10 Best Fell Running Shoes | 2024 Buyers Guide
Unlike trail running, which already comes with its own fair number of hurdles, fell running ups the ante by taking away the one thing you can rely on in the wild: the trail. Every time you venture out, you go with nothing to guide your next move except your intuition. Your wits are all that’s out there to make certain your footing is sure, but that doesn’t mean a reliable pair of shoes can’t give you a hand. If you think you could be up for it, take a look at our selection of fell running shoes below and find a pair that will help you overcome whatever the great outdoors has to throw at you!
Take a look at our top 10 picks below!
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Comfort
For this comparative criteria, we particularly looked at the cushion effect in conjunction with state of the art incorporated shoe technology. How do the shoes perform on long Fell trail runs? we wanted to know which shoes provide impact protection and how the level of protection compared to our top shoe selection.
We compared the different type of foot support being offered for foot arches and heels and the size of the toe boxes, different lacing and shoe strap system for locking down the foot for stability.
We looked at and compared the levels of breathability being offered by different shoe brands. How well do the shoes perform for keeping out water and how well do the shoes drain water and dry out, do the shoes protect the foot and shoe from damage by sharp objects.
Durability
We looked at and compared the different shoe technology and materials incorporated into the shoe to provide durability while staying with quality. Cheap construction materials can have a nice visual effect but the truth is that cheap reflects a lack of durability. Forsaking quality in an attempt to keep down the market price of the shoe will, of course, result in a shoe with short-term durability.
Read also about gore tex runners.
If the need for quality and durability are put aside when a brand constructs a shoe the runner will find that he/she can encounter many types of unwanted problems while taking a ride on a Fell trail, we compared the shoes to see how well the need for reliability in terms of durability had been factored into the construction of the shoe.
Protection
A shoes overall firmness contributes most to its protection, you don’t want it to bend in ways that your foot shouldn’t be. It is also important to consider if the shoe contains a rigid rock plate, which can save you from some more severe injuries. To a lesser extent, we also want to look at the shoe’s shocks and their ability to absorb not only the weight of your stride but the impact of any slips, trips, or falls. Just because you land on your feet doesn’t mean it won’t take it out of you.
Read also about white sports shoes.
Weight
Weight is a factor we consider in a lot of the running shoes that we review on our site—and this should be no surprise since that last thing a runner wants or needs is a pair of running shoes that will weigh you down and prevent you from running. That being said, weight is something that varies from shoe to shoe and often depends on your foot type. If you overpronate, have stability issues, or require additional support for your foot you will end with a shoe that is heavier than others—but that doesn’t mean they have to be heavy or that they can’t still be lightweight.
When compiling our list we wanted to ensure that we provided fell running shoes for all foot types and specific needs, so you will notice some are heavier than others. However, most of the shoes on our list are relatively lightweight, even when accounting for additional support and stability features they may offer.
Even they heaviest shoes on our list are still lightweight and flexible enough for fell running. But, we still based our rating on the weight of the shoe and gave higher ratings to those that weighed less than others—but don’t let that be your final decision tiebreaker. At the end of the day, you need to get a pair of shoes that offers the features that will cover your needs—so make sure to prioritize that!
Outsole
When it comes to fell running shoes, the outsole is of utmost importance. If the outsole of these shoes are not durable and constructed properly they won’t last long—after all, you need them to be able to handle really technical terrain, and you definitely need to be able to rely on them for the long haul if you are serious about fell running.
The outsole of a good pair of fell running shoes will feature a design specifically made for technical terrain. They should provide adequate grip and traction to prevent you from slipping or falling and thus getting injured. Since the outsole will be receiving the highest amount of stress, they need to be durable enough to handle harsh running surface as well as provide you with the right amount of balance, stability, and support—to keep your ankles from rolling and your feet from slipping.
Read also about yellow running shoe.
Not all fell running shoes feature the same outsoles and some are better than others. Many of them use Gore-Tex or Vibram material and others go as far as providing waterproofing features. Either way, we rated the outsole of the each of the shoes based on how great they truly are but at the end of the day, you need to consider your specific needs and ensure that you are getting a pair of shoes that has the outsole and features that will fit your needs.
