The best trail running shoes for beginners
The best first trail running shoes under £150: comfortable, grippy shoes that suit parks, paths and your first proper trails.
Quick answer
For a first pair of trail running shoes under £150, our top pick is the Altra Experience Wild 3+: grips on parks, towpaths and light trail and balanced cushioning. The Saucony Xodus Ultra 4 and Inov-8 TrailFly Pro are close behind. Start with a cushioned, versatile shoe for light trails; you can add a specialist pair later if you get hooked on mud and mountains.
Our picks
- Top match£130
Experience Wild 3+
- Grips on parks, towpaths & light trail
- Balanced cushioning
Fit True to size
323g 4mm drop
- Strong alternative£150
Xodus Ultra 4
- Grips on parks, towpaths & light trail
- Plush, high-stack cushioning
Fit True to size
301g 6mm drop
- Alternative pick£165
TrailFly Pro
- Grips on parks, towpaths & light trail
- Balanced cushioning
228g 6mm drop
Our picks
- Top match£130
Experience Wild 3+
- Grips on parks, towpaths & light trail
- Balanced cushioning
Fit True to size
264g 4mm drop
- Strong alternative£150
Xodus Ultra 4
- Grips on parks, towpaths & light trail
- Plush, high-stack cushioning
Fit True to size
280g 6mm drop
- Alternative pick£165
TrailFly Pro
- Grips on parks, towpaths & light trail
- Balanced cushioning
192g 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 |
| Saucony Xodus Ultra 4 | £150 | 301g / 280g | 6mm | None | No |
| Inov-8 TrailFly Pro | £165 | 228g / 192g | 6mm | None | No |
What matters in your first trail shoe
Comfort. As with road shoes, the pair that feels best on a short test run is usually the right one.
Versatility. Most new trail runners start on parks, paths and forest tracks. A shoe with moderate lugs handles all of those and the road in between.
Cushioning. Trail shoes can be firm. A bit of extra cushioning makes the step up from road running easier on your legs.
Do you need trail shoes to start trail running?
Not for dry, smooth paths: your road shoes will do. Once you're running on mud, wet grass or rocky ground, a trail shoe's grip makes running safer and more fun.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I spend on my first trail running shoes?
£100–£150 buys an excellent trail shoe. Previous versions of popular models are often much cheaper.
Can I walk and hike in trail running shoes?
Yes. They're lighter than walking boots and grip well, which is why many hikers use them.
Should I start trail running on technical trails?
Build up on easier paths first. Technical ground uses more energy and needs more balance, so ease into it.
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.
Sources
Header photo by Mathias Reding