7 Best Trail Running Shoes of 2026

Built like a bunker, the Merrell Nova 4 charges headfirst into rugged terrain with a rugged TPU-reinforced upper and the indestructible Merrell Quantum Grip outsole—a combo that laughs in the face of sharp rocks and muddy descents. Engineered with sustainability in mind, it features 100% recycled laces, a 50% recycled EVA footbed, and a FloatPro Foam midsole that maintains bounce mile after mile, making it a trail warrior that doesn’t sacrifice ethics for endurance. If you’ve ever had trail shoes flake out after a few months of hard use, this one’s built to shred that expectation.

On technical singletrack and loose scree, the Nova 4 delivers tenacious grip and reliable protection, with a snug midfoot wrap and a toe cap that shrugs off root strikes. The 8mm drop and moderate stack height offer a balanced ride—responsive enough for uphill sprints, stable enough for steep downhills—though it’s not the lightest shoe on the market at 11.4 ounces (size 13). While the breathability is decent thanks to the engineered mesh, it can feel a bit warm on long summer hikes, and the break-in period is slightly longer than some competitors.

Compared to the plush New Balance Hierro V9, the Nova 4 trades some cushioning for superior durability and trail armor, making it ideal for thru-hikers and off-trail explorers who prioritize longevity over cloud-like softness. It doesn’t have the eco-footprint of the carbon-neutral Brooks Cascadia 19, but its recycled materials and bombproof outsole make it a strong contender for rugged-duty runners. For those who demand a shoe that can survive season after season of abuse, the Nova 4 offers rugged reliability with a conscience.

Plush, protective, and planet-conscious, the New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro V9 wraps your feet in the most cushioned Fresh Foam X midsole yet, delivering a cloud-like ride that soaks up punishing trail miles with ease. The dual-density foam, now infused with 3% bio-based materials, strikes a rare balance between softness and resilience, while the Vibram outsole ensures you won’t slip when the trail turns slick or steep. If your knees or joints protest after long runs, this shoe is engineered to silence the pain with every step.

Out on the trail, the Hierro V9 shines during long, grinding ascents and quad-pounding descents, where its generous stack height and gusseted tongue keep debris out and comfort high. The Toe Protect technology adds a rugged bumper that survives rock strikes, and the Traction Lug design bites aggressively into mud, wet rock, and loose gravel. However, the 12.1-ounce weight (size 12) makes it feel a bit sluggish for speed-focused runners, and the snug toe box may irritate wider feet over time.

When stacked against the Altra Lone Peak 9, the Hierro V9 offers far more cushioning but sacrifices the natural toe splay that minimalist fans crave. It’s also heavier than the nimble Adidas Terrex Tracefinder 2, but that extra mass brings superior underfoot protection and stability. For trail runners who value maximum comfort on technical, varied terrain, especially in wet or muddy conditions, the Hierro V9 is a premium cushioned workhorse that outperforms in durability and grip what many lighter shoes promise.

Freedom starts at the toes, and the Altra Lone Peak 9 delivers with its signature FootShape wide toe box, allowing your feet to splay naturally and reducing pressure on bunions and nerve points—a game-changer for long-distance comfort. This zero-drop shoe encourages a natural running gait, and the balanced cushioning provides just enough protection without isolating you from the trail’s feedback. If you’ve struggled with numb toes or hot spots in other trail runners, the Lone Peak 9 offers a liberating alternative that feels like your foot was finally let out of a cage.

On mixed terrain—from packed dirt to jagged granite—the Lone Peak 9 handles itself with quiet confidence. The breathable mesh lining wicks moisture well, and the 3.5mm lugs offer decent grip, though they can struggle in deep mud compared to deeper-lugged competitors. At 10.2 ounces (size 9.5), it’s lightweight enough for fast hikes or moderate trail runs, but the minimal outsole durability means it won’t last as long on abrasive rock or scree as the Merrell Nova 4 or Brooks Cascadia 19.

Compared to the heavily cushioned New Balance Hierro V9, the Lone Peak 9 favors natural movement over plush padding, appealing to runners who want a grounded, barefoot-inspired feel. It’s not as protective as the Cascadia 19, nor as aggressively grippy as the Vibram-equipped shoes, but for those transitioning to zero-drop or seeking relief from foot fatigue, it’s the gold standard for foot-shaped comfort. If you value natural alignment and long-run comfort over max cushion or rugged armor, this shoe is unmatched.

The Swiss Army knife of trail shoes, the Brooks Cascadia 19 dominates across terrain types with its DNA LOFT v3 midsole, now nitro-infused for a softer, bouncier ride, and the articulated Ballistic Rock Shield that adapts to uneven ground like a second skin. Backed by a TrailTack Green outsole with 25% recycled rubber, it delivers sticky traction on wet rocks, loose gravel, and slick roots, making it a true all-rounder for mountain runners who refuse to pick just one trail type. If you want one shoe that can handle everything from alpine scrambles to muddy forest loops, this is it.

