Running Footwear

Find the best trail running shoes, including minimal and barefoot models, right here, thanks to independent reviews and ratings by real trail runners, endurance athletes, and outdoor enthusiasts. Don't forget the technical wicking running socks and compression socks.

For more top-rated outdoor footwear—including hiking, backpacking, and mountaineering boots, climbing shoes, and sport sandals—check out our full Footwear reviews and ratings for real-world user reviews.

Brand

Vasque
Darn Tough
Vibram
The North Face
Sole
Salomon
Superfeet
Inov-8
Altra
Bridgedale

User

Unisex
Men's
Women's
Kids'
Boys'
Girls'

Price

less than $25
$25 - $49.99
$50 - $99.99
$100 - $199.99
$200 and above

Recent Running Footwear Reviews

Salomon Men's Speedcross 4

There is a reason it is the best selling shoe in the line. A review of Salomon shoes: The Ultra (Ultra 3 GTX) The Speedcross The Odyssey The Ultra has a great arch support last (the "last" is the framework style of the shoe) but is too narrow for me. I used a pair for a section hike. It gets great reviews (consider no ulr) for an example). If it just were not so narrow, I'd be wearing them to hike now. But my feet hurt every night when I wore them on a section hike. They do make the Ultra in a Mid… Full review

Altra Men's Superior 3.5

Best hiking shoes I've found yet! I am really loving these shoes! I've probably worn them almost 100 miles now this hot dry southern California summer. I have been training for backpacking trips with 4 to 5 mile hikes in Griffith Park Los Angeles with a 30+ pound pack. Then, I did a 17+ mile, 3700' elevation gain and loss three-day backpacking trip in the high Sierras with about a 37-pound pack. I've used several different kinds of socks, including REI wool hiking socks, and the Injinji toes socks. Full review

La Sportiva Men's Akasha

A burly trail runner meant for mountain runs or hikes. I'm on my second pair of La Sportiva Akashas and figured it was time for a review. I've owned several pairs of La Sportivas, but these are the only ones to fit well. The others I've owned simply didn't have enough room in the toe box, these do. This is also La Sportiva's burliest trail runner. I don't have overly wide feet, but do need a roomy toe box—not an easy proposition unfortunately. The Akashas fit snuggly in the heel and midfoot, where… Full review

Lily Trotters Signature Compression Socks

Great sox! Great for during a hike or after for recouping. Made for women, but work perfectly well for men. These socks are AWESOME! I am a larger male and I know these socks are made for women, but as a member of another website, I was given this product in exchange for a review. I tried these on after getting the largest size in black, and surprisingly they fit well. I used them as my sock liner for an 11-mile backpacking test hike and after an 11-miler the day before. They worked out all the… Full review

Xero Shoes DIY 4mm Kit

It's a kit. You make it and then you have the skinniest sandals you can get. Simple really... Basically you get a thin sole unit 4mm in this case and a 6mm if you want the heavier version. You also get a set of cords and a hole punch. That's the kit. Following the instructions online or in the kit you measure your foot. Punch holes for the laces and assemble your own sandals, cutting off any excess sole rubber (they come in size bands and you cut to your specific fit). They are surprisingly good… Full review

Altra Men's King MT 1.5

Long on comfort and short on durability, same as the 1.0. I can't afford shoes that don't hold up for more than a few hundred kilometers. A few months ago I reviewed the MT King 1.0. Much of what I wrote about that shoe applies to v. 1.5 -- they are very comfortable but wear out way too fast to be worth the price. When I sent some of the photos from that review to Altra, they sent me a new pair of the 1.5s for $10, the cost of shipping. I took the opportunity to go down a size for a closer fit,… Full review

Injinji Performance Mini-Crew Sock

Injinji makes some comfortable, durable merino wool socks that might just aid in preventing blisters between your toes. Injinji makes some comfortable, durable merino wool socks that might just prevent you from getting a blister around your toes. For some people this is a real problem and these socks seem to solve the problem brilliantly. I'm evaluating these socks against five other pairs of socks that I've worn over the last few years. These socks look great and fit great—no excess, no bulging,… Full review

La Sportiva Women's Helios 2.0

The shoe is terrific, but not for my feet. I really wanted to love this shoe because it's lightweight, very flexible, and still very gnarly on the sole—perfect for my style of toe-striking on particularly technical trails. But alas, the 39.5s were the right length and too narrow and the 40s were the right width but too long for my size 8 feet. Still, I would recommend them for trail runners who like lightweight and low-drop shoes, need a little more support than minimalist or no-drop shoes can… Full review

Darn Tough Merino 1/4 Sock Cushion

A comfortable, cushioned, and durable merino wool sock that might just last a lifetime. Darn Tough makes some comfortable, cushioned, and durable merino wool socks that might just last a lifetime. I'm evaluating these socks against five other pairs of socks that I've worn over the last few years. These socks look great and fit great—no excess, no bulging, no binding, just a great fit. They are comfortable right out of the packaging. I typically like to wash my clothing before using, but on one… Full review