A lot of great running gear came out in 2025, so much so that compiling a definitive list of the very best trail shoes can be a futile act.
The shoes I like might not be the same ones you like for any number of reasons, and that’s fair. But the bottom line is that most of the shoes that debuted this year offered a dynamic mix of comfort, cushioning, durability, and traction for a wide variety of trail surfaces and various styles of running—especially the 15 great models in the collection below.
We might disagree on our which model is the shoe of the year, but I bet you’ll find some of your favorites among this stunning crop. (Note: an asterisk denotes a sale price at RunningWarehouse.com.)
Altra Olympus 275, $195
Approximate Weights: 9.6 oz. (women’s size 8); 11.1 oz. (men’s size 9)
Heel-Toe Offset: 0mm; 33mm (heel); 33mm (forefoot)
The Altra Olympus 275 is a max-cushion trail running shoe engineered for durability and lightweight comfort over long distances and technical terrain, building on the foundation of the classic Olympus model with a premium upper. (The “275” name is a nod to the temperature used in a toaster oven for Altra’s original prototypes.) The shoe utilizes a compression-molded EVA midsole for sustained comfort, a 33mm stack height for maximum cushioning, and an outsole is made from durable Vibram Megagrip rubber, known for providing exceptional traction on both wet and dry surfaces.
Why it’s great: It’s just as cushy as the original Olympus, but lighter and more agile.
Check it out → (Women’s/Men’s)
ASICS MetaFuji Trail, $250
Approximate Weights: 8.2 oz. (women’s size 8); 9.2 oz. (men’s size 9)
Heel-Toe Offset: 5mm; 44mm (heel); 39mm (forefoot)
The ASICS MetaFuji Trail is a high-performance, carbon-plated trail racing shoe designed for speed and energy savings over non-technical to moderate terrain. The shoe combines two types of foam for cushioning and energy return sandwiched around a carbon-fiber propulsion plate—a layer of Peba-blend FF Turbo on top is the main, responsive superfoam layer designed for a snappy feel similar to ASICS road racing shoes and a layer of FF Blast Plus foam underneath, offering a softer, more stable platform that aids in shock absorption on varied ground. The outsole is made from durable ASICSGRIP rubber with 4.5 mm lugs.
Why it’s great: This shoe has the hyper-responsive chassis of a road running super shoe with a grippy underside for running fast on gravel roads and smooth trails.
Brooks Ghost Trail, $150
Approximate Weights: 9.2 oz. (women’s size 8); 10.3 oz. (men’s size 9)
Heel-Toe Offset: 8mm; 36.5mm (heel); 28.5mm (forefoot)
The Brooks Ghost Trail is a newly released hybrid running shoe that blends the familiar, cushioned comfort and smooth ride of the popular road-running Brooks Ghost with trail-ready durability and traction for mixed-surface adventures. It uses the same nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 foam as the road Ghost 17, which provides soft, responsive, and durable cushioning for impact reduction on both pavement and dirt, and an outsole is made from durable TrailTack Green rubber.
Why it’s great: This is a very good entry-level trail shoe or a shoe that chew up gravel roads with comfort and ease.
Check it out → (Women’s/Men’s)
Hoka Tecton X 3, $275
Approximate Weights: 8.4 oz. (women’s size 8); 9.7 oz. (men’s size 9)
Heel-Toe Offset: 5mm; 40mm (heel); 35mm (forefoot)
The Hoka Tecton X 3 is a sophisticated carbon-plated trail racing shoe with maximum cushioning, designed for ultra-distances and technical terrain. It features a dual-layer PEBA foam midsole for energy return, a redesigned carbon-fiber propulsion/protection plate with stability winglets, and an integrated gaiter to keep out debris. The shoe is equipped with a Vibram Megagrip Litebase outsole, featuring redesigned grippy 4mm lugs, plus it has a lightweight, quick-dry Matryx textile upper with an integrated knit collar extending above the ankle like a gaiter.
Why it’s great: The Tecton X 3 feels like it a high-tech piece of trail running equipment that becomes part of you body as you run through wild trail terrain.
