Previously, we asked and answered the question: What is a trail running shoe? This time, we’re diving deeper into the trail silhouettes proving popular and why that might be. Since the trail shoe launched into the world of streetwear and fashion – far removed from its natural habitat – it’s become quite the mainstay.

Our curated selection of techy silhouettes from brands like Hoka, On Running, Salomon, and Merrell are all ideal for both city explorations and more rural-minded expeditions. Now the weather is picking up again, we thought we’d run through our best trail running shoes – as told by you – so that you know what to do when it’s time to step outside again.

Men’s Trail Shoes

On Running Cloudvista

Born in the Swiss Alps, On Running has a solid reputation for innovation of functional footwear that is as wearable on pavements as on muddy trails. Fitted with an ultra-lightweight upper made of recycled materials, the Cloudvista has been created by comfort-led design.

On Running stands out from the rest because of its unusual sole units that make it hard to go back once you try a pair. Helion superfoam and CloudTec cushioning sit in the midsole, while underfoot, a Missiongrip outsole delivers traction – but it’s the Speedboard that provides the natural rolling sensation.

Hoka One One Mafate Speed 2

Another one made in the mountains, Hoka’s goal is to inspire people to move and provide access to the outdoors. This brand puts the joy back into movement, and once you try the Mafate Speed 2, you’ll understand.

The chunky midsole isn’t there just to look good, it’s also packed with a lot of tech – let us elaborate. Underfoot, the Meta-Rocker is installed to understand how you move and make the transition across different terrains easier, you also have a deep Active Foot frame that keeps you stable, as well as protective cushioning. You can really go the distance in this one.

Salomon ACS+ OG

Born and raised in the French Alps, Salomon has been creating transformative sports gear since 1947. Its goal? To help people unleash the best version of themselves by making outdoor experiences more accessible. Over recent years, Salomon has gone from a one-laned technical sportswear brand to disrupting the fashion world and changing the way we view footwear.

The ACS+ OG is a fan favourite for a reason, and that reason is it’s a great all-rounder. It’s an archival classic that’s been reinvented for the modern wearer. A stride-stabilising Agile Chassis System helps you cross tricky terrain, while an open sandwich mesh keeps it breathable.

Salomon XT-6 Mindful

Another one from Salomon, the XT-6 is rooted in trail history, and today it has become a mainstay on the streetwear scene. Mindful in name and nature, this XT-6 is climate-conscious and has been developed using recycled materials.

This iteration has proved itself popular arriving in ‘Falcon’ brown and trimmed with ‘Almond Milk’, but what stands out here is the pop of green that underlines the upper in a smooth wave. EVA cushioning will keep you moving, whether on city pavements or crossing rocks and ravines. Fitted with a Contagrip winter outsole, the unique composition is ideal for colder conditions, the grippy lugs are designed to tackle it all.

Women’s Trail Shoes

On Running Cloudmonster Women’s

For over a decade, On has been on a mission to ignite the human spirit through movement by creating designs that inspire us and make motion feel better. So far, we think the brand has been doing a good job.

A fine piece of Swiss engineering, the Cloudmonster isn’t like much you’ve seen before – it’s even been dubbed On’s ‘OG Weirdo’, proving it’s good to be weird. The eye is immediately drawn to the sole unit here, where Big CloudTec cushioning utilises its powerful Speedboard to propel you forward and cushion your landing. Perfect for daily walks, or if you’re into running, this silhouette will take you between a 5K up to 20.

Salomon XT-6 Women’s

Salomon has grown into a global icon from humble origins in Annecy, nestled in the French Alps. The brand has remained relevant since 1947 with constant innovation and sleek designs that envelope highly functional tech working its magic behind the scenes – essentially, knowing what people want and delivering it with finesse.

Protecting the feet of the outdoorsy since 2013, Salomon’s XT-6 comes as a first choice for the fashion-forward and rural explorers alike. The lightweight and durable construction makes this design popular, along with its downhill chassis and Contagrip Mud outsole that’s been specifically designed to tackle wet and slippery paths.

Hoka One One Mafate Speed 2 Women’s

Hailing from the French Alps, Hoka has adventure in its DNA. The brand strives to inspire, empower, and ignite passion in those who wear one of its many silhouettes. We can’t get enough of the Mafate Speed 2, and as it is a bestseller, it definitely earns a place on this list.

Hoka thought of everything when designing this masterpiece, from the external monomesh debris screen and no-sew SpeedFrame construction to the high-abrasion rubber zones and lightweight external TPU heel counter. Along with the calming green-hued colour palette, the standout is the chunky midsole fitted with a Meta-Rocker for smooth sailing across all terrains.

On Running Cloud 5 Women’s

On believes that when humans are in motion, we can tap into the part of us where inspiration lives – also known as ‘Flow State’. By helping people fully immerse themselves in movement by producing top-tier footwear, the brand hopes they can be a part of dreaming bigger and better.

The Cloud 5 is a fan favourite, which now arrives with 44% recycled materials – so it’s better for your feet and the planet. You’ll experience new realms of comfort with On Running’s iconic CloudTec cushioning crafted from Zero-Gravity foam that supports landings and boosts push-offs.

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