Skip to main content
A trail runner moving on a trail on a ridge. Credit: Topo Athletic

The Best Trail Running Shoes of 2023

Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed's editors. Purchases made through the links below may earn us and our publishing partners a commission. Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.

A trail runner moving on a trail on a ridge. Credit: Topo Athletic

Why trust Reviewed?

Reviewed's mission is to help you buy the best stuff and get the most out of what you already own. Our team of product experts thoroughly vet every product we recommend to help you cut through the clutter and find what you need.

Learn more about our product testing
Product image of Hoka One One Speedgoat 4 Men’s Shoes

Hoka One One Speedgoat 4 Men’s Shoes

If you want to swiftly run to the summit for sunrise or move with confidence on crooked rocks and slick dirt, these comfy shoes let you do just that. Read More

Pros

  • Anti-slip, all-terrain rubber sole
  • Roomy forefoot for stability
  • Soft foam cushioning

Cons

  • May wear down after hundreds of miles
Product image of Topo Athletic Men's MTN Racer 2 Trail Running Shoes

Topo Athletic Men's MTN Racer 2 Trail Running Shoes

This running shoe is for all you avid mountain adventurers who live for stepping on and over rugged, very technical terrain. Read More

Pros

  • All-ground, premium grip
  • Lightweight and resilient midsole cushion
  • Breathable upgrade

Cons

  • May take some time to break in
Product image of Altra Women’s Lone Peak 6

Altra Women’s Lone Peak 6

The Altra Lone Peak 6 provides greater protection from sharp rocks that you may step on while running. Read More

Pros

  • Comfortable
  • Balanced cushioning for lighter landings
  • Altra EGO improves cushion and response

Cons

  • Toe box is narrower than the Lone Peak 5
Product image of Salomon Women’s Speedcross 5

Salomon Women’s Speedcross 5

These popular trail running shoes are known for their extreme grip and stability on any type of terrain. Read More

Pros

  • Premium grip
  • Secure lacing system
  • Built-in safety toe caps

Cons

  • Not the best color options
  • Insole may shift when wet
Product image of La Sportiva Men’s Bushido II

La Sportiva Men’s Bushido II

If you’re looking for the best trail running shoes for moving down wet rocks and branches, then these ones are the best ones you can get. Read More

Pros

  • Premium grip
  • Easy, comfortable fit
  • Ergonomic, padded tongue with secure gusset

Cons

  • Run a bit narrow

Whether you’re a road and trail runner looking to hit long-distance, steep trails or a hiker seeking a more comfortable, lightweight shoe for your adventures, investing in a pair of trail runners is a game changer. Personally, I don’t think I could ever go back to regular hiking boots in the summertime, now that I hike in trail runners. The best trail runners have excellent traction, feel light on your feet, and bounce just enough to keep you moving seamlessly.

To help you find the best trail running shoes for men and women, we shopped a wide variety of options available online. Based on our research, these are some of the best trail shoes you can get on Amazon right now. You can also check out the best hoka running shoes on Amazon and the best running shoes on Amazon for even more options for a new pair of shoes.

Editor's Note:
The recommendations in this guide are based on thorough product and market research by our team of expert product reviewers. The picks are based on examining user reviews, product specifications, and, in some limited cases, our experience with the specific products named.
Product image of Hoka One One Speedgoat 4 Men’s Shoes
Hoka One One Speedgoat 4 Men’s Shoes

When I asked a bunch of avid trail runners and strenuous mountain climbers what their favorite shoe was for moving on rugged terrain, about 80% of them recommended the Hoka speedgoat trail runners. One very experienced trail runner highlights this running shoe’s unreal tread due to its rubber, five-millimeter lugs, which provide mega grip in both wet and dry conditions.

If you want to swiftly run to the summit for sunrise, or move with confidence on crooked rocks and slick dirt, then these comfortable shoes let you do just that—with their supportive and locked-in midfoot, ventilated gusset tongue, and light-as-a-feather foam in the midsole.

