When you are about doing a trail run, using a regular running shoe is not advisable as they are not designed for this kind of running. Before taking part in a trail run, having a shoe designed for this purpose, is very important. However, if you currently have no trail running shoe, this article presents some good products, from which you could choose from.
Best Trail Running Shoes 2023
1. Saucony Peregrine ISO
We have the Saucony Peregrine ISO, which is a popular and excellent shoe for running. This shoe scores well in traction, cushioning, protection, and weight. Furthermore, it weighs less than 2 lbs, meaning its weight would not weigh you down while running, However, if you would be running on high technical terrains, this product would not be ideal, as it is somewhat too flexible.
- Rugged trail running shoe
- Moderate cushioning
- 1 lb 5 oz
Price: View on Amazon
Pros
- Good score in traction, cushioning, and protection
Cons
- Somewhat too flex
2. La Sportiva Bushido II
If you do not like the Saucony Peregrine ISO, another product similar to it which you could look into, is the La Sportiva Bushido II. The La Sportiva Bushido II is a high quality product and it is designed to fit into the category of rugged trail shoes. This product has a drop of 6 mm, and it weighs almost the same as the Saucony Peregrine ISO. The stability and traction this shoe provide, are really great.
- Rugged trail running shoe
- 6 mm drop
- 1 lb 5 oz
Price: View on Amazon
Pros
- Great for technical terrains
Cons
- Overkill for easy trails
3. Hoka One One Speedgoat 3
The Hoka One One Speedgoat 3 is not a popular product, but when we tested it, we were impressed. The shoe is a little lighter than the other two listed above, and it is very ideal for people running on technical terrains. The cushioning of this product gets a 5 star. As regards its drop, the Hoka One One Speedgoat 3 has a drop of 4 mm. However, there are some people who complained that they fond the mid-sole of this product to be too thick.
- Rugged trail running shoe
- Maximum cushioning
- 1 lb 4.5 oz
Price: View on Amazon
Pros
- Lightweight
Cons
- Thick mid-sole
4. Altra Lone Peak 4.0
For people who are not new to trail running, Altra is a brand you already know. And if you have tried any of their product, you probably would be already confident in the Altra Lone Peak 4.0. The Altra Lone Peak 4.0 is somewhat popular, and this shoe does not disappoint. It is dependable and has a really great cushioning. The Altra Lone Peak 4.0 is the version 4 of the Altra Lone Peak, and it comfortable than its predecessors.
- All-around trail running shoe
- Maximum cushioning
- 1 lb 4.4 oz
Price: View on Amazon
Pros
- Very comfortable
Cons
- No con
5. New Balance Minimus 10v1
Do you find the weight of other running shoes to be too much? If yes, the New Balance Minimus 10v1 is a product you should look into. This product is an ultralight shoe, having a weight of 14.8 oz. Its got a minimum cushioning, and it has a drop of 4 mm. As this product is very light, it is not advisable to be used on technical terrains.
- Easy trail running shoe
- Minimum cushioning
- 8 oz
Price: View on Amazon
Pros
- Ultralight
Cons
- Not ideal for rough trails
6. Salomon Speedcross 5
The Salomon Speedcross 5 is another great product, and one of those things that make it stand out is its traction. The Salomon Speedcross 5 which is designed for rugged trails, has excellent traction. Furthermore, it has a drop of 10 mm. This product is heavier than all the products we have presented so far, but this does not mean the weight constitutes a disadvantage.
- Rugged trails running shoe
- Moderate cushioning
- 1 lb 6.6 oz
Price: View on Amazon
Pros
- Outstanding traction
Cons
- No con
7. Nike Air Zoom Terra Kiger 5
We tested a good number of Nike products, but this Nike Air Zoom Terra Kiger 5 is a trail running shoe we could not leave out of this article. The product has a light weight, weighing about 1 lb and 4 oz. The cushioning of this product is very good, and it features a drop of 4 mm. The Nike Air Zoom Terra Kiger 5 is designed to be used on easy trails, so if you would running on rugged terrains, this product would not be ideal.
- Easy trail running shoe
- Moderate cushioning
- 1 lb 4 oz
Price: View on Amazon
Pros
- Excellent for easy trails
Cons
- Designed for easy trails
8. Brooks Cascadia 14
The Brooks Cascadia 14 is a shoe that was recommended after we had written this article. When we tried it out, we discovered it to be a product worthy of presenting. The Brooks Cascadia 14 has a drop of 8 mm, and a weight of 1 lb and 5.4 oz. It is designed to be used on easy trails as well as rugged trails. Just like the other shoes in this article, this product is affordable and dependable.
- Rugged trail running shoes
- Moderate cushioning
- 1 lb 5.4 oz
Price: View on Amazon
Pros
- Lighter than the older model
Cons
- Could be faster
9. Salomon Sense Ride 2
Selling for about $120, is another great shoe, the Salomon Sense Ride 2. The Salomon Sense Ride 2 is a very dependable product and a lightweight product designed to be used on easy trails. This shoe has a drop of 8 mm, and it features a moderate cushioning. Do not use this product on rough terrains, to avoid minor injuries.
- Easy trail running shoe
- Moderate cushioning
- 1 lb 3 oz
- 8 mm drop
Price: View on Amazon
Pros
- Affordable
Cons
- Not designed for rugged terrains
10. Topo Athletic MTN Racer
The Topo Athletic MTN Racer is another product that is not so popular but turns out to be a great trail running shoe. This product is a lightweight trail running shoe and feels very comfortable when you put it on. It is heavily cushioned and has a drop of 5 mm. If you care about its exact weight, the product weighs 1 lb and 2.6 oz.
- Maximum cushioning
- 1 lb 2.6 oz
Price: View on Amazon
Pros
- Very comfortable
- Lightweight
Cons
- No con