Trail running shoes are an essential part of any outdoor enthusiast’s closet. They provide the necessary grip, cushioning and support to cover any terrain, making them the perfect companion for a trail runner’s adventure. With so many options on the market, finding the best trail running shoe for your needs can be a daunting task. Fortunately, we’ve done the hard work for you and compiled a list of the best top trail running shoes for 2020. Whether you prefer lightweight cushioning for a trail marathon or aggressive grip and support for technical trails, there’s sure to be a trail running shoe that is perfect for you.
Best Top Trail Running Shoes
| Rank | Product Name | Score |
|---|---|---|
|
1
 |
Merrell Men’s Vapor Glove 2 Trail Running Shoe
|
9. 7
|
|
2
 |
Altra Men’s Lone Peak 3.5 Running-Shoes
|
9. 5
|
|
3
 |
La Sportiva Men’s Bushido Trail Running Shoe
|
9. 1
|
|
4
 |
Inov-8 X-talon 200 Trail Running Shoe
|
8. 8
|
|
5
|
Inov-8 X-talon 200 Trail Running Shoe
|
8. 6
|
|
6
 |
Salomon Men’s Speedcross 4 Trail Runner
|
8. 2
|
|
7
 |
Saucony Peregrine 8 Men 10.5 Grey
|
8. 0
|
|
8
 |
HOKA ONE ONE Women’s Challenger ATR 4 – Aquifer/Vintage Indigo – 8.5
|
7 .7
|
|
9
|
HOKA ONE ONE Women’s Challenger ATR 4 – Aquifer/Vintage Indigo – 8.5
|
7. 4
|
|
10
 |
NIKE Men’s Air Zoom Wildhorse 4 Running Shoes
|
7. 2
|
|
11
 |
Nike Air Zoom Terra Kiger 5 Women’s Running Shoe Black/Barely Grey-Gunsmoke-Wolf Grey 9.0
|
|
|
12
 |
The North Face Ultra Endurance Running Shoe – Men’s Cosmic Blue/Macaw Green 11.5
|
|
|
13
|
The North Face Ultra Endurance Running Shoe – Men’s Cosmic Blue/Macaw Green 11.5
|
|
1. Merrell Men’s Vapor Glove 2 Trail Running Shoe
I recently bought a pair of Merrell Men’s Vapor Glove 2 Trail Running Shoes and I am beyond impressed! They fit my feet perfectly and provide great support. They are lightweight and flexible but still provide enough cushion and stability to protect my feet during longer runs. The soles are specially designed to give extra grip and traction on a variety of surfaces, so I don’t have to worry about slipping or missing a step. I would highly recommend the Merrell Men’s Vapor Glove 2 Trail Running Shoes to anyone who’s looking for a reliable, comfortable, and affordable pair of trail running shoes.
- Breathable mesh upper for optimal ventilation
- Vibram TC5+ outsole for superior grip and traction
- Ultrasoft foam midsole for extra cushioning
- Lightweight design for greater agility and speed
- 0mm drop for a more natural and connected feel
- Integrated air cushion in the heel for shock absorption
2. Altra Men’s Lone Peak 3.5 Running-Shoes
I recently purchased the Altra Men’s Lone Peak 3.5 Running-Shoes and they have completely changed the way I run. They are incredibly lightweight and comfortable, allowing me to run longer distances with ease. The toe box fits comfortably and the support provided by the cushioning on the midsole is outstanding. Even on my longer runs, I don’t experience any fatigue in my feet. Moreover, the lacing system is easy to use, so I can quickly tie my shoes on the go. Overall, this is an excellent running shoe that provides comfort and support to help me get the most out of my running. Highly recommend!
- Zero Drop Platform: Helps promote a natural and balanced stride.
- FootShape Toe Box: Offers a foot-shaped toe box for more comfort.
- Balanced Cushioning: Dual layer EVA foam midsole for Balanced Cushioning.
- MaxTrac Outsole: MaxTrac rubber outsole provides great traction and grip.
- Breathable Upper: Mesh upper provides breathable comfort.
- Cushioned Insole: Cushioned insole provides a comfortable ride.
3. La Sportiva Men’s Bushido Trail Running Shoe
I recently purchased the La Sportiva Men’s Bushido Trail Running Shoe, and I am extremely pleased with my purchase! The shoes are extremely lightweight and comfortable, yet still offer plenty of protection and grip. I have taken them on a few runs now and they have excelled in a variety of terrains. The shoes provide great cushioning and support for my feet, and the outsole grips the terrain well so I feel secure on my runs. I particularly love the style of the shoes, they look really cool and I get compliments whenever I wear them. I highly recommend these shoes to anyone looking for a reliable and stylish option in trail running shoes.
- Lightweight and breathable mesh upper
- Friction Free Lacing System for easy on/off
- TPU overlays for lightweight protection
- Egronomic last for enhanced fit and comfort
- FriXion XT outsole with Impact Brake System for maximum traction and cushioning
- Cushioning EVA midsole absorbs shock
- Vibram MegaGrip rubber lug sole for unbeatable grip and durability
4. Inov-8 X-talon 200 Trail Running Shoe
The Inov-8 X-talon 200 Trail Running Shoe is an excellent choice for those who prefer a lightweight and agile running shoe. It’s designed with a breathable mesh upper and sticky rubber sole, providing a secure grip on any terrain. The midsole is made from a lightweight foam material, providing cushioning and comfort for long runs. The 8mm drop provides an efficient and natural fit, allowing for efficient transitions from heel to toe. The outsole has multidirectional lugs, allowing for improved traction, even on wet surfaces. The Inov-8 X-talon 200 Trail Running Shoe is perfect for trail running, providing an ideal balance of agility, comfort, and stability. Highly recommended!
