Running Footwear
The best running footwear, reviewed and curated by the Trailspace community. The latest review was added on January 1, 2019. Stores' prices and availability are updated daily.
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.
Recent Running Footwear Reviews
Salomon Men's XA Pro 3D
Salomon’s XA Pro 3D is a heavy duty trail running shoe that has been around, with various updates, for years. It is very heavy and firm for a running shoe, and I use it as a low light hiker. It’s available with a waterproof/breathable membrane, but I like the no-membrane version for it’s very good breathability. Very good traction, support, foot protection, and durability, plus an interesting lacing system, make this a winner. The non-waterproof version’s availability in wide sizing was… Full review
Altra Women's Superior 3.5
The Altra Superior 3.5 (and 3.0) are the best pair of shoes for thru-hiking that I have tried. With over 2,700 miles covered in them (four different pairs), I can confidently say that they meet my needs in being lightweight, durable, comfortable, responsive, and fast-drying. Description & Specs: The Superior 3.5 is the most recent version of Altra's low profile trail running shoe. It has been slightly updated from the 3.0 version, with the goal of improving upper durability, comfort, and more… Full review
La Sportiva Men's Helios 2.0
Love 'em, but wish they had a rockplate. Awesome for groomed and soft but not too muddy trails. These are my go-to shoes for shorter (up to 30-ish km) runs on terrain that's likely not to have many sharp pointy rocks or involve too much road running. I'm on to my third pair of Helios having clocked up over 1500km in my last ver1s before I retired them.Fit I have picky feet—if the shoe fits I'll wear it and I loved the fit and comfort of these shoes straight out of the box. I like a lower drop… Full review
La Sportiva Men's Bushido
Plain and simple, I love my Bushidos! Great combination of a lightweight, durable, and protective shoe that performs magically on some very technical terrain. I'd absolutely recommend this shoe, if it fits your foot well! For my foot, the fit is near perfect. I have a narrower foot and these are a bit snug, but I acutally like that (in the midfoot anyway). With a little use they loosened slightly and the fit got even better. If you're worried about the tight fit and you have a narrow foot, buy them… Full review
Inov-8 Men's X-Talon 212
Perfect fit, soft enough too feel the ground, stable for even technical terrain and light for long runs. I use them for both short and long runs, but only terrain and trail.
I use them in spring/autumn, and never slip!
Remember to clean them regularly. I use only water.
Inov-8 delivers excellence! Full review
Altra Men's Lone Peak 3.0
Great for thru hiking, just watch out for shin splints. You may need an insert for support. Great shoes for long distance hiking. Just be sure to get inserts before starting as you may encounter shin splints your second or third week into it. Inserts clear that up right away. Full review
Altra Men's King MT
No no no no. I don’t know how they hold up to trail running, but they are nothing like the Lone Peaks when compared to hiking. Used for the first time last weekend on a short trip in Yosemite NP. It was only 20 miles and I was carrying less than 15 pounds and I still got blisters and hotspots. Full review
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
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