We’re fortunate to be in the golden age of trail running shoes. Not only have shoe brands found ways to implement the high-rebound midsole foams of road shoes into off-road models, next-gen trail shoes smartly incorporate propulsion technology without being overly stiff or tippy. Reliable traction, breathable uppers, inherent stability, and long-haul comfort are the creature comforts you need (and should expect) to be able to handle the unpredictable terrain and weather conditions you’ll encounter out on the trails.
Here are 12 great trail running shoes to consider adding to your quiver this summer as you rev up your training for upcoming races.
Nike ACG Ultrafly
Price: $260
Approximate Weights: 8.3 oz. (women’s size 8), 9.5 oz. (men’s size 9)
Heel-Toe Offset: 8.5mm; 38mm (heel), 29.5mm (forefoot)
Nike put this race-ready shoe through 13 rounds of testing and 30,000 miles in its development, and as a proof of concept, Nike athlete Caleb Olson won the 2025 Western States in the second fastest time in history wearing a prototype version of it. More recently, Jennifer Lichter wore a pair in her runaway win at the Black Canyon Ultras 100K in February.
The updated ZoomX midsole provides 85 percent energy return and enhanced impact protection, and is exposed to allow it to morph as needed on the trail. The new 7/8-length carbon-fiber FlyPlate is split down the middle, with a spine that helps it flex better and provide stability over roots, rocks, and other elements of technical terrain, increasing torsional flexibility, agility, and control.
The upper was redesigned for improved breathability and drainability, while the internal fit system includes a gusseted tongue and internal fit band, which help with debris, water, and the general unpredictability of trail surfaces. Vibram’s lightest rubber compound strikes the right balance between grip and durability for race-day applications, and at 3mm lug depth it’s aggressive enough for technical terrain without collecting mud or pebbles.
Trail Tested Take: The Nike ACG Ultrafly brings a speedy road-racing vibe to the trails, combining responsive ZoomX foam and the propulsive energy of the dynamic Flyplate to create a smooth, vibrant ride that rewards faster efforts on runnable terrain. Its outsole grips well on dirt and gravel, but the relatively firm platform and precise fit can feel a tad restrictive when the miles stack up or the trail turns highly technical. Overall, it’s a great shoe with few drawbacks.
Check it out → ACG Ultrafly (Unisex sizing)
Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra 2
Price: $225
Approximate Weights: 8.3 oz. (women’s size 8), 9.5 oz. (men’s size 9)
Heel-Toe Offset: 8mm; 38mm (heel), 30mm (forefoot)
Instead of a carbon-fiber plate, Adidas incorporates Trail Energy Rods in midsole of this shoe that are made from a bio-based TPE material, to help drive forward propulsion with every stride while also adding a higher degree of stability on uneven terrain. The full-length slab of slightly softer Lightstrike Pro midsole foam preserves the shoe’s signature deeply curved rocker geometry and embedded Energy Rods, a pairing that generates a fluid, propulsive rolling motion underfoot—reducing the muscular effort required to maintain pace when legs are at their most fatigued. A new engineered mono-mesh upper improves durability and fit while also addressing the sizing inconsistencies of the original model. The Continental rubber outsole has been updated with more aggressive lugs and increased flexibility to enhance traction and versatility.
Trail Tested Take: The Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra 2 runs like a true trail super shoe, blending energetic Lightstrike Pro cushioning with Energy Rods that create a smooth, forward-driving ride on fast, flowing trails. It serves up a poppy sensation on uptempo runs, although the high stack and tapered heel can feel a little unstable when the terrain becomes slow, steep, or highly technical. It’s perhaps best described as the consummate Western States 100 shoe for its ability to run fast and fluid on smooth trails and gravel roads.
Check it out → Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra 2 (Women’s/Men’s)
Brooks Cascadia Elite
Price: $275
Approximate Weights: 8.5 oz. (women’s size 8), 9.7 oz. (men’s size 9)
Heel-Toe Offset: 6mm; 41mm (heel), 35mm (forefoot)
With the release of the Casadia Elite, Brooks has announced its presence with authority in the trail running world. A carbon-infused Pebax SpeedVault+ plate sits between layers of high responsive DNA GOLD PEBA midsole foam to add a touch of propulsion and structural support without making the ride feel overly stiff. It enhances forward momentum and provides subtle stability when climbing or descending uneven terrain. The Matryx upper, reinforced with Kevlar fibers, creates a snug and secure fit (right up to the at-the-ankle debris collar) while remaining lightweight and breathable. The low-profile Vibram Megagrip Elite outsole provides confident grip across a variety of surfaces, including wet rock, packed dirt, and loose trail.
