Best Trail Running Shoes for Men of 2026

Every iteration of the Salomon Speedcross has made our list, and we’re pleased to welcome the Speedcross 6 as well. Like prior versions, this Salomon model offers excellent arch support, a snug fit, and stellar traction, making it our fave for running on wet and soft terrain.

If you’re cruising through lots of loose ground – think  mud or sand – the Speedcross 6s will be your new best friend. They have a wider-set lug pattern than any other shoe on our list, so it sheds debris effortlessly and immediately while maintaining contact with the ground. It’s excellent in muck, gravel, snow, and other soft surfaces when we need a reliable step.

We’re also big fans of the Speedcross 6’s glove-like fit and outstanding arch support. Those who prefer running shoes with a snug feel will fall in love with these. That said, if you have wide feet or you’re between sizes, we highly recommend considering the wide version.

They aren’t perfect, though. The Speedcross has a very tall heel-to-toe drop that can feel tippy and unstable on technical terrain, angled routes, and steep downhills. The Quicklace system is fast and efficient, but it won’t work for everyone. There’s no way to adjust pressure across the foot, so it’s not nearly as customizable compared to regular laces. 

We also find that the soles – including traction – wear flat faster than other trail runners on our list. Softer rubber composite wears especially fast on rocky terrain and asphalt. When we ran on mixed terrain – trail, pavement, and packed dirt – we averaged about 300 miles before the lugs were noticeably worn.

That said, there’s no need to tread lightly with the Speedcross 6. If you’re looking for specialty footwear for soft terrain, these are the kicks for you: grippy, comfortable, and stylish.

More: Salomon Speedcross 6 Full Review

We like the HOKA Rocket X Trail for when we want to get rowdy on some trail. HOKA took one of its top road racing shoes (the HOKA Rocket X 3) and turned it into an off-road trail racing shoe. Like the road version, the Rocket X Trail is fun, fast, responsive, and propulsive. The name is fitting.

HOKA packed 42 millimeters of its A-TPU superfoam midsole under the heel, slapped on an “H”-shaped carbon plate, attached it to a lightweight and breathable mesh upper, and called it a day. The result is a supershoe trail racer that feels and performs better the faster we go. The massive stack height makes the shoe soft and comfortable, but the high-end foam keeps our stride efficient and propulsive. And its 6-millimeter heel-to-toe drop is on the higher end of the moderate drop range, but remains a good level for most runners.

Of course, there are a few drawbacks to the shoe. That massive stack height creates some instability. The 3-millimeter lugs don’t provide the most traction. And HOKA saved weight by getting skimpy on the outsole, leaving some of the midsole foam exposed. So this isn’t our go-to racing shoe for super technical, steep, or loose surfaces and terrain. And at $250, it’s the most expensive shoe on this list.

But, if that’s in your budget and you’re looking for a fun and fast racing shoe for gravel, packed dirt, and less technical trails, the HOKA Rocket X Trail is about as good as it gets.

We love the Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4 for its wide toe box, super breathable uppers, and plush, flexible soles. This is the first update to the Ultraventures in a long time, although very little has changed. The 4’s get a tighter weave pattern in the uppers, slightly better ankle security with a different TPU layout, and a tighter lockdown at the heel. Our testing finds these are as comfy as ever for long running days and big miles.

What sets the Ultraventures apart is their natural foot shape, featuring a large toe box, narrower heel cup, and midfoot that hugs close. If you’re looking for out-of-the-box comfort, the Ultraventures are good to go right away. We found they didn’t need much break-in time at all and allowed natural foot flexion. The padded tongue and pleasantly soft insoles inspired confidence immediately.

The compromise with the Ultraventures, however, is traction depth. The lugs are not deep enough to bite effectively on wet rocks or trails with lots of steep ascent and descent, especially compared to more technical-focused shoes. The upside? These things are excellent for easy and moderate established trails and routes with mixed flats, pavement, and dirt.

The Ultraventures are also exceptional for hot runs because of their ultra-ventilated mesh uppers, and they dry impressively fast. We find they won’t last as many miles as shoes made with TPU reinforcements or thicker construction, though. We’re averaging around 400 trail miles before fabric starts to break down.

But anyone who wants a big ol’ toe box, plenty of arch support, and a sensitive lacing system should consider keeping a pair of these in the running shoe rotation. Lightweight, breathable, and roomy, the Ultraventure 4s help us stay ahead of the pack.

More: Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4 Full Review

The North Face Vectiv Enduris 4 is a cushy trail runner for trail-to-town routes that earns top marks for comfort. The 4’s got some welcome updates, including a durable and long-lasting upper, a curved toe and heel for a propulsive step, and tons of foam that devours lumps and bumps on trail.

These babies are comfortable right out of the box and need very little break-in time. In fact, we felt so confident in them that we went straight to the trailhead for a quick out-and-back after picking them up.

The Enduris 4 have super-thick foam midsoles that deliver a soft, forgiving ride that helps maintain momentum. The foam isn’t sloppy, though – with a curved toe spring and slightly bouncy heel, we find overall that energy return is awesome.