Check it out → (Women’s/Men’s)
La Sportiva Prodigio Max, $185
Approximate Weights: 9.3oz. (women’s size 8); 10.5 oz. (men’s size 9)
Heel-Toe Offset: 6mm; 37mm (heel); 31mm (forefoot)
The La Sportiva Prodigio Max is a maximum-cushion trail running shoe engineered for ultra-distance athletes who prioritize comfort, protection, and stability over long, rugged adventures. It incorporates the XFlow Endurance dual-foam setup with a nitrogen-infused eTPU core for energy return and an outer cage of XFlow nitrogen-infused EVA for stability and durability. The Prodigio Max features a best-in-class bi-compound FriXion XT 2.0 outsole and 4mm lugs, with a stickier rubber in the forefoot for excellent grip on rocks and a more durable compound in the heel for longevity.
Why it’s great: This is the best version of the Prodigio line of shoes yet. It has the right amount of foam, protection, and comfort for devouring rocky and rugged trail terrain.
Check it out → (Women’s/Men’s)
Mount to Coast H1, $160
Approximate Weights: 7.9 oz. (women’s size 8); 8.5 oz. (men’s size 9)
Heel-Toe Offset: 6mm; 35mm (heel); 29mm (forefoot)
The Mount to Coast H1 is a versatile, lightweight hybrid running shoe designed to transition seamlessly from road to light trail, featuring sustainable materials, moderate cushioning, and durable construction ideal for long distances. The H1 uses a full-length, soft, durable and responsive nitrogen-infused CircleCELL supercritical foam midsole made from 100 percent renewable feedstock (including recycled organic waste). The proprietary VersaGrip outsole technology with 2mm lugs is engineered for exceptional traction and durability across all types of terrain.
Why it’s great: One of the most versatile shoes available, the H1 one can hold its own on rugged trails, smooth dirt paths, gravel roads, paved surfaces, and concrete bike paths. Plus, it has a good look and vibe.
Check it out → (Women’s/Men’s)
New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9, $120*
Approximate Weights: 9.4 oz. (women’s size 8); 10.8 oz. (men’s size 9)
Heel-Toe Offset: 4mm; 42mm (heel); 38mm (forefoot)
The New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 is a maximum-cushion, neutral trail running shoe designed for long distances and adventurous, rugged terrain, providing a plush, stable ride with exceptional grip and durability. It features a dual-density Fresh Foam X midsole and a full-length Vibram Megagrip outsole with Traction Lug technology.
Why it’s great: Trail running isn’t a main focus for New Balance, but the Hierro v9 stands tall as a versatile and comfortable trail cruiser.
Check it out → (Women’s/Men’s)
Nike Zegama Trail 2, $135*
Approximate Weights: 9.4 oz. (women’s size 8); 10.8 oz. (men’s size 9)
Heel-Toe Offset: 4mm; 39mm (heel); 35mm (forefoot)
The Nike Zegama Trail 2 is a versatile, highly cushioned trail running shoe designed for long distances and technical terrain, featuring an ultra-responsive ZoomX foam midsole and a new, more durable Vibram Megagrip outsole for enhanced traction. It utilizes a full-length, lightweight ZoomX foam core (a PEBA-based foam) for superb cushioning and high energy return and a full Vibram Megagrip outsole with 4mm lugs.
Why it’s great: Nike is going all-in on trail running, and the Zegama Trail 2’s use of top-tier midsole foam and outsole rubber show the brand’s commitment to doing things right.
Check it out → (Women’s/Men’s)
Puma Deviate Nitro Elite Trail, $230
Approximate Weights: 8.4 oz. (women’s size 8); 9.6 oz. (men’s size 9)
Heel-Toe Offset: 6mm; 36mm (heel); 30mm (forefoot)
The PUMA Deviate Nitro Elite Trail is a high-performance, carbon-plated trail racing shoe designed for speed on runnable terrain, offering excellent energy return and a secure fit. It is Puma’ first dedicated trail “super shoe” and it’s a good one, blending road-racing technology with trail-specific durability and grip. The shoe features a dual-layer midsole sandwiched around a carbon-composite PWRPLATE with full-length, nitrogen-infused NitroFoam Elite for lightweight cushioning and maximal energy return on race day.
Why it’s great: Puma hasn’t been known for its trail running shoes, but this carbon-plated speed merchant is one of the best trail racers of the year.
Check it out → (Women’s/Men’s)
Norda 005, $325
Approximate Weights: 6.2 oz. (women’s size 8), 7.9 oz. (men’s size 9)
Heel-Toe Offset: 7mm; 28.5mm (heel), 21.5mm (forefoot)
The Norda 005 is an ultralight and versatile trail running “super shoe” that’s been exquisitely engineered for race day with a focus on durability, responsiveness, and stability. The open-mesh upper is woven from bio-based Dyneema fiber, which is reportedly 15 times stronger than steel, yet featherlight. The midsole is crafted entirely from highly responsive Arnitel TPEE super foam, a market first for shoes.
