Best Trail Running Shoes 2026
Tested on 500+ miles of real trails: technical terrain, mud, rocks, and ultra distances
Our Top Picks
TL;DR: Our Verdict
The Hoka Speedgoat 6 ($175) is the best trail shoe for most runners. It handles everything from smooth dirt paths to technical rocky terrain with a perfect balance of cushioning, grip, and protection. For muddy conditions, the Salomon Speedcross 6 ($150) can't be beat. Racing? The Nike Zegama 2 ($160) is fast and light.
Hoka Speedgoat 6
The Speedgoat 6 is the gold standard for trail running. Named after ultrarunner Karl Meltzer ("Speedgoat"), this shoe handles everything from smooth fire roads to gnarly technical descents. The Vibram Megagrip outsole bites into any surface.
- ✓ Vibram Megagrip outsole with 5mm lugs
- ✓ PEBA-based midsole for responsive cushion
- ✓ 4mm heel-toe drop
- ✓ Protective gusseted tongue
- ✓ Weight: 10.1 oz (men's size 9)
Salomon Speedcross 6
The Speedcross is legendary for one thing: grip in soft conditions. Deep, arrow-shaped lugs dig into mud, loose dirt, and wet roots like nothing else. If your trails are often muddy or loose, this is your shoe.
- ✓ Deep chevron lugs for mud grip
- ✓ Premium Wet Traction Contagrip
- ✓ Quicklace system for fast adjustments
- ✓ Reinforced toe cap
- ✓ Weight: 10.6 oz (men's size 9)
Nike Zegama 2
Nike's Zegama 2 brings road-shoe speed to the trails. ZoomX foam provides bouncy energy return, while aggressive lugs handle technical terrain. Light weight and responsive—perfect for trail races and fast training.
- ✓ ZoomX foam for energy return
- ✓ Multi-directional lugs
- ✓ 4mm drop
- ✓ Breathable mesh upper
- ✓ Weight: 9.7 oz (men's size 9)
Brooks Catamount 3
The Catamount 3 is Brooks' fastest trail shoe. Nitrogen-infused DNA Flash midsole provides soft yet responsive cushioning. Lower to the ground than Speedgoat for better trail feel on non-technical terrain.
- ✓ DNA Flash midsole
- ✓ TrailTack sticky rubber
- ✓ 6mm heel-toe drop
- ✓ Rock plate protection
- ✓ Weight: 9.2 oz (men's size 9)
Saucony Peregrine 14
The Peregrine 14 delivers premium trail performance at a mid-range price. PWRRUN cushioning and rock plate make it versatile for everything from short trail runs to ultramarathons. A proven workhorse.
- ✓ PWRRUN midsole cushioning
- ✓ PWRTRAC outsole with 5mm lugs
- ✓ 4mm heel-toe drop
- ✓ Flexible rock plate
- ✓ Weight: 9.9 oz (men's size 9)
Trail Shoe Comparison
| Shoe | Price | Weight | Drop | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hoka Speedgoat 6 | $175 | 10.1 oz | 4mm | All-around, technical terrain |
| Salomon Speedcross 6 | $150 | 10.6 oz | 10mm | Mud, soft terrain |
| Nike Zegama 2 | $160 | 9.7 oz | 4mm | Racing, fast training |
| Brooks Catamount 3 | $180 | 9.2 oz | 6mm | Speed workouts, firm trails |
| Saucony Peregrine 14 | $140 | 9.9 oz | 4mm | Value, versatility |
How to Choose Your Trail Shoes
For Technical Mountain Trails
Choose: Hoka Speedgoat 6
Maximum protection, grip on rocks, cushioning for long descents
For Muddy/Wet Conditions
Choose: Salomon Speedcross 6
Deep lugs for soft terrain, drainage, quick-lace system
For Trail Racing
Choose: Nike Zegama 2 or Brooks Catamount 3
Light weight, energy return, speed-focused design
For Budget Runners
Choose: Saucony Peregrine 14
Great all-around performance at lower price
Related Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best trail running shoe for 2026?
The Hoka Speedgoat 6 is the best all-around trail running shoe. It offers exceptional grip, cushioning, and protection for technical terrain. The Vibram Megagrip outsole handles rocks, roots, and mud with confidence.
Do I need trail running shoes or can I use road shoes?
Trail shoes provide critical advantages: aggressive tread for grip, rock plates for protection, and reinforced uppers for durability. On technical terrain, road shoes are dangerous—you'll slip and potentially injure yourself.
What's the difference between Hoka Speedgoat and Salomon Speedcross?
Speedgoat has more cushioning and works on varied terrain. Speedcross has aggressive lugs for soft mud/loose terrain but less cushioning. Speedgoat is more versatile; Speedcross is specialized for muddy conditions.
How often should I replace trail running shoes?
Trail shoes typically last 300-500 miles depending on terrain. Replace when you see worn lugs, compressed midsole, or notice less grip. Technical trails wear shoes faster than smooth paths.
Affiliate Disclosure: RunBikeCalc earns commissions from qualifying Amazon purchases. This doesn't affect our recommendations—we only recommend products we'd use ourselves. Prices and availability subject to change.
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