Best TRAIL RUNNING SHOES of 2024 | My TOP 3 favourites | Run4Adventure

[@matthewwatson9279]

I did a 12 hour ultra in the Altra Experience Wild this year and it was great. The course was mostly on forestry commission trails. Not a single blister or hotspot.

[@mariond.3007]

Love the TrailFlys as well! And excited to learn from your video about the TrailFly Max! Will be keen to see a review if and when you get your hands on a pair 🙏

[@RichardDanilda]

That's a surprise list!

[@stuartwebster2203]

🎉 great to see the TrailFly coming out on top, I love this shoe. I’ve run hundreds of miles in them this year and they’ve been fantastic. Looking forward to running in them for my 2025 races. Also a fan of the NB Heirro for lighter conditions. Thanks for the reviews this year Loyd, really helped with shoes decisions.

[@Manuel-901]

Evening all. For my 65kgs, I prefer the Asics trabuco 12. First Like to Run4adventure. A nice week for everyone.

[@diederiklegrange7248]

Man if Inov8 can just make those uppers appear less plasticky.

[@cnikirk]

I absolutely love the Altra King Mountain 2. They lock down on my feet like nothing else and can grip in any condition. Cushion is minimal and zero drop of course but I would love to see you try them out!

[@jansommerlund5497]

I´m thrilled to see there´s a true trail shoe on top. My personal favourite brand and the Mudtalon Speed takes a place on my list. My number 1 is without a doubt the NB Fuelcelle Venym, I love that shoe. Perfect fit and midsole with a decent grip. Use it for everything except muddy terrain where I use the Mudtalon Speed. TNF Summit Vectiv takes the last spot, again with a perfect fit for my feet

[@theultratrailbreakdown]

I’ve become a big fan of The North Face shoes this year, which is a surprise as their shoes a few years ago were pretty terrible. The Alta Mesa 500 is fantastic and I’ve heard good things about their carbon shoes. Really excited for the Enduris 4 that comes out in January I think, would love to see a review of that.

[@carsons5750]

Absolutely can not wait for you video on the Trailfly Max! The TrailFlys seem great, my single concern is that my SpeedGoat 5s seem to have the perfect amount of cushion, and I fear that the TrailFly might be just a bit too minimal for my 90kg. Hopefully the Max doesn't go too far...

[@philipking3010]

Interesting, ran my first hundred in the Merrell AP5, and my second in the La Sportiva Prodigio, and I guess I'll run my third in the Pro version. Thanks for another year of entertaining films.

[@jameswoodtrails]

I bought my TrailFlys after watching Liga's CCC race. They've been great on the rocky hard packed trails around Prague. Looking forward to the Max review.

[@danangell-collins8663]

Great video as always! Has given me some alternative options for my next pair. I usually wear a wide fit, can see the inov8 have that option 😅

[@dianebrown8039]

Started watching the channel after I met my fiancé in 2022, who had already been watching you a few years. I wasn’t a runner at the time, and started off just watching the videos with him. This quickly turned into me really enjoying the adventures and videos, and I now countdown to the next video (typically checking the channel every day)! We never watch a video without each other, and always with a cuppa in hand

[@Rustyfox46]

Hey Loyd, Indeed - not a stand out list for 2024. Thanks for all of your reviews this year. Still yet to try the trailflys 😮

[@yeahyeahblah]

Great choices! I had the TrailFly but just couldn't get on with the sizing - the standard fit was too narrow and the wide fit was too wide.

[@nickbenjamin6527]

Love the Prodigios: onto my second pair now. Got about 450miles from the first pair which did need a bit of a break in period around the ankle collar before being extremely comfortable. New ones comfortable everywhere immediately, I think there is a subtle reshaping of that area. Great underfoot protection and rebound and superb heel and midfoot lockdown (if they suit your feet) combined with plenty of forefoot space and great breathability. 👍👍👍

[@mikebellick6956]

Rumor has it La Sportiva did an inline update of the Prodigio to fix that ankle slicing issue.

[@nickbenjamin6527]

@mikebellick6956 comparing my new pair with the old, I'm fairly sure they are identical. The first pair ended up with my outer ankle bones slightly resting on the edges of the heel collar, over the first 20-30miles the edge quickly stretched and flared out to be very comfortable. With the new pair I helped this process along a bit by prestretching that area a little with my thumbs before using them for the first time and that did the trick entirely. I have fairly narrow heels and for me both pairs fit like a dream so if your feet are the right shape, I'd highly recommend them.

[@tomharvey-run]

1. Agravic Speed Ultra 2. Mafate Speed 4 3. Tecton X3

[@thefink8940]

Tried a pair of Prodigios on, but the stitching at the bottom of the tounge really dug into my foot, gutted as they felt great everywhere else! Got some Wildhorse 8’s in the sale, I’m well impressed so far 👌

[@rolls1392]

Bought my Trailflys after watching your review. I pretty much agree with your comments. Love the shoe. Especially the new grip as I found a previous pair of Innov8's pretty sloppy on rocks. If innov8 want to send me any money they are most welcome to my unimportant opinion. Cheers Loyd.

