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The Best Trail & Fell Running Shoes Reviewed
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Comfort
This area really has more to do with your own personal preference, as well as your specific feet and what they need as far as comfort is concerned. Most trail shoes, by design, have a decent amount of stability. In most cases that account for the wider splay of the shoe’s outsole and tread layout. And, as far as comfort is concerned, many models are cushioned to take the changing surface that is encountered with off-road terrain. Although the dirt, grass, and sand is much softer than pavement or hardtop, you have to take into account exposed tree roots, rocks and the loose surfaces that may have debris underneath.
There are also quite a few minimalists and barefoot type trail runners available. With these, you shouldn’t expect much or any cushioning. So, if you are a bit more sensitive to the ground feel, or have foot conditions which require more cushioning and support, it may be wise to stay away from those more minimalistic designs.
Besides fit, other features on a fell running shoe can also dictate how comfortable the shoes will feel each time you put them on. One feature is the level of cushioning you find in the shoe, and how well that cushioning is at absorbing shock to help reduce fatigue and injury. The cushioning system found inside the shoe also needs to be flexible enough to help you out with your range of motion, so that you never feel restricted.
Also, some shoe manufacturers provide extra stability and support in certain areas of the shoe, like in the foot arches as well as the heels and toe boxes. It’s important to check out the features your trail running shoes have because having extra support in your arches, heels, and toes can also boost the level of comfort you experience in your shoe. The way to look at it is, do these provide enough stability for the area I want to run? And, will they get me through my entire run comfortably?
Traction
This is a big one for most types of footwear but can make all the difference on the trails or rougher terrain. The obvious visible difference with trail shoes is, often times, the more aggressive tread and outsole. The level of aggressiveness may depend on where you plan to normally run. If you are usually going to a park where the paths are well groomed without any major obstacles, then a less aggressive tread pattern will suit your needs well.
When trail running shoes first came out as a product on the market, they were designed mostly for racing, and many of the designs we find on the market today still have that activity in mind. Most trail running shoes don’t have bulky cushioning, but still, provide enough cushioning so that you get effective shock absorption. The reason there isn’t an abundance of cushioning on these shoes is that it keeps their weight to a minimum, and also helps runners fell to the ground so they get better balance and stability. Also, most trail running shoes are made with long-term adventures in mind and are built so that they won’t create fatigue or restrict your flexibility even if you’re outdoors all day long. Since trail running shoes are still manufactured today to provide this closeness to the ground as well as great stability, they also come designed with excellent grip systems to help you handle all types of terrain.
If you want to really push yourself, going for the sections of the forest or hills where the beaten paths end and the challenges begin, Then you will need to choose something that will help keep you upright and attached to the ground. A more rugged and aggressive sole and the tread will then be your best option. For those more challenging areas, a model with deeper lugs and even outward facing treads on the outsole would be something you may want to consider. If you intend on keeping your run focused on clean paths and light trails, all that extra grip is probably overkill. However, it is better to still have something with a bit more traction than a road shoe.
Weight
Weight is another important thing to consider for all types of runners. Do you really want to lug heavy shoes over any type of terrain, no matter if it is easy or technical? Of course not. With the technology that goes into manufacturing new footwear, most options that are currently available will not be super heavy. However, there are still options which are much lighter weight than others. Although newer materials are much lighter these days, the more cushioned models may still weigh a bit more than those with a lower profile design. Lighter is always better, but this can also be left to personal preference. There really aren’t too many super heavy runners being made these days, but, as I said, there will always be those which are lighter than others.
When looking for a pair of trail & fell running shoes the best way to ensure that you are getting a pair of lightweight shoes, which would be the best option for trail running as the ground is uneven and there are obstacles that you would not have on the road would be to check the weight of the shoes & the customer reviews if buying online or to go into a store and try the shoes on. By checking the customer reviews you will get an inside look at how these shoes felt on other customers feet and how they felt while they went on their runs. If you can go into a store and try on the shoes, this is always best when looking to invest in footwear as you will get a feel of how these shoes will fit before you purchase.
Durability
Simply put, you want these to last. Trail models can often cost a little more than road models, so you definitely want to get your money’s worth out of your purchase. You will see many brands producing runners with abrasion-resistant panels, protective overlays, and even heavier duty laces and proprietary lacing systems. They have to stand up to rough use.
As far as a pair of fell running shoes go, the overall durability will depend much on the materials that are used to create the shoe and the overall design of the shoe as a whole. All of the products we’ve mentioned on our list are decently durable, but some shoes will last longer than others. When you are deciding what pair of trail running shoes to buy, you don’t want to sacrifice too much quality for the price, since most of the shoes on our list are not overly expensive in the first place, while still bringing ample quality and functionality to your outdoor runs. The less quality you find in a shoe, the more affordable it will be, but also, the less durable. The shoe you pick needs to be able to stand up to the particular type of terrain you plan on attacking. This is absolutely a situation where you quite often do get exactly what you pay for.
