Trailrunning shoes

TRAIL RUNNING SHOES - EMBARK ON ADVENTURE

If you're drawn to open skies, forest paths and mountain trails, trail running shoes are what stand between you and the terrain. Unlike a shoe built for asphalt, a trail shoe is designed to grip, protect and stabilise your foot on ground that's constantly changing underneath you.

At RunningXpert, our trail running range covers everything from your first pair for weekend forest runs to more technical shoes for demanding, uneven terrain. Whichever kind of trail calls to you, there's a pair here built for it. If you're not sure where to start, our guide to choosing trail running shoes walks through the basics before you commit to a pair.

WHAT MAKES A TRAIL SHOE DIFFERENT

Every trail shoe shares one core job: giving you reliable grip on ground that a regular running shoe simply isn't built for. Beyond that, the details vary a lot, from stack height and cushioning to breathability, sole design and overall stability, all shaping how a shoe performs once you're off the beaten path.

Distance matters too. Short, technical trail runs generally call for a different balance of protection and responsiveness than longer efforts across more varied terrain, so it's worth thinking about the kind of trail running you actually do before choosing a shoe based on looks alone.

GRIP, STABILITY AND PROTECTION ON THE TRAIL

Grip comes down to the lugs on the outsole, the raised patterns that bite into mud, rock and loose ground. These vary in size, shape, spacing and depth, and the right pattern depends heavily on the terrain you're running on. Deeper, more aggressive lugs suit soft, muddy ground, while shorter, denser ones tend to work better on hard-packed or rocky trails.

Stability matters most on uneven or loose terrain, where a shoe with a wider base and firmer midsole helps keep your foot steady when the ground shifts beneath you. Protection covers everything from a reinforced toe cap to a rock plate in the midsole, shielding your feet from roots, stones and sharp debris along the way.

FIND YOUR FIT USING OUR FILTERS

With such a wide range of trail shoes on offer, from different brands, genders and terrain types, it's worth using the filters on this page to narrow things down quickly. You can filter by brand, by gender, or by water resistance if you're likely to be running through streams or wet, muddy conditions, rather than working through the full range one pair at a time.

Surface conditions matter just as much as brand preference, so filtering by the terrain you actually run on is often a faster way to a good match than browsing by name alone.

BUILD YOUR TRAIL RUNNING KIT AT RUNNINGXPERT

Once your shoes are sorted, it's worth rounding out the rest of your setup. Our range of running gear and running apparel includes plenty of pieces built specifically for trail conditions, from weatherproof layers to the small details that make a longer trail run more comfortable.

Browse our full range of trail running shoes at RunningXpert and find the pair that matches your terrain, your distance and the trails you're heading out to explore.

FAQ

What makes trail running shoes different from road running shoes?
Trail shoes are built with more aggressive grip, added stability and extra protection for uneven, technical or slippery terrain, none of which a standard road shoe is designed to handle.

Can I use trail running shoes for hiking or walking as well as running?
Yes, many runners use their trail shoes for hiking and walking too, since the grip and protection that help on a run are just as useful on uneven ground at a slower pace.

Do I need waterproof trail running shoes?
It depends on your terrain. If your routes regularly cross streams, wet mud or rain-soaked trails, a water-resistant shoe can keep your feet drier for longer, though very wet conditions will eventually get through any shoe.

How do I choose the right amount of grip for my trail shoes?
Match the lugs to your terrain. Deeper, more aggressive lugs suit soft or muddy ground, while shorter, denser lugs tend to perform better on hard-packed trails or rocky surfaces.

Are trail running shoes suitable for beginners?
Yes. Trail running shoes work well for runners at every level, and starting with a shoe built for the terrain you're on makes the transition from road to trail considerably more comfortable.