Best Trail Running Shoes 2024

[@BrownieNB]

I use the Merrel Agility Peak 5 for grip in muddy trails (autumn to spring), it's nice you pointed it out. The grip is unreal.

[@lazzaboyman8003]

I’m an Inov-8 fan, TrailFly G270 zero drop for mid-trail running needs, X-Talon 212 for deep mud. Both are a great fit for me, lightweight and I’ve run marathon distance in both with zero issues. Finally they are nearly indestructible so my previous pairs lasted 5 years and 4 years respectively.

[@JuhaYlitalo]

I used to love Inov-8 (had two pairs of Terraultras and two pairs of Trailfly G270s), but when I tried new Inov-8 Trailflies (Speed and Wide), it felt that they've changed the heel so that it doesn't fit well to my feet (or I've simply forgot how the new Trailflys used to feel) and they are no longer 0mm drop shoes (Wide has 6mm and Speed has 4mm drop) :-(

[@adamfeerst2575]

BOA: I’ve been using lace/cord locks for decades. It’s what we used in triathlons (my first in 1983). Cheap. Effective. Shoes don’t come untied. Quick adjustment.

[@fastrax1949]

Nice one. Well done. Very interesting to me as a retailer. When I opened The Complete Runner in 1982 we didn't even have section dedicated to trail shoes. We had a plethora of low drop studded "fell shoes" for "offroad" . Many from Reebok , adidas and of course Walsh. Desigend for UK conditons. Mud and non textured paths. The Nike Pegasus and some Reebok road shoes served as THE road/off road choice. Pegasus was our top selling shoe for years. Gradually more and more running brands introduced specific trail shoes and they werer joined by the outdoor brands e.g. North Face etc wanting a slice of the market. BUT, clearly many are designed for the dry, gritty fire roads of Europe ! So today we have a whole wall dedicated to mens trail and a whole wall dedicated to womens. A whole of drops, different lug depths. So it's no surprise in the comments viewers refer to ommisions. You could not possibly cover the massive range out there. But in mentioning Altra you might have also mentioned TOPO ATHLETIC. Their whole range is based on the anatomical toe box and they have always offered zero.3 and 5 mm drops for road and trail. We sell a lot of 361 and they too offer some great trail shoes. Futura, Futura WP and the Lynx for example. Goretex has generally been a membrane; sandwiched between shoe's layers and yes divided opinion but GTZ models sell really well. Hoka are incorporating it into the actual fibre of the shoe for 2025. A great year ahead as more and more runners venture off road. I look forward to more reviews! Terry Lonergan

[@kxs7267]

Could I suggest you keep the shoe details on screen all the time you're discussing the shoe? Or at least give it a longer time before fading out? Or change to smaller font instead of fading? After all the pictures, while nice, aren't so vital that having the text in a corner loses anything. I keep having to stop and look back for those details, which interrupts what you're saying...

[@runningchannel]

Thanks for the great feedback! We'll see what we can do next time

[@kxs7267]

@runningchannel wow, can't ask for faster reply than that! Thanks for considering looking into it. And thanks to all the team for all the videos.

[@adamfeerst2575]

Yes, but you can pause it.

[@kxs7267]

@@adamfeerst2575 but if I pause it, I'm not hearing what they're saying? I'm afraid I haven't the brainpower to memorise all the numbers unless I pause it for ages - so it would be a really disjointed viewing. I suppose I could pause it, write down all the numbers, wind forward to the next set of numbers, write them down, etc. and finally go back and watch from the beginning with my notes... Whereas if they keep the numbers up, when someone says "these lugs are really deep" or "these shoes are on the expensive side", I could just glance at the corner of the screen and see whether they're 4mm or 5mm, or 200 or 240 pounds, without anyone else being the worse off for it.

[@BenWatts-en7ux]

I have a 50mile trail ultra this weekend. Was getting nervous for the first 19 minutes until I saw you guy recommending Peregrine seeing as it will be the shoe carrying me to the finish line.