10 Best Fell Running Shoes
1. Salomon Fellraiser
France: the proud father of Salomon since 1947. In the mammoth sized selection of sportswear and sports equipment the Fellraiser Trail Running Shoe is the newest addition and to the avail of an overwhelming amount of users’ responses and feedback.
Read moreComfort
The shoe is extremely well built and very cautiously knitted to provide you with an assured adventurous racing. The ‘OrthoLite sock liner’ is added to restrain your feet from for any external shock and for providing unmatched cushioning.
Durability
Well done to French innovative design. A good price for a very high performing, durable, attractive looking Fell shoe. Purchasing these represents a good investment. When compared to a Speedcross Outsole, the Chevron will most certainly last longer.
Protection
Comprising a hard compound made from a specialist combination of rubbers, this Contagrip creation provides more than enough grip factor and is surfaced with a chevron pattern of lugs, the traction factor for soft surfaces is extremely impressive.
Weight
Fell style surfaces regardless of surface weather conditions such as rain, snow or dry heat. Running uphill or down, the reliable shoe grip is consistent--and they are still pretty lightweight.
Outsole
A strong factor for efficient Fell running, this thoughtful French shoe design incorporates running technological innovation allowing the chevron lugs structured at 8mm's deep to smoothly work in conjunction with the balanced low heel. The lugs are housed by a Contagrip outsole which provides a strong base allowing the lugs to do their work and bite down firmly into
2. Under Armour Dash 2
A well-known brand, Under Armour is a name many people trust for quality and excellence and the same holds true with their shoes. The Under Armour Dash 2 is a great choice for anyone looking for an awesome pair of running shoes!
Read moreComfort
The Under Armour Dash 2 is one of the highest rated shoes on our list when it comes to comfort, which is a large part of what earned it the number two spot on our list. Every part of these shoes is designed to be comfortable and to make you feel good when you wear them for your runs!
Durability
These are also a great pair of shoes to consider when durability is important to you. They are designed to hold up to the wear and tear of intense workouts and runs and are great for gym or trail running alike. There is no point in buying shoes that won’t hold up and serve you well and with the Under Armour Dash 2 you are sure to get your money’s worth!
Protection
Runners need to protect their feet while they are out for a run, especially if they are running in rough or uneven terrain. These shoes are a perfect choice when you want a pair of running shoes that will provide you with all of the support and stability you want and need for your runs and workout sessions.
Weight
The Under Armour Dash 2 are a surprisingly light pair of shoes for all of the support, cushioning, and sole protection they provide. They aren’t super light weight but they are far from the heaviest shoes on this list so they are a good option for any runners looking for lighter shoes that do not sacrifice comfort or support in the process.
Outsole
The final feature of these shoes from Under Armour that is worth considering is their outsole design. They are designed with good tread and traction so you can be sure to keep your footing even on the roughest and slipperiest of trails. They are also design with great shock absorption to protect your feet and legs from impact injury as you run!
3. ASICS GEL-Venture 5
Another great shoe from a popular brand, the ASICS GEL-Venture 5 is a well-known and highly coveted shoe that has met the needs of runners for years and it is still one of the best rated running shoes out there today!
Read moreComfort
The ASICS GEL-Venture 5 is known for its comfortable fit, great design, high-quality material, and durable craftsmanship. When you put on these running shoes your feet are surrounded by comfort and support, exactly what you need before you head out for a run!
Durability
Like many other ASICS products, these shoes are made to last and are a smart investment for any runner. Beginners will love their durable design and stylish features while pros will appreciate the great return on their investment and the enhanced experience they get.
Protection
Any runner who spends a lot of time on rugged trails or running the hard paths of the concrete jungle will need good protection when they run. The ASICS GEL-Venture 5 running shoes will protect your feet from heel to toe every time you put them on!
