The Best Pairs of Trail Running Shoes for Men (2024)

Brooks Running’s OG Catamount has long been a favorite among our staff. The next-gen Catamount 2 takes everything we loved about the previous version and makes it even better. The result is a well-balanced trail running shoe that balances agility, cushion, and speed. It’s an ideal option for rolling terrain, offering a proprietary SkyVault plate in the midsole that enhances uphill running and a smoother track on the downhills. It’s a “springier” design that feels fun and responsive underfoot. We especially like the hydrophobic upper that does an excellent job repelling rain and water on wet trails. Plus, drainage slits allow the Catamount 2 to shed water like a champ.

This is our hands-down pick this year for the best trail running shoe for speed. Some reviewers—including many Men’s Health fitness experts—like the more agile feeling of the new generation Catamount, while others lament that Brooks seems to have prioritized a lightweight design over proper support cushioning. Bottom line: It all depends on what you’re looking for and what best matches your trail running style.

What do buyers say? “These feel more stable of a ride than my gen 1. I feel like I also grab better traction with these when running. The shoe overall is a better fit and feel on my foot personally,” said one BrooksRunning.com reviewer.

For novice runners who aren’t sure exactly what they’re looking for and veterans looking for a versatile, go-anywhere trail running shoe, Nike’s Pegasus Trail 4 make a great “daily driver.” The sole design works well on smooth surfaces (like roads and footpaths), while grippy lugs provide plenty of traction over less-even terrain (like rolling rocky trails). They’re comfortable straight out of the box, with the laces (tightened or not) providing all of the support. Underfoot, Nike React technology ensures a stable, supportive ride that’s plenty responsive.

At 10.4 ounces, these are a lightweight option, though slightly heavier than our lightest options on this list. What sets these apart is maximum versatility—they’re truly built for almost any terrain, making it easy to transition from on-road to off- and back again. What’s more, they’re well-priced at $140. Given the legendary Nike-backed durability, that makes these a great all-purpose option for just about every flavor of trail runner.

What do buyers say? “Was super surprised how comfortable these were, great traction as well!” said one Nike.com reviewer.

Read more: Best Nike Shoes

Hoka’s been a long-time fave of ours thanks to the ridiculous comfort of every shoe in its lineup. The Mafate Speed 4 are no exception, delivering a perfect blend of comfort, support, and stability. As the name implies, these trail runners feature a low-profile cushion bed that trades an uber-plush feeling for greater agility and response for a more effective “push-off.” A Vibram Megagrip rubber sole coupled with 5mm lugs provides aggressive traction to keep you surefooted on any off-road terrain, especially when you’re hoofing it away from pavement.

As with most Hoka kicks, we’re hard-pressed to find much to complain about with this latest iteration that combines everything we love in the brand’s EVO Mafate and Mafate Speed models. At just under $200, these aren’t the most budget-friendly trail runners we’ve tested. But you really do get what you pay for here. With overwhelmingly positive reviews on many of the etailer sites we trust most, it’s clear that most buyers agree.

What do buyers say? “Best in the lineup right now! Lightweight but cushioned, aggressive lugs that don't feel out of place on stretches of pavement, and a very comfortable but not loose toe box,” said one REI reviewer.

Read more: Best Hoka Running Shoes

Arc’teryx has always been an outside-the-box brand, so we’re not surprised that its latest Vertex Shoe is unlike any other trail running shoe in this year’s roundup. The unique, future-forward design is purpose-built for alpine running. The 100% recycled polyester upper is durable and breathes easy, while an integrated “collar” helps keep out trail debris. A TPU rock plate protects your mid to forefoot, and a rugged Vibram Megagrip sole with a deep, 4mm lug pattern keeps your feet well-planted, even on the hardest uphill scrambles.

It goes without saying that the design isn’t for everyone. This is a niche trail running shoe that’s built for a specific type of runner over a specific type of terrain. All-purpose “daily drivers” these are not. But for alpine runners looking for a unique trail runner that gives them an edