Top performing running and trail shoes: comprehensive tests

Top Performing Running and Trail Shoes: Comprehensive Tests

When it comes to choosing the right running or trail shoes, the options can be overwhelming, especially with the constant innovation in the market. To help you make an informed decision, here’s a detailed look at some of the top performing running and trail shoes, based on comprehensive tests and reviews.

Understanding the Key Features

Before diving into the specific shoes, it's important to understand what makes a shoe great for running or trail running. Here are some key features to look out for:

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• Fit: A comfortable and secure fit is crucial. Look for shoes with adjustable lacing and a roomy toe box.
• Weight: Lighter shoes can enhance performance, but they must also provide sufficient support and cushioning.
• Terrain: Different terrains require different types of shoes. For example, technical terrain needs shoes with aggressive lugs and good traction.
• Midsole: The midsole provides cushioning and support. Materials like EVA and PU are common, but newer technologies like carbon plates are gaining popularity.
• Traction: Good traction is essential for trail running. Look for shoes with deep lugs and grippy outsoles.
• Heel-to-Toe Drop: This refers to the difference in height between the heel and the toe of the shoe. A lower drop can promote a more natural running form.

Best Trail Running Shoes for 2025

Best All-Around Trail Running Shoe

The HOKA Mafate Speed 4 is often praised for its versatility and comfort. Here’s what makes it stand out:

• Comfortable Fit: It features a roomy toe box and a comfortable upper that fits well for both men and women.
• Cushioning: With a 31mm stack height for women and 33mm for men, it provides maximum cushioning without compromising on responsiveness1.
• Traction: The Vibram® Megagrip with Traction Lug outsole ensures excellent grip on various terrains.

Best Trail Running Shoe for Technical Terrain

For technical terrain, the Salomon Thundercross is a top choice. Here are its key features:

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• No Break-In Period: Testers have noted that the Thundercross requires no break-in period, thanks to its SensiFit™ technology1.
• Aggressive Lugs: The 5-millimeter lugs and slip-resistant All Terrain Contragrip® rubber soles provide excellent traction on rugged trails.
• Responsive Midsole: The DNA Flash EVA midsole offers a responsive and supportive ride.

Best Trail Running Shoe for Wet Conditions

The Craft Pure Trail excels in wet conditions:

• Waterproofing: It features a waterproof membrane that keeps feet dry in wet conditions.
• Traction: The shoe has a grippy outsole that performs well on wet and slippery surfaces1.
• Comfort: The midsole provides a comfortable and cushioned ride.

Best Long Distance Trail Running Shoe

For long-distance runs, the Brooks Catamount 2 is highly recommended:

• Responsive Midsole: With a DNA Flash EVA midsole, it offers a responsive and supportive ride despite its firmer feel compared to max-cushion shoes1.
• Versatility: Testers have used it for both shorter and longer distances, praising its nimbleness and speed.
• Stability: It features a relatively low-profile 22-millimeter stack height, making it stable for ultra-trail runs.

Best Beginner Trail Running Shoe

For beginners, the HOKA Speedgoat 5 is an excellent choice:

• Comfortable and Supportive: It features a roomier toe box, increased traction, and a plush CMEVA midsole1.
• Reliability: Testers praise its reliability and comfort on various terrains.
• Meta-Rocker Profile: The late-stage Meta-Rocker profile allows for a smooth and stable gait.

Emerging Trends and Innovations in Trail Running Shoes

Altra Lone Peak 9

The Altra Lone Peak 9, set to release in January 2025, promises significant improvements:

• Durability: The redesigned ripstop mesh upper with no-sew overlays aims to enhance durability, a common issue with previous models2.
• Lightweight: It will be lighter than its predecessor, making it more appealing for thru-hikers and trail runners.
• Women’s Last: Altra is now designing shoes around a woman’s last, reflecting the brand’s new leadership under Jen McLaren.

The North Face Vectiv Pro 3

The North Face Vectiv Pro 3 is another highly anticipated shoe:

• Stacked Plate System: It employs a stacked plate system for enhanced propulsion and stability2.
• Environmental Friendly Materials: The outsole is made from “Surface Ctrl” rubber, which is environmentally friendly and sourced from smallholder farmers.
• Cushioning: A 10mm “Dream” foam drop-in midsole provides cushion and rebound.

Norda 005

The Norda 005 is a boutique Canadian brand’s entry into the trail super shoe landscape:

• Vibram Megagrip Elite: It features Vibram’s latest rubber, known for its durability, traction, and grip on both wet and dry surfaces2.
• Expensive but Durable Materials: The shoe uses bio-based Dyneema in the upper and Arnitel in the midsole, making it highly durable but also expensive.
• Performance: It is designed to spare no expense in creating the highest-performing and longest-lasting trail shoes.

Ultra Trail Running Shoes: A Detailed Look

For ultra trail running, several shoes stand out for their performance and features.

Scarpa Spin Infinity

• Best in Test: The Scarpa Spin Infinity is praised for its overall performance in ultra trail running4.
• Cushioning and Support: It offers a balance of cushioning and support, making it suitable for long-distance runs.
• Traction: The shoe features aggressive lugs for excellent grip on various terrains.

Saucony Endorphin Edge

• Carbon Plated: The Saucony Endorphin Edge features a Carbitex MonoFlex carbon fibre plate for propulsion and stability4.
• Cushioning: The midsole has a Speedroll design with heaps of foam cushioning, making it a tall, neutral shoe.
• Traction: The 4mm lugs and PWRTRAC outsole provide good grip on hard-packed trails.

Dynafit Ultra 100

• Supportive: The Dynafit Ultra 100 is known for its supportive features, making it ideal for runners who need extra support4.
• Cushioning: It offers a comfortable and cushioned ride, suitable for long-distance ultra trail runs.
• Traction: The shoe features a grippy outsole for various terrains.

Comparison Table: Top Trail Running Shoes

Practical Insights and Actionable Advice

Choosing the Right Shoe

When choosing a trail running shoe, consider the terrain you will be running on most often. For technical terrain, look for shoes with aggressive lugs and good traction. For long-distance runs, opt for shoes with maximum cushioning and support.

Breaking In Your Shoes

While some shoes like the Salomon Thundercross require no break-in period, others may need some time to adjust. Always try to break in your shoes gradually to avoid discomfort or injury.

Maintaining Your Shoes

To extend the life of your shoes, clean them regularly and store them in a dry place. Avoid using harsh chemicals that could damage the materials.

Quotes from Experts and Runners

• "I loved the way it worked on runs up Boulder's trails… The Salomon Thundercross needs no break-in period," says Courtney Holden, an REI member and contributor1.
• "The Norda 005 gained exclusive first usage for Vibram’s latest rubber, ‘Megagrip Elite.’ This rubber purportedly delivers Vibram’s best-ever durability, traction, and grip on both wet and dry surfaces," notes Nick Martire, co-founder of Norda2.
• "The Brooks Catamount 2 is billed as an ultra-trail shoe, but testers put it through the paces at shorter distances too, saying its nimbleness allowed them to pick up the pace when desired without pushing them too hard," from a review on REI1.

Choosing the right running or trail shoe can significantly impact your performance and comfort. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced trail runner, understanding the key features and testing different models can help you find the perfect fit. Remember to consider the terrain, weight, midsole, traction, and heel-to-toe drop when making your decision. With the latest innovations and trends in trail running shoes, you're sure to find a shoe that meets your needs and enhances your running experience.

For more detailed reviews and tests, you can check out comprehensive tests of running and trail shoes.