Trail Tested Take: The Brooks Cascadia Elite delivers a surprisingly energetic and well-balanced ride, allowing for smooth, efficient forward motion without feeling overly stiff. It’s particularly effective on long, moderately fast trail efforts on semi-technical trails and fire road terrain, where the stable chassis and dependable outsole provide confident footing across rolling and moderately technical terrain. However, the thick midsole can start to feel cumbersome where quick, agile strides are necessary to maneuver through rugged and technical terrain.
Check it out → Brooks Cascadia Elite (Unisex sizing)
Hoka Speedgoat 7
Price: $165
Approximate Weights: 7.9 oz. (women’s size 8), 9.3 oz. (men’s size 9)
Heel-Toe Offset: men’s: 4mm; 37mm (heel), 33mm (forefoot)
women’s: 4mm; 35mm (heel), 31mm (forefoot)
The Hoka Speedgoat 7 brings several notable updates that enhance the ride, fit, and traction compared to the previous edition. One of the most significant changes is a new super-critical EVA midsole, replacing the previous foam to provide a softer feel and more responsive energy return during long and technical runs. The updated platform also offers a smoother, more stable ride underfoot, allowing the shoe to transition comfortably between rugged trails and occasional gravel or paved road sections while maintaining the high-stack cushioning the Speedgoat line is known for.
The upper and outsole have also been refined to improve comfort and grip. A lighter woven textile upper, combined with a gusseted tongue and a stretchier vamp, creates a more secure and adaptable fit. Underfoot, the shoe retains the Vibram Megagrip outsole with an updated lug orientation that enhances grip across mixed terrain.
Trail Tested Take: The new super-critical EVA midsole of the Speedgoat 7 offers softer impact absorption and improved energy return, keeping your feet comfortable and efficient over extended distances and rugged terrain, and as a result, the ride is smoother and more responsive than it has ever been. Along with a slight reduction in weight and a more balanced ride, this edition of the Speedgoat feels lighter, more responsive, and more confident on technical trails than its predecessor.
Check it out → Hoka Speedgoat 7 (Women’s/Men’s)
La Sportiva Prodigio 2
Price: $170
Approximate Weights: 7.9 oz. (women’s size 8), 9.3 oz. (men’s size 9)
Heel-Toe Offset: 6mm; 32mm (heel), 26mm (forefoot)
The second edition of the Prodigio everyday trainer has a slightly softer and more responsive X Flow midsole, a wider footprint, deeper outsole lugs, and a new rocker geometry with more cushion under the forefoot intended to give it a smoother roll-through sensation on both mild and technical terrain. It retains a fully gusseted tongue, but the fit has been improved with more heel structure, better midfoot hold, and a roomier toe box. The outsole now includes deeper 4mm lugs for improved grip on loose dirt, rocks, and mixed surfaces, while added rock protection helps the shoe perform more confidently on rugged mountain terrain. The upper has been refined with additional padding and a roomier fit, boosting comfort around the heel and ankle while accommodating a wider range of foot shapes.
Trail Tested Take: The biggest drawback about the original Prodigio was that the midsole just wasn’t thick enough to produce the responsiveness La Sportiva intended. The second edition solves that with maximally stacked layer of even softer foam in a chassis that is lighter, slightly wider and more stable. Ultimately, it feels more secure on uneven terrain and during lateral movements on technical trails. Overall, the Prodigio 2 is more comfortable, more responsive, and more efficient, and capable for running long distances while preserving the balanced ride on technical terrain that made the original Prodigio a versatile trail shoe.
Check it out → La Sportiva Prodigio 2 (Women’s/Men’s)
Merrell Agility Peak 6
Price: $160
Approximate Weights: 8.3 oz. (women’s size 8), 9.5 oz. (men’s size 9)
Heel-Toe Offset: 6mm; 32mm (heel), 26mm (forefoot)
Merrell made some pretty major updates to the latest edition of the Agility Peak model, but it still retains some of the best aspects of the previous edition. First and foremost, the Agility Peak 6 has a more secure and snug fit made possible by a slightly reduced interior volume and a new upper that provides better lockdown at the midfoot and heel and more abrasion-resistant durability and protection. Plus, the new version is nearly an ounce lighter, which is always a good thing.
The Agility Peak 6 has a new FloatPro midsole that’s sturdier, slightly more dense, and more durable than much softer and pliable feeling of the previous edition. Merrell extended its FlexConnect groove technology to run the length of the shoe, which allows it to maintain natural flex patterns while also making the midsole more laterally stable. An updated forefoot rock plate provides protection and stability on technical terrain without sacrificing runability, while an updated Vibram Megagrip outsole and aggressive 5mm lugs continue the grippy reliability without collecting mud or pebbles.
