In the wild world of trail running, where dirt is your treadmill and rocks are your personal trainers, finding the right pair of men’s trail running shoes can be a quest worthy of an epic adventure. Say farewell to the concrete jungle and embrace the allure of untamed terrains with the perfect pair of trail running shoes.
These footwear companions provide the essential underfoot support needed to conquer woodlands, navigate technical hills, ascend mountains, and trace the contours of coastlines. Urban running makes way for the invigorating embrace of nature.
Beyond the physical benefits, the mental rewards of trail running are nothing short of remarkable. Scientific studies reveal that venturing off the well-trodden path not only diminishes anxiety but also lowers the risk of injury, compelling your body to engage a broader spectrum of muscle groups.
So, whether you’re gearing up for a road marathon or simply seeking a refreshing change of pace, there’s an abundance of reasons to trade the pavement for the enchanting trails regularly. Step into the wild, breathe in the crisp air and let the trail become your new running domain.
While picking out trail running shoes, it’s not just about slipping on any old pair of sneakers and hitting the trail. It’s about finding the perfect fit for your feet, the Prince Charming of trail running shoes. We have compiled a list of the 7 best trail running shoes on the market to ease your decision-making.
Be sure to make it to #1 for our take on why Saucony Peregrine 13 is the best pick.
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Shoe | Material | Weight | Price | Rating (out of 5 stars) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Synthetic material | 10.5 ounces | 4.8 | ||
Mesh TPU | 10.5 ounces | 4.8 | ||
Synthetic material | 11.33 ounces | 4.7 | ||
Abrasion-resistant and hydrophobic TPEE | 10.6 ounces | 4.7 | ||
Single-layer jacquard mesh | 10.58 ounces | 4.7 | ||
Recycled mesh | 9.1 ounces | 4.6 | ||
Abrasion-resistant mesh | 10.58 ounces | 4.5 |
7. adidas Men’s Terrex Trailrider
Material: Abrasion-resistant mesh
Waterproofing: Yes
Item weight: 10.58 ounces
Price: $110
Embrace the call of the wild with adidas Terrex trail running shoes. These kicks are your passport to the great outdoors, inviting you to elevate your run to the serene hills. Engineered with a perfect blend of lightweight design, responsive cushioning, and robust support, these shoes are your trail companions, ready to conquer a diverse array of conditions.
Crafted specifically for mountain escapades, the adidas Terrex Trailrider Trail Running Shoes fearlessly tackle rocky, solid, or smooth terrains along forested trails, allowing you to breathe in the purest air beneath the canopy. Experience an unparalleled sense of comfort and lightness as you navigate the trails with ease.
The Continental outsole, adorned with mid-studs, ensures exceptional grip on various surfaces outside, making each step secure and confident. A TPU protective layer stands guard against unexpected encounters with tree roots or rocks, making your trail run a worry-free adventure.
Constructed with a thoughtfully designed upper comprising mesh and synthetic details, these trekking shoes prioritize interior ventilation while fortifying resistance against abrasions. Featuring a protective toe cap, reinforced tongue, and convenient elastic laces, these shoes are not just functional but also fashionably equipped for your outdoor exploits.
Pros
- Very light and comfortable
- They are very sturdy
- They are very breathable
Cons
- Not suitable for fast running
6. Topo Athletic Men’s Runventure 4
Waterproofing: Yes
Item weight: 9.1 ounces
Price: $125
Embark on a trail-taming journey with these feather-light, agile, and naturally zero-drop Topo Athletic Runventure 4. The unique design seamlessly merges with a gently cushioned, zero-drop foundation, providing a ride that feels effortlessly natural and flexible.
Revel in the perfect equilibrium between a physical connection with the ground and sublime underfoot comfort. Their meticulously crafted outsole showcases Vibram® XS Trek EVO rubber, ensuring stellar traction on a myriad of surfaces and unmatched durability across all terrains.
The upper undergoes a stylish transformation, featuring recycled mesh that not only enhances breathability but also guarantees a snug, dependable, and robust fit. Lace-up and redefine your trail experience – it’s time to make these trails truly yours.