Weight
These are a medium weight shoe which is fine for many runners today. The added support, cushioning, and shock absorption you get from the heavier design is well worth it for many runners. These shoes are far from heavy so they are still a good choice for avid runners.
Outsole
The ASICS GEL-Venture 5 is designed for avid runners who are always on the go and who enjoy long runs on a number of surfaces and terrains. The soles have great traction and grip to help you keep your footing and maintain balance and stability at all times!
4. Altra Men's Lone Peak 3.5
When you are looking for a great running shoe that will support your feet, keep you comfortable, and that can hold up to all kinds of terrain then you will want to consider the Altra Men's Lone Peak 3.5 running shoe!
Read moreComfort
These running shoes are made to be comfortable and supportive, two things you always want in a good pair of running shoes. The inner materials cushion your feet and the outer materials protect against the elements.
Durability
The Altra Men's Lone Peak 3.5 running shoes are great for beginners and professional runners alike because they are made to be durable and will take whatever you have to give. They are a smart investment any runner will be glad to make for their running gear!
Protection
The durable design with a breathable mesh mid-layer provide ample protection for your feet while still allowing for good air flow. This will help protect your feet from blisters due to seating and will also guard against the dreaded sneaker odor.
Weight
The Altra Men's Lone Peak 3.5 are a little heavier than some of the other shoes on this list and while they are not necessarily a light weight shoe they are still much lighter than the traditional cheap sneakers from the discount store!
Outsole
A good outsole is designed to be durable and will have tread designed to improve traction and stability in all kinds of terrain. These shoes have this and much more, including improved shock absorption and support for your feet.
5. Salomon Speedtrak
Salomon brings the high quality that runners have come to expect in their Speedtrak, a fell running shoe that is as stable as it is reliable. These shoes will help you get up, grip, and go on to conquer any trail you set your sights on.
Read moreComfort
The Salomon Speedtrak is a shoe designed for running with comfort and certainty. These shoes contain injection molded padding for superior comfort. The shoe fits snugly to maintain comfortable and stable wear, with perhaps a slightly smaller than optimal toe box.
Durability
Where the Speedtrak really excels is instability. From toe to heel this shoe is meant to keep your feet in top form and correctly aligned. Speedtrak also is built with its treads low to the ground to maintain a stable heel drop without sacrificing anything essential to a good fell running shoe.
Protection
Any good fell running shoe should have noteworthy grip, since it is a staple need of anyone pursuing this particularly challenging style of trail running.
Weight
These shoes offer great stability and support and they weigh a little more because of it--but they certainly aren't too heavy.
Outsole
Once again this is a category where Salomon Speedtrak delivers-- hands down. Its tough tread is studded with thick lugs which grip all sorts of surfaces, both wet and dry so that each step you take is just as sure as the last.
6. Saucony Peregrine
These shoes get excellent marks for their high level of traction, which is one of the best on the market. They really do work well for the purposes of this buying guide, and users loved them as an all-around great off-road running shoe.
Read moreComfort
Users didn't have a lot to say one way or the other about how comfortable this shoe is, but they were really blown away by the traction and couldn't talk about much else, although we did find some positive reviews about this factor and zero negative ones.
Durability
Most users found these to last well into the 250+ mile range a good running shoe should last, although there were a few comments about durability issues with the outsole, specifically the tread knobs coming off.
Protection
These have a heavy-duty outsole to protect against sharp rocks and other debris you may encounter on or off the trail, and a lot of people use these as hiking shoes and love them.
Weight
A pair weighs 10 oz. in women's and 11.3 oz in men's.
Outsole
The sole of this shoe was just redesigned for this model, which has increased the weight but also the comfort of the shoe on the trail as well as it's durability. Saucony puts its PWRTRAC traction system to good use here, and its grip was the number one factor that users of this shoe
7. Mizuno Wave Hayate 2
Mizuno has always been a good pick out of the footwear section because of its consistent world-class quality. The Mizuno Wave Hayate 2 has created a buzz among the passionate runners by its exceptional multi-terrain features. Let’s find out more about what they have added!
