Complete with a quirky design, the Hoka One One EVO Mafate 2 is more than just looks. Overall, this trailing running shoe is a big burly but comfortable enough to help you cover long trail distances. An improved version of its predecessor, the EVO Mafate 2 has better features that help it tackle technical trains or aggressive running.

The upper material is a Kevlar-infused Matryx that will not irritate your skin and is combined with roomy toe space. As the upper is a tough mesh that you can see through but there is also a soft, stretchy layer just above the toes that give the shoe space to expand with your feet.

The forefoot cushioning deserves a special mention as it is comfortably soft but still firm enough to give you good traction.

Speaking of traction, the shoe’s tread is designed by the manufacturers, Hoka One One, to suit most terrains. The stack height is tall enough to give you complete security and cushioning. You will find a rubberized foam midsole that is thick enough to absorb any shocks and give you a soft landing. There is a Vibram Megagrip rubber that prevents any kind of slippage as well.

You don’t have to worry about the Hoka One One EVO Mafate 2 being too heavy since this particular version uses a lugged midsole instead of a rubber under the arch of the foot. All these reasons ensure that these pair of trail running shoes get a mention on this list.

If you have been keeping an eye out for trail running shoes, you may probably already be aware of the brand, Salomon. The brand has always taken the initiative to bring the best to its customers and delivers the same with its latest offering – the Salomon Speedcross 5.

This pair of trail running shoes are packed with massive lugs, a single-pull lacing system, and a lightweight chassis. It should be interesting to note that the lugs of these shoes are around 6 mm and shaped like arrows. This is around 2 mm more in comparison to other trail shoes available in the market. As a result of this, you get exceptional traction over most terrains and especially soft ground like mud, snow, and dirt.

Having said this, there are a few restrictions as well. You see, this shoe has a narrow fit but then again, having a thick midsole and a high-quality and supportive upper makes it capable to perform. The stack height of these shoes is tall which makes you more prone to roll over on rocky surfaces.

The company has launched a waterproof version of these shoes so you can also opt for those too if you want.

All in all, the Salomon Speedcross 5 will give you amazing traction if you prefer mountainous or adventurous terrains. Having an updated geometry, you are assured of stability and a natural fit which is exactly something you'll want in your shoes.

With the Saucony Men's S20483-2, you get shoes that not only provide amazing traction, but also have deep lugs on its outsole that gives you exceptional grip whether the trail is snowy, icy, muddy, or plain slippery.

This particular trail running shoes come with an ISOFit upper that is exclusively provided by the manufacturer, Saucony. The main aim here is to provide the wearer a custom fit that will keep their feet comfortable even when they go on long trail runs. There are wings attached on each side which merges to the laces while simultaneously giving you room to accommodate your changing feet shape while you run (our feet tend to swell up especially on long trails).
Even the underfoot is covered with the presence of a full Everun topsole. This topsole is the fine layer of material that you will find above the midsole area and below the sock liner. The topsole hence, becomes bouncier and gives you more protection and a secure fit. In addition to this, the material is also thrice more durable in comparison to the traditional EVA, as claimed by Saucony.

Talking about the soft midsole, these shoes form the perfect balance when it comes to cushioning. Created out of a thick EVA foam, you get a soft cushion without restricting your ability to feel the ground. All in all, the Saucony Men's S20483-2 is most certainly one of the best trail running shoes that you can invest in and is well worth every penny you spend on it.

The La Sportiva Men's Bushido II is more suitable for rugged terrain and mountains which really doesn’t come as a surprise since the manufacturer, La Sportiva is a climbing company at the end of the day.

With a trendy and colorful design, these trail running shoes have an amazing grip and is incredibly responsive due to its sturdy platform and intricate aggressive and heavily built lugs. As a result of this, the traction is also above par that reduces the tendency to slip which is great when it comes to running trails.

Also, some of you might already be aware of how the La Sportiva Men's Bushido II is an upgraded version of the previous Bushido featuring improved upper durability, a new EVA midsole, and a rubber toe cap for added protection. But, what it still retains from the original Bushido design is the agility and a comparatively lesser cushioned shoe. The overall platform of the shoe is also semi-stiff. Having said this, there is still no compromise on the overall sturdiness of these trail running shoes.

We would also like to point out that the La Sportiva Men's Bushido II is a bit on the stiffer side. Hence, you should opt for these trail running shoes if you prefer mountainous regions and long runs, and if this is what you’re looking for, you can most certainly depend on the Bushido II to be an excellent purchase in terms of performance and stability.

Adidas is a brand that has created a name for itself for consistently offering its customers an excellent set of products that are not only durable but also specially catered to feel comfortable and give great traction – all without an expensive price tag. You can expect the same thing with the Adidas Outdoor Terrex Agravic Speed GTX that is most certainly one of the best trail running shoes available in the market due to the security and control that it offers.

Specially created to suit wet trails, we would recommend you to wear this pair of shoes if you usually prefer middle distance trails that are on the shorter side. One of the biggest plus points of these shoes is the Gore-Tex’s new 3-D Fit that is an elastic layer that will mold the shoe to your feet just like a sock. This layer then merges with a waterproof knit upper.

Next, the midsole is EVA incorporated making it sturdy and highly responsive. If you’re looking for something that has more precise footwork, then the short stack height of the shoes will help you cover technical trials. As mentioned before, the traction is great, which can be credited to the continental rubber. You don’t have to worry about any unnecessary slipping.

Looks-wise too, the shoes are fashionable and trendy and available in a variety of color schemes. Packed with the unique combination of flexibility and resilience, the adidas Outdoor Terrex Agravic Speed GTX remains true to size, fits perfectly and stays lightweight.