Real-world testing reveals the Cascadia 19 excels in technical, unpredictable terrain, where its Trail Adapt System flexes underfoot to maintain contact and stability. The reinforced toe cap and 3D-printed overlays shrug off debris and abrasion, while the breathable air mesh upper dries quickly after creek crossings. At 11.6 ounces (size 10.5), it’s not the lightest, and the moderate cushioning won’t match the pillowy feel of the New Balance Hierro V9—but that’s by design. It’s built for responsiveness and control, not floaty comfort.

Against the Merrell Nova 4, the Cascadia 19 offers better cushioning and adaptability, while beating the Altra Lone Peak 9 in protection and wet-weather grip. It’s more refined than budget options like the Saucony Excursion TR15, with superior energy return and fit precision. As the most well-rounded performer in the lineup, it justifies its position as the best overall trail shoe—especially for runners who demand versatility, durability, and eco-conscious design (it’s certified carbon neutral) without sacrificing performance.

Featherlight and fleet-footed, the Adidas Terrex Tracefinder 2 weighs in at a mere 12.2 ounces (size 9), making it the go-to for speed hikers and fast-and-light trail runners who want to skip over roots, not plow through them. The 10mm drop and LIGHTMOTION midsole deliver a snappy, energetic ride that feels lively on climbs and responsive on descents, while the mesh and synthetic upper balances breathability with trail toughness. If your priority is covering ground quickly without a bulky shoe, this one’s engineered to move.

On packed trails and dry singletrack, the Tracefinder 2 performs admirably, offering solid grip and efficient energy transfer, thanks to its flexible outsole and low-to-the-ground profile. The 20% recycled and renewable content reflects Adidas’ commitment to sustainability without compromising durability. However, it lacks deep lugs and rock protection, so loose terrain and technical descents expose its limits—it’s not the shoe for off-trail bushwhacking or rocky alpine routes. It also doesn’t cushion impacts as well as the Brooks Cascadia 19 or New Balance Hierro V9.

When compared to the budget Saucony Excursion TR15, the Tracefinder 2 is lighter and more agile, though less protective. It’s no match for the Vibram-equipped Hierro V9 in wet conditions, but for dry, well-groomed trails where speed matters, it outpaces heavier rivals. Ideal for runners who want a trail shoe that feels like a road runner with extra grip, the Tracefinder 2 delivers nimble performance and eco-smart design at a compelling value.

A budget-savvy beast with backbone, the Saucony Excursion TR15 punches above its price with a carbon rubber outsole that grips tenaciously on both dry and damp trails, and a VERSARUN midsole that delivers reliable, no-frills cushioning for daily trail duty. The supportive overlays and trail-specific mesh lock the foot down securely, keeping debris out and stability high—perfect for beginners or weekend warriors who want durable performance without the premium tag. If you’re new to trail running or need a dependable second pair, this one’s a steal for the spec sheet.

Out on the trail, the TR15 holds its own on moderate terrain, with 4mm lugs providing solid bite on packed dirt and gravel. The moderate stack height offers a balanced feel—neither too firm nor too soft—and the 9.8-ounce weight (size 10) keeps it nimble. However, it lacks advanced features like rock plates or adaptive cushioning, and the outsole durability starts to wane after 150+ miles on abrasive surfaces. It’s not built for alpine ridgelines or technical scrambles, but for well-maintained trails and light overlanding, it’s impressively capable.

Stacked against the Adidas Terrex Tracefinder 2, the TR15 is more protective and durable, though slightly heavier and less breathable. It doesn’t have the eco-credentials of the Brooks Cascadia 19 or the cushioning of the New Balance Hierro V9, but for entry-level trail runners seeking rugged simplicity, it’s the best bang-for-buck workhorse. It proves you don’t need to spend big to get real trail performance.

True to its name, the WHITIN Men’s Minimalist shoe strips running back to its roots, delivering a zero-drop, ultra-thin sole that lets you feel every pebble and contour underfoot—ideal for runners rebuilding foot strength or embracing a natural gait. The wide toe box encourages splay and balance, while the true rubber sole, though thin, offers surprising protection without muting ground feedback. With a removable insole, you can go fully barefoot or add light cushioning, making it a customizable minimalist platform for purists and rehab runners alike.

On hard-packed trails and forest paths, the WHITIN shines by promoting stronger foot mechanics and improved proprioception, helping correct overstriding and heel-striking habits. At just 8.5 ounces (size 11), it’s among the lightest here, but the 3mm lugs and minimal midsole mean it’s not for technical or wet terrain—expect sore feet on rocky descents. There’s zero cushioning, so your calves and Achilles will protest at first if you’re transitioning from max-cushioned shoes.

Compared to the Altra Lone Peak 9, the WHITIN offers a more extreme minimalist experience—Altra gives you width and zero drop but with cushioning; WHITIN gives you freedom and feedback at the cost of comfort. It’s not for long-distance trail runners seeking protection, but for barefoot advocates, CrossFit athletes, or rehab users, it’s a rare affordable entry into true minimalist trail running. If you want to reconnect with the earth and strengthen your feet, this shoe delivers raw, unfiltered trail contact.