Best Trail Running Shoes of 2026: Top 10 for Every Kind of Trail
This guide compares 10 currently sold trail running shoes for 2026 from HOKA, Saucony, Brooks, La Sportiva, Salomon, Altra, New Balance and Nike by published drop, lug depth, protection and price, from an everyday all-rounder to a dedicated waterproof pick, based on verified manufacturer and retailer specs.
How this guide was built: Guidevio compiled it from manufacturers' official product pages and named US retailer listings that cite brand spec sheets, plus Amazon where a genuine, matching listing exists. We did not buy, borrow, or run in any of these products, and nothing here is a lab result, review score, or sponsored placement. Prices are shown only where seen on an official or retailer page and can change at any time. Links marked Amazon are affiliate links: as an Amazon Associate, Guidevio earns from qualifying purchases, and those links are marked sponsored. Other links go straight to the brand or retailer page and earn nothing. Commissions never decide which products are included or how they're ranked.
This guide rounds up ten trail running shoes for 2026 from HOKA, Saucony, Brooks, La Sportiva, Salomon, Altra, New Balance and Nike, spanning cushioned max-stack trainers, zero-drop natural-fit shoes, mud specialists and fast, low-to-the-ground racers. Every model here is a real, currently listed product with a working manufacturer or named US retailer page at the time of research; nothing has been invented, and no price, spec or performance claim appears unless a brand or retailer publishes it.
Trail shoes differ in ways road shoes don't: heel-to-toe drop, lug depth and pattern, rock-plate protection, and how a mesh or Gore-Tex upper handles water and debris. This guide lists those figures wherever a brand publishes them, and marks a figure as not stated or unverified rather than guessing when it doesn't.
Guidevio has not physically tested any of these shoes. Rankings and recommendations are based on verified manufacturer specifications, retailer descriptions, and stated positioning, not hands-on evaluation. This is desk research only, intended to help buyers compare real, currently sold options before trying shoes on or talking to a specialty running store about fit.
Who this guide is for
- Runners buying their first dedicated trail shoe and comparing cushioning, drop and grip side by side
- Shoppers deciding between a max-cushioned daily trainer and a lighter, faster technical shoe
- Buyers who want a wide or zero-drop fit rather than a standard last
- Anyone comparing waterproof (Gore-Tex) versus breathable mesh trail shoes
- Runners in muddy, rocky or mixed terrain who need to compare lug depth and rock-plate protection
- Buyers who split time between roads and trails and want a road-to-trail crossover shoe
How we chose
- Only current-generation models with a confirmed manufacturer or named US retailer page were considered
- Where a brand's own current-model page could not be confirmed loading with full specs, that gap is disclosed in the pick and a retailer citation is used instead
- The list balances an everyday max-cushioned trainer, a zero-drop natural-fit option, a mud specialist, a technical mountain shoe, a road-to-trail crossover and a waterproof pick rather than defaulting to a single style
- Drop, lug depth, weight and price are stated only where a brand or retailer publishes them; unverified figures are marked as such
- No shoe in this guide has been run in or evaluated on trail by Guidevio
Top 10 at a glance
Specifications as published by the manufacturer or the listing we consulted. Scroll sideways on a small screen.