Trail Tested Take: The Agility Peak 5 that debuted in 2024 was a very good shoe, but it lacked durability, stability, and a technical trail acuity. This version solves all of those issues, but the updates have given this shoe quite a different feel than the previous one. In short, the Merrell Agility Peak 6 is much more capable of running rocky, rooty trails, but it also feels quite a bit firmer and a tad less agile. If you liked and appreciated the soft, light, and sprightly feel of the Agility Peak 5, you might not like this version as much. But if you wished that shoe offered a more protective and durable vibe, you’ll love this edition.
Check it out → Merrell Agility Peak 6 (Women’s/Men’s)
Mount to Coast T1
Price: $180
Approximate Weights: 8.2 oz. (women’s size 8), 9.1 oz. (men’s size 9)
Heel-Toe Offset: 4mm; 33mm (heel), 29mm (forefoot)
Mount to Coast is an upstart brand that continues to turn heads in the trail running shoe market, and much like it did with the debut of its road lineup in 2024, the brand first trail models are chocked with premium materials, thoughtful innovation, and a clear focus on comfort and performance. Similar to its road shoes, the T1 features the TunedFit Dual Lacing System, which enables a semi-custom fit through independent cinch-cord adjustments at the forefoot and midfoot. That adjustability can be especially helpful during long, muli-hour runs when feet swell or when small fit tweaks are needed to adapt to changing terrain.
Trail Tested Take: The T1’s LightCELL nitrogen-infused PEBA-blend midsole foam delivers moderate, controlled energy return and cushioning, while a roomy toe box allows the toes to splay and flex naturally for better stability and power through each stride. The upper is constructed from a durable, breathable woven Kevlar fabric reinforced with aramid fibers, along with a fast-drying, anti-siphon knit tongue designed to repel water. Underfoot, a Vibram Megagrip Litebase outsole provides lightweight durability and aggressive traction on technical terrain, with micro-traction elements the brand says can deliver up to 25 percent more grip.
Check it out → Mount to Coast T1 (Women’s/Men’s)
Norda 005
Price: $325
Approximate Weights: 6.7 oz. (women’s size 8), 8.1 oz. (men’s size 9)
Heel-Toe Offset: 7mm; 38mm (heel), 31mm (forefoot)
Norda is a small Canadian brand that has crafted the 005 with top-tier materials and some novel, purpose-built design constructs. Most notable among the materials are the ultralight, open mesh bio-based Dyneema upper, the hyper-responsive and shock-absorbing Arnitel TPEE midsole foam, and the Vibram Megagrip Elite outsole with 4mm directional outsole lugs. The foam has shown an 80 percent energy return rate in a laboratory setting, but it doesn’t wash out or bottom out on the trails like some Peba-based foams do in some trail running super shoes.
Trail Tested Take: The Norda 005 runs exceptionally well on a wide variety of terrain surfaces. The 005 puts a spring in your step, but not one that is bouncy and unmanageable on trails scattered with rocks and pebbles. It’s light and agile enough to run fast in short races, and it serves up exceptional long-haul comfort for multi-hour adventure runs and ultra-distance races. Plus, it’s designed to put your feet a little lower to the ground than many contemporary max-cushioned shoes, so the proprioceptive feel for the trail surface is really good. Not only is the Arnitel TPEE midsole foam extremely shock-absorbing on impact with the ground, but it’s also very accommodating as your foot rolls through the gait cycle and then impressively energetic as you lift off and begin a new stride. Aside from the high price tag, the only minor detractors are the 005’s relatively short toe box length and sometimes marginal heel security that demands a runner really dial-in the fit.
Check it out → Norda 005 (Women’s/Men’s)
On Cloud Ultra Pro
Price: $260
Approximate Weights: 8.3 oz. (women’s size 8), 9.2 oz. (men’s size 9)
Heel-Toe Offset: 6mm; 35mm (heel), 41mm (forefoot)
The Cloudultra Pro’s dual-layer Helion HF midsole serves up a rare equilibrium between plush protection and trail-ready responsiveness, absorbing impact over long miles without ever feeling sluggish or dead underfoot. Rather than committing to a full carbon plate, the nylon Speedboard embedded in the midsole serves up a soft, but semi-stiff sensation with loads of propulsion and underfoot protection sans any sharp, ankle-rolling movements. The open mesh upper construction breathes exceptionally well and sheds water quickly, a practical advantage that pays dividends during hot-weather races or courses littered with stream crossings.