Pros
- Road to trail versatile
- Very light for easy movement
- Offers great underfoot comfort
Cons
- These might not perform as expected on jagged terrain
5. Hoka Mafate Speed 4
Material: Single-layer jacquard mesh
Waterproofing: Yes
Item weight: 10.58 ounces
Price: $216
The Hoka Mafate Speed 4, the newest and most transformed version of the beloved trail shoe, introduces a jacquard mesh upper for an enhanced and engineered fit. Boasting a Litebase Vibram Megagrip outsole, it sheds weight compared to its predecessor. The updated upper design ensures a secure lockdown, making it well-equipped for navigating technical trails with speed and precision.
Equipped with 5-millimeter lugs, the shoe can handle various terrains – muddy, rocky, dry, and wet. The Vibram Megagrip, coupled with the Litebase technology, marks a notable advancement from the Hoka Zinal, showcasing a lighter-weight compound for improved performance.
Unlike many trail shoes, the Hoka Mafate Speed 4 forgoes a traditional rock plate, relying on its unique foam stack. This design choice allows the midsole to conform to the shape of obstacles rather than deflecting them, offering a distinctive approach to underfoot protection.
For the midsole, the shoe employs ProFly+ foam, a dual-density configuration. The bottom layer provides a slightly stiffer foundation, ensuring stability and support, while the top layer, softer in composition, sits directly beneath the foot for added comfort.
Pros
- Has a soft midsole for comfortable running
- Offers great traction thanks to 5mm traction
- It is roomy
Cons
- Not the best pick for fast trail running
4. Brooks Men’s Catamount 2
Material: Abrasion-resistant and hydrophobic TPEE
Waterproofing: Yes
Item weight: 10.6 ounces
Price: $110
Brooks launched the Catamount 2 as their inaugural venture into the realm of authentic trail running shoes, catering to diverse terrains. While its outsole grip doesn’t boast extreme condition prowess, the Catamount 2 delivers a supple ride that strikes a harmonious balance between ground sensitivity and foot safeguarding.
Ideal for navigating unsurfaced countryside paths, this shoe provides a reliable companion for your off-road adventures. Slipping your feet into the Catamount 2 reveals an immediate sense of stability and a grounded connection with the terrain. There’s a tangible feeling of being well-rooted in place.
Despite maintaining the same stack height as its predecessor, Brooks doesn’t compromise stability by thinning the midsole. Instead, they’ve elevated the side walls, particularly at the shoe’s rear, ensuring your foot now nestles within the midsole. This departure from the original Catamount, where the foot sat atop the midsole, alters the perception from riding the shoe to being enveloped by it.
The SkyVault midsole plate is a tailored feature designed to elevate performance on uphill stretches while contributing to a smooth and stable descent, making it particularly adept for undulating trails. The plate’s forefoot curvature propels you more efficiently off your toes during ascents, doubling as a reliable rock shield for added protection.
Pros
- The shoes have great traction
- The Hydrophobic mesh upper keeps out water
Cons
- Slightly longer and narrower than the first version
3. ALTRA Men’s Lone Peak 7
Waterproofing: Yes
Item weight: 11.33 Ounces
Price: $150
The Lone Peak 7 has undergone a remarkable transformation. Altra’s best-selling trail shoe now boasts a seamless, stitch-less upper that marries lightness with durability. Its streamlined construction ensures agility and confidence across any terrain.
The upgraded MaxTrac outsole delivers exceptional stickiness and grip, complemented by an Altra EGO midsole that strikes the perfect balance between responsiveness and comfort. Embark on a natural journey through the wilderness with the Original FootShape Fit – because your feet deserve to move freely.
This iconic trail runner beckons adventurers to rugged terrains, and let’s face it – traction has never been a Lone Peak issue. However, the pursuit of a secure fit has been a quest. Altra addresses this concern by refining the upper design, ensuring roomy toeboxes for natural foot movement and toe splay without venturing into the realm of excess motion. It’s a delicate equilibrium, and this version achieves it with finesse.