| Pick | Best for | Terrain | Drop | Lugs | Rock plate | Price | Official site |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Speedgoat 7 | Runners wanting one do-everything trail shoe with heavy-duty grip and all-day cushioning | Mixed / technical | 5mm | 5mm Megagrip | Not stated | $164.95 MSRP | Visit |
| 2. Peregrine 16 | Runners wanting a versatile, well-gripped trail shoe at a lower price than premium max-cushion options | Mixed | 4mm | Megagrip (depth not stated) | Not stated | $150 MSRP | Visit |
| 3. Cascadia 19 | Runners on rocky, root-strewn trails who want dedicated underfoot rock protection | Rocky / rooty | ~6mm (unverified) | Not stated | Ballistic Rock Shield | $150 MSRP | Visit |
| 4. Bushido III | Experienced trail runners tackling steep, technical mountain terrain | Steep / technical mountain | Not stated | 6mm FriXion | 1.5mm Rockguard | $160 MSRP | Visit |
| 5. Speedcross 6 | Runners regularly facing mud, wet grass or soft, loose ground | Mud / soft ground | 10mm | 5mm Contagrip MA | Not stated | $150 MSRP | Visit |
| 6. Lone Peak 9 | Runners wanting a wide, natural toe box and zero-drop platform for a more foot-shaped fit | Mixed | 0mm | Not stated | StoneGuard | $145 MSRP ($160 for the 9+ Megagrip version) | Visit |
| 7. Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 | Long-distance and ultra-distance trail runners who want maximal cushioning over many miles | Long-distance / mixed | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | Around $160 MSRP (unverified — confirm on newbalance.com before buying) | Visit |
| 8. Challenger 8 | Runners who split time between pavement and easy-to-moderate trails and want one shoe for both | Road-to-trail | 7mm | 4mm | Not stated | $155 MSRP | Visit |
| 9. Catamount 4 | Competitive trail runners wanting a lighter, faster shoe for racing or fast technical trail days | Technical / racing | ~6mm (unverified) | Not stated | Not stated | $170 MSRP | Visit |
| 10. Pegasus Trail 5 GORE-TEX | Runners in wet, muddy or snowy conditions who want a genuinely waterproof trail shoe | Wet / muddy / snowy | 9.5mm | Not stated | Not stated | $180 MSRP | Visit |
The ten picks in detail
Speedgoat 7
HOKA
We only show official or licensed product photography. None is on file for this one yet — see the maker's page for photos.
Open product pageSpeedgoat 7
Vibram Megagrip traction and a new supercritical foam midsole on a proven trail shape
HOKA's flagship trail shoe pairs a new supercritical-foam (SCF) midsole with a Vibram Megagrip outsole and 5mm lugs, and HOKA markets it as an all-day trail crusher for technical terrain. It's sold in men's and women's versions and in regular and wide widths.
Why it is on this list: It's the most versatile shoe here — genuinely aggressive Megagrip traction plus HOKA's signature stack, sold in wide widths, with a confirmed matching Amazon listing.
Key features
- 5mm heel-to-toe drop; 5mm lugs
- Vibram Megagrip outsole with Traction Lug
- Supercritically foamed EVA (SCF) midsole
- Regular and Wide widths; men's and women's versions sold
- Drop: 5mm
- Lug depth: 5mm
- Outsole: Vibram Megagrip
- Widths: Regular, Wide
- Pros
- Vibram Megagrip outsole with 5mm lugs, updated lug orientation for mixed terrain
- Sold in Regular and Wide widths in both men's and women's versions
- Widely stocked with a confirmed current Amazon listing
- Cons
- 5mm drop and max cushioning won't suit runners wanting a low-to-the-ground, minimal feel
- Weight (about 275g / 9.7oz per HOKA's own spec) is on the heavier side for a technical shoe
Before you buy: HOKA recommends sizing up a half size. Weight is stated by HOKA as roughly 275g for a men's shoe; women's weight not separately confirmed here.
Peregrine 16
Saucony
We only show official or licensed product photography. None is on file for this one yet — see the maker's page for photos.
Open product pagePeregrine 16
A proven, low-drop all-rounder with Megagrip traction and a waterproof option
The Peregrine is Saucony's long-running do-everything trail shoe, built with a Vibram Megagrip outsole and a low, ground-feel 4mm drop. It's also sold in a Gore-Tex version for wet conditions.
Why it is on this list: It rounds out this list as the value/versatility pick — a well-known nameplate with dependable Megagrip grip at a lower price point than most of the guide.
Key features
- 4mm heel-to-toe drop
- Vibram Megagrip outsole
- Regular and Wide widths
- Gore-Tex version available (~$180)
- Drop: 4mm
- Outsole: Vibram Megagrip
- Widths: Regular, Wide
- Pros
- Vibram Megagrip outsole for reliable grip across mixed terrain
- Sold in Regular and Wide widths
- A Gore-Tex waterproof version is available for about $180 if conditions demand it
- Cons
- Lower stack height than max-cushioned rivals like the Speedgoat, so it offers less underfoot protection on long, rocky days
- Rock-plate protection level not separately published by Saucony for this model
Before you buy: Saucony does not publish a separate rock-plate spec for this model on its US product page; treat protection level as not stated rather than assumed.