[@pete801]

In the UK? Peregrine is perfect with a decent lig

[@DannyOSheaProductions]

So happy to see Altra get a mench. My go to running shoe for it's zero drop and wide toe box

[@amymarie1655]

I just recently tried Topo’s cause of their zero drop and large toe box and they are awesome! I still love my Altra’s but it’s cool trying out other brands with those two key features 😊

[@djclass005]

nice video, with some weird choices. in the speed categorie, you put the slowest shoe of the adidias Terrex line up. the Agravic 3 is the training shoe (lightstrike 2.0), they have 2 race shoes, the agravic speed and the speed ultra both with some lighstrike pro in them, those are a lot faster feeling them the agravic 3. I have them all, all 3 are great, you chose the slowest one..:-) and Salomon has more great shoes the just the speedcross!

[@scottmacdonald5813]

Nnormal Tomir needs to be mentioned and the fact Nike is so heavily represented in this is shocking given their poor reputation for trail running shoes

[@harveypearson8497]

Agreed, the tomirs are the best most durable shoes I’ve ever used for trails (gotten through 3 other pairs from Different brands in the last year)

[@simonc3847]

Salomon S/Lab Genesis - I ran a very comfortable 105km Trail in them recently and my feet were still fresh afterwards.

[@brum293]

One of my favorites. Used by many in the mountains where I live. I’m a bit surprised it’s not in the video.

[@stuartwebster2203]

INOV8 TrailFly no discussion needed. But of courser I’ll listen to your wrong answers 😂 Love the show.

[@robynroamsoutdoors]

I really love my Merrell Agility Peak 5s. Great shoe and handle my trails with ease.

[@JeroenHeremans]

The ‘spoilers’ on the New Balance shoes are there for muddy downhill parts of your trail. Because of your foot placement while going downhill, this would increase your contact surface of your shoe and would decrease the amount of slipping and sliding. That’s what I’ve been told by a New Balance shopkeeper. Now you know 😊

[@alasdairpurkis5629]

Great video guys, glad you featured the rift. Have been very close to pulling the trigger on them for a while!

[@Manuel-901]

Hi everyone. For my 65kgs, I prefer the La Sportiva Prodigio 1. Like from 🇪🇸 Spain. Have a great day.

[@SageOfEchoes]

I’m a heavier runner (~200 lbs) with wide feet that runs trails and the Brooks Caldera 7 has been a game changer for me.

[@runningchannel]

So glad you've found what works well for you 💪

[@JDeezle21]

Did you see what Brooks are coming out with next year on the trails? They looks great. Check out the TRE 2024 coverage.

[@Bozziebozz]

Agreed! Bought the Calderas on a whim, because they were on sale. They are brilliant! Pretty light, super grippy and oh so plush. They come with integrated hook and loop in the back and a loop in the front to attach gaiters. The toe box is roomy and it's true to size. I usually run in Hokas, but I'm a big fan of these Brooks Calderas!

[@crystalmarston9454]

Yes, here are my Brooks fans! I have the Caldera for long distance (so cushy) and love my Catamounts for speed ❤

[@stuartfordyce]

I'm a New Balance fan (and Asics until they changed their last and now no longer fit). I use NB DynaSoft Nitrel v5 GTX. I NEED GTX as I live in Scotland and they're essential when you have a wee one, as I do, and wet trails, playgrounds and forest parks mean cold and wet feet otherwise! The shoes are a fabulous high visibility yellow with normal laces, and are fine in my local road to Trail setting. Running on pure roads they feel quite heavy, but the lugs offer good grip on mud and have lasted well on solid surfaces. They probably wouldn't work on really heavy duty off road but have been a solid choice for my thrice weekly outings.

[@tanyapitre731]

I'd like to see you review more niche trail shoes. Topo, Nnormal, Norda, Craft. I'm sure I'm missing a few. I'm a huge Topo fan for the wide toebox.

[@adyjclarke]

These videos are useful for finding out what you will be buying next Autumn

[@theruthcarlson]

Decathlon MT3 mens fit for me... Best shoe I've had in a while, fantastic value and your toes can actually spread and feel the trails. I found the women's fit to be too narrow for me and didn't give the same wide feel the men's did. These shoes feel great on trails or road. Perfect all-rounder.

[@CaptainBrash]

Honestly i find a lot of the common brands just don't stand up to the wet British weather. I moved from Altra to inov8 Roclite g275 and they are phenomenal, you just feel so secure on any terrain for trail or fellrunning. I'd rather carry my trail shoes in a pack and swap on the other end, then leave my road shoes by the start of the trail.