As the name suggests, the VJ XTRM OCR can be your best friend when it comes to tackling technical trails. A relatively lesser-known brand, VJ is a Finland-based company that has been active in the European market since the year 1981 and marks its entry in the US market with the XTRM.

Whether the trail you plan on taking is slippery, snowy, or steep, the chunky sole created with a tough, hard rubber will give you grip like no other. You get 6 mm lugs that are adequately spaced to minimize mud capture while you move. This may also feel firm when you set out on high-mileage runs though.

The other plus point of this shoe is a full-length rock plate that gives you excellent padding. When you move over jagged rocks, you won’t feel a thing with the extra protection. However, on gravel trails, the underfoot cushioning may tend to feel insufficient.

These trail running shoes have been designed to easily move through muddy terrains. The other thing that you will be very happy with is the durability that it offers. If claims are to be believed, the XTRM is made to be virtually indestructible.

The VJ XTRM OCR has a Fitlock feature making way for a slip-free fit and a unisex sizing. You get a Kevlar-bolstered upper that won’t wear away with wear and tear and has traditional stitched-on overlays. For extra security, there is also a thick midfoot saddle.

Many of you might be familiar with Nike and trust the brand when it comes to running shoes, but the brand is now even providing quality options when it comes to trail running. Loaded with several features like a Flymesh that is exclusively provided by Nike, fantastic foot hold, a React foam midsole, hardy toe cap, and a rock plate, the Nike Air Zoom Terra Kiger 5 can be a great purchase, hands down.

The upper of these shoes has been revamped to appeal to the fashionable crowd with no stone left unturned to ensure it offers an excellent grip on dirt as well as rocky surfaces. Not only is the fabric breathable to keep your foot dry and comfortable, but it is also flexible and supportive.

Already hailed as an all-rounder, the Nike Air Zoom Terra Kiger 5 offers a 4 mm heel-to-toe drop, flexibility, cushioning, and noteworthy on-trail performance.

You get a reliable center grip in addition to a high-abrasion rubber outsole giving you that needed bounce and responsiveness. The lugs of these trail running shoes are multidirectional and suitable for soft and hard trails while the lacing system will provide full support for your feet.

We would recommend investing in the Nike Air Zoom Terra Kiger 5 if you are looking for shoes that can accommodate heel strikes and can give you sufficient grip and cushioning, and trust us when we tell you this pair will leave you pleasantly surprised.

The Arc’teryx Norvan SL is one of the few trail running shoes that are even lighter than racing flats. Yes, the Norvan SL was specially designed to be ultra-lightweight at just 6.4 ounces.

At very first glance, you see that the design is minimalistic and super sleek with any kind of excess material being done away with. These shoes are a bit snug and with less cushion and padding, it tends to feel firm on your feet. The lightweight and compact design also make it suitable for rock climbers for whom it was originally designed for.

The underfoot is narrow under the arch and any excess rubber and foam have been removed to make the shoe faster giving the wearer more control. The grip of this pair of shoes is commendable as well.

The upper material is a paper-thin TPU mesh that is see-through. This, in turn, facilitates easy breathability during the summers and drainage for when it rains. The heel has a little slit to give more structure and support in addition to the welding. Also, as you may expect from ultralight shoes, the cushioning is more restricted and there is no rock plate for extra protection. Hence, as soon as you take a bad step, you will know it.

Still, with a minimalistic design aesthetic, breathable upper, compact and secure structure, nimbleness and a good grip, the Arc’teryx Norvan SL earns a spot on our list of the best trail running shoes.

If we solely take into account trail running shoes, Brooks is the company that has always taken measures to improve their shoes with every passing year. With their latest offering, Brooks has come up with Men's Cascadia 14—a lightweight shoe that has been created with a streamlined and improved upper. The manufacturing company has taken all the necessary precautions to make the shoe more comfortable, providing good traction. The latter is ensured with the presence of a rubber and tread outsole.

The chassis of the trail running shoes is completely secure with a locked-in fit and lacing system. Let’s also not forget the strengthened mud guards for additional protection. The upper fabric has been made thicker to add to the durability of the Cascadia 14, but it also tends to feel warmer for this reason.

However, there is one shortcoming with this pair of shoes – agility. It has average responsiveness and needs improvement to make it faster for less technical trails. We are not saying that the shoes are slow; it is just that in comparison to the other shoes on this list, it is a little less nimble. But then again, there are other plus points that more than make up for this negative.

Nevertheless, the Brooks Men's Cascadia 14 is still an option that leaves a mark when it comes to comfort, capability, and toughness. We would definitely recommend this if you are searching for trail running shoes that can conquer rugged or all-around trails.

The Altra Superior 4 is the perfect combination of a lightweight design that packs in the right punch when it comes to responsiveness.

The shoes overall have a soft and cushy feel due to the presence of the Quantic midsole technology. You get additional stone guards that are removable for inserting inside the shoe when you plan on combating more technical trails. Fitted with gaiter traps, you can enjoy full protection when it comes to your feet.

Talking about the upper, there are punctured holes across the front which makes way for drainage and breathability. The outsole is made up of MaxTrac rubber that will give you a fabulous grip to prevent any slips.

As mentioned before, the Quantic midsole increases the performance of the shoes without adding to the weight. The shoes hence become very flexible and responsive but you need to get accustomed to the zero drop heel lift as well.

If you take a look at the sole, you’ll find that the pattern resembles a footprint. This is the main reason why the shoe fits superbly to your foot. The laces are long, the upper is flexible, and the toe-box is roomy.

In totality, with the Altra Superior 4, you get protective technology in addition to super-light built that will make you feel confident with the overall dexterity that you experience while you run trails. After a long day of trail running, you won't have to worry about tired feet due to the spaciousness of these shoes.