Cascadia 19
Brooks
We only show official or licensed product photography. None is on file for this one yet — see the maker's page for photos.
Open product pageCascadia 19
A named Ballistic Rock Shield plate for real underfoot protection on rocky trails
Brooks builds the Cascadia around its Ballistic Rock Shield, a dedicated protective plate under the forefoot, paired with a wider platform for stability on uneven ground. It's sold in men's and women's versions and Regular/Wide widths, plus a Gore-Tex version.
Why it is on this list: It's the clearest rock-protection pick on this list, with a specifically branded protective plate rather than a generic description of cushioning.
Key features
- Ballistic Rock Shield forefoot protection
- Regular and Wide widths, men's and women's versions
- Gore-Tex version available (~$180)
- Drop approximately 6mm (per third-party retailer spec; unverified on Brooks' own page)
- Drop: ~6mm (unverified)
- Protection: Ballistic Rock Shield
- Widths: Regular, Wide
- Pros
- Ballistic Rock Shield is a named, brand-published protective plate against sharp rocks and roots
- Sold in Regular and Wide widths
- Gore-Tex waterproof version available (about $180) for wet-weather runners
- Cons
- Drop is sourced from third-party retailer specs (about 6mm) rather than confirmed directly on Brooks' own spec sheet in this research
- A wider, stability-oriented platform trades away some of the nimble feel of lighter trail shoes
Before you buy: The approximately 6mm drop figure comes from a retailer listing rather than Brooks' own product page directly in this research, so treat it as unverified until confirmed at checkout.
Bushido III
La Sportiva
We only show official or licensed product photography. None is on file for this one yet — see the maker's page for photos.
Open product pageBushido III
A 1.5mm Rockguard plate and 6mm lugs built specifically for technical mountain terrain
La Sportiva builds the Bushido III as a precise, low-to-the-ground mountain running shoe, with a 1.5mm Rockguard protective insert, FriXion outsole rubber and 6mm lugs for technical, steep terrain. A wide fit is newly available and a Gore-Tex version costs about $185.
Why it is on this list: It's the most technically specialized shoe here, with named protective and traction features aimed squarely at steep, rocky mountain trails.
Key features
- 1.5mm Rockguard protective insert
- FriXion outsole rubber; 6mm lugs
- Wide width newly offered
- Gore-Tex version available (~$185)
- Protection: 1.5mm Rockguard
- Lug depth: 6mm
- Outsole: FriXion rubber
- Pros
- 1.5mm Rockguard is a named, brand-published forefoot protection layer
- 6mm lugs and FriXion rubber are built for steep, technical mountain trails
- Wide sizing is now offered, alongside a Gore-Tex waterproof version
- Cons
- Runs small according to retailer and brand sizing notes — buyers should expect to size up
- Positioned toward technical, mountain-oriented running rather than casual trail use
Before you buy: Multiple retailers note the Bushido III runs small; sizing up is commonly recommended before buying.
Speedcross 6
Salomon
We only show official or licensed product photography. None is on file for this one yet — see the maker's page for photos.
Open product pageSpeedcross 6
Deep 5mm mud-specific lugs with a dedicated women's version at the same price
Salomon's long-running Speedcross uses deep, aggressive 5mm lugs and a Contagrip MA outsole compound built specifically for mud, aiming for fast mud evacuation and grip on soft, wet ground. It's sold in a dedicated women's version at the same $150 price.
Why it is on this list: It's the clearest mud/soft-ground specialist on this list, with a genuinely distinct outsole compound rather than a general-purpose lug pattern.
Key features
- 10mm heel-to-toe drop; 5mm lugs
- Contagrip MA (mud) outsole compound
- Sensifit foothold construction
- Dedicated women's version at $150
- Drop: 10mm
- Lug depth: 5mm
- Outsole: Contagrip MA (mud)
- Pros
- 5mm lugs with a mud-specific Contagrip compound for soft, wet terrain
- Sold as a genuine dedicated women's model, not just a relabeled men's shoe, confirmed on salomon.com
- Sensifit construction for a locked-in foothold
- Cons
- 10mm drop is higher than several other picks here, which changes the ride feel for runners used to low-drop shoes
- Aggressive mud lugs can feel less efficient and noisier on hard-packed or paved sections
Before you buy: The Amazon ASIN listed here is the non-Gore-Tex version; a Gore-Tex Speedcross is sold separately through third-party sellers and isn't used in this pick.
