug height: 4 millimeters | Waterproof: no

Best for Varied Terrain

• Pros: Versatile, available in a range of widths
• Cons: May run slightly large (according to reviewers)

If you aren’t totally sure if the trail will be rocky, mellow, dry, or damp, just wear the SELF Sneaker Award–winning FreshFoam More Trail 3 sneaker and you’ll be prepared for whatever awaits. “I love the feel of these. I can easily change activities or surfaces while still feeling in tune with the ground,” our tester wrote. Its sole is grippy with a thick stack height, so you can keep your balance while feeling well-protected from anything that gets underfoot.

• Available sizes: US 5 to 13 | Available widths: medium, wide, and extra-wide | Heel-to-toe drop: 4 millimeters | Weight: 8.80 ounces | Lug height: 5 millimeters | Waterproof: no

Best for Rain

• Pros: Fully waterproof, cushy yet springy, grippy
• Cons: Slightly narrow toe box (according to reviewers)

For a grippier shoe that’s ready to take on all types of terrain but still offers a super-cushioned experience, check out the 2022 Sneaker Award–winning Speedgoat. A highly rated shoe among trail runners, the Speedgoat is great for taking impact when going downhill (or for people who just like a little extra spring in their step—our tester was particularly impressed by its responsiveness). The shoe features Vibram Megagrip rubber on the outsole with a deep lug, making it great for rocky and muddy trails. Bennett specifically likes the Gore-Tex version featured here—it’s waterproof and highly dependable if you’re getting outside on damp and rainy days.

• Available sizes: US 5 to 11 | Available widths: medium | Heel-to-toe drop: 4 millimeters | Weight: 9.60 ounces | Lug height: 5 millimeters | Waterproof: yes

Best for Trail-to-Town Outings

• Pros: Comfortable on trails and pavement, stylish
• Cons: Not very protective, lacks some springiness

Whether you only occasionally run on mixed terrain or you like to brunch and run errands right after hitting the trails, consider the Blissfeel Trail, which won the title of Best Road-to-Trail Sneaker in the 2023 Sneaker Awards. In her review, our director of fitness and food wrote, “The shoe really hugged the curves of my foot. My foot felt cradled and supported, and although I wouldn’t call it cushiony, it definitely felt comfortable. To me, it was a welcome relief from some trail shoes, which can just feel like a lot as soon as you slip them on.” It helped her stay nimble during easy runs on hard-packed paths and steeper terrain alike. Above all, she found that it fit in a way that didn’t distract at all from her time outside: “These shoes let you forget about what’s on your feet, so you can just enjoy the ride.”

• Available sizes: US 5.5 to 12 | Available widths: medium | Heel-to-toe drop: 9.5 millimeters | Weight: 9.90 ounces | Lug height: 4 millimeters | Waterproof: no

Best for Challenging Terrain

• Pros: Extremely capable lugs and sole, very durable, good breathability
• Cons: Heel collar may feel slightly stiff (according to one review)

The Peregrine is a top trail shoe for steeper, more technical adventures, thanks in no small part to its deep lug pattern (which allows it to handle soft or muddy trails, too). “The Peregrine trail running shoe from Saucony is my first choice when I'm running on a more technical trail that needs something a little more aggressive,” Heather Hart, ACSM-certified exercise physiologist, running coach and owner of Hart Strength and Endurance, tells SELF. The Peregrine 14—a recent successor to the Peregrine 13—features a rock plate for added stiffness and protection, and has a snug, streamlined fit to help you feel confident navigating tricky foot placements. Plus, Hart says the shoe’s durability is second to none: “The Peregrine can absolutely withstand a beating on the trail!”

• Available sizes: US 5 to 12 | Available widths: medium and wide | Heel-to-toe drop: 4 millimeters | Weight: 8.50 ounces | Lug height: 5 millimeters | Waterproof: waterproof model available

Best for Rocks and Mud

• Pros: Rugged and tough design, protective toe box and rock plate
• Cons: On the heavier side

We recommended this trail shoe specifically for rocky terrain and technical trail running in our roundup of the best Nike running shoes. The shoe features multidirectional lugs made from high-abrasion rubber to maximize durability on rugged routes and make it easier to land more technical or lateral moves. Plus, Salt Lake City–based trail runner Coby Walsh likes these shoes for the toe box width: “While other brands are too wide or narrow, the Wildhorse is the Goldilocks of shoes.”

• Available sizes: US 5 to 12 | Available widths: medium | Heel-to-toe drop: 9 millimeters | Weight: 10.08 ounces | Lug height: 4 millimeters | Waterproof: no

Best for Winter Runs

• Pros: Very protective, fully waterproof
• Cons: Heavy and somewhat unwieldy

Tori Williams, a running coach and the founder of Meraki Run Club, uses the North Face Vectiv Exploris Futurelight when the terrain or weather gets gnarly, even though it’s technically a hiking shoe. “They are heavier than running shoes, but have great traction for ice, snow, and slippery mud,” she tells SELF. The toe cap and thick TPU plate under the insole provide extra protection and stability for slippery or rocky trails, though Williams notes it comes at a price. “Because of their weight and thicker sole, they aren’t great shoes for speed work, but make getting out in bad weather for a simple run so much easier,” she says. It’s the heaviest shoe on the list, but it’s a solid option if your trail running takes on snow and slick conditions, or you prefer the support of a more structured shoe.

• Available sizes: US 5 to 11 | Available widths: medium | Heel-to-toe drop: N/A | Weight: 12 ounces | Lug height: 4 millimeters | Waterproof: yes