Top Ten Trail & Fell Running Shoes
1. Merrell Trail Glove 4
This pair of trail running shoes from Merrell is a great pair of quality shoes that not only feel great but also will give you great traction as you will be running off-road and the trail can be unpredictable. Not only are these shoes from a great brand, but they also are affordable and durable. If you are looking to go off-road running than this pair of shoes is defiantly one to check out.
Read moreComfort
These shoes do not only offer great traction but also are quite comfortable even though you will be doing off road running. These shoes are slim fitting and fit closer to the shape of your feet, and do not offer a bulky feel as sometimes a bulky feel can add extra weight to your feet and will not give you a comfortable feel while running.
Traction
These shoes from Merrell offer a great and comfortable fit but also provide great traction as every pair of trail shoes should. Traction is important as they offer you ground support and ensure you are safe and well footed while running off-road. A trail can have loose dirt and other obstacles that a road does not have, so the traction is important and these slim-fitting shoes will give you that support.
Weight
These running shoes are lightweight and feel slim fitting while on your feet. They weigh only 2 pounds so you will only slightly feel them which is great as they will not distract you and weigh you down while on your run. This is important as there are obstacles while running on a trail so you want to be able to move quickly and not be weighed down by your shoes.
Durability
If we are talking about what a quality pair of durable trail running shoes look like than the Merrell Trail Glove 4. These shoes are made to last and that is important as when running off-road your shoes will take a beating as the dirt and other obstacles will take a toll on those shoes. Merrell is a quality company that makes quality products so if you have your eye on these shoes, your least concern should be the durability.
2. SALOMON SPEEDCROSS 4
In its’ 4th generation, this shoe is made for soft and technical trails. There are many vibrant color combinations to choose from so runners can display their sense of style. Made with Ortholite® foam, this will keep your feet drier, cooler and better cushioned under any environment. A mudguard and anti-debris mesh will protect your feet and keep mud, sticks, and stones out.
Read moreComfort
Designed with the Sensifit® system, when this shoe is put on, runners will notice a soft, great step-in feel. It gives runners a 10mm heel to toe drop and the EVA midsole provides excellent cushioning and anatomical support. The easy-on, easy off Quicklace system is special to the Salomon shoe line. Having this will give you a one-pull, secure, customized fit. It also has lace pockets to secure the ends of your laces. The shoe is designed with a gusseted tongue which keeps debris out during your run. Salomon also has a waterproof, Gore-Tex option for those runners who seek a waterproof version. For those who do not choose the waterproof version, they will find better breathability for their feet when running the trails.
Traction
The outsole is made of Contagrip ® which works well on a variety of surfaces. It has been tested on wet surfaces and did not have any slipping issues. The specific geometry of the lugs has been scientifically tested and designed to give the right solution for everything you encounter. The grippy, deep lugs will keep you upright on unpredictable surfaces, keeping you fearless on your runs.
Weight
This shoe is lighter than the previous model with a weight of 10.9oz. It does not give up foot protection for its lighter weight.
Durability
Typical for most trail running shoes, The Speedcross 4 offers a protective rubber toe cap and mudguard. Of the numerous online reviews available, no one commented on a lack of durability. It is praised for its resilient performance, time and time again.
3. ALTRA LONE PEAK 3.5
Altra is becoming better known in the trail running community as its fan base loves it's signature wide toe box. If you are looking for a slimmer fit, the Altra Superior 2.0 would be the alternative. However, they were designed to run on the Wasatch rocky rugged terrain, owners found the best performance out of these shoes on less technical trails.
Read moreComfort
The Altra Lone Peak 3.5 has been unveiled and updated with improvements upon the already best-seller. This shoe features drainage holes that allow your feet to stay dry when the weather on the trails gets rainy or muddy. The drainage holes also help to ventilate your feet, so they stay feeling fresh. In order to keep rocks from entering your running experience (rocks in your shoes is the worst), these shoes feature a 4-point gaiter system. In essence, the gaiter system acts like a strict border patrol officer who won't let one single rock through to your feet's comfort. The mesh upper has been updated to increase airflow and durability so that your runners last for the long-haul. The Zero-Drop platform is fully cushioned so that you can tackle any trail terrain in full comfort and with shock absorption. As many Altra runners have come to be known for, this Lone Peak 3.5 has a FootShape Toe Box.
Traction
The Max Trac outsole ensures that you will stay firmly on the path with no wobble or slippage.
