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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 May 25, 2023. Stores' prices and availability are updated daily.

user rating: 4.5 of 5 (18)
Vibram FiveFingers KSO Barefoot / Minimal Shoe / Trail Shoe / Trail Running Shoe / Water Shoe
$85 - $99
user rating: 4.5 of 5 (11)
Salomon XA Pro 3D Trail Running Shoe
$45 - $129
user rating: 5 of 5 (2)
Superfeet Copper Insole
$45 - $59
user rating: 5 of 5 (2)
Altra Superior 4.0 Trail Running Shoe
$88
user rating: 4.5 of 5 (7)
Superfeet Green Insole
$41 - $54
user rating: 4.5 of 5 (6)
Vibram FiveFingers Classic Barefoot / Minimal Shoe
$80
user rating: 5 of 5 (1)
WrightSock CoolMesh II Quarter Sock Running Sock
$5 - $11
user rating: 5 of 5 (1)
Topo Athletic Hydroventure 2 Trail Running Shoe
$105 - $139
user rating: 5 of 5 (1)
Darn Tough Vertex 1/4 Sock Ultra-Light Cushion Running Sock
$18
user rating: 5 of 5 (1)
Swiftwick Pursuit Four Sock Running Sock / Hiking/Backpacking
$14
user rating: 5 of 5 (1)
Superfeet Berry Insole
$55 - $59
user rating: 5 of 5 (1)
Salomon Supercross 4 Trail Running Shoe
$90
user rating: 4 of 5 (8)
La Sportiva Wildcat Trail Running Shoe
$109 - $145
user rating: 4.5 of 5 (1)
La Sportiva Wildcat 3.0 Trail Running Shoe
$101
user rating: 4.5 of 5 (1)
La Sportiva Bushido II Trail Running Shoe
$85 - $155
user rating: 4.5 of 5 (1)
Hoka Challenger ATR 5 Trail Running Shoe
$130
user rating: 4.5 of 5 (1)
Vibram FiveFingers Trek Ascent Insulated Barefoot / Minimal Shoe
$100
user rating: 4.5 of 5 (1)
La Sportiva Karacal Trail Running Shoe
$58 - $155
user rating: 4.5 of 5 (1)
Balega Blister Resist Quarter Running Sock
$20
user rating: 4 of 5 (2)
Superfeet Orange Insole
$55 - $59
user rating: 4 of 5 (1)
Inov-8 Roclite G 345 GTX Hiking Boot / Trail Running Shoe
$67 - $141
user rating: 4 of 5 (1)
Brooks Cascadia 16 Trail Running Shoe
$100 - $130
user rating: 4 of 5 (1)
Inov-8 Parkclaw 275 GTX Trail Running Shoe
$120
user rating: 4 of 5 (1)
La Sportiva Jackal Trail Running Shoe
$65 - $155
user rating: 3.5 of 5 (1)
Inov-8 Terraultra G 260 Trail Running Shoe
$120
user rating: 3.5 of 5 (1)
Balega Ultralight Crew Running Sock
$15
user rating: 3 of 5 (3)
La Sportiva Mutant Trail Running Shoe
$71 - $155
Sole Performance Medium Footbed Insole
$44
Sole Active Medium Footbed Insole
$41
user rating: 3 of 5 (1)
Altra Timp 2 Trail Running Shoe
$26 - $140
Darn Tough Vertex Tab No Show Ultra-Light Cushion Running Sock
$12 - $16
Icebug Insoles FAT Medium Insole
$50
user rating: 2 of 5 (1)
Salomon Sense Ride 4 Trail Running Shoe
$90 - $120
user rating: 5 of 5 (7)
Vibram FiveFingers KSO Trek Barefoot / Minimal Shoe / Trail Shoe / Trail Running Shoe
$125 MSRP
user rating: 5 of 5 (6)
Inov-8 X-Talon 212 Trail Running Shoe
user rating: 5 of 5 (4)
Inov-8 Flyroc 310 Trail Running Shoe
user rating: 5 of 5 (4)
Salomon XR Mission Trail Running Shoe
user rating: 5 of 5 (4)
Darn Tough Merino 1/4 Sock Cushion Running Sock
user rating: 5 of 5 (3)
Salomon Sense Mantra Trail Running Shoe
user rating: 5 of 5 (3)
Adidas Tangent ATS Trail Running Shoe
user rating: 5 of 5 (2)
The North Face Ultra 109 GTX Trail Running Shoe
user rating: 5 of 5 (2)
Sole Thin Sport Moldable Footbed Insole
user rating: 5 of 5 (2)
Brooks Cascadia 8 Trail Running Shoe
user rating: 5 of 5 (2)
Injinji Performance Micro Sock Running Sock
user rating: 5 of 5 (2)
Salomon XT Wings 2 Trail Running Shoe
user rating: 5 of 5 (2)
Drymax Maximum Protection Trail Running Sock Running Sock
$25 MSRP
user rating: 5 of 5 (2)
FP Insoles Gamechangers Custom Orthotics Insole
$54 MSRP
user rating: 5 of 5 (2)
Inov-8 Roclite 295 Trail Running Shoe
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Recent Running Footwear Reviews

