10 Best Trail Runners Reviewed & Tested in 2021

Comfort / Stability

The Speedcross 4s are very well cushioned shoes which provide lasting comfort for those long trail runs. Additionally, the Quicklace system that this shoe employs actually works well to provide a custom fit to the user, offering a secure fit and ensuring comfort. At first, the shoes may feel a bit tight, but after wearing them for a short while they seem to break in easily. The secure fit also works well in conjunction with the multi-directional lugs attached to the shoe’s Contagrip rubber outsole to provide excellent stability and traction for multiple types of environments.

Quality / Durability

When compared with other trail running shoes, the Salomon Speedcross holds its place at the top of the list. With attributes such as a durable upper, rigid outsole and protective toe caps, the Speedcross has everything needed to hammer through those rough trails and keep you moving. In other words, they are pretty durable shoes.

Cost

For beginners, these may seem expensive. However, the more experienced runners as well as those who tend to stick to the trails and off-road courses, these trail running shoes are fairly priced.

Check out all the best Salomon trail running shoes.

Comfort / Stability

These trail running shoes feature a cushioned midsole and have great responsiveness. They are great for long distance trail running and offer appropriate flexibility and stability for easy and average trails. They also have a wide toe box and provide a secure fit.

Quality / Durability

This model has 6mm lugs and offers excellent protection against rocks and other elements that may get stuck to the shoe. They are highly durable and are built to last.
There are some issues with parts of the rubber peeling off from the bottom of the soles. However, other than that, the durability of these trail running sneakers for an extended period of use is, overall, quite good.

Cost

These are pretty pricey, but given their features and durability, they are well-worth the cost.

Comfort / Stability

The low profile, extra tongue padding, and slipper snug fit set the Bushido 2 in a ranking of its own in stability. Unlike most trail runners, the Bushido 2 offers extra cushioning in all the right places without taking away from the true trail feel. This design with smart cushioning and EVA sole is a step above the norm. It still offers a rugged midsole and extra sticky grip, which allows for a nice ride in mud or steeper slopes. The lock-in lacing system is also a great tool in the Bushido arsenal, working with you to keep those feet locked in tight on the most difficult terrain.

Quality / Durability

La Sportiva Bushido is known for having high standards in durability. Although the grippy sole does wear out a bit faster, having good “breaks’ outweighs the need for longevity in the expert trail department. The rock plate adds to the durability, allowing you to glide over rubbish, also adding to the comfort. The toe is reinforced with rubber, protecting the shoe from trail use and your toes from abuse. The mesh material is made very well and does not take away from the durability of the shoe while allowing it to breathe.

Cost

The average price tag of these is pleasant since the shoe itself offers more than average design and build. The Bushido 2 offers more than average stability as well. Running low and fast to the ground. You can feel as safe parting with the money as you do running the trails.

Check out all the best La Sportiva trail running shoes.

Comfort / Stability
Nike added the React mid-sole to the Keiger 5 while taking out the Zoom Air in the front and replacing it with a rock plate. This not only adds to the stability of the shoe, it also allows you to get a smoother ride when shredding through rougher terrain. Nike put more thought into the lacing this time, allowing for a more snug fit. The added loops allow for the K5 to pull the midfoot in tight, giving the runner a secure lockdown, which means no slippage. Another small but effective upgrade is the small pads intelligently placed in the tongue right where the laces lock-in. This small addition makes the Terra Kiger 5 over the top comfortable. The soft ankle fabric prevents the shoe from chaffing and rubbing the ankle as well. Nike did leave the Zoom Air pocket in the heel, keeping up with the bounce and responsiveness runners seem to love most about these trail running shoes.

Quality / Durability
Durability is what makes this shoe stand out. Equal to any shoe with great traction, the multi-directional carbon fiber lugs seem to wear faster than the rest of the shoe. Strategically placing the rubber-coated lugs in the front and rear of the trail runner leaves the midsole more open and flexible. Nike added a midsole cushioning to this area, which adds to the support and makes the shoe seem to last a bit longer while also protecting from sharp rocks. The rock plate in the front works like magic on those jagged trails without sacrificing any flexibility. Needless to say, the shoe moves and lasts. Average daily trail runners are locking in a solid 350 miles of trail in these. The midsole and upper have gotten raves across the board. The mesh durability is not questionable and they are breathable, although they lack drainage.