[@sdotkerlin]

Nothing has come close to the Hoka Mafate Speed 4s yet. Haven't tried the Tectons yet.

[@joelhardwick5606]

My mate/training partner never shuts up about inov8 😂 have sent him this video. I might have to take the hit now. I like a more plush shoe personally and feel like the Inov8’s are super stiff underfoot?? Would you maybe try the ultrafly over these if you were me? 🤔 great vid 👏

[@FrancoisMcinnes]

Favorite this year. Surprising Columbia MoonTrail, then the new balance SuperComp. So responsive. For wet mud conditions, merrell peak5

[@BrianTierney-mt7od]

The Prodigio is tops for me this year

[@Monty.d]

Merrell Agility Peak 5 is my top trail shoes of the year. So much comfort for any ultra race! have managed to put over 500km on them this year

[@jakeva9802]

Love the xodus ultra 3s

[@Run4Adventure]

That’s good to here 👍

[@howardjones8629]

For me, I'm pretty new to trail running, and have a very wonky left foot, but after some beaten up miles in some cascadia 16s, my Topo MTN Racer 3s are just breathtakingly fantastic; comfy, fast, reliably grippy, dry quickly. Bit pricey for what they are if am honest, but aren't all shoes these days!

[@robsbeenrunning]

Agree it has been a really hard year for trail shoes in 2024. No standout shoe to note, just many average shoes. The Trailfly is a lovely shoe, the new foot shape design felt good to me but personally I seem to be struggling with it for distances over 20 miles. Not sure why but foot pain in the right foot around that milage. Very personal but it has put doubts in my mind for using it at the ARC in Jan.

[@Jarrod723]

Quite the surprising list indeed. What surprises me the most is Inov8 getting top spot since you did many of your big races this year in the La Sportiva and Saucony shoes. Did you do any of your races in the Inov8 shoes? If not, any reason in particular?

[@leonisbacher1772]

They only send him money lately

[@Run4Adventure]

Nice comment Leonis! You can’t beat judging someone’s character when you don’t even know them 😔 I can guarantee you that I have been paid no money by INOV8 for this decision, it was just the shoe that I enjoyed the most! It’s just my opinion but thanks for your rude comment 👎

[@Run4Adventure]

It is an interesting top 3 Jarrod 👍 I used the La Sportiva Prodigio for the SDW100 because the brand challenged me to test the shoe out thoroughly over 100 miles like I actually mentioned in this video. I also used the Saucony Xodus ultra 3 for my UTMR race because when the route got changed I knew there was a long section of tarmac to run and the Xodus is slightly better on the road. I’ve done a lot of my training in the Trailflys through the year and it’s the trail shoe I’ve enjoyed the most 👍

[@Jarrod723]

@@Run4Adventure Hi Loyd, thanks for the response. I did catch how you used the La Sportiva and Saucony in races from the video. But couldn’t remember if you had used the Trailfly in a race and didn’t catch you mentioning it in the video so that’s why I asked about the Inov8 use for races specifically. You all put out so much great content this year it was hard to recall if you used the Inov8 in a race previously 😅

[@leonisbacher1772]

@@Run4Adventure Just kidding bro I know they make good shoes my favorite was the Terra Ultra G270 for some time.

[@JanSuchomel]

If the new Xodus will be like vesion 1 but with the Vibram Megargrip outsole then it is an instant buy for me. So fingers crossed that they do it right on the fourth try. :) And as for the best 2024 trail shoe for me it is VJ MaxX2. Cushining, grip, durability everything excelent. And very low weight as the bonus. You should definitely check them out.

[@JohanSand-yy7vg]

Yes, the VJ Maxx 2 are really awesome. Good for pretty much any trail. ”The best grip on the planet” is VJs slogan, and it might as well be true! Their outsoles provide reliable grip where other outsoles slip (the only exception being smooth ice where rubber is simply not enough but you need spikes).

[@JanSuchomel]

@@JohanSand-yy7vg For smooth ice and icy snow I just got VJ Ace, same midsole material also pretty wide but with steel studs and also waterproof upper. But heavier than VJ MaxX2.

[@RohanHammett]

Tecton X3- great if you’re used to running on bouncy road race foams, protective, fast and grippy. Norda 001- firm but responsive foam, great grip, agile, durable, ASICS Trabuco Max 3- comfortable max stack with great grip, surprisingly competent on steep technical trails. Biggest disappointment:ASICS Metafuji Trail- looked amazing, loved the midsole foam and the rocker geometry, but the heel was way too narrow for anyone but the most pure forefoot striker (and who does that on a long trail run?,.), it’s a broken ankle in waiting in a box. Could be amazing if the widen the heel base….

[@marosmikolas624]

What about Asics Trabuco/Trabuco Max? 😊

[@Valaran1]

Can we talk about those badass socks in the Trailfly B-roll tho

[@Run4Adventure]

They’re from Stance 😉

[@sambrewster8556]

Had high hopes for the Prodigios but they cause serious discomfort to my ankles after 10 miles or so. The sides are basically unpadded and quite hard. Since buying them I've seen plenty of comments from others having the same issue. Hopefully they've rectified the issue with the new models.