Our testers also loved the slightly rockered sole with a TPU plate. This design walks a fine line between stability and cushioning, making the Enduris 4 perfect for long-distance efforts on moderate trails. 

On the flip side, the foam removes ground feel. That means they aren’t the most responsive or precise shoe, and the outsole is aesthetically and functionally a bit bulky compared to others. As a result, we find the Enduris 4 can feel a bit clunky on technical terrain and steep uphills, which is why it’s a bit lower our list.

We also find the double-layer uppers run hot. Our feet were sweating above 80°, although this thick design is super durable. With 400 miles and counting on our pair, they show very little wear and tear.

But when it comes to cushioning, the Enduris 4 is king. These are comfy and long lasting trail runners that perform from trail to pavement. The rock-eating ride of this North Face model keeps us cruising on medium-tempo efforts mile after mile. It’s become one of our faves for daily runs – or hitting a PR in the 10K – and we think you’ll love it as well.

More: The North Face Vectiv Enduris 4 Full Review

The HOKA Speedgoat 7 still delivers the signature blend of support, grip, and agility that made this line famous, but with some updates that may not work for every runner. That said, we’ve logged hundreds of miles from city trails to alpine summits, on every version of the Speedgoat, and they continue to hold their own.

Like the 6s, the 7s have a lower-profile foam stack for a firmer, more responsive feel underfoot. That continues to be a big change from the gravel-gobbling, ultra-cushy ride of prior versions. The 7s feature an upgraded midsole with supercritical EVA foam, which we find comfortable and responsive. The shoe is smooth on rugged terrain and technical trails, but on long-distance runs, we notice less shock absorption than in previous versions.

The upper’s new mesh also improves breathability and drying speed, making it a strong warm-weather performer. We dunked these multiple times during creek crossings on a section hike of the Colorado Trail, and they were dry within the hour. We’re also happy that Hoka updated the Speedgoat’s tongue, making it a reasonable size compared to the 6s. The redesigned outsole delivers excellent traction. It’s noticeably grippier than the last version, which is great news for technical terrain. The latest version also changed up the lug orientation for increased traction.

On the downside, we found that the firmer sole can lead to foot fatigue over long distances. Additionally, HOKA made the fit just a bit narrower through the midsole and toe box, and the new design feels restrictive to some of our testers. For folks who are between sizes, check out the wide version. We also recommend sizing up.

Hoka also refined the heel collar, which we found a bit more comfortable and better fitting. We haven’t gotten to the 300-mile mark in the 7s yet, but that’s about where the 6s started to break down on us. If you’re seeking lightweight performance, excellent grip, fast-drying comfort, and bright colorways,  Hoka still has a winner — provided you’re okay with ditching that old cozy bounce for a stiffer, snoozier vibe.

More: HOKA Speedgoat 7 Full Review

The On Cloudultra 3 is a highly versatile trail running shoe that’s solid for everyday training. Nothing really blows us away about this shoe, but that’s the point; it’s a Jack of all terrains, master of none. On says it built the Clouldultra 3 for ultra distances on technical terrain. We’d push back on the technical terrain because we know and love other, more mountain-specific brands with their decades of product testing on off-trail, mixed-alpine routes. Still, for a great all-around option where a trail might hit some techy spots, these do the trick. On uses its own Missiongrip outsole, which features multidirectional 3-millimeter lugs spaced out further than most. 

The outsole’s traction also didn’t blow us away, but it also wasn’t much of a problem. We experience some slippage on the loosest and most technical terrain, but nothing deal-breaking. We actually appreciate the 3-millimeter lugs and less-burly outsole construction because they make this the most versatile shoe we tested across terrain and surfaces.

On employs its CloudTec cushioning system, designed for stability. It definitely runs like a stability shoe and works well for our overpronating trail running friends. On also uses its Nylon Speedboard for snappier running and energy return. The Nylon Speedboard is On’s alternative to a carbon plate, and is essentially a nylon plate. The dual-density Helion HF Hyper Foam also helps increase energy return.

While we appreciate On’s efforts toward energy return, the slightly above-average weight somewhat cancels that out for us when it comes to fast running and agility on trails. Besides the shoe’s weight, the added tech also ups the cost. The Cloudultra 3 is one of the most expensive shoes on this list. Still, for anyone looking for a versatile trail running shoe that performs well and looks good doing it, the On Cloudultra 3 is a solid option.

If you’re looking for a running shoe with all-around performance, excellent comfort, and versatility for long miles on trail or road, the Brooks Cascadia 19 fits the bill – and most budgets.

Our team has been running and hiking in this model for years, logging thousands of miles on trails like the PCT, CDT, and Pinhoti. CleverHiker’s Managing Editor, Ben Applebaum-Bauch, has put 6,000+ miles on multiple versions, and the 19s remain a daily go-to for everything from trail runs to backpacking trips.

Thanks to plush foam midsoles, a supportive midfoot arch, and breathable mesh uppers, the Cascadia 19 delivers excellent comfort right out of the box with virtually no break-in time. The flexible uppers and effective lacing keep feet secure, while the springy midsoles provide plenty of cushion for pounding out long distances on packed dirt, sandy stretches, and even asphalt.