rated 3 of 5 stars
Altra Timp 2

An amazing shoe for hiking and orienteering with questionable durability. Fit: They are Altra's Standard Footshape Fit, wider than common running shoes, but narrower than their original footshape. I prefer shoes to be just a bit wider than these. (for comparison, I replaced these with Lone Peak 6 wide, which have a little more room that I'd like,  original fit regular would be best for me).  Comfort: They didn't need any break-in period. I appreciate the zero drop to keep my feet level and comfortable. Full review

rated 5 of 5 stars
Salomon Supercross 4

Incredibly comfortable shoes whether you’re running or hiking the trails. Ready to go straight out of the box with minimal wear-in needed.         Due to a spinal injury a couple of years back I occasionally drag my left foot, so when my last pear of trail runners wore out I debated on getting the same again or trying a different shoe. My trusty Asics Gel Trabuco gave me about 700km before wearing through the material at my small toes so, while the ASICS were also very comfortable, I was looking… Full review

rated 5 of 5 stars
Remind Insoles Bio Tech Gel Cush

Remind's new product line is the best out there. I have all of them in every pair of shoe. My feet have never felt so comfortable. I am a customer for life. Full review

rated 5 of 5 stars
FP Insoles Gamechangers Custom Orthotics

Gamechangers live up to their name. I was having a really hard time getting my snowboard boots to feel comfortable. My feet would hurt and I was getting numbness in them. I looked up videos and it was suggested changing the insoles, and I read about FP Gamechangers. The very first time I used them, I had no pain. They really lived up to their name! I love that I could heat mold them to my feet, so there was virtually no breaking in period. I'm a barefoot believer. I don't like shoes much, and I… Full review

rated 5 of 5 stars
FP Insoles Gamechangers Custom Orthotics

These are by far the best Insoles I have ever owned, and I have had most on the market! You cannot beat these for customizable foot and back protection! The Gamechangers by FP Insole Technology (fpinsoles.com) were primarily designed for sKate and snowboarders to help absorb impact of trIcks from higher elevations. So when I ran across these looking for insoles for my new trail running shoes I thought, “are these really what I am looking for?” Well, after 10 miles in these, I will unequivocally… Full review

rated 2 of 5 stars
Salomon Sense Ride 4

Aggressive, sticky sole that is too narrow and too clickly. I'd like to say I put these through their paces, but I feel they put me through the paces instead. After wearing around the house for several days to break in and try to get comfortable, I finally took them out for a run. And it did not go well. I had hoped these would loosen up and get more comfortable, but they did not. After 2.5 miles, I wanted to take them off. I'm a 9 in all my other Salomons, but I found an 8.5 was actually a better… Full review

rated 4 of 5 stars
Brooks Cascadia 16

Brooks continues to stand on the podium with this high-quality trail runner. Offering ample room in the forefoot while still holding perfectly secure, the Cascadia 16 provides the wearer with a lightweight shoe that has excellent under-foot protection. This lightweight shoe is best suited for the hiker/trail runner that needs great traction and support on groomed trails, rough terrain, or anything in between. The Cascadia 16 is available for both men and women as a waterproof (GTX) or well ventilated,… Full review

rated 5 of 5 stars
Swiftwick Flite XT Trail

Up your socks-game with a set of all-around socks that can be stretched into service for almost any three-season activity. I can wear shirts that don’t wick sweat away and I’ll be fine.  I can put up with a crappy, $3 vinyl poncho. I can tough it out when my pack tries to wear a hole in my hide. However, if my feet aren’t happy, I’m MUCH less fun to be with.  This is why I no longer complain about paying for great socks. The Swiftwick Flite XT Trail socks qualify as great socks. This isn’t… Full review

rated 5 of 5 stars
Salomon XA Pro 3D

I found these shoes 7 years ago for jogging. After trying on so many shoes, and some buying and then taking them back, I found this shoe. The best supporting shoe ever. I wear my orthotics in them. I wear them for walking anywhere. I wear them playing pickleball. Yes, I fell twice playing pickleball in a regular tennis shoe in the first three-week period. Never fell at all in the Pro Xa3d. Love this shoe. I don't find it heavy. Usually by the time I am ready for another pair, they have cool colours. Full review