[@FayeWilkinson-t4q]

I literally just ordered the Saucony Xodus Ultra 2, Then I saw your post! I like muddy runs...so let's see. I enjoyed watching though. Thanks 😊

[@charliehyland7195]

Honestly, this lineup of shoes has been entirely curated by a host of judges who are brand influenced and don't run on trails. Trail shoes are so important that you find one that fits your feet comfortably. For me, that has always been the Scarpa Ribelle Run. I am incredibly dissapointed to see the industry leaders of Hoka (included but little information), Scarpa, Inov8, ON running omitted and replaced by more expensive road shoe brands.

[@wk633]

BOA is also great for adjusting your fit as your feet swell over longer distances.

[@casselskeep]

Just got a pair of inov8 mud talons and love them. The lugs gave great grip downhill on grass but also felt good on the tarmac which was a suprise.

[@JasonCone]

My trail running shoe of 2024 has been the Merrell Trail Glove 6. At first I thought the arch support was too aggressive, but it started feeling better after putting some miles on the shoes.

[@sarahhagen2051]

I have the ASICS trabuco max shoes, and love them! Super comfortable

[@severiner7168]

Speedgoats make me happy. I hear a lot about the Inov8 trailflys... I think they are worth a try..

[@ssarty1]

I’m surprised that the Hoka Speedgoat didn’t make the list.

[@runningchannel]

Are they your favourite?

[@ssarty1]

@ I don’t run in lots of different shoes, so my experience is limited. But I will say that the Speedgoat are super comfortable and had that disappearing on the foot that makes running almost easy. They look after my feet and legs and stick to the trails that I run on.

[@AckerQ.]

And you may find the version 5 at a great discount. They are great!

[@matmesser5910]

No Speedgoat 🤯

[@sbr3225]

Love the Hoka Speedgoat! And they come in a wide version as well, which I need 😅. I also have the Brooks cascadia, but prefer the Hoka.

[@Theo_1984]

Great review! So many shoes out there it’s hard to try them all. I’m running in Saucony Peregrine 11, I typically buy them on sale when the new model comes out… I guess it’s been awhile if the 14s are out. Interested in the Brooks Cascadia (have the Glycerine & Ghosts as well as the Catamount with 6mi on them from 2022 before I got Achilles issues) so would love a review from TRC.

[@RossBarton2905]

I have a number of trail running shoes, but the one I keep reaching for are the HOKA Mafate Speed 4. Much like Sarah, these are the shoes that I feel can handle everything, and they are the shoes I ran my first Ultra Marathon in. Mine have over 500Kms on them now and show no signs of issues with the mid sole and are still very grippy. The Vibram out sole is fantastic and the 5mm lugs provide sure footing in any conditions. I just wish HOKA made them in 2EE wide

[@TaylorHQ]

La Sportiva Mutant II - Great shoes for my very muddy local parkrun (Mole Valley) and the surrounding trails.

[@robkateheap]

I'm a big inov8 fan and surprised you didn't have more inov8 shoes in the roundup. The Trailfly 270G is brilliant for long runs with a mix of road, mud and rock. Wore them for the Helvellyn triathlon run and they were perfect.

[@paulmulks]

I have the Tecton X3 and I find them great for distances up to about 20 miles, after that they start to destroy my legs. I wore them for a recent 50k and my legs were blown by mile 22 which was a shame because that last 10 mile was dreadful 😂 Got a trail marathon in 2 weeks so they'll be getting another test, but if they make my legs feel the same way then they will be getting sold.

[@ifonly4486]

Funny you missed the best allround/technical terrain shoe worn by none other than Courtney Dauwalter herself. The Salomon S/Lab Genesis. The non S/Lab version is top notch as well. And if you know how to correctly use the speed lacing system it's not tricky whatsoever......

[@rosswheeler3779]

Love the video guys. What shoe would you recommend for an overpronating, high arched, wide foot shoe 😂 I’ve run a few ultras but sore my post tib tendon&plantar fascia so just returning after 15 months out and struggling with shin splints. Please help!!

