Trail Running Shoes

Recent Trail Running Shoe Reviews

Asics Gel-Trabuco 11 Trail

An already fantastic shoe now even better with improvements made to the 11 range adding to both comfort and durability. An excellent shoe for trail running and hiking in warm to hot conditions Now into my third pair of trail runners over the last 3 or so years, my second Gel Trabuco, and have to say I am a massive fan of the Trabuco 11s. Previously I owned a pair of Gel Trabuco 10s and while these were an excellent shoe they lacked a little durability on the upper. The 11s however more than make… Full review

Vasque Velocity

For a 19 year old shoe for $10 at the thrift store in late 2023, looks surprisingly new, got to support recycling too. For a foam soled shoe to last 19 years is incredible! Not bad for $10 at the thrift store in late 2023, looks like new, the previous owner must not have worn them much and stored them correctly. We have got to support recycling too. '04 Vasque Velocity trail running shoe. Save the earth with your spending people. Full review

VJ Falcon

VJ claims to have the best grip on the planet. These are the widest orienteering shoes with metal studs that I could find. I got these after realizing that my super-comfy Altra Lone Peak 6 may be great for all-day comfort, but don't compare with studded orienteering shoes for off-trail running and may be a little too roomy for competition.  After these arrived in the mail (from Latvia!), I tried them on, and took them for a 1.6 mile run through some nearby woods. The extra traction was most noticeable… Full review

Saucony Peregrine 12

Very comfy for descents, terrible for ascents. My quest for a decent trail runner continues and, unfortunately, these are not the one. The Peregrine 12's are a very lightweight trail running shoe with amazing grip. But uphill comfort and longevity fall short. At first I thought the heel rub on ascents was just a matter of stiff shoes needing to be broken in, but now broken in, they still rub. The heel rub is most noticeable on uphill climbs. Now with almost 40 miles on them, they should be broken… Full review

Altra Lone Peak 6

These shoes have a fit and build that are great for all day comfort, on or off trail. "Original Footshape fit" is amazing for wide feet! The extra space may make them unsuitable for fierce competition, though. Fit: These use Altra's "original footshape fit", which is their roomiest fit. Believe it, or not, they also come in a wide. When I ordered these, they were only available in wide, so that's what I got.  Comfort: The wide toe box is so comfortable. I'm almost always used to having my foot… Full review

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 the 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

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… Full review

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

Brooks Cascadia

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