They don’t necessarily rule any one metric, but that’s their charm. The Cascadia 19’s stable ride, dependable traction, and lightweight feel make them ideal for most foot shapes and a wide range of trail conditions.

Our biggest gripe is durability. We’ve come to expect mesh blowouts at the edge of the toes and worn tread after a single season of heavy use. Also, if groundfeel is important to you, the foam midsoles don’t offer much sensitivity on more technical terrain, and it’s worth noting these shoes are still on the heavier side for this category.

But, the Cascadia 19 remains a stellar value. With its reliable performance, cushy ride, breathable design, and quick-drying materials, it’s an outstanding deal for anyone stacking up miles. If you’re taking on established trails and don’t want to spend an arm and a leg for quality trail runners, consider the Cascadia 19.

More: Brooks Cascadia 19 Full Review

We’ve been appreciating the growing trend of shoe companies taking some of their best road shoes and making off-road versions, like the new Brooks Ghost Trail. The Brooks Ghost is a road running classic, and the Ghost Trail is off to a good start. From top to bottom, the Ghost Trail was the most comfortable trail-running shoe we tested in the latest batch. 

The comfort begins with nitrogen-infused cushioning for extra-soft landings. Brooks attaches the midsole foam to a breathable air-mesh upper, which is definitely soft and comfortable. The tongue is super plush, which we appreciated. The overall fit of the shoe was very true to size.

Brooks employs a TrailTack Green rubber outsole with 3-millimeter lugs. We found this outsole to be excellent on multiple surfaces. It works on pavement, gravel, packed dirt, and most non-technical singletrack. We weren’t super confident on the steepest or most technical trails. But for what it lacks in that area, it makes up for in versatility.

Some things to consider about the Brooks Ghost Trail are its weight and higher heel-to-toe drop. At 10.6 ounces per shoe, it’s definitely on the heavier end. And the 8-millimeter drop will probably be too much for some. That said, these are versatile and highly comfortable off-road trail running shoes.

More: Brooks Ghost Trail Full Review

If you’re looking for the ultimate zero-drop trail shoe, the Altra Lone Peak 9 is our top choice. Every iteration of the Lone Peaks have been on our best trail runners list (and best hiking shoes guide) for years thanks to their airy feel, grippy outsole, and ergonomic foot shape.

The 9’s are an excellent version of the Lone Peaks, giving both long-time fans and newbies a lot to love. They have a cushy sole that offers a good balance between ground feel and protection. A natural foot shape with a huge toe box has plenty of room for our piggies to wiggle. The midfoot is narrow but soft, and an extra set of lace holes at the ankle offer a highly customizable lacing pattern for this version.

The 9’s mix up the traction, and we love the change. While still preserving their MaxTrac pattern, the lugs are in slightly different position that offers more reliable grip on steep uphills and downhills. Mesh on the tongue helps them dry fast, venting exceptionally well on hot and dry hikes. Altra also adds a gaiter attachment loop at the front of the shoe to lock down gaiters tightly to the shoes and help keep debris out.

The main knock on the Lone Peak 9’s is a long-time issue: durability. It’s the reason they rank lower – our pairs were looking rough at only 200 miles, with fabric blowing out at the toes and the TPU overlays lifting off. The updated heel cuff isn’t as cushioned or comfortable as the prior version, which means there’s a longer break-in period. And, Lone Peaks remain one of the heavier pairs we reviewed compared to other trail runners.

Additionally, zero-drop shoes aren’t for everyone. Keep in mind that going from higher heel-to-toe-drop footwear to a zero-drop shoe often requires a bit of a transition period to avoid injury, so make sure to account for this if you haven’t used zero-drop shoes before.

That said, the Lone Peaks are a winner when it comes to ground feel, an ergonomic step, reliable traction and breathable uppers. We recommend them to anyone looking for a comfortable, roomy, affordable, toe-friendly running shoe.

More: Altra Lone Peak 9 Full Review

The Pegasus ACG Pegasus Trail shoes are impressively comfy mile after mile thanks to updated, cushy midsoles that balance springiness and support. The foam feels more responsive than the previous version, leading to less foot fatigue. And we love the gaiter-like cuff, which rises higher than any other shoes on our list to block out debris.

This Nike model gets an update with a more rockered profile. Pair that with a higher stack height of the ReactX foam and a tall heel-to-toe drop, and these shoes thrive on moderate terrain. We felt especially fast on moderate trails with gentle uphills and downhills, and blocky, square lugs offered good traction on most surfaces, including wet and slick wood and slick rocks. While this is a narrower shoe, Nike did increase the width of the toe box in this version, which we appreciate. 

We think this shoe is excellent for beginners because it’s easy to find at most stores, it’s an excellent all-around trail running shoe built on decades of dialing in the Pegasus road running shoes, and it’s comfortable with good traction. 

Of course, there are still some things to consider. The tall heel-to-toe drop and stack height also take a bit of getting used to, especially if you’re new to trail running. And at 10.8 ounces per shoe, it is on the heavier side.

More: Nike ACG Pegasus Trail Full Review