Unlike its predecessor with a customizable lacing system, the Lone Peak 7 boasts a new stitch-less upper, offering a more locked-in feel. The absence of bulky overlays and seams allows the mesh to snugly wrap the foot, eliminating wrinkles and bunching for an even more comfortable fit.
Pros
- Has a wide comfortable toebox
- Offers great traction
Cons
- It is slightly heavier than Lone Peak 6
2. Salomon Pulsar Trail
Waterproofing: Yes
Item weight: 10.5 ounces
Price: $140
Introducing the latest addition to Salomon’s powerhouse of trail runners, the Pulsar series. In 2022, Salomon expanded its trail running shoe collection, ensuring there’s a perfect fit for every enthusiast. Stepping up from the entry-level offerings, the Salomon Pulsar Trail emerges as an exceptional all-around runner, poised to conquer any terrain in its path.
At the heart of its performance lies the exclusive Energy Blade insert, complementing an already sturdy and responsive midsole. Sporting a substantial 30mm stack height in the heels, one might mistake it for a forgiving, ultra-plush choice ideal for extensive runs.
Salomon’s Sense Ride has long been revered by both novices and seasoned trail racers, thanks to its robust and enduring cushioning, providing comfort during daily jogs and extended runs. The Pulsar Trail inherits these commendable attributes while introducing an extra element—an energy-boosting feature known as the “Energy Blade,” a propulsive TPU plate according to Salomon.
Pros
- The lugs shed mud easily
- They have great traction
- The midsole plate is responsive
Cons
- Some reviewers said that the shoe was stiff
1. Saucony Peregrine 13 Trail
Material: Synthetic material
Waterproofing: Yes
Item weight: 10.5 ounces
Price: $139.95
The Peregrine 13 has always been a lightweight and agile trail shoe, but now, the upgraded model also embraces an enhanced level of cushioning and heightened protection. This footwear is an excellent choice for trail runners seeking a responsive and gripping companion, whether conquering easy runs or racing against the clock.
Saucony’s Peregrine lineage has established itself as a swift trail shoe, catering effectively to a diverse range of runners amidst a myriad of conditions. Ideal for those taking their first steps on a muddy trail or safeguarding the toes of seasoned vert-chasers navigating rock-strewn paths, the Peregrine effortlessly adapts to various terrains, foot shapes, and distances.
True to its legacy, the Peregrine 13 excels in these aspects and now introduces a softer upper mesh while boasting 1.5mm more cushioning compared to its predecessor. Retaining the forefoot rock plate from the v12 model, this iteration of the Peregrine manages to shed some overall weight, courtesy of Saucony’s refined Pwrrun foam formula.
Pros
- The shoe sheds mud easily
- It is responsive and has excellent traction
- Has a softer midsole than the v12
Cons
- The collar can be a bit uncomfortable around the heel
How to pick Men’s trail running shoes
Picking the ideal trail running shoe is no easy feat, as it comes down to several factors. These include your running style and personal preferences such as desired feel and fit. There are some helpful factors you can consider to help you make the right choice. These include the following;
Weight
The weight of the trail running shoes can impact your overall running experience. Lightweight shoes are generally preferred for faster, more agile runs, while some runners may prioritize a slightly heavier shoe for added stability and durability. Consider your running style and preferences when choosing the right balance between weight and performance.
Durability
Trail running can be tough on shoes, so durability is a crucial consideration. Look for shoes with reinforced toe caps and durable materials in high-wear areas. Additionally, inspect the quality of the stitching and construction to ensure the shoes can withstand the rigors of trail running.
Waterproofing and breathability
Depending on the climate and conditions in which you run, you may want to consider the waterproofing and breathability features of trail running shoes. Waterproof shoes are ideal for wet and muddy trails, providing protection from water and keeping your feet dry. However, if you primarily run in warmer conditions, breathable shoes with mesh uppers can help keep your feet cool and comfortable.
Picking the perfect pair of men’s trail running shoes involves considering a combination of factors, including terrain, cushioning, fit, waterproofing, durability, and weight. Taking the time to evaluate these aspects and trying on different models will help you find the ideal trail running shoes that cater to your unique needs and preferences.
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