[@phantominsider]

Perfect timing for this review. I'm shopping for new trail shoes now with black friday sales now landing. My old Merrel's are heavy and wearing down. My biggest issue with shoes is my big toe rolling off the edge of the shoe. Can't wear brooks or hoka's because of that.

[@ukfalcon85]

Salomon ultra glide best for me works in every condition I need it for.

[@runningchannel]

Great one!

[@neilcam]

LOL bought a pair of Saucony Peregrine 14 and while you say you can't feel the lugs, I had the exact opposite. They were farkin' horrible with too much room in the toebox (i.e one blistered big toe later...), and the lugs were downright painful even through my orthotics! One run and they're outta here! I generally love Saucony shoes, but the Peregrine 14 can go screw itself with barbwire. In fact running in barbwire may be more comfortable.

[@StopTheRot]

ASICS Fuji Speed for me. Have only tried four pairs, but these are easily the best.

[@Ross867]

Excited to watch, got my first 24 hour event next summer so trail training starts soon!

[@runningchannel]

Good luck!! Which one are you taking on?

[@Ross867]

Sandringham 24

[@kathrynhilder9609]

Looove my Asics Gel Trabuco, have been running in them for years, they never disappoint. 🏆 Also, can recommend an Aussie shoe, Tarkine Trail Devil. Nice wide toe box, grippy, comfy and you can fit orthotics in them. Definitely worth a look.

[@outerheaven8797]

The Mizuno Wave Daichi 7s were a favourite of mine, improved with the addition of Vibram megagrip on the Daichi 8. Would have been a good one for best value!

[@goawoody]

Speedgoat 5 GTX still the GOAT for me

[@kxs7267]

Loved James' story about being overtaken. :-) Such hard advice to follow on slithery, gravelly downhills... Need another pair of shoes so will be checking out some of these. But, why so many whites? My shoes aren't properly broken in till they've had a dousing in seawater and sand, plus a muddy field run (preferably (?) with cows...). Nothing white looks stylish after that!

[@eurekaflows]

Norda for life.

[@couchtourist256]

Imma get me the 001s soon. best looking shoe fasho

[@ngoalpo]

I'm a bit disappointed Mizuno wasn't mentioned! 💔

[@mauriziocurci6093]

La Sportiva, Scarpa, Nnormal, Dynafit too 😢

[@Duffers782]

Saucony Xodus Ultra, version 1, 2 or 3 are all superb. I've found that Nike's offerings are awful, so I was surprised to see any Nike in there at all. My other pair of trail shoes that I use are the Merrell Agility Peak 5. I would say that either the XU2 or AP5 would be the best all rounders for trails, both superb in the wet and mud, pair them with some running gaiters and they'll both tackle anything. I've had the Brooks Cascadia before and the lugs were definitely not big enough, but they were pretty comfy.

[@CaseyRoteRuns]

Got to have a pair of Saucony on the list! My favorite are the Xodus Ultra and Endorphin Edge!

[@tfjrunning]

Totally surprised not to see the Asics Fijuspeed! Incredibly light, and fast shoe.

[@MrSeedi76]

Nice - just been looking for trail shoes because of the nasty weather. Normally I use "standard" running shoes even on forest paths but once it gets wet and slippery, they are no good.

[@adamfeerst2575]

Speed: Why no weights; matters for speed. Missing Brooks Agil, 218g. Speed does matter on trails when racing an hour or so.

[@pquirk99]

I am enjoying my Saucony Peregrine 13 trail shoes. I chose them because I have other Saucony shoes, and these are available in wide.

[@jonathanfletcher7332]

Love the altra shoes for road and light trail and vj irock for deep mud.

[@eagle63-94]

Merci pour ce résumé de la plupart des running trail que l'on peut trouver sur le marché. Si elles étaient moins chère et disponibles en France, j'aurai pris des Norda 002 à caue de leur largeur et de leur durabilité, et adhérence. Mais vraiment hors de prix pour moi qui mixte bitume/sentier

[@gracemiller9558]

Salomon ultra glide for me! On my third pair now

[@MrSeedi76]

I need to give Salomon a try. Never used one but I'm looking for a good trail shoe for the nasty weather.

[@larslaird]

Best grip: VJ shoes! I don't know how easy they are to get in the UK though...