Cost
Think of the Nike Terra Kiger 5 as more of an investment when making the purchase. The balance of comfort vs. weight is a great selling point for those runners who love a soft light shoe that can handle a beating. The Kiger 5 is a smart, well thought out trail running shoe at an average price.

Altra has been a consistent brand on this listed, and this year the Altra Lone Peak 3.5 trail running shoes are among the most highly rated shoes currently available.

These trail running sneakers are specifically tailored for individuals with wide feet, so if you have a narrow foot steer clear.

That being said, they feature a zero drop--meaning they the entire shoe is the same height. ALtra also uses its' A-bound EVA foam combined with rock plate embedded midsole--this allows for a well-cushioned and stable shoe that will not get destroyed (or sacrifice comfort) when running on those rugged terrains.

Cost

This shoe is up their in cost, but it is definitely reasonably priced--especially with all of the features it provides.

Comfort / Stability

The Ultra Endurance provides a supportive fit for the trail with its heel stability technology which they call the Ultra Protect Cradle system. The breathable upper provides both excellent airflow and quick drying properties, which are essential features for the trails.
The midsole is constructed from single density compression molded EVA, offering enough comfort for a decent run.
The durable Vibram Megagrip outsole provides sticky traction on multiple surfaces, with the added protection of their ESS Snake Plate under the forefoot.

Quality / Durability

As far as durability goes, they really don't seem to have any real issues which users are too concerned about. In fact, we couldn't really find much negative feedback about this model at all.
The construction and materials seem to be of good quality.

Comfort / Stability

There are no complaints with these shoes when it comes to comfort. They feature Dynamic Fit technology, which They are well ventilated and allow for maximum breathability--and their Phylon midsole provides additional heel support.

Quality / Durability

These trail running sneakers are made of high-quality material and highly durable--you can expect to get about 300-500 miles out of them. They have a waffle outsole for great traction and outsole lugs on the outsole for great grip.

Cost

These shoes come moderately priced and are a great addition to your running gear.

Comfort / Stability

These lightweight shoes are versatile and have just the right amount of EVA cushioning. They provide great shock absorption, which helps prevent injuries from occurring. They offer excellent rollover support and are equipped to provide optimal traction. This model features a more breathable model than its predecessor and an extended toe cap.

Quality / Durability

These trail sneakers are highly durable and made of high-quality material. They are built to last and designed to withstand rough conditions.

Cost

These come at a pricey cost but are definitely worth the investment.

Comfort/Stability
Forming to the total foot, the Trail Glove 4 wraps the arch area without adding unwanted pressure. The thin but effective padding in the midsole protects the foot from sharp objects and adds much-needed stability and grab on uneven terrain. The abrasion resistant, anti-slip outer sole allows for all sorts of quick movement for a more controlled run. The midsole padding does not take away from that minimalist design either; it creates a perfect marriage of barefoot and trail.

Quality/Durability
Merrell’s Vibram Outsole TC1 adds so much that would be desired on tougher terrain in a basic minimalist shoe: comfort, control and very importantly, added durability. Merrell made the rubber “abrasion proof”, which makes the Trail Glove 4 virtually indestructible. The quality of shock absorbency is surprising since the padding is so thin and the shoe itself is feather light, 7oz, making this more an extension of the natural foot than a shoe. A smart addition to this padding is the anti-microbial, microfiber that keeps the Glove 4 dry and clean from sweat, saving the shoe from faster breakdown and smell.

Cost
If you're looking into barefoot running, you won’t find more functioning simplicity for your buck. The Trail Glove 4 is a minimalist shoe on steroids and holds a firm grasp on trail running standards. The lightweight carries a heavyweight title in agility and quick response. For the low cost, you get a top-notch trail shoe.

Read also about vivobarefoot shoes review.

Comfort / Stability

Due to the upper mesh's DWR coating, there is a decent amount of airflow through the XT200 while still remaining protected from the elements. Reinforcing overlays provide additional upper support and fit as well. There is plenty of room for natural forefoot splay without being loose and unstable.

In the midsole you'll find EVA foam that provides adequate cushioning which offers great shock absorption, as well as energy returning bounce back.
The X-Talon's Rop-Tech outsole has some fairly aggressive tread to maintain a positive grip on just about any trail. The reinforced toe bumper provides additional protection against loose rocks and debris encountered along the way.

Quality / Durability

The feedback from users has been typically positive, although many would like to see more underfoot protection built into the model. As far as durability goes, these seem to stand up to most rough terrain. However, there are a few reviews critical of the shoe's lifespan under heavy use over extreme types of terrain.