It’s official: running is one of the most popular forms of fitness in the UK, according to a recent YouGov survey. And, as discovered by Decathlon, there’s been a 25 per cent increase in sales of trail running shoes with many now exercising on rougher terrain.
But what exactly is trail running? And why is it gaining cult status? To put it simply, trail running involves running outside and in nature. Whether it’s along scenic stretches of sandy beaches, through muddy woodland paths, over mountainous rocky climbs or all of the above. Trail running involves getting off the beaten track and exploring the best (and most treacherous treks) of the outdoors. If you ask us, we couldn’t imagine a better way to clock up some miles.
So, what features should you look out for when it comes to choosing a pair of trail running shoes? According to Hugo Chouissa, from Brooks Running, there are three main things to watch out for.
He explains: “First, understanding your personal fitness level is fundamental. The fitter you are, the more your body will be able to manage and mitigate the 3D aspect of the terrains and conditions.
“Secondly, think about the terrain you want to run on and based on the conditions you will face, get the right level of protection, weight and durability. You can be a trail runner running on gravel roads in the valley, or going skyrunning in the most technical Alpine terrains.
“And the third point – think about the distance you expect to run. The longer you go, the more your feet tends to swell.”
To help you get off the beaten track and put your best foot forward, we’ve tested out some of the top-rated options for both men and women to help you put your best foot forward.
From speed-driven options to technical touches you never knew your trail running needed – we’ve done miles worth of testing to find a style for every runner.
Keep scrolling to find to find your perfect pair of trainers that will help you ace your next outdoor off-road run.
The best trail running shoes for men
Saucony Peregrine 12
If you looked up the meaning of versatile, Saucony Peregrine 12s would be listed underneath. These beauties are the brand’s 12th edition of the much-loved Peregrines and just as you’d expect, they are an upgrade on Saucony’s predecessors.
Springy in all the right places thanks to the PWRRUN+ cushioning technology, hardwearing thanks to its protective rock plate and traction-loaded to help you dig in and take off with speed.
There is nothing the Saucony Peregrine 12s can’t tackle and for that, we salute them. The trail runners, which come in a range of bright colours, are kitted out with a heel-to-toe offset which helps to take pressure of your feet and give you a smooth run. Plus, the 5mm lugs eat up the dirt as you go.
But while the soles are chunky, the top is stripped down to help you defy gravity as you pace across mud, woodlands or more urban endeavours. The list of trail running credentials is endless.
Buy now £130.00, Saucony
Adidas Terrex Speed Ultra
Speed, bounce, and traction combine in Adidas’ Terrex Speed Ultra trail running shoes. Not only do the lightweight runners hug each foot (an essential feature required to help protect you from little and large obstacles along your trail), but they give you the grip needed to ascend and decent different terrains as you please.
This is a definite by-product of the shoe’s small-but-perfectly-formed lugs, which are lined with the brand’s trademarked Continental rubber soles. Once your foot hits the ground, it’s only going one way: and that’s forward.
But don’t just take our word for it. These sneaks were actually race-tested by athlete Tom Evans, who won the Tarawera Ultramarathon – a 102km race – while wearing them. He also set a new race record, shaving 20 minutes off the time. So if it’s good enough for Tom, it’s most definitely good enough for us.
Buy now £160.00, Adidas
Topo Athletic Ultraventure 2
Wide feet will be thankful for these solid, sturdy and stable Ultraventure 2 trail running shoes from Topo Athletic. That’s because the brand specifically makes their runners with a wide forefoot to cushion and comfort every step you make.
The brand knows that the longer you run for, the more chance your feet will expand. So, Topo had the hindsight to make a shoe that not only fits you now, but in the future too. Plus, the wider surface area of the sole means that with every contact you make with the ground it’s secure.
The generous and grippy 5mm lug might have also had something to do with this. This propels you forward on every excursion no matter what the Great British weather decides to throw your way.
But the list of credentials doesn’t stop there. These runners come with a flexible rock protection plate and zip foam - so you really can put your best foot forward.
Buy now £113.45, Amazon
Hoka Zinal
Say goodbye to boring. Hoka’s Zinal trail runners are quite possibly the most fun and freeing sneakers you can slip your feet into. Why? The brand is known for its ability to strike a balance between providing cushioning, weight-bearing and offering traction in every run. And the result of Hoka’s Zinal trail runners is pure technicoloured magic.
With every stride you’ll glide across mud, rocks and uneven spots with these runners underfoot cushioning your land. But don’t get it confused, along with their look and feel, they’re loaded with technical details. We’re talking a molded EVA sock liner which will stop any pebbles, stones or grit from knocking you off course. While a toe bumper is in place to guard against harsh rocks or sharp terrain.
And here comes the bonus points: the Hoka Zinals are crafted from recycled yarn, making them vegan-friendly. It’s a win-win-win.
Buy now £140.00, Hoka
Merrell Moab Speed
Every good trail running shoe starts with a solid foundation. Just like Merrell’s Moab Speeds which feature a rock plate under your sole, along with FloatPro® and new Vibram Traction Lug which gives you traction and stability without weighing you down. Did we also mention the shielding toe cap, padded collar and 100% recycled mesh lining? The later helps your foot breath one step at a time no matter the summit you’re hiking across. Merrell is known for its ability to conjure up a durable trainer that will carry you the distance. No matter what surface you are clocking up some miles on. And the Moab Speed is most no different. If you’re a dedicated trail runners who loves nothing more than getting off the beaten track, these trainers are for you.