Trail Tested Take: The Cloudultra Pro is a refined, race-day-worthy option for ultrarunners who prioritize smooth, efficient forward momentum and a sleek fit over raw grip. For a shoe sitting on this much foam, its provides a grounded and a stable ride across rocky, uneven terrain, giving you the confidence to attack descents without hesitation. It delivers meaningful propulsion and forward momentum while keeping the ride forgiving enough to keep legs relative fresh on ultra-distance efforts that stretch deep into the night. However, running on technical surfaces and wet terrain exposes the limited traction offered from the low-profile outsole.
Check it out → On Cloud Ultra Pro (Women’s/Men’s)
Salomon Ultra Glide 4
Price: $160
Approximate Weights: 8.9 oz. (women’s size 8), 9.7 oz. (men’s size 9)
Heel-Toe Offset: 6mm; 39mm (heel), 33mm (forefoot)
Several updates enhance the comfort, efficiency, and durability of the Salomon Ultra Glide 4, making it very capable for long runs across a range of surfaces. One of the most significant changes is the introduction of Salomon’s RelieveSphere geometry, a distinctive wavy midsole-outsole design that helps disperse impact and create a smoother ride over rocks and uneven terrain. Paired with the soft, responsive OptiFoam midsole, it preserves the shoe’s plush, max-cushioned feel while improving how it handles rugged trails and extended mileage. The Ultra Glide 4 also features a redesigned upper that is lighter, more breathable, and more resistant to abrasion, boosting comfort in warm conditions and durability for high-mileage use.
Trail Tested Take: The Ultra Glide 4 isn’t really about speed or aggressive technical performance. Its standout trait is how comfortable and effortless it feels over long distances. Along with subtle refinements to the outsole traction and overall construction, the it feels slightly lighter and more responsive than the previous version while maintaining the smooth, forgiving ride that continues to make this shoe ideal for everyday trail training and ultra-distance race efforts.
Check it out → Salomon Ultra Glide 4 (Women’s/Men’s)
Speedland RX:LDVL
Price: $299
Approximate Weights: 8.4 oz. (women’s size 8), 9.3 oz. (men’s size 9)
Heel-Toe Offset: 7mm; 41mm (heel), 34mm (forefoot)
Speedland continues to push innovation with newfangled shoe designs purpose-built for terrain and specific events. The LDVL shoe is a lightweight, long-distance racing shoe designed to take on a wide range of terrain, including mild to moderate trails and paved and gravel roads. It features a dual-density midsole with a hyper-responsive inner layer of proprietary super critical TPEE foam encased in an outer later of supercritical A-TPU foam, a removable carbon-fiber plate, and a new dual-zone fit system with a forefoot BOA Li2 dial and a Velcro security strap over the saddle.
Trail Tested Take: If there’s one thing you should know about Speedland, it’s that it uses premium materials to create purpose-built features for specific types of terrain. The out-and-back Leadville 100 course is unique in that it combines long sections of gravel roads and paved road with semi-technical dirt trails and four major climbs and descents. As such, the RX:LDVL is exceptionally versatile, offering a unique blend of responsive cushioning, widebody stability, and long-haul comfort enhanced by adapt-on-the-fly adjustability.
Check it out → Speedland RX:LDVL (Unisex sizing)
The North Face Altamesa 500 v2
Price: $170
Approximate Weights: 8.9 oz. (women’s size 8), 9.8 oz. (men’s size 9)
Heel-Toe Offset: 6mm; 36mm (heel), 30mm (forefoot)
The The North Face Altamesa 500 v2 builds on the original model with several updates aimed at improving comfort, traction, and overall trail performance. The biggest improvement is a lighter, more responsive midsole made with updated nitrogen-infused DREAM foam that provides softer impact absorption and livelier rebound on long runs. The shoe retains high-stack cushioning designed for extended trail efforts, but it now sits on a wider platform, enhancing inherent stability on uneven terrain. A lighter engineered mesh upper boosts breathability and trims weight while still offering durability and a secure fit. Underfoot, the shoe features an updated Surface CTRL SC2 outsole with sharper 4 mm lugs, delivering improved grip and versatility across mixed terrain.
Trail Tested Take: Along with a slight reduction in weight compared to the previous version, the Altamesa 500 v2 feels lighter and more agile while preserving the plush, long-distance comfort that defined the original model. It’s slightly more adept at running technical terrain than the original model, but it’s most at home on rolling dirt trails and gravel roads.
Check it out → The North Face Altamesa 500 v2 (Women’s/Men’s)
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