rabbit.reviews

The Best Trail Running Shoes

Updated April 2026·Experts: irunfar, livefortheoutdoors, runninglabstore, mountaineerjourney

Best Overall

Hoka Speedgoat 7

$165

If you only buy one trail shoe, this is it. The Speedgoat line has earned its reputation through years of real-world abuse, and the 7 refines what was already the best cushioned trail shoe on the market.

What holds up

  • Best cushioned trail shoe per iRunFar's expert panel
  • Light with perfect blend of protection and bounce from foam
  • Excellent lockdown for technical terrain
  • Most durable shoe many long-term owners have ever had

What to know

  • Premium price point at $165
  • Max cushion may feel too soft for runners who prefer ground feel
  • Wide toe box fit may not suit narrow feet
What people say
Light, perfect blend of protection and bounce from the foam, excellent lockdown, and most durable shoe I've ever had.
Reddit user
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Best All-Around

Brooks Cascadia 19

$150

The Cascadia is the shoe you recommend to someone who doesn't want to overthink it, it's been the gold standard all-rounder for years and the 19 keeps that streak alive.

What holds up

  • Named Best All-Around Trail Running Shoe by iRunFar
  • Exceptional traction and stability on technical terrain
  • Moderate 6-8mm drop works for a wide range of runners
  • Tested on technical mountain runs and ultra-distance hikes

What to know

  • Not the lightest option for race-day use
  • Less cushioning than max-stack competitors like Speedgoat
  • Some runners find the fit slightly narrow
What people say
Despite these drawbacks, the Cascadia 19's exceptional traction, stability, and comfort make it a top contender for the best all-rounder trail running shoe.
Mountaineer Journey
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Best Zero-Drop

Altra Lone Peak 9

$145-$160

Zero-drop converts swear by the Lone Peak and never go back, the wide toe box and natural foot position genuinely change how your feet feel after long days on trail.

What holds up

  • Zero-drop profile with wide anatomical toe box reduces foot fatigue
  • Superior traction with upgraded lug pattern on v9
  • 4.8/5 stars from 106 reviews on REI, one of the highest-rated trail shoes
  • Versatile enough for both trail running and hiking

What to know

  • Zero-drop requires adaptation period for runners used to heel drop
  • Moderate cushioning may not satisfy max-cushion seekers
  • Wide toe box won't suit runners with narrow feet
What people say
The Altra Lone Peak 9 keeps that zero-drop, roomy-toe-box magic and gives it a fresh life with a new more durable ripstop upper, updated midsole foam for a touch more comfort, and an upgraded lug pattern for even better grip on rocky, loose, or steep trails.
Running Lab
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Best Max Cushion

Hoka Challenger 8

$140-$155

If you want to go from pavement to trail without changing shoes and still feel like you're running on clouds, the Challenger 8 is the move, it's the most versatile high-cushion option in the lineup.

What holds up

  • 42mm stack height maximalist cushion for all-day comfort
  • Highly breathable mesh upper keeps feet cool
  • All-surface traction handles road, gravel, and trail
  • Wide toe box and comfortable fit right out of the box

What to know

  • Very high stack height reduces trail feel and proprioception
  • Not ideal for highly technical or steep terrain
  • Heavier than race-oriented trail shoes
What people say
The Hoka Challenger 8 is the smoothest road-to-trail crossover yet, super light with tons of cushioning thanks to its compression-molded EVA midsole and a wider fit that makes it feel comfortable right out of the box.
Running Lab
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Best Value

New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9

$120-$160

The Hierro v9 is the trail shoe you recommend when someone wants Speedgoat-level cushioning but can't stomach the price, it punches well above its weight class.

What holds up

  • 30mm+ stack height maximum cushioning for long-distance comfort
  • Men's version regularly available from $119, strong value
  • 4.1-4.3 stars across 400+ combined REI reviews
  • Solid traction and protection for varied trail conditions

What to know

  • Less brand prestige than Hoka or Salomon in trail running community
  • Heavier than lighter-weight trail options
  • Fit can run narrow for some runners
What people say
Shoes with maximum cushioning, like the New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 and Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4, boast more than 30-millimeter stack heights.
REI Expert Advice
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