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 Nike 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.

What to Look for in Trail Running Shoes

A good pair of trail running shoes has some specific boxes to tick, so it’s important to find the right ones for you. To be able to tackle tricky, varied terrains, the sole unit must have plenty of traction that will keep you on your feet, as well as supportive stabilising technology. 

Grip

It’s all about the grip when it comes to trail running; unlike road running, changing surfaces require medium or deep lugs for digging into mud or conquering rocky paths. Outsoles from the likes of Vibram and Contagrip offer specialised traction developed for reliable durability and solid grip.

Cushioning

To get the best from your trail running shoes, you need underfoot cushioning that is designed to reduce leg fatigue as well as protect your feet from rocks and roots. A lower midsole stack height can improve stability and precision, while a higher stack enhances impact absorption and is ideal for ultramarathons and rougher trails.

Terrain Type

Different terrains have different demands from your trainers, so understanding the environment you’ll be running in is key to finding the right trail shoe for you. Whether it’s mud, loose gravel, dust tracks or rooty forest paths, there’s a sole unit to help you get the most from your run. Vibram is a specialist in outsole innovation and provides reliable grip on some of your favourite silhouettes, while brands like Salomon, with its Contagrip technology, have developed their own recipe to keep you stable over tricky terrain.

Waterproofing

When it comes to trail running, waterproofing can be a good idea. The chances of encountering muddy tracks and puddles are high, especially in wintry conditions, so an increased level of protection might go down well. GORE-TEX membranes work by blocking rain and mud to keep your feet dry; however, it can mean your running shoes become slightly heavier and a little less breathable.

Men’s Trail Shoes

Salomon XT-QUEST

Launched in 2018 via a collaboration with Parisian retailer The Broken Arm, Salomon’s XT-QUEST is a rugged trail runner packed with wearable tech. As a hybrid design, the silhouette draws from performance-proven efficiency and combines it with easy, everyday wearability. 

Delivering stability across uneven terrain, the 4D Advanced Chassis also helps to reduce fatigue, while the All Terrain contaGRIP outsole ensures durable grip on wet, dry, loose or hard surfaces. Known for its unique colour blocking and contrasting textures, the XT-QUEST also comes in a GORE-TEX edition for rainy days on the trails. 

HOKA Speedgoat 2

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 Speedgoat 2.

Coming straight from the archives, the Speedgoat 2 has an engineered mesh construction with a protective overlay and original geometric patterning. Never one to skimp on the details, HOKA applies a Vibram Megagrip outsole to the design for reliable traction when you’re going cross country. 

On Running Cloud 6 Waterproof

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.

Crafted with a waterproof membrane for added protection against the elements, the Cloud 6 Waterproof features an upgraded shape and structure from its predecessor. Reworked geometry offers a better on-foot feeling on your run, and the Zero-Gravity CloudTec provides shock-absorbing cushioning.

Women’s Trail Shoes

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 is a first choice for fashion-forward and rural explorers alike. The lightweight, durable construction makes this design popular, along with its downhill chassis and Contagrip Mud outsole, which is specifically designed to tackle wet and slippery paths.

Hoka Mafate Speed 2 Women’s

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 just there to look good; it’s also packed with tech – let us elaborate. Underfoot, the Meta-Rocker is installed to understand how you move and make transitions 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 XT-4 Women’s

First released in 2012, the XT-4 was the sophomore silhouette in the XT lineage following on from the XT-WINGS. Salomon dipped into its archives to relaunch the XT-4 OG back in 2023, staying true to the original blueprint.

Known for its stabilising tooling, the design boasts a full-length Agile Chassis Skeleton and dual-density EVA cushioning for lasting comfort underfoot. A Mud contaGRIP sole unit offers maximum grip on loose, soft, and rugged surfaces, making it ideal for muddy tracks.

Waterproof Trail Running Shoes

If waterproofing is at the top of your checklist, there are plenty of options from your favourite brands, thanks to technologies like GORE-TEX and other performance materials. Ideal for colder, wetter months, waterproof trail running shoes from brands like Salomon, ASICS and HOKA can protect your feet and keep them dry in rain, mud, and snow. Although a winter essential, with a less permeable upper, waterproof trail trainers can be less breathable and cause overheating in hot weather.

How Should Trail Running Shoes Fit?

Getting the right fit for any running shoe is really important for preventing injury and discomfort. When thinking about how trail running shoes should fit, factors like steep inclines and uneven running surfaces need to be considered. Having a roomy toe box is ideal to avoid toenail bruising during downhills, while a snug fit on the midsole and heel is vital for stability.

Like what you see? Explore our full trail running collection today.