Weight
These shoes are incredibly lightweight, at 9.7-ounces. We are baffled at how Altra managed to fit so many features into such a lightweight shoe.
Durability
Overall, this running shoe is ideal for hitting trail terrain. You can feel comfortable knowing that they are durable, have a solid grip, well ventilated, and feel great, too.
4. ASICS GEL VENTURE 6
Asics, which is an acronym which stands for “Anima Sana in Corpore Sano” in Latin, translates to “A sound mind in a sound body.” The Asics Gel Venture 6 is a trail running shoe that definitely honors that moto. This shoe has been found to be versatile, durable and comfortable, as many users don't want to take these runners off after they're done with the trail. Find out more about this shoe below.
Read moreComfort
The synthetic outer along with the mesh on the exterior provides excellent breathability, so your feet will stay dry and cool when you're out running and prevent bacterial growth. Asics opted for a special gel midsole in the Venture 6, which is designed to offer support and shock absorption while being comfortable on any type of terrain.
Traction
The multi-directional lugs are designed to promote good traction, so you can take on uneven trails with ease. These lugs also allow the Asics Venture 6 to perform well even in rainy conditions. No matter the terrain or the weather, these shoes will take you anywhere.
Weight
The men's variant weighs about 12 ounces, and the women's variant weighs about 9, depending on the exact size. This means that these shoes are very lightweight without sacrificing features or durability.
Durability
The rugged one-piece rubber outsole is made for trails and technical paths. Using AHAR (Asics High Abrasion Rubber) in strategic places along the outsole reinforces durability and ease of movement. The outside is made with a synthetic material that's durable enough to handle any debris kicked up on the trail.
5. MERRELL ALL OUT CRUSH
Merrell All Out Crush closes the list of best trail shoes. Great traction and construction will definitely help you continue your running adventure. Runners really adore the simplicity of the design and the colors, most of them are classical, it’s really hard to see mud or dirt on them. There’s 6 mm heel to toe drop. See what Merrell offers!
Read moreComfort
There are two foams in the heel and the toe area and there’s one another around them to provide more comfort. The upper is really lightweight and there’s a big boost when it comes to ventilation. There’s also an additional layer to provide more protection while running. Many users really praised the breathability, there are little perforations which helps your feet to stay drier while running. There’s special Merrell long lasting that helps to keep your feet dry while running. It also prevents unpleasant odor as there is an antimicrobial feature. What is extraordinary about these shoes is that they’re also vegan-friendly.
Traction
The rubber provides good traction no matter on what terrain you run. The grip is excellent and it’s really slip-resistant.
Weight
As you see, we try also focus on weight as running in lightweight shoes is much more comfortable. These shoes aren’t an exception- they are quite lightweight but they still provide enough support.
Durability
Many runners, after having tested these shoes, said that these will stay with them for a long time.
6. ALTRA SUPERIOR 3.0
If you're into zero drop shoes, like Altra, but don't necessarily want a bulky shoe, check out their newest version in the Superior line. The Superior 3.0 packs more than what you might expect when looking at it for the first time.
Read moreComfort
Although noticeably less bulky in the sole than many other models from Altra, there is quite a bit of cushioning. The grip is what we really noticed about these though. With the brand's FootShape design, you get a much wider forefoot that translates into more surface area for stability on uneven ground.
Traction
I addition to many of the usual attributes seen in Altra's shoes, such as zero drop, anatomical foot shaped build, decent traction, we also really like the Gaiter Trap. This is basically an attachment on the heal of the shoe that holds onto Altra's trail running gaiter. It seems like a little thing to get excited about, but wait until you get a small rock in your shoes...
Weight
These Altra running shoes weigh in at 9.2-ounces.
Durability
The durability that you can expect is quite good. Like most of their products, these will last as long as you take care of them. Definitely avoid taking on hardtop too often. The tread will wear down quicker on the road, as these are intended for the trail.
7. SAUCONY PEREGRINE 7
Take a break from life and wander into the wild with the Saucony Peregrine 7. The successor to the Peregrine 6, this versatile shoe has been found to do well going from road to trail. Many runners like the adaptability of the shoe and that they can be used on a daily basis.
Read moreComfort
Runners like the firm and responsive cushioning and lightweight feel of this pair of trail running shoes. The heel plate and stiffness of the posterior aspect of the shoe gave some users blisters while working uphill. The designed this series with a wider toe box and neutral support which pleases many users. Heel to toe offset is 4mm, which delivers more of a natural ride and lets your feet and body to more work while relying less on the shoes’ cushioning and stability features.
Traction
This shoe does well on a flat trail but might struggle on steeper, smoother surfaces. Its PWRTRAC outsole has remained unchanged in this version and grips well to rocky terrain and you won’t feel anything piercing through the sole. Its outer teeth-like lugs give the shoe a great appearance and keep runner upright on technical terrain.