Pros

  • Anti-slip, all-terrain rubber sole

  • Roomy forefoot for stability

  • Soft foam cushioning

Cons

  • May wear down after hundreds of miles

Product image of Topo Athletic Men's MTN Racer 2 Trail Running Shoes
Topo Athletic Men's MTN Racer 2 Trail Running Shoes

This running shoe is for all you avid mountain adventurers who live for stepping on and over rugged, very technical terrain. One of my friends, who trail runs at least 20 miles every week, swears by this trail-running shoe for its high-quality grip—no matter which direction you’re running in, whether that’s up or down, forward, or sideways. This shoe is also very lightweight and keeps your foot locked in—allowing you to move uphill with more ease.

What’s more, this trail running shoe is comfortable on your feet—even while stepping over all of those rocks—due to its sturdy midsole and heel with a decent amount of cushioning, as well as its five-millimeter neutral foot drop for organic strides. If you have wide feet, you’ll also appreciate this shoe’s wide toe box. And if you prefer to run on uneven terrain, this shoe will handle anything you throw at it.

Pros

  • All-ground, premium grip

  • Lightweight and resilient midsole cushion

  • Breathable upgrade

Cons

  • May take some time to break in

Product image of Altra Women’s Lone Peak 6
Altra Women’s Lone Peak 6

These trail running shoes for women are known to be worn by many in my White Mountain hiking community, and that is no surprise since we have some of the rockiest terrain in the United States. The Altra Lone Peak 6 provides greater protection from sharp rocks that you may step on while running. They are also made with Altra’s MaxTrac feature, which gives them a rigid lug pattern for greater grip on anything from slick roots to steep rocks. What’s even better: they have a mesh upper with laser-cut holes that allows water to drain out and dry your shoes quickly.

For really good comfort and softness, they even have Altra’s StoneGuard feature, which is a rock plate between the midsole and outsole to keep sharp objects from stabbing your feet (I’ve experienced that, and it doesn’t feel good).

Pros

  • Comfortable

  • Balanced cushioning for lighter landings

  • Altra EGO improves cushion and response

Cons

  • Toe box is narrower than the Lone Peak 5

Product image of Salomon Women’s Speedcross 5
Salomon Women’s Speedcross 5

These are one of the best women’s trail running shoes and are known for their extreme grip and stability on any type of terrain. Their Contagrip outsole has sharp lugs that are durable and provide unreal tread. Plus, their midsoles are made with Salomon’s EnergyCell+ to bounce a bit more while you’re running, so you can move faster and with more power. They’re made to move with the natural heel-to-toe-drop motion of your foot, yet are designed with SensiFit that hugs your feet from the midsole to lace to keep them secure.

The footbeds fight shock and odor, though reviewers say that the insoles are nearly useless when wet, since they shift. A lot of customers also seem to dislike the way they look and the color options they have, which can be an issue for stylish women.

Pros

  • Premium grip

  • Secure lacing system

  • Built-in safety toe caps

Cons

  • Not the best color options

  • Insole may shift when wet

Product image of La Sportiva Men’s Bushido II
La Sportiva Men’s Bushido II

If you’re looking for the best trail running shoes for moving down wet rocks and branches, then these ones are the best ones you can get (you should still be cautious when moving on slippery terrain, though). The lugs on these shoes cover both the outsole and midsole to provide even more grip and sturdiness. Plus, the FriXion XT V-Groove 2 rubber outsole has double traction for moving on insane terrain, such as slick rocks. These are easy to slip on and will stay secure without compressing your foot, though many reviewers say they’re better for those with narrower feet.

Pros

  • Premium grip

  • Easy, comfortable fit

  • Ergonomic, padded tongue with secure gusset

Cons

  • Run a bit narrow

Meet the tester

Lily Hartman

Lily Hartman

Staff Writer, Search

Lily Hartman is a staff writer who also enjoys writing magazine articles about health and outdoor recreation. In her free time, she likes to hike, camp, run, and lift weights.

See all of Lily Hartman's reviews

Checking our work.

Our team is here for one purpose: to help you buy the best stuff and love what you own. Our writers, editors, and lab technicians obsess over the products we cover to make sure you're confident and satisfied. Have a different opinion about something we recommend? Email us and we'll compare notes.

Shoot us an email