Read moreComfort
The breathable and comfortable lace up vamp, lightweight synthetic upper sole, and Heel-cradling Concave Wave design. These features keep your feet breathable, dry, ventilated and comfortable too for which the audacious mountains or the moist morass, nothing at all will be able to put down your zest.
Durability
Shoe material achieves a natural stretch and is enabled through the inclusion of Dyna-Motion Fit which also serves towards preventing heel buckling.
Protection
The shoes protective qualities are great breathability, nice cushion, high flexibility when needed and a strongly constructed shoe which can take on the various challenges thrown up by Fell running. If you want to feel protected, the tech engineered into this shoe is extensive and will serve your needs.
Weight
These are about average weight for a pair of fell running shoes.
Outsole
Let’s start with the high-quality synthetic fabric along with its vegan imported rubber sole which restrains the shoe from wearing away even after vigorous running through uneven surfaces.
8. Inov-8 Mudclaw 300
When vibrant colors are only to stand for your flamboyant soul, when an athlete's running is not only limited to some rocks and hills but to impassion their throbbing disposition, then this chic fell shoe from Inov-8 is a must for your wardrobe.
Read moreComfort
The Precision Fit, for which this model is adored so much, is mandatory for any fell running shoe. Next, to speak about the overall material- there are two base materials: the synthetic textile and the imported rubber sole. In the upper sole, the presence of breathable mesh keeps the foot well ventilated and dry at all times; the importance of a hygienic dryness while running through extremely hot or humid terrain is in no need for explanation.
Durability
These fell running shoes are really durable and built to last--after all, this brand is known for their high-quality and durable shoes.
Protection
This shoe model retains its famous lugs at 8mm, sporting a drop of 6mm creating a double-crown. Excellent traction in muddy and/or wet grass slopes. You are surely going to love is the mud claw lugs in the outsole portion. Let the mud and morass stay on the road, not on your shoe.
Weight
The shoes are lightweight in comparison to their exceptional off-road running qualities.
Outsole
The outsoles on these shoes and their lugs will provide you with the grip, traction, and stability that you need.
9. Adidas Terrex Skychaser
This option has great traction and a Gore-Tex upper so it's both breathable and waterproof, making it perfect for fell running. Reviewers raved about the comfort of this shoe, and it comes from a company that's famous for their quality athletic apparel.
Read moreComfort
When it comes to comfort these are one of the best on our list. The speed lacing system works well and doesn't pinch like some similar systems do, and the lining is soft and comfortable.
Durability
Durability is good for these, although some question how well the outsole will hold up as it seems softer than in the previous version.
Protection
These have a heavy-duty outsole to protect against rocky landings. Some people felt it was too stiff, but that's exactly what you want in this type of shoe.
Weight
These weigh 325 g or 11.5 ounces in the men's version and 289 g or 10.2 ounces in the women's version which does make them one of the heavier options we chose.
Outsole
The bottoms of these shoes feature rubber from Continental, the famous tire manufacturer. They created this rubber especially for Adidas and customers have raved about how grippy it is.
10. Saucony Xodus 4.0
When a company that was established 118 years ago is placed at the top of sportswear and sports equipment even to this day, then it may just have something within it that the other enterprises may not be blessed with. Let’s see if by reviewing the features of the Saucony Xodus 4.0 we can catch on to what this defining quality may be.
Read moreComfort
The Xodus 4.0 Running Shoe has been provided with a number of other unique features like its ComfortLite moulded foam sock liner,
Durability
The Gaiter compatibility is an important thing to consider in regard to this shoe’s durability.
Protection
Great exceptional grip from the lug system for trail mud surfaces and can additionally provide good traction grip via multiple directional lugs, even on a road surface.
Weight
Pretty lightweight but still durable!
Outsole
External Bedrock Outsole rock protection plate, PowerGrid heel insert, and Vibram XS-Trek outsole. Yes, the features are indeed noticeably more in number as you may see with a lot of other contemporaries.
Sources
- , The Guardian, Running blog
- , Wild Running, Trail/fell running publication
- , I Run Far, Running publication