Lone Peak 9
Altra
We only show official or licensed product photography. None is on file for this one yet — see the maker's page for photos.
Open product pageLone Peak 9
Zero-drop, wide FootShape toe box on a shoe with genuine rock protection built in
Altra's Lone Peak is a zero-drop trail shoe built on the brand's FootShape toe box, giving toes room to splay, with a 25mm stack height and StoneGuard protection built into the standard model. A grippier Lone Peak 9+ Megagrip version costs about $160.
Why it is on this list: It's the clearest zero-drop, natural-fit pick here, giving buyers used to minimalist or barefoot-style shoes a trail-specific option with real rock protection.
Key features
- Zero millimeter drop; 25mm stack height
- FootShape toe box for natural toe splay
- StoneGuard rock plate protection included
- Standard and Wide widths
- Drop: 0mm
- Stack height: 25mm
- Protection: StoneGuard rock plate
- Widths: Standard, Wide
- Pros
- Zero-drop platform and FootShape toe box are distinct, verifiable design choices for a natural gait and toe splay
- Sold in Standard and Wide widths
- StoneGuard rock protection is included in the base $145 model
- Cons
- Zero drop takes an adjustment period for runners used to a traditional 8–12mm drop shoe
- Base model's outsole isn't Megagrip; the grippier Vibram Megagrip version costs more ($160)
Before you buy: Runners transitioning from a standard-drop shoe should ease into zero-drop use gradually per common gait-transition guidance rather than switching over all at once.
Fresh Foam X Hierro v9
New Balance
We only show official or licensed product photography. None is on file for this one yet — see the maker's page for photos.
Open product pageFresh Foam X Hierro v9
New Balance's established long-cushion trail platform in men's, women's and wide fits
New Balance's Hierro is its long-cushioned trail shoe built on Fresh Foam X midsole foam, aimed at runners covering long distances on varied terrain. It's sold in men's and women's versions, including a confirmed wide fit.
Why it is on this list: It fills the long-distance, maximal-cushion niche with a well-established New Balance nameplate and confirmed wide-fit availability, even though this research couldn't pin down every spec on New Balance's own page.
Key features
- Fresh Foam X midsole foam
- Men's and women's versions sold
- Wide fit available (per a separate wide-fit ASIN, B0FQ4N4BB5)
- Midsole: Fresh Foam X
- Widths: Standard, Wide (men's)
- Drop: Not stated (unverified)
- Pros
- Fresh Foam X midsole is New Balance's established long-distance cushioning platform
- A wide-width men's version is available (confirmed via a separate wide-fit Amazon listing)
- Sold in a dedicated women's version, not just a relabeled unisex shoe
- Cons
- Full published drop and lug-depth figures for the v9 could not be confirmed directly on New Balance's US product page during this research — treat as not stated
- Current MSRP could not be confirmed with full confidence beyond a research estimate of about $160
Before you buy: This research could not confirm the exact current MSRP or full drop/lug specs directly on New Balance's US product page; the price above is an estimate and should be verified at newbalance.com before buying.
Challenger 8
HOKA
We only show official or licensed product photography. None is on file for this one yet — see the maker's page for photos.
Open product pageChallenger 8
HOKA's dedicated road-to-trail crossover with reworked multi-directional lugs
HOKA positions the Challenger as its go-anywhere shoe for where road meets trail, with more underfoot foam than the previous version and reoriented multi-directional lugs for all-terrain traction. It's sold in Regular, D and 2E/Wide widths.
Why it is on this list: It's the clearest crossover pick on this list — a shoe HOKA itself markets for mixed road-and-trail use, rounding out the guide for runners who don't want two separate shoes.
Key features
- 7mm heel-to-toe drop; 4mm lug depth
- Multi-directional lugs redesigned for all-terrain traction
- Regular, D and 2E/Wide widths
- Surface rating: road and trail
- Drop: 7mm
- Lug depth: 4mm
- Widths: Regular, D, 2E/Wide
- Pros
- Explicitly designed and marketed by HOKA for both road and trail use in one shoe
- 7mm drop and 4mm lugs, both confirmed on retailer spec sheets citing HOKA's own data
- Sold in Regular, D and 2E/Wide widths for men's and women's
- Cons
- 4mm lugs are shallower than dedicated trail shoes like the Speedgoat or Speedcross, so grip is lighter on genuinely technical terrain
- No dedicated rock plate is stated by HOKA for this model
Before you buy: Because this is a road-to-trail hybrid rather than a dedicated technical trail shoe, runners tackling rocky or steep terrain regularly should look at the Speedgoat 7 or Bushido III instead.