Weight
The 8.4 ounces per shoe is on the lighter end, at least for a trail shoe. The lighter feel will help you be able to work more on speed during your training runs. This also sets the runner-up for a more sensitive and responsive run.
Durability
This shoe is a good value for the price. With the protection of the rock plate and grippy outsole, this shoe should hold up well on any running excursion. The RUNDRY collar lining wicks away moisture for a fresher in-shoe feel, each time they are worn. The upper stays together well, due to being made by tightly-knit mesh and synthetic materials.
8. NEW BALANCE LEADVILLE V3
Inspired by the Leadville 100 trail race, this shoe is designed for distance trail running and will leave you feeling confident and protected. It has a normal lace-up closure and sewn-in gusseted tongue which helps keep debris out. It does lack a protective rock plate, but firm cushioning provides ample amount of underfoot protection.
Read moreComfort
This is a comfortable shoe right out of the box due to its Skeleton FantomFit and Low Profile N2® responsive cushioning. This shoe has a medial post which works well for over-pronators and runners with wide feet. The upper mesh is stretchable to accommodate for swelling during ultra-marathons. The uppers design is also fit to reduce weight, irritation during long runs and stiffness. The support around the heel and rock plate keep sharp rocks from pushing through. One user commented that even after an 18-mile run which involved running through creeks, the shoe dried quickly and he did not need to change socks the entire run.
Traction
The biggest change in this shoe from its previous version, the 1210V2, is the Vibram outsole. Runners rave about the quality of this technology, however, you shouldn’t completely count on it in snowy, sloppy conditions. Runners noted that it can be trusted on packed snow, gravel, rock and in the mud.
Weight
The Leadville 3 weighs 10.8 ounces and has an 8mm heel to toe drop which works for most runners. The stack height provides great underfoot protection without taking away from the runner’s ground feedback.
Durability
This is has a good balance of “armor” and mobility. New Balance claims that their cushioning will hold up for over 500 miles. Many reviewers noted that their V3s continue to go strong with no stability breakdown or ripping of the mesh upper portions. It was built to last under the toughest conditions.
9. BROOKS CALDERA
If you want to test yourself on technical trails, these shoes will be your good friend. Brooks Caldera shoes are very popular among trail runners because of the durability and comfort they provide. Many users really liked the simple design of these shoes and the ventilation system. Only a few runners didn’t like the colors of the shoes but there were also runners who adored black-orange version.
Read moreComfort
The upper is nearly seamless. There’s a great amount of cushioning and there’s a big energy return. The shoes are quite wide but they still stay true to the size. These shoes work great when it comes to absorbing the impact. There’s very good ventilation and even if you get your shoes wet, they will dry fast. Also great if you want a little bit more of arch support. There’s also heel counter so your heel is less prone to injuries and it also boosts comfort.
Traction
What many runners didn’t like about these shoes is the traction. The traction is quite average, it may not be good enough for many runners. When the mud isn’t a big problem, rocks or wet rocks are a big problem.
Weight
You may think that this bulky looking shoe isn’t very lightweight but in fact, it’s not very heavy and what’s most important, you don’t feel this weight on the feet.
Durability
Runners said that in general, these shoes are durable but some complained about the outsole.
10. PEARL IZUMI TRAIL EM N2 V3
This is the third iteration of the Trail EM N2, and it continues to show improvements. With an enhanced rock plate and a little less cushioning than its predecessor, the V3 has struck a balance that's satisfying for most runners.
Read moreComfort
The biggest complaint about this shoes previous version was that it was too firm. The company listened to the reviewers and made this version with a 4mm heel 1:1 energy foam and took it from a 52C to 45C. In addition, mesh Strobel board, which is used to connect the upper of the shoe to the sole, is made with less adhesive and material. This helped take the firmness out of the shoe. Midfoot support of this shoe is provided by a saddle that was added to the medial aspect and is incorporated into the laces.
The sure-lace system that is custom to this shoe, helps the laces stay tied for your entire workout. The heel of the shoe still uses a rigid heel counter that has additional padding and a nice collar to provide comfort and lock in the heel. Reflective heel accents and tongue mesh increase low visibility safety on the road.
Traction
Durable and sticky lugs make up this rubber outsole. The lugs weren’t designed with anything specific in mind, which makes it a great, all-around shoe to wear on any type of terrain.
Weight
Weighing in at 11.4 ounces, this show is middle of the road when it comes to overall mass. It gives the right balance of protection without being too bulky.
Durability
Due to sturdy construction, these shoes should last. The flexible, yet protective rock plate protects user’s toes well. Reviewers also felt that when these shoes picked up moisture, they dried quickly.