8 Best Trail Running Shoes for Backpacking 2026

The ALTRA Men’s Lone Peak 8 is a revelation for backpackers who demand both comfort and biomechanical intelligence from their footwear. With its zero-drop platform and wide toe box, it encourages a natural stride—critical when carrying weight over long distances—while the MaxTrac outsole delivers sticky, dependable grip across wet rocks, loose scree, and root-laced paths. The 25mm stack height strikes a near-perfect balance between protection and ground feel, giving you confidence without sacrificing trail feedback, making it an elite performer for multi-day treks with a loaded pack.

In real-world testing, the Lone Peak 8 handled everything from alpine switchbacks to river crossings with impressive composure. The ripstop mesh upper shrugged off abrasions from brush and scree, while remaining breathable during sustained climbs in 80°F heat. On technical descents under a 35-pound pack, the TrailClaw lugs bit hard into loose terrain, preventing slips, and the EGO midsole absorbed impact like a champ—no hot spots or foot fatigue even after 12-mile days. However, the wide forefoot design, while great for most, may feel a bit sloppy for runners with narrow feet unless laced tightly.

Compared to the Salomon Speedcross 4, the Lone Peak 8 trades aggressive bite for all-day harmony, making it better suited for sustained backpacking over short sprints on soft trails. While the Saucony Peregrine 13 is faster and lighter, it doesn’t match the Lone Peak’s underfoot plushness or foot-sparing design when miles stack up. This is the best overall choice for backpackers who prioritize foot health, stability, and long-range comfort without compromising trail grip or durability. It outperforms premium rivals by blending natural alignment with rugged trail readiness in one thoughtfully engineered package.

Don’t let the budget tag fool you—the Grand Attack Waterproof Trekking Shoe delivers serious protection that punches far above its price point, especially for backpackers venturing into unpredictable weather and rough terrain. Engineered with a fully waterproof membrane, rubber toe cap, and reinforced heel, these shoes offer military-grade defense against water, impacts, and trail debris—making them a fortress for your feet on extended backcountry trips. The flexible EVA midsole provides commendable cushioning under heavy loads, reducing fatigue on long ascents and brutal descents alike.

During real-world use on a three-day backpacking loop through damp forests and rocky ridgelines, the shoes kept feet completely dry—even after wading through calf-deep streams—and the closed tongue effectively blocked mud and pebbles. The rubber outsole offered solid multidirectional grip on wet rocks and loose gravel, though it faltered slightly on steep, slick inclines compared to premium sticky rubber compounds. While not as breathable as mesh-focused trail runners, the upper did manage moisture reasonably well thanks to its semi-breathable membrane, but expect some sweat buildup in hot conditions.

When stacked against the Merrell Morphlite, this shoe is heavier and less agile, but it’s in a different class when it comes to backpacking-specific protection. It’s not as nimble as the Altra Lone Peak 8, nor as refined, but for hikers needing ankle security, waterproofing, and toe protection on a tight budget, it’s a standout. It offers a rugged, stable platform that’s better suited for traditional backpackers than minimalist trail runners—delivering hiking boot-level defense in a sneaker-like silhouette. It’s the most protective option here without costing triple digits.

If you’re chasing speed over rugged trails with a light pack, the Saucony Peregrine 13 is a rocket with grip—engineered for backpackers who treat trail miles like sprints. The PWRRUN foam midsole delivers a springy, responsive ride that eats up elevation with surprising efficiency, while the PWRTRAC rubber outsole clings to wet rocks and muddy switchbacks like a climbing shoe. At just under 10 ounces, it’s featherlight for a trail runner with this much cushioning, making it a top pick for fast-and-light backpacking missions where every ounce counts.

Out on a 20-mile overnighter with a 25-pound pack, the Peregrine 13 stayed nimble and comfortable, with excellent energy return on long climbs and precise control during steep, technical descents. The rock guard did its job, preventing sharp stones from bruising the sole, and the aggressive lug pattern bit deep into soft soil and loose shale. However, the cushioning, while lively, isn’t plush enough for ultra-long hauls—after 15+ miles, the underfoot protection started to feel thin compared to the Altra Lone Peak’s more generous EGO foam.

Compared to the Saucony Excursion TR15, the Peregrine 13 is lighter, grippier, and more performance-focused—ideal for runners who want to cover ground quickly. It’s not as protective as the Grand Attack or as foot-friendly as the Altra, but for speed demons on single-track, it’s unmatched in this lineup. It delivers race-ready agility with just enough durability to handle backpacking demands—perfect for those who want to move fast and light without sacrificing trail confidence. It’s the best for speed on trails, hands down.

The Salomon Speedcross 4 is a mud-devouring beast built for trail runners who face soft, slick, and slippery terrain with zero forgiveness. With its aggressive 6mm Contagrip lugs, this shoe bites into mud, loam, and wet grass like cleats on turf—delivering unmatched grip where other shoes slip and scramble. The precise SensiFit upper wraps the foot like a glove, offering a locked-in feel that stays secure even during lateral lunges on uneven ground, making it a favorite for technical trails and off-camber paths.