[@philipking3010]

According to Finn over at Singletrack, they've already made a change in production to the heal cup on the Prodigio.

[@sambrewster8556]

@philipking3010 shame they're not offering a recall!

[@Run4Adventure]

Sorry to hear that Sam 😔 I ran SDW100 in mine and had no issues with the ankle collar at all Sam. Obviously things like this can be very personal depending on each individual’s foot shape but the upper has worked well for me 👍

[@seanmac80]

Prodigio are my #1 for the year. Close to 300km on mine so far and getting better all the time.

[@Run4Adventure]

That’s good to hear, glad you’re enjoying them 👍🙂

[@runningforme]

The Nike zygamas were my surprise favourite🖤🖤🖤

[@ElPajaroEspino]

Good video. My top 3 are very similar. 1# Salomon Genesis, 2# Saucony Xodus, 3# La Sportiva Prodigio. Saludos desde España Lloyd.

[@paulfulbrook8220]

I ordered some of the Prodigio, I really wanted them to work but they were just bit narrow for me sadly. My stand out trail shoe of the year is the Asics Trabuco Max 3 (put my first pair through 700km between May and Nov, including 2 50k ultras), Snagged a couple of pairs at a big discount, one for winter and one for spring!). I do want to test out a pair of the Inov8 Trailflys though...

[@Run4Adventure]

In true La Sportiva style, the PRODIGIO is quite narrow in fit Paul! I never got round to trying the Trabuco Max, I was worried it might be quite unstable with all that cushioning? 🤔

[@paulfulbrook8220]

@ there is a lot of cushioning, but they do give a lot of feedback from the terrain (well enough for me!). They are quite wide which mitigates some of the lateral movement. They’ve just brought out the Max 4….might be worth a try!

[@anguskay6177]

Not tried any of your top 3. Liked the previews I saw of the Prodigio Pro though. I'm currently enjoying the Nnormal Tomir 2, and the previous generation Trailfly, the G280 version

[@anklexpress]

If you decide to do the Javelina Jundred, let us know, because I will also sign up for the race, assuming it doesnt sell out. Its one Ive wanted to do for a while and will be my first 100 miler. Ive only done 50 milers and 100k's but never done a 100 and Im ready for the challenge!

[@markollier4050]

Who's socks are you using please fancy something funky

[@michelewheldon7183]

Hoka does make 1 trail boot . It's comfortable and stabilizer the ankles a little more.

[@Run4Adventure]

I’m not sure why you’re telling me this Michele? 🤷‍♂️

[@michelewheldon7183]

@Run4Adventure I'm telling everyone.

[@smg222]

Have you considered entering a 200+ ultra and swapping out shoes you are testing every 25=50 miles. Could test 5=10 different trail shoes in one event. Might be fun and a little unique concept.

[@Run4Adventure]

It sounds like a good idea but the reality of running 200+ is you’re going to suffer big time. Your feet are going swell up and you’d probably have other foot issues a long the way. I’m not sure you’re going to get a true reflection of how a shoe fit,feels and performs when your 150 miles into a 200 mile race. I also think it would be extremely hard to keep filming up when you’re running that kind of distance. I’ve filmed while running a few 100 milers and that was tough at times so double the distance would be very tricky 🤔

[@richardantrobus7186]

8:47 - titles need changing, I'm loving the on cloudventure peak 3, but also looking forward to trying out the salomon drx gravel a bit more as an everyday shoe

[@paulmulks]

Don't know what it is but I cannot for the life of me find a comfortable trail shoe that just works for me 😫 Currently using the Tecton X3's but anything over 20 miles and my feet really start to ache in them. The last 50k I did in October, my legs were ruined by mile 20, so that last 12 mile was just horrible 😤

[@adamfeerst2575]

Why do you group trail shoes into a single category? You wouldn’t do that with road shoes; e.g., race, speed, daily trainer, easy. None of the shoes you mentioned I even consider for something short and fast like The Dipsea (oldest trail race in the US). The Merrell comes closest, but I’d use the Sky Fire over the Long Sky. I used the Brooks AGIL there this year. Trail running ≠ ultra running! I’ll climb off my soapbox now.

[@Run4Adventure]

I don’t group trail shoes into a single category Adam? This was just my top 3 shoes of the year, shoes I’ve spent the most time in out on the trails 🙂 I actually produced the same video for my top 3 road shoes. I did actually mention that the Long Sky was better for shorter, faster, more technical runs in the video? Shoe choice is so personal and these are the trail shoes that worked well for me. I didn’t get on with the Sky Fire, it was a bit to stripped back for me and the Long Sky worked better 👍 Thanks for watching 🙏

[@adamfeerst2575]

@ Thx. I didn’t know about your parallel road shoe video until now. I appreciate consistency. I understand that the Skyfire and AGIL are stripped back. Just like I might use a middle distance track shoe an 800 but not something that harsh for 10000, I can get away with the 195g Skyfire for the ~12k Dipsea, i might be happier with the 300g LongSky for a trail marathon. Try a 1-hour or so technical trail race.