Why it’s great: Norda is a small but mighty brand that goes out of its way to build spectacular shoes with the best materials.
Check it out → (Women’s/Men’s)
On Cloudultra Pro, $260
Approximate Weights: 9.1 oz (women’s 8); 10.5 oz. (men’s 9)
Heel-Toe Offset: 6mm; 38.5mm (heel), 32.5mm (forefoot)
The On Cloudultra Pro is an elite, max-cushion trail running shoe engineered for ultra-distance races and long training runs, providing high energy return, stability, and durability on varied terrain.The shoe features a full-length fiberglass Speedboard sandwiched between a dual-layer midsole of a Peba-blend Helion HF hyperfoam for responsive, long-lasting cushioning. The top layer is softer and the bottom layer is firmer to enhance stability on uneven ground.
Why it’s great: The Cloudultra Pro has the ability to float like a butterfly and sting like a bee.
Check it out → (Women’s/Men’s)
Salomon S/Lab Genesis, $200
Approximate Weights: 7.8 oz. (women’s size 8); 9.1 oz. (men’s size 9)
Heel-Toe Offset: 8mm; 34mm (heel); 26mm (forefoot)
The Salomon S/Lab Genesis is a lightweight, durable trail running shoe designed for high-performance, long-distance adventures and challenging technical terrain. It balances high protection and grip with moderate cushioning and a precise fit, making it a favorite among elite athletes for ultra-distance races.
Why it’s great: Courtney Dauwalter could run in any shoe she wants, but she chooses to run in the S/Lab Genesis. Enough said.
Saucony Peregrine 15, $115*
Approximate Weights: 8.8 oz. (women’s size 8); 9.8 oz. (men’s size 9)
Heel-Toe Offset: 4mm; 31mm (heel); 27mm (forefoot)
The Saucony Peregrine 15 is a lightweight, moderate-cushion trail running shoe designed for a wide variety of rugged terrain, featuring an upgraded, softer PWRRUN foam midsole and a redesigned PWRTRAC outsole for enhanced grip and durability. It offers a balanced ride with good ground feel and protection.
Why it’s great: Consistently one of the best trail shoes over the past decade and a half, the Peregrine continues to offer a stunning combination of agility, traction, cushion, comfort, and control.
Check it out → (Women’s/Men’s)
Speedland GS:TMT, $275
Approximate Weights: 9.4 oz. (women’s size 8); 10.9 oz. (men’s size 9)
Heel-Toe Offset: 7mm; 39mm (heel); 32mm (forefoot)
The Speedland GS:TMT is a high-performance, max-cushion trail running shoe designed for long distances and technical terrain, notable for its customizable fit, advanced materials, and collaboration with musician/ultrarunner Ben Gibbard who wore a pair en route to finishing the Western States 100 last summer. The shoe’s two-part chassis has a 100 percent beaded HTPU external midsole for high energy return and durability, and a proprietary drop-in core foam (a blend of OBC, EVA, and nylon compounds) for comfort, rebound, and performance. It features a dual BOA Fit System and a Michelin Fiber Lite rubber outsole, and it is compatible with a removable Carbitex GearFlex plate (sold separately) that can customize the ride and level of protection.
Why it’s great: Speedland is a one-of-a-kind brand that makes nothing but one-of-a-kind shoes. The GS:TMT is Exhibit A of Speedland’s one-of-a-kind fusion of function, flash, and fun.
The North Face Vectiv Enduris 4, $160
Approximate Weights: 9.1 oz. (women’s size 8); 10.5 oz. (men’s size 9)
Heel-Toe Offset: 6mm; 38mm (heel); 32mm (forefoot)
The North Face Vectiv Enduris 4 is a smooth-riding trail running shoe designed for both daily training and long-distance racing, offering enhanced cushioning, stability, and reliable traction on varied terrain. It features the VECTIV 3.0 system with a TPU plate for forward propulsion and a soft, nitrogen-infused “DREAM” foam midsole for comfort.
Why it’s great: The Vectiv Enduris 4 hits the trifecta of max cushioning, stability, and propulsion.
Check it out → (Women’s/Men’s)
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