Catamount 4
Brooks
We only show official or licensed product photography. None is on file for this one yet — see the maker's page for photos.
Open product pageCatamount 4
A SkyVault Plate and DNA Flash v2 cushioning built specifically for uphill speed
Brooks builds the Catamount as its speed-focused trail shoe, using a SkyVault Plate paired with nitrogen-infused DNA Flash v2 cushioning aimed at uphill efficiency, plus a TrailTack Green outsole made with recycled content for grip on wet and dry surfaces.
Why it is on this list: It's the clearest fast/race-oriented pick here, with named plate and foam technologies aimed squarely at speed and uphill efficiency rather than all-day comfort.
Key features
- SkyVault Plate for uphill efficiency
- Nitrogen-infused DNA Flash v2 midsole cushioning
- TrailTack Green outsole (25% recycled content)
- Approximate drop 6mm, weight ~9.5oz (per regional retail spec; unverified on primary US page)
- Drop: ~6mm (unverified)
- Outsole: TrailTack Green
- Plate: SkyVault Plate
- Pros
- SkyVault Plate and DNA Flash v2 are named, brand-published technologies aimed specifically at uphill running efficiency
- TrailTack Green outsole uses 25% recycled content per Brooks
- Positioned by Brooks and retailers for technical trails and ultra-distance racing, not just casual trail runs
- Cons
- Brooks' own US product page was showing as out of stock/preorder at the time of this research; confirm current availability before buying
- Reported drop (about 6mm) and weight (about 9.5oz) come from a Brooks regional retail page rather than the primary US spec sheet, so treat them as approximate
Before you buy: At the time of this research, brooksrunning.com listed the Catamount 4 as available for preorder / out of stock in some colorways; check current stock before buying.
Pegasus Trail 5 GORE-TEX
Nike
We only show official or licensed product photography. None is on file for this one yet — see the maker's page for photos.
Open product pagePegasus Trail 5 GORE-TEX
A genuine Gore-Tex waterproof trail shoe on Nike's ReactX cushioning platform
Nike's Pegasus Trail 5 GORE-TEX pairs a waterproof Gore-Tex membrane with Nike's ReactX foam midsole, aimed at runners who need dry feet in wet or snowy trail conditions while keeping a cushioned, road-shoe-like ride.
Why it is on this list: It's the clearest waterproof pick on this list, using a named Gore-Tex membrane rather than a vague water-resistance claim, for runners who need dry feet in the wettest conditions.
Key features
- 9.5mm heel-to-toe drop
- Gore-Tex waterproof membrane
- ReactX foam midsole
- Men's and women's versions sold
- Drop: 9.5mm
- Waterproofing: Gore-Tex membrane
- Midsole: ReactX foam
- Pros
- Gore-Tex membrane is a named, verifiable waterproofing technology rather than a generic 'water-resistant' claim
- ReactX midsole foam is Nike's current cushioning platform, shared with several of its road trainers
- Sold in men's and women's versions
- Cons
- 9.5mm drop is on the higher end of this list, a different feel from the lower-drop options here
- Retailer fit notes say it runs small, so buyers should expect to check sizing before ordering
Before you buy: Retailers note this shoe fits small; consider sizing up. Gore-Tex membranes trade some breathability for waterproofing, so it runs warmer than mesh trail shoes on hot days.
How the top picks actually differ
Cushioning and drop
Drop and stack height vary widely across this list. The Altra Lone Peak 9 sits at zero drop with a 25mm stack for a natural, foot-level feel; the Saucony Peregrine 16 and La Sportiva Bushido III stay low (4mm and a ground-hugging build, respectively) for a more responsive, technical ride; and the HOKA Speedgoat 7, HOKA Challenger 8, Salomon Speedcross 6 and Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GTX sit at 5–9.5mm drop with more cushioning underfoot for all-day comfort. Runners switching from a standard road shoe to a zero-drop trail shoe should transition gradually rather than switching over immediately.
