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.
The best running footwear, reviewed and curated by the Trailspace community. The latest review was added on October 18, 2019. Stores' prices and availability are updated daily.
Recent Running Footwear Reviews
Vibram FiveFinger Trek Ascent Insulated
They extend cold weather running. Added protection for the feet. And extremely lightweight and flexible. This is my third winter with my Insulated Trek Ascents. They definitely lengthen my minimalist running season (my first preference is barefoot) into the winter month. I bought a size up as suggested by the website. They fit good barefoot or with an extremely lightweight sock but the next pair I order will be a size larger than that (just so it’s clea, my regular Vibram FiveFingers are a size… Full review
Vibram Men's FiveFingers Trek Ascent
Incredible grip. Very lightweight. My choice of footwear is typically none- I prefer barefooting for my warm weather adventures. When a shoe is required (over stimulated feet, the terrain gets too rocky) one of my go to shoes is the Trek Ascent. They simply protect my feet and allow me to carry on. Full review
Hoka Men's Challenger ATR 5
The Hoka Challenger ATR 5 is a great trail running shoe that can double as a nice backpacking shoe for people looking for a nice comfortable shoe with plenty of room in the toe box and that's also available in wide sizes. I am home based in Washington state but make regular trips to California to visit family and when I do I always try to squeeze in a backpacking or fishing trip to the east side of the Sierras. In Washington I generally wear a lightweight hiking or mountaineering boot for most of… Full review
Skinners Sock Shoes
Is it a sock? is it a shoe? Yes! Skinners sock shoes might be a new category in outdoor footwear. I recently acquired some Skinners Sock Shoes. What? They are basically a sock covered on the sole with a protective rubber polymer. I believe that this might be new category of outdoor footwear. I'd say they offer more protection that a sock and perhaps less protection than a minimalist shoe. I suppose the closest comparable footwear might be minimalist footwear like FiveFingers Shoes, Merrell Trail… Full review
Inov-8 Mudclaw G 260
An aggressive, deep-lugged tread and snug fit make the Mudclaw G-260 a prime choice for muddy trails and other soft surfaces. Comfortable enough for all-day runs. The graphene-enhanced soles also grip well on wet and dry rock and hard-packed dirt, but the lugs can chip. Best held in reserve for running over mud, bogs, sand, and other soft surfaces. “Mud, mud, glorious mud Nothing quite like it for soothing the blood…” The Mudclaw G 260 is Inov-8’s top shoe for running on muddy trails or… Full review
Topo Athletic Women's Hydroventure 2
A nice breathable waterproof trail running shoe. I have wide feet. Even shoes that are supposed to have a large toe box result in stubbed toes and blisters between toes. I decided to try Topo Athletic shoes and they do not disappoint. My toes can spread out easily. I got the Hydroventure model as I wanted something waterproof. I couldn't find them in a store anywhere and had to order them online but tried a different pair of Topo Athletic shoes at REI before ordering them. I was glad I did as the… Full review
Inov-8 Men's Roclite G 345 GTX
The Inov-8 Roclite G 345 GTX is a very high quality mid-ankle boot that offers superb traction, while still being very lightweight. Inov-8 classifies this product as a hiking and running boot that provides comfort and traction over trail protection. Graphene rubber technology takes this footwear to a new level, making it ideal for unstable and slippery terrain during moderate mileage days. Inov-8 released the Roclite G 345 GTX to meet the needs of the "fast & light" hiker or trail runner looking… Full review
Swiftwick Pursuit Four Sock
Swiftwick is as good as it gets for scent-free, blister-free comfort, wicking, and durability. Updated!! I have owned Swiftwick socks of one variety or another for five or so years now. I've worn them up and down several Cascades Volcanoes and they are now my go-to light hiking and running socks. Test Conditions: I received two almost identical sets of Swiftwick socks about four months ago and I have included them in all my fitness, trail runs, gym workouts and hikes in the hills. It's been long-pants… Full review
Inov-8 Terraultra G 260
The Terraultra G-260 is a «colorful» shoe for running on hardpacked trails, with Inov-8’s reliably tough uppers and a grippy, but not necessarily longer-wearing, graphene-enhanced outsole. Snug and comfortable fit even on my unconventional feet. My last pair of Inov-8s, X-Talon 212s, did not want to die. After over 1000 km, the deep lugs were worn down bald on the heels and thin elsewhere, but the uppers were pretty well unperturbed. I did have a fit problem with them, though, so that I had… Full review
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