The Ultra Raptor is the first shoe we’d reach for when scrambling California’s Evolution Traverse or “running” the Grand Teton, but it’s too heavy and clunky to serve as a dedicated trail runner. Adidas shoes usually get good marks for grip, and the Speed Ultra is no exception, feeling stable and secure across multiple terrains, with the possible exception of thick mud. And finally, while the Ultra 3’s midsole tech is great for protection and speed, it doesn’t provide the most plush ride, which is a worthwhile consideration if you run on hard surfaces (like gravel), tackle long-distance routes, or are relatively new to trail running. Below are our top trail runners of 2024, which cover everything from flexible and lightweight shoes for smooth trails to tough and stable designs for tackling technical or mountainous terrain.

Running on varied and challenging trails is a welcome break from the monotony of pounding pavement (or even worse, the belt of a treadmill). Mountain” is a broad term that can take a lot of forms, from gentle Colorado Fourteeners, dreamy French-Alp singletrack, and sub-alpine hills in the Southeast. For those with finicky feet that need to customize the fit around certain parts of your feet, there isn’t really a solution with the quick lace design. Hoka has built their reputation around plush, heavily cushioned running shoes, and the freshly updated Speedgoat 5 is a nice upgrade to the popular design. Slip-on options are simple to put on and take off, which means they’re ideal for busy professionals.The first iteration of the Inov-8 Trailfly 270 won multiple awards, including Runner’s World’s ‘Trail Running Shoe of the Year 2020’. ounces for the pair, it isn’t particularly lightweight, but we’ve found the Karacal to be decently nimble and offer a nice amount of bounce for moving down the trail (after a break-in period). The result is a more locked-in, planted feel, which many users will welcome—previous versions of the Lone Peak have been critiqued for being too roomy and squirrely, especially on off-camber terrain.

The irregular ladies sandals sole pattern increases the friction between the sole and the ground, and the anti-slip performance is better. Named after US ultrarunner Karl ‘Speedgoat’ Meltzer, Hoka’s Speedgoats have garnered a devoted following as dependable, robust and comfortable performers. rubber (aka FriXion White), a full-length rock guard and generous toe and heel bumpers, and a snug-fitting, sock-like upper that promotes a close, locked-in feel.Second, while we generally like Salomon’s Contagrip rubber, it’s not particularly trustworthy on smooth, wet surfaces (like rock or steep pavement). Further, most day hikers and thru-hikers keep pack weight to a minimum, so there’s less need for the stability and ankle support of a sturdy shoe or boot.

Some of that is down to Hoka’s late-stage Meta-Rocker easing you onwards, making the Speedgoats a good option for any trail distance, and superb over marathons and ultras. How much protection is needed depends on personal preference and the terrain you'll be running over (more miles on rough trails will merit burlier protection), but overall, we find rock plates to be a great feature. Traction is improved via the reworked Vibram with MegaGrip outsole, built for technical trails with 5mm multi-directional lugs providing stability and sure-footedness. There's a balance, though: if you're running marathon or ultra-marathon distances off-road, the need for ample cushioning is crucial.Over the past few years, however, the company has branched out into trail-running kit, including shoes. The Cloudultra was recently updated to the “2,” and changes include a softer midsole, improved stretch-knit collar, and new outsole that On claims offers 50% more ground contact than the previous design. But for max-cushioned comfort and undeniable style, Nike’s Pegasus Trail 4 is a great option for recreational trail runners, long-distance training, and road-to-trail routes.