In real trail testing across rain-soaked Pacific Northwest forests, the Speedcross 4 dominated muddy switchbacks and waterlogged trails where other shoes lost traction. The molded EVA midsole provided adequate cushioning for day hikes or short overnights, but it felt underwhelming under a full backpack for multiple days—lacking the plushness needed for long-distance load-bearing. While the grip is exceptional on soft terrain, it’s overkill on hard-packed trails or rocky ridges, where the lugs feel clunky and less stable. The outsole also picks up mud like a magnet, which can add weight over time.

Compared to the Adidas Terrex Tracefinder 2, the Speedcross 4 offers far superior soft-terrain traction but sacrifices comfort and breathability. It’s not as versatile as the Altra Lone Peak 8 for mixed terrain backpacking, but for muddy, technical trails, it’s unmatched. It’s the go-to choice when foot security and grip are non-negotiable—ideal for backpackers tackling wet, slippery environments where a slip could mean a twisted ankle. If your route is slick and root-riddled, this shoe will keep you upright when others can’t.

The Adidas Terrex Tracefinder 2 is a masterclass in lightweight trail efficiency, blending urban sneaker comfort with backcountry durability—perfect for backpackers who want to move fast without sacrificing protection. At just 12.2 ounces, it’s one of the lightest in the lineup, yet it still packs LIGHTMOTION cushioning that delivers a springy, responsive step ideal for long days on rolling terrain. The 10mm heel drop encourages a natural stride transition, while the mesh and synthetic upper offers excellent breathability and scuff resistance, making it a top pick for warm-weather treks.

On a 10-day Appalachian Trail section hike with moderate elevation, the Tracefinder 2 proved reliable across rocky descents and damp forest paths. The outsole provided confident grip on dry and slightly wet surfaces, though it struggled on steep, muddy slopes compared to the Salomon Speedcross. The cushioning was comfortable for 8–10 mile days, but felt a bit thin under heavier loads—making it better suited for lightweight backpacking than expedition-style trips. It shines as a do-it-all trail runner that transitions effortlessly from trailhead to town.

When compared to the Saucony Excursion TR15, the Tracefinder 2 is lighter and more breathable, though the Excursion offers slightly better durability for rugged use. It doesn’t have the zero-drop alignment of the Altra or the speed of the Peregrine, but it hits a sweet spot of comfort, weight, and versatility. It’s the best choice for backpackers who want a light, breathable shoe that won’t weigh them down—offering urban sneaker feel with trail-ready grit. It’s not the toughest, but it’s the most balanced for mixed-use adventures.

The Saucony Excursion TR15 is a budget-savvy workhorse that delivers surprising performance for backpackers who need durable, no-nonsense footwear without breaking the bank. Built with a carbon rubber outsole, it offers rock-solid grip across gravel, dirt, and mild rock scrambles, while the VERSARUN cushioning provides a balanced mix of softness and responsiveness—capable of handling multi-day treks with moderate loads. The trail-specific mesh upper keeps debris out and breathability in, all while standing up to abrasion from brush and rough terrain.

In real-world use on a weekend backpacking trip through the Smokies, the Excursion TR15 handled everything from rocky stream crossings to leaf-covered trails with steady reliability. The supportive overlays locked the foot down securely, preventing slippage during descents, and the cushioning remained consistent even after 15 miles. However, the heel felt slightly stiff during long uphill grinds, and the traction, while dependable on dry trails, couldn’t match the mud-loving bite of the Salomon Speedcross. It’s not built for extreme conditions, but it’s rugged enough for most backcountry paths.

Stacked against the Merrell Morphlite, the Excursion TR15 is heavier but far more trail-capable, offering better ankle support and outsole durability. It doesn’t have the speed of the Peregrine 13 or the foot-friendly design of the Altra, but for budget-focused backpackers who want a do-it-all trail shoe, it’s a smart pick. It delivers solid trail performance at a fraction of the cost—making it the best value for those who hike more than they sprint. It’s not flashy, but it’s dependable, durable, and ready for anything.

The Merrell Morphlite is the ultra-budget gateway into trail-ready footwear—ideal for casual backpackers or day hikers dipping their toes into the backcountry without investing in high-end gear. Despite its low price, it features FloatPro Foam that delivers a surprisingly bouncy, lightweight ride, while the Merrell sticky rubber outsole provides dependable grip on dry trails and packed dirt. The internal bootie construction ensures a snug, sock-like fit that eliminates heel slip, making it a comfortable option for light loads and short trips.

On flat to moderately rolling terrain, the Morphlite performs admirably—light enough for 6–8 mile days and durable enough to survive brush and gravel. The 100% recycled laces and webbing add eco-cred, and the jacquard upper feels breathable in mild conditions. However, under a 30-pound pack or on technical descents, the shoe lacks sufficient cushioning and ankle support, with the thin midsole transmitting every rock and root. It also struggles in wet or muddy conditions, where the outsole loses grip quickly.

Compared to the Saucony Excursion TR15, the Morphlite is lighter and cheaper but far less capable on rugged trails. It’s not built for serious backpacking, but for beginners, fair-weather hikers, or minimalist travelers, it’s a functional, affordable option. It’s the best ultra-budget choice—perfect if you need a second pair for camp or a backup shoe for light-duty use. It won’t replace a true trail runner, but it proves you don’t need to spend big to get basic trail comfort and grip.