Trail running is awesome – and the shoes just keep getting better. Whether you dream of flying up technical mountain paths, cruising through forest trails, or just want a comfy shoe for gravel road adventures, there's now a model that matches your needs.
In this guide, we've compiled our picks for the best trail shoes in 2025 – divided into three categories: Fast, Technical, and Cushion. You'll find everything from super shoes with carbon plates to robust classics with solid grip and maximum stability. And yes, we've also considered those who just want lots of softness and comfort underfoot.
We've tested the shoes in various terrains and conditions – from muddy descents to dry gravel paths – to give you the best basis for choosing your next trail shoe. So buckle up , and let's find your next favorite for adventures in nature.
Best Shoes for Fast Trail Running
Usually, you save the best for last in an article, but we're starting right there – because the wildest run experiences are found in the forest.
Fast running shoes can be divided into many categories, but here we focus on the lightning-fast models with plates. Shoes designed 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 highly 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 really appreciate about Hoka Tecton X3:
- A snug, comfortable upper that keeps dirt and nature out.
- A soft, responsive, and “bouncy” midsole made of PEBA foam.
- A solid grip from a Vibram Megagrip outsole.
Going on long runs or running 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 speeds while providing a little extra stability, then
is an excellent choice.
The firm upper ensures a good grip on the foot, while the midsole combines speed with a more direct feel for the ground.
Looking for a fast shoe with extra stability and a dynamic runner's roll? Then adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra is a great choice.
Nike Ultrafly
Last in the speed category, we find , a shoe that impresses with its versatility and ability to maintain pace.
It comes with a Vibram outsole that, despite its grip depth, provides solid traction on various terrains. The ZoomX midsole feels more grounded than the previous two models, making Ultrafly a great choice for fast runs with technical sections and frequent direction changes.
There are many more technical trail shoes, but choosing one of these three rarely goes 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 into play. Comfort takes a backseat in favor of ruggedness and the ability to handle everything you subject the shoe to – 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. Let's overlook version 10, which many found too stiff and heavy.
fits the foot like a boa constrictor around its prey – you won't slip even when hurling down the most technical descents. With an aggressive grip that handles almost anything, you get a shoe you can rely on.
Heading to the mountains or running on trails with sharp turns and steep descents? Then Saucony Peregrine 15 is a solid choice.
Hoka Speedgoat 6
Though has only reached version 6, it can undoubtedly be termed a true classic. And some changes have occurred 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 a bit of extra flexibility around the toes, you get a shoe that delivers stability, grip, and comfort on demanding trail routes.
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 many opinions along the way. We initially thought it was best suited for gravel paths and less technical terrain, but it has proven to have much better technical capabilities than we expected.
This is mainly due to the new Vibram outsole, providing solid grip in challenging terrain, combined with a ZoomX midsole that – despite its height – still offers a good feel for the ground.
As a bonus, it's available in a sea of colors, from sleek to vibrant. Nike Zegama 2 is an ideal choice for the trail runner who wants 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 running shoes are designed a bit firmer to provide a better sensation of the ground. But some runners love lots of cushioning – or need it when the run starts on hard surfaces before hitting the forest.
In this category, you'll find shoes with a bit more comfort, working perfectly 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 capabilities 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 runs in the forest. You get plenty of FFBlast+ ECO foam underfoot, providing a soft, cushioned running experience – without losing connection to the ground. The ASICSGrip outsole ensures solid grip, no matter what you attempt to run through.
It's especially suitable for firm surfaces like gravel roads but surprises positively when the trails become a bit more technical – despite the high midsole.
Love running from home, through the forest, and all the way back again? Then ASICS Trabuco Max 4 might be the perfect companion for your next adventures.
Altra Olympus 6
Last but not least, we have – a shoe with a high stack both in heel and forefoot thanks to the characteristic zero drop design. The broad and spacious upper is shaped after Altra's "foot shaped fit," providing room for toes to spread and ensuring comfort for those with bunions or wide feet.
If you dream of lots of cushioning but still want a more natural running 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 the forest.