Buy now £105.00, Merrell
The best trail running shoes for women
Topo Athletic MTN Racer 2
Come rain, shine, frost or hailstones (yes really!), the Topo Athletic MTN Racer 2 quite literally has your feet covered. These racers are best for those who are tackling a wide range of different terrains – especially mountainous climbs. Why? They have second-to-none traction thanks to their Vibram® Megagrip outsoles and its breathable–yet-hardwearing lining meant you could focus on what you do best: run.
Topo really has done its research when it comes to running. Just like the men’s Ultraventure 2, its wide toe box feature is noticeable and not in a bad way. If you’re running longer distances and need to accommodate for potential foot swelling – these runners account for that.
The shoes have a rugged design with added breathability, and an external TPU heel counter keeps your foot locked into position. So add these to your basket if you want to know what all the fuss is about.
Buy now £140.00, Alpine Trek
Inov-8 TRAILFLY ULTRA G 300 MAX
What do you get when you add souped-up trainer tech to trails? Inov-8’s TRAILFLY ULTRA G 300 MAX. According to the brand, Inov-8 is the only company in the world to use Graphene, which is the strongest material on the planet. The innovators behind Inov-8 worked with world-leading scientists at The University of Manchester, to infuse the super sticky, durable and performance-enhancing material into their rubber outsoles.
But there’s more! These trainers also use Graphene in the foam cushioning for extra bound and spring. It honestly does feel like you’re flying across the ground, in between your strides. But perhaps the best thing about these shoes is the fact they come with an underfoot Adapter-flex groove, which reacts and swallows the terrain you are pacing across. Pair this with a chunky 4mm lug depth and you’ll eat up the ground, one step at a time.
Buy now £170.00, Inov-8
Hoka Mafate Speed 3
Just like their name suggests, the Hoka Mafate Speed 3 trail runners equip you with some serious speed and style. It’s a rugged shoe that’s been reinvented for the third time. But is it a case of third time lucky? We think so.
The first thing you’ll noticed as you slip these on is how supportive they are. The chunky-yet-desirable sole has 5mm lugs which helps you furiously cover ground beneath you without slipping or sliding. You can surge up hills, transcend down a steep climb or power through a beaten path. Every stride is intentional, and every landing feels stable. Both credentials are just the kind of backing you want as your trail gets tricky. This is your feet – but better!
Buy now £150.00, Hoka
Merrell MQM Flex 2 GORE-TEX
Tear-resistant qualities? Tick. Flexible cushioned sole? Tick. Protective toe cap? Tick. Merrell’s MQM Flex 2 GORE-TEX are the trail running shoes to take you from huge hikes to mountainous climbs.
If you’re trekking across rocks, slopes, woodlands or hills, once armed with these runners, you can take it all in your stride – and safety, knowing the trainers are going to safeguard you against any stumbling blocks along the way. The brand is one of the leaders in the trail running game. And we can certainly see why. No stone has been left unturned when it comes to the features. Case in point: these runners come with a waterproof membrane, breathable mesh living, a rock plate in your sole and the addition of 5mm lugs so you can stick to the ground when the going gets tough.
Buy now £120.00, Merrell
Brooks Running Divide 2
Taking your first step into trail running? Then call off the search – these road-to-trail runners are just what your miles are missing. These runners deliver on protection, performance and pretty much everything else.
Taking lots of elements from Ghost – Brooks Running’s bestselling road-runners – the brand has added the level of protection and durability needed to ramble along a light trail. This includes the likes of a toe cap, mud guard and resistant mesh. And let’s not forget about the cushioning which helps to support your joints as well as absorbing the shock. All-in-all, this allows you to concentrate on putting your best foot forward and clocking up some happy miles.
Buy now £100.00, Sports Shoes
The North Face VECTIV
Prepare for the spring trail season with the latest additions to The North Face’s trademarked VECTIV collection - FLIGHT VECTIV™, VECTIV™ INFINITE and VECTIV™ ENDURIS II. The shoes are kitted out with the “innovative soling architecture” like the optimised rubber outsole and rugged soles to keep you gripped on all terrains.
Dubbed by the brand as the most cushioned in the range yet, the ENDURIS II is designed for those elevate miles to offer comfort throughout your adventuring, while keeping your feet cool and ventilated with an engineered air mesh upper. There are fits for both men and women.
The INFINITE (£145) is all about protection as the propel you further and faster with a stabilised 3D plate and rocker, while the FLIGHT (£180) is ultra-lightweight and responsive for speed.
Worn by Ferndanda Maciel and Kaytlyn Gerbin, the duo were able to set a new record on the South Patagonian Continental route that usually takes a week. They were able to complete it in just over 13 hours - if that’s not a testimonial to the new technology, we don’t know what is.
Buy now £125.00, The North Face
Verdict
All of the trail runners come with their long (and seemingly) never ending list of positive credentials. But it was Saucony Peregrine 12’s which came out on top. Why? We were lucky enough to test both the men and women’s trainers out in this design and we both came to the same conclusion – that they make for a smooth ride.
These runners put pace, performance and protection at the forefront of your feet. They are soft and springy in the right places and flexible and functional as and when needed. What more could you want as you stride through nature?
