Trail Running Shoes

Recent Trail Running Shoe Reviews

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

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

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

Salomon Women's X-Mission 3

The second pair I've bought. These are my all time favorites! I like the fit of these shoes. I tend to have a slightly wider than normal toe space and average heel. I like that the toe box on these shoes are roomy. The quick pull laces are great for fast adjusting. No issues on the break-in period. Not a blister or hotspot. I wear them hiking and have zero problems. They are not waterproof, so I do not wear them hiking in the rain, but I wear them running errands in the rain and they are fine (I… Full review

Salomon Women's Speedcross 4

Great trail running shoe if you're not in the rain. I bought these shoes because they are waterproof. These shoes fit my foot a little slim. The tongue is chunky and slides a lot, and they are a little too low. I was not able to wear them in the rain for long because they just filled up with water. Glad I didn't step in any puddles.  They are a nice color, and the grip is amazing. Full review

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