Trail running is awesome – and the shoes just keep getting better. Whether you dream of flying up technical mountain paths, cruising through soft forest trails, or just want a comfy shoe for gravel road adventures, there’s a model that fits your needs.
In this guide, we’ve gathered our picks for the best trail shoes in 2025 – divided into three categories: Fast, Technical, and Cushion. Here you’ll find everything from super shoes with carbon plates to sturdy classics with solid grip and maximum stability. And yes, we’ve also considered those who just want plenty of softness and comfort underfoot.
We’ve tested the shoes on different terrains and in all conditions – from muddy descents to dry gravel paths – to give you the best foundation for choosing your next trail shoe. So lace up , and let’s find your next favorite for adventures in nature.
Best Shoes for Fast Trail Running
Usually, the best is saved for last, but we start there – for the wildest running experiences are found in the woods.
Fast running shoes can be divided into many categories, but here we focus on lightning-fast models with plates. Shoes built to take you far and fast – whether it’s 5 km, 50 km, or a 100-mile run.
They might not be the best choice for very technical routes, but the combination of speed and comfort is hard to beat.
Hoka Tecton X 3
And we start with – the most comfortable super shoe among the three fast models in this article.
There are three things you’ll appreciate about Hoka Tecton X3:
- A snug, comfortable upper that keeps dirt and nature out.
- A soft, responsive, and “bouncy” midsole made from PEBA foam.
- A solid grip from a Vibram Megagrip outsole.
Heading out for long runs or want to run fast on varied terrain? Then Hoka Tecton X3 is the ultimate choice.
adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra
If you want a shoe with more support that can handle higher speed while providing extra stability, then
is a great choice.
The firm upper ensures a good grip on the foot, while the midsole combines speed with a more direct feel of the ground.
Looking for a fast shoe with extra stability and a dynamic roll? Then adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra is a great choice.
Nike Ultrafly
Lastly in the speed category, we find , a shoe that impresses with its versatility and ability to maintain high pace.
It comes with a Vibram outsole that, despite its grip depth, provides solid traction on varied terrain. The ZoomX midsole feels more grounded than the previous models, making Ultrafly an excellent choice for fast runs with technical sections and frequent direction changes.
There are many more technical trail shoes, but choosing one of these three, you rarely go wrong.
Best Shoes for Technical Terrain
Fast shoes with plates are fantastic, but sometimes you need something that offers better support and a more secure grip on the ground.
This is where technical trail shoes come in. Comfort takes a backseat to robustness and the ability to handle everything you throw at the shoe – steep climbs, sharp turns, and uneven terrain.
Saucony Peregrine 15
We start with a true classic in technical trail running – a shoe that year after year delivers world-class stability and grip. We do, however, skip version 10, which was too stiff and heavy for many.
fits the foot like a constrictor around its prey – you won’t slip even when descending the most technical paths. With aggressive grip that handles almost everything, you get a shoe you can trust.
Heading into the mountains or running on trails with sharp turns and steep descents? Then Saucony Peregrine 15 is a solid choice.
Hoka Speedgoat 6
Even though is only on version 6, it can undoubtedly be called a true classic. And a bit has changed from version 5 to 6!
The new supercritical EVA foam in the midsole makes the shoe more responsive and better suited for technical routes. Combined with a solid outsole and a comfortable upper with extra flexibility around the toes, you get a shoe that delivers stability, grip, and comfort on demanding trails.
Hoka Speedgoat 6 is the shoe for those who want to run like the ultimate trail master – the mountain goat itself!
Nike Zegama 2
has surprised our testers and changed opinions during testing. Initially, we thought it was best suited for gravel paths and less technical terrain, but it has shown far better technical abilities than expected.
This is primarily due to the new Vibram outsole, which provides solid grip in challenging terrain, combined with a ZoomX midsole that, despite its height, still offers a good feel of the ground.
As a bonus, it comes in a sea of colors, from sleek to vibrant. Nike Zegama 2 is a great choice for trail runners who want a technically strong shoe with some extra cushioning.
Best shoes for soft days in the forest
Running on trails often feels softer than running on asphalt, so most trail shoes are designed somewhat firmer to provide a better ground feel. But some runners love plenty of cushioning – or need it when starting on hard surfaces before reaching the woods.
In this category, you'll find shoes with a bit of extra comfort, perfect as a hybrid between road and trail.
New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9
is the ultimate all-round trail shoe from New Balance, designed to offer both comfort and off-road capability in one package.
The latest version features a dual-layer midsole, with the top layer of Fresh Foam X providing soft comfort, while a firmer layer underneath offers stability. This makes the shoe versatile and perfect for everything from gravel roads to steep descents and sharp turns – all with a Vibram Megagrip outsole as your best friend.
If you're looking for a shoe that can handle a bit of everything, New Balance Hierro v9 is an excellent choice.
Asics Trabuco Max 4
is the ultimate "soft trail" shoe for those who love long forest runs. Here you get plenty of FFBlast+ ECO foam underfoot, providing a soft, cushioned running experience – without losing ground contact. The ASICSGrip outsole ensures solid grip, no matter what you try to run through.
It is particularly suited for firm surfaces like gravel roads but positively surprises when the paths become slightly more technical – despite the high midsole.
Do you love running from home, through the forest, and all the way back again? Then ASICS Trabuco Max 4 might be the perfect partner for your next adventures.
Altra Olympus 6
Last but not least, we have – a shoe with high stack in both heel and forefoot thanks to the characteristic zero drop design. The wide and roomy upper is shaped after Altra's so-called "foot shaped fit", allowing toes to spread and providing comfort for those with bunions or wide feet.
If you dream of plenty of cushioning but still want to run with a more natural stride, then Altra Olympus 6 is the ideal choice – especially if you need extra room for your foot.
More inspiration?
Find more articles in our inspiration universe and read, for example, our guide to choosing running shoes for trails and forests.
