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 June 12, 2020. Stores' prices and availability are updated daily.
Recent Running Footwear Reviews
Superfeet Green
Must have for anyone who uses shoes...so everyone. Amazing for casual walking but also for sports and activities. I have a pair for inline hockey, ice hockey, golf, and running/gym. Before Superfeet, I had tons of blisters and just a lack of support. Don't hesitate to buy these. Full review
Barefoot Company Free Your Feet (Classic Swiss)
Best minimalist footwear available for a true barefoot experience. For a fabric they perform extraordinarily well in terms of minimalist footwear. I own a landscape/hardscape company and I work barefoot quite often, but in some circumstances the terrain does get a bit rough so these are my immediate go-to. On dirt, grass, stone, and other natural surfaces they do excellent. I jump on shovels all day too, so it is nice to not worry about slipping and slicing my foot on the sharp metal sections. On… Full review
La Sportiva Bushido II
The La Sportiva Bushido II is a solid, comfortable trail running shoe for all-around, year-round use on trails and mountains. With excellent traction and fit, it retains everything I loved about the original Bushido trail runner with some minor refinements. When I heard that La Sportiva was introducing an updated Bushido II trail runner my first response was "No!" What if they screwed something up? I've worn at least six pairs, possibly more, of the original La Sportiva Bushidos over the five years… Full review
Saucony Koa ST
Pretty great trail shoes for hiking and running in loose conditions. Very comfortable, nice fit, looks great, but not without some drawbacks. Having been transitioning my gear from a more traditional kit to a more lightweight/UL backpacking kit, one of the first things I considered was moving from a traditional light hiking boot to a lighter trail shoe for hiking and backpacking. Luckily I found these on a closeout sale, and was immediately drawn to their sharp good looks (the brilliant colors of… Full review
Altra Superior 4.0
The Superior 4.0 is a supremely comfortable shoe, with many improvements over its predecessors (better fit, materials, flexibility). Yet the 4.0 maintains most of the best characteristics that make this model my favorite hiking shoe. They are responsive to the trail, fit my narrow feet perfectly, and the tread is excellent for gripping loose gravel and even snowy patches. They are lightweight and dry fast. My only disappointment is that they did not last quite as long as my Superior 3.0/3.5s. Description… Full review
Altra Superior 4.0
Every day and twice on Sunday. Hands down the most comfortable running shoe I've ever worn. You won't be disappointed. The large toe box is different from most brands, but I'm sold. Full review
Adidas Response Trail 9
The traction is fantastic and stability (particularly on technical descents) is superb. They're a heavy shoe, but don't feel overly heavy on the trail. They size small, I've gone up a full size and they still feel snug. The lacing system and build are excellent. Had these for three months and used them a fair bit trail running on steep muddy trails over winter in Wellington, New Zealand. The traction is fantastic and stability (particularly on technical descents) is superb. In mud and on wet rock… Full review
Vibram FiveFingers 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 clear, my regular Vibram FiveFingers are a size… Full review
Hoka 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
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