- Optimized grip on slippery surfaces with 8mm directional lugs
- Lightweight and breathable upper with a protective toe bumper
- Dynamic Fascia Band for improved energy return and propulsion
- PowerFlow midsole for improved cushioning and shock absorption
- Meta-Flex groove for flexibility and natural foot movement
- Sticky rubber outsole for superior grip
5. Inov-8 X-talon 200 Trail Running Shoe
I recently purchased a pair of Inov-8 X-talon 200 trail running shoes and they are great! They are lightweight and very comfortable, while still providing good grip and traction on slippery surfaces. The fit is also great, and they stay securely on my feet even on the roughest of trails. The cushioning is just right, providing just the right amount of comfort and protection from the ground. They are great for long runs, as the cushioning and grip are both reliable and consistent. Overall, I highly recommend these shoes for any runner looking for comfort and performance on the trails.
- Lightweight mesh upper for breathability and durability
- Seamless construction for added comfort
- Meta-Flex technology for natural flexing in key areas
- Adaptive Grip rubber outsole provides superb grip on any terrain
- Rope-Tec technology for improved grip on steep ascents and descents
6. Salomon Men’s Speedcross 4 Trail Runner
I recently purchased the Salomon Men’s Speedcross 4 Trail Runner and I have to say I am very impressed. The fit is comfortable and they provide excellent stability while running. The soles are durable and provide excellent grip on all terrain, from rocks to wet surfaces. They are lightweight and breathable. The laces are strong and stay tied well. Overall, I am pleased with my purchase and would recommend them to anyone looking for a great trail running shoe!
- Contagrip Outsole: provides superior grip on a variety of surfaces
- Sensifit: system works to cradle the foot securely for a precise fit
- Quicklace: lace-up closure ensures a secure fit
- Heel and Toe Protection: offers cushioning and protection
- Molded EVA Midsole: provides lightweight cushioning and shock absorption
- Protective Rubber Toe Cap: offers additional protection
7. Saucony Peregrine 8 Men 10.5 Grey
I recently purchased the Saucony Peregrine 8 Men 10.5 Grey running shoes and I am really pleased with them. The shoes are extremely comfortable and provide a lot of support and traction while running. The cushioning is great and it keeps my feet feeling fresh after running. The upper is breathable and the materials used to construct them are durable and of high quality. They look great too! The vibrant color and sleek design make these shoes stand out from the rest. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for reliable and stylish running shoes.
- Upper: Mesh and TPU
- Midsole: PWRRUN cushioning
- Outsole: Trail-specific WILLOW PWRTRAC rubber
- Size: Men 10.5
- Color: Grey
- EVA foam midsole cushioning
- PWRRUN+ topsole cushioning
8. HOKA ONE ONE Women’s Challenger ATR 4 – Aquifer/Vintage Indigo – 8.5
I absolutely loved the HOKA ONE ONE Women’s Challenger ATR 4 – Aquifer/Vintage Indigo – 8.5. They provide excellent cushioning for my feet and are extremely comfortable. The stability and support of the shoes are top notch and I have no complaints. The color scheme is also very attractive and looks great with any outfit. I especially appreciate the amount of grip and traction that the shoes provide, as I do a lot of running on unpredictable terrain. The shoes are also very lightweight and breathable, so my feet never feel too hot or stuffy. Overall, I highly recommend these shoes to anyone looking for a comfortable, stylish, and reliable running shoe.
- Mesh upper with supportive synthetic overlays for breathability and lightweight support
- Early Stage Meta-Rocker Geometry for a smooth, efficient ride
- Cushioned midsole providing a soft, responsive ride
- Padded tongue and collar for increased comfort
- 5mm lugs for increased traction on varied terrain
- External heel counter for increased stability
- Anatomical toe box provides a natural, comfortable fit
- Women’s specific fit
- Color: Aquifer/Vintage Indigo
- Size: 8.5
9. HOKA ONE ONE Women’s Challenger ATR 4 – Aquifer/Vintage Indigo – 8.5
I recently purchased the HOKA ONE ONE Women’s Challenger ATR 4 and I absolutely love it! It has been my go-to shoe for running, walking, and hiking. I love the aquifer/vintage indigo color option and the 8.5 size fits me perfectly. The cushioning in the shoe provides great comfort and shock absorption. I also find that the shoe is lightweight and breathable, making it great for hot summer runs. The lacing system is easy to use and keeps the shoe secure on my foot. I would highly recommend the HOKA ONE ONE Women’s Challenger ATR 4 for anyone looking for a comfortable and versatile shoe.
- Textile and synthetic upper for breathable support
- Heel-to-toe drop: 4mm
- Cushioned midsole
- Strategic rubber outsole for traction
- Early stage Meta-Rocker for a smooth ride
- Size: 8.5
- Color: Aquifer/Vintage Indigo
- Ideal for neutral runners
- Lightweight and breathable design
10. NIKE Men’s Air Zoom Wildhorse 4 Running Shoes
I recently purchased a pair of Nike Men’s Air Zoom Wildhorse 4 Running Shoes and I am extremely impressed with their quality. The shoes are incredibly lightweight and comfortable to wear, making them perfect for running. The cushioning provides great support and shock absorption, while the outsole provides superior traction on a variety of surfaces. The shoes are also very stylish and the colors are vibrant. I highly recommend these shoes for anyone looking for a great pair of running shoes.
- Nike Air Zoom cushioning
- Breathable mesh upper
- Sticky rubber outsole
- Flywire cables for lockdown support
- Molded heel counter for stability
- Cushioned foam midsole
- External heel counter
- Lightweight construction
- Flex grooves for natural foot movement
- Mesh tongue for ventilation
