The best trail running shoes
The trail running shoes we'd pick for parks and light trails, and for rough, muddy, technical ground, for men and women.
Quick answer
For light trails, our top pick is the Altra Experience Wild 3+: grips on parks, towpaths and light trail and balanced cushioning. For rough, muddy, technical ground, it's the Norda 001A. The right trail shoe depends most on the ground you run on, so start there.
Best for parks, towpaths and light trail
- Top match£130
Experience Wild 3+
- Grips on parks, towpaths & light trail
- Balanced cushioning
Fit True to size
323g 4mm drop
- Strong alternative£140
Cascadia 20
- Grips on parks, towpaths & light trail
- Balanced cushioning
Fit True to size
306g 6mm drop
- Alternative pick£165
TrailFly Pro
- Grips on parks, towpaths & light trail
- Balanced cushioning
228g 6mm drop
Best for technical, muddy trail
- Top match
- Strong alternative
- Also great£140
Cascadia 20
- Made for technical, muddy trail
- Balanced cushioning
Fit True to size
306g 6mm drop
Best for parks, towpaths and light trail
- Top match£130
Experience Wild 3+
- Grips on parks, towpaths & light trail
- Balanced cushioning
Fit True to size
264g 4mm drop
- Strong alternative£140
Cascadia 20
- Grips on parks, towpaths & light trail
- Balanced cushioning
Fit True to size
275g 6mm drop
- Alternative pick£165
TrailFly Pro
- Grips on parks, towpaths & light trail
- Balanced cushioning
192g 6mm drop
Best for technical, muddy trail
- Top match
- Strong alternative
- Also great£140
Cascadia 20
- Made for technical, muddy trail
- Balanced cushioning
Fit True to size
275g 6mm drop
How they compare
| Shoe | Price | Weight (men's / women's) | Drop | Plate | Wide fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Altra Experience Wild 3+ | £130 | 323g / 264g | 4mm | None | Roomy toe box |
| Brooks Cascadia 20 | £140 | 306g / 275g | 6mm | None | Yes |
| Inov-8 TrailFly Pro | £165 | 228g / 192g | 6mm | None | No |
| Norda 001A | £260 | 268g / 225g | 5mm | None | No |
| VJ Ultra 3 | £165 | 275g (unisex) | 8mm | None | Roomy toe box |
Light trail or technical trail?
Light trail means parks, towpaths, gravel and well-kept paths. You want short lugs (3–4mm) that grip without feeling clumsy on the road you run to get there, and cushioning close to a road shoe.
Technical trail means mud, wet rock, roots and steep, loose ground. Deeper lugs (4–6mm), a protective toe bumper and a firmer, lower platform that keeps your foot steady matter more than softness.
What to look for
Grip. The outsole rubber matters as much as lug depth. Vibram Megagrip and Continental rubber are the names reviewers rate most often on wet rock.
Protection. A rock plate or a thicker midsole stops stones and roots pressing into your foot on long runs.
Heel hold. A shoe that lets your heel lift will rub and slide on climbs and descents. Check it on a steep slope before you commit.
Room for your toes. Feet swell over long runs and slide forward on descents, so leave about a thumb's width at the front.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use road running shoes on trails?
On dry, smooth paths, yes. On mud, wet grass or rocky ground, a trail shoe's grip and protection make running safer and more comfortable.
How long do trail running shoes last?
Usually 500–800km, depending on the ground and the shoe. Worn-down lugs are the clearest sign it's time to replace them.
Are waterproof trail shoes worth it?
For cold, wet runs that stay shallow, they keep your feet warmer. Once water comes over the top, it can't get out, so many trail runners prefer a breathable shoe that drains and dries quickly.
Should trail shoes fit tighter than road shoes?
Snugger around the heel and midfoot, so your foot doesn't slide on uneven ground, but with the same room at the toes.
How we picked
Every shoe we track is scored on cushioning, stability, responsiveness, weight, drop, plate, width options and price. For this guide we ran that scoring for a typical runner with these needs and show the top three. No brand or retailer can pay to appear. How we rank.
Header photo by Jeremy Lapak