Grip: lugs, outsole compounds and terrain
Lug depth and outsole compound matter as much as the tread pattern. The Salomon Speedcross 6 uses a mud-specific Contagrip MA compound with 5mm lugs built to shed mud quickly, while the HOKA Speedgoat 7 and Saucony Peregrine 16 use Vibram Megagrip, a widely trusted all-terrain compound, also at 5mm on the Speedgoat. The La Sportiva Bushido III goes deeper still at 6mm lugs with FriXion rubber for steep, technical mountain terrain, while road-to-trail crossovers like the HOKA Challenger 8 use shallower 4mm lugs since they're built to also run comfortably on pavement.
Rock protection and waterproofing
Only some brands publish a named rock plate: the Brooks Cascadia 19 has a Ballistic Rock Shield, the La Sportiva Bushido III has a 1.5mm Rockguard, and the Altra Lone Peak 9 includes StoneGuard in its base model. Where a brand doesn't publish a rock-plate spec (several picks here), this guide marks it as not stated rather than assuming one exists. For waterproofing, the Nike Pegasus Trail 5 uses a full Gore-Tex membrane, while several other models here — the Cascadia, Peregrine and Bushido III — are also sold in separate Gore-Tex versions at a higher price if buyers want that option instead of the standard mesh upper.
Who should choose what
You want one versatile daily trail trainer with heavy-duty grip
HOKA Speedgoat 7
You want dependable grip at a lower price
Saucony Peregrine 16
You're worried about rocks and roots underfoot
Brooks Cascadia 19
You run steep, technical mountain trails
La Sportiva Bushido III
You regularly run in mud or soft, wet ground
Salomon Speedcross 6
You want a zero-drop, wide natural toe box
Altra Lone Peak 9
You're covering long or ultra distances and want maximal cushioning
New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9
You want one shoe for both roads and easy trails
HOKA Challenger 8
You want a lighter, faster shoe for racing or hard efforts
Brooks Catamount 4
You need a genuinely waterproof trail shoe
Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GORE-TEX
Common questions
- What's the real difference between road running shoes and trail running shoes?
- Trail shoes generally add deeper, more aggressive outsole lugs for grip on dirt, mud and rock, a tougher upper to resist abrasion and debris, and in many models a rock plate or protective plate under the foot. Road shoes, by contrast, are tuned for a smooth, consistent surface and typically weigh less. Crossover shoes like the HOKA Challenger 8 sit in between, with shallower lugs designed to still feel reasonable on pavement.
- Should I get a waterproof (Gore-Tex) trail shoe or a breathable mesh one?
- A Gore-Tex shoe like the Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GORE-TEX keeps water out in wet, muddy or snowy conditions, but that membrane also traps heat and moisture from sweat, so it runs warmer on hot days. A breathable mesh shoe like the standard Saucony Peregrine 16 or Brooks Cascadia 19 dries faster after river crossings or rain but won't keep feet dry as long in sustained wet conditions. Several brands here sell both a standard and a Gore-Tex version of the same shoe, so you can pick based on your typical conditions.
- How deep should trail shoe lugs be for the terrain I run?
- As a general guide, shallower lugs (around 3–4mm, as on the HOKA Challenger 8) suit easy trails, gravel and mixed road-to-trail routes, while deeper lugs (5–6mm, as on the HOKA Speedgoat 7, Salomon Speedcross 6 and La Sportiva Bushido III) suit muddy, loose or technical terrain where you need the outsole to bite into soft or uneven ground.
- What does 'zero drop' mean, and should I switch from a standard-drop shoe?
- Heel-to-toe drop is the difference in stack height between the heel and forefoot. A zero-drop shoe like the Altra Lone Peak 9 puts the heel and forefoot at the same height, closer to a barefoot feel, while a shoe like the Salomon Speedcross 6 has a 10mm drop that raises the heel more. Runners moving from a higher-drop shoe to zero drop are commonly advised to transition gradually, easing into shorter runs first, since it changes how the calves and Achilles work.
- Do I need a rock plate?