[@briantierney5183]

Great review yet you should mention if the shoes have a rockplate which protects from rocks

[@Boost00130]

I can't do waterproof shoes or socks as my feet get so hot and sweat. I love my Inov-8 arctic claw because of the huge lugs and metal spikes, which are perfect for early/late winter in Canada. During mid-winter I have to switch to crampons for the additional grip. PS, love my Cascadia

[@YiZongOng]

vivobarefoot trail 3 for dry/tame trails, hydra esc for wet/boggy trails. strong feet >>>>> shoe tech

[@Heath3250]

Just picked up some altra timp 5. Returns at rei for half price. Couldn’t resist.

[@julie99nl]

Asics trabuco max 3. Though I just got a black toenail running 36k on a fairly easy trail.....

[@jokerjack4591]

Another really surprised no Hoka speedgoat. Great shoes for road to trail, can’t be beaten

[@lucyspencer7177]

How do you go about choosing a trail shoe when you are a pronator and use stability shoes for road running?

[@wk633]

There are specific stability trail shoes available, but it's less of an issue with trail shoes because a) they tend to be more structured in the first place, and running on uneven terrain reduces the need to guide your foot roll. It might not be something you need to be concerned with. If you have the opportunity to try shoes with a good return policy, or try before buying or something like that, I would go that way and see if a specific shoe works, stability or not.

[@couchtourist256]

I've been really getting on with the adidas agravic 3. Gonna grab a pair of norda 001s

[@alrikschorling8046]

Don’t agree about the Salomon speed lacing system being hard to use. I’ve had two generations of it, and I love it. It’s significantly easier than conventional laces, which makes me more likely to use shoes with this system

[@mauriziocurci6093]

La Sportiva Prodigio for me it no bad at all for so many terrains and pace

[@purple_nhaze]

Every years the Brooks brand find a way to sneak into those review. I think we are due for a full round of test.

[@runningchannel]

what do you mean?

[@purple_nhaze]

@@runningchannel I know im a real fanboy of this brand (when the shoe fits, right ?) But I dont see them regurarly ends up in the top list of many reviewers ( I watch shoe reviews on other channels too). I would enjoy to see more reviews for this brand thats all. I will still enjoy my pair of Catamount 3 never the less.

[@Hagrats123]

Shocked that no Inov8 shoes are on the list, especially the Trailfly. I’ve tried various several brands / models of shoes and the Inov8 Trailfly Ultras come out head and shoulders above the rest.

[@onerouscodger6777]

15:04

[@ccuellar6212]

Luna Sandals hands down.

[@hucklejoko4838]

Hey guys, do men and women trail shoes fit the same? I bought a womens peg trail 4 for only $25 in size 9.5 (which converted to mens 8) and i feel like the top line of the shoe is rubbing left ankle bone but not my right. i havent experienced this with my mens pegasus 39 and 40. is it because its a womens shoe or pegasus trails are meant to be like that

[@4ndro]

No mention of the Speedgoats? Wowsers

[@runningchannel]

These are our choices, but glad the speedgoats work for you!

[@CaptainBrash]

I use neither waterproof shoes or socks. I prefer well draining shoes and merino socks.

[@isaacaldridge5562]

Norda 001 best shoe on the market- durable, ergonomic, comfortable and damn sexy

[@SumukhDhawade]

Norda should be on this list

[@Awesome1914]

Where are the Lonepeaks? Goated trail shoes

[@MitchellWongHo]

Love my Adidas Terrex Agrivic Speed 🎐

[@Touchin-Grass]

Just in time! Looking to get some new shoes. Now go to Touch some grass 😅!

[@runningchannel]

Great! Which ones have caught your eye? 👀

[@Touchin-Grass]

@runningchannel Asics Trabuco max 3 was on my radar, and you guys just reinforced my decision. Although the Novablast 4 TR caught my eye though,👀 because I do use the road version. That Dab was beautiful 😂

[@johnmurray1479]

If you are recommending zero drop shoes you really should mention that people should train into them. Im sure you have a video on this if not you should have.

[@treadtyred9742]

Inov8 trailfly g 270 v2 for sand dunes, towpaths and forest trails for me.

[@WildOutdoorLiving]

Nike Zegama 2, havent even watched the video yet.