- A rock plate (also called a rock shield or Rockguard, depending on the brand) is a stiff, protective layer under the forefoot that shields against sharp rocks and roots. It matters most on rocky, technical trails; the Brooks Cascadia 19 (Ballistic Rock Shield), La Sportiva Bushido III (1.5mm Rockguard) and Altra Lone Peak 9 (StoneGuard) all publish one. If a brand doesn't state a rock plate for a given shoe, that's marked in this guide rather than assumed.
- Are trail shoes sold in wide widths and both men's and women's versions?
- Most models in this guide are, but availability varies by brand and model. The HOKA Speedgoat 7, Saucony Peregrine 16, Brooks Cascadia 19, La Sportiva Bushido III (new for this generation), Altra Lone Peak 9 and HOKA Challenger 8 all publish a wide-width option on their US pages. The Salomon Speedcross 6, New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 and Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GORE-TEX are confirmed in dedicated women's versions.
- Which of these is best for someone new to trail running?
- The HOKA Speedgoat 7 and Saucony Peregrine 16 are both reasonable starting points — well-cushioned or moderately cushioned, dependable Megagrip traction, and widely available in wide widths — without the more specialized fit or aggressive lugs of the La Sportiva Bushido III or Salomon Speedcross 6, which suit runners who already know they need technical or mud-specific grip.
- Can I use trail running shoes for hiking instead of hiking boots?
- Trail running shoes are lighter and more flexible than hiking boots and work well for day hikes on moderate terrain, but they generally offer less ankle support and, unless a Gore-Tex version is chosen, less sustained water protection than a dedicated hiking boot. Hikers carrying heavy packs on rough, multi-day trips are usually better served by boots; see our hiking boots guide for that comparison.
Sources consulted
Official product pages, specification sheets and retailer listings used to compile this guide.
- https://www.hoka.com/en/us/mens-trail/speedgoat-7/1171928.html
- https://www.hoka.com/en/id/men/speedgoat-7/1171928.html
- https://www.runningwarehouse.com/HOKA_Speedgoat_7/descpage-H7SGM04.html
- https://www.saucony.com/en/peregrine-16/S10937.html
- https://www.brooksrunning.com/en_us/mens/shoes/trail-shoes/cascadia-19/
- https://www.brooksrunning.com/en_us/mens/shoes/trail-shoes/catamount-4/110441.html
- https://brooksrunning.com.sg/product/mens-catamount-4/
- https://www.lasportiva.com/us/en/mens-shoes/running/bushido-iii
- https://www.salomon.com/en-us/product/speedcross-6-lg9212
- https://www.salomon.com/en-us/product/speedcross-6-lg9213
- https://www.altrarunning.com/shop/mens/shoes/trail/lone-peak-9-m
- https://www.newbalance.com/pd/fresh-foam-x-hierro-v9/MTHIERV9-50176.html
- https://www.newbalance.com/pd/fresh-foam-x-hierro-v9/WTHIERV9-50177.html
- https://www.hoka.com/en/us/mens-road-to-trail/challenger-8/
- https://www.fleetfeet.com/products/mens-hoka-challenger-8
- https://www.nike.com/t/pegasus-trail-5-gore-tex-mens-waterproof-trail-running-shoes-Tqyf11TS/FQ0908-104
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Best Men's Running Shoes of 2026: Top 10 Picks for Every Run
Ten currently sold men's running shoes for 2026 from Nike, HOKA, ASICS, PUMA, adidas, Saucony, Mizuno and New Balance, spanning daily trainers, a stability pick, a plated tempo shoe, a carbon racer, a trail option and a budget pair, compared on verified brand specs and prices.
Best Women's Running Shoes of 2026: Top 10 Picks for Every Run
Ten currently sold women's running shoes — neutral daily trainers, a mild-stability shoe, a max-cushion option, an uptempo trainer, a carbon racer, a road-to-trail shoe and a budget pick — compared on published drop, weight, widths and price from Brooks, HOKA, ASICS, New Balance, Nike, PUMA, Saucony and Mizuno.
Best Running Shoes for Wide Feet in 2026: Top 10 Wide-Fit and Wide Toe Box Picks
Ten running shoes for wide feet: wide and extra-wide widths from Brooks, HOKA, ASICS, Saucony, Mizuno and New Balance, plus wide toe box shoes from Altra and Topo, compared from brand and US retailer pages.
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