[@WildOutdoorLiving]

I also have the Salomon Sense Ride 5. Surprisingly good work horse of a shoe. They feel refreshingly "normal" in today's market. I immediately ditched those laces btw, they fit so much better without them.

[@WildOutdoorLiving]

Ill also add, Ive run in a previous version of those Asics (not much had changed) The grip is phenomenal, actually too good, creates a tripping hazard. The midsole is too firm and too stiff to work for me on trails. Every body is different but I find the Zegamas to be more comfortable, faster and better in technical terrain than the Asics.

[@mmatja]

Well, interesting to see no nnormal shoes in your lineup. Salomon also with just one pair, where's it's one of the most popular trial brands.

[@antoineverstraeten8075]

Salomon Ultra Glide 2

[@ruthbrierley1798]

La Sportiva Akasha 2 👌

[@Philatlondon1]

An original Nike Pegasus with the waffle sole from 40+ years ago seems to offer exactly the same. I fail to see where the innovation is.

[@Rubz3211]

The toe mesh on the hoka mafates is the only downfall for me! My toes keep wanting to poke out of it :(

[@tanyapitre731]

If you're a trail runner and have not heard of Altra where have you been?

[@cerianthus]

aren't laces always interchangable?

[@runningchannel]

Most of the time but not all the time

[@cisk0skid]

Perplexed how you can have a “speed” category. Surely running speed is determined by the runner feeling comfortable & confident in their chosen shoe.

[@ramblingimbecile2295]

Speed shoes generally prioritise lighter weight, a carbon plate and are designed for shorter efforts. Adding larger amounts of foam will increase the comfort but also increase the weight

[@RowOfMushyTiT]

You criticize Nike grip, but Saucony is even worse.

[@zxcxcsdfasdfasf]

re Gortex - No way, embrace the wet!

[@wattlebeeproject7699]

Absolutely! Once water gets into a gortex shoe it won't drain out 👎

[@howardjones8629]

No Topos?

[@johanschreuder5847]

I would love to buy some new trail shoes, but after buying a 965. Telling my wife that I want to spend £150 on a pair of running shoes. Chances are I may not survive my next night's sleep. :) Only kidding. I love you honey. (Just incase she sees this)

[@cst99003]

Salomon(Speedcross) . Which you and many others spell incorrectly

[@runningchannel]

We have spelt it the same way you have

[@cst99003]

Check this header. Solomon Shoe Review and Speed Lacing System Loved the content. Thank you

[@mtso1991]

Speed goat?

[@MonteComeau]

? Not really the top trail shoe line up for 2024 to be honest. Adidas, North Face?

[@sedwarg]

8:58 lmao what? Why are you creating artificial barriers to entry? Most people can do trail running without any extra kit, with the shoes they wear for their normal runs, let alone all the other stuff you mentioned. Case in point, recently did my first trails half - barely anyone was in dedicated trails shoes, no sign of waterproofs, no wanky vests...

[@richardantrobus7186]

I noticed this also, I often run with a group of older runners - in summer we explore local woods, road shoes are fine, in winter we stick to roads and the buffed out trails, some have road shoes, other trail shoes (no alphaflys though!). 'trail' running was the first type of running I did, to me it was just running. I'm always amazed how much kit people have for shorter trail runs. Mind you if it gives them confidence I don't knock it, but agree it's a shame if anyone feels they need to have lots of kit.

[@kathrynhilder9609]

I guess it depends on the type of trails you run and how often. Grippy trail shoes and gaiters are a must where I run. And in Australia I carry water on every run, and a snake kit, so easier to use a vest. None of it is a necessity, but I'd rather be safe and comfortable on the trails.

[@ifstar3]

Are the vests wanky or are you?

[@stuartfordyce]

Depends where you are. Trail Running Scotland have a great video indicating what can happen if something goes wrong. Even if you have an issue and can call for help immediately, you could be a long way from help

[@napnap5094]

BOA lace system isn’t new at all, pretty sketchy and un informed review of trail shoes

[@adamfeerst2575]

BOA: I’ve been using lace/cord locks for decades. It’s what we used in triathlons (my first in 1983). Cheap. Effective. Shoes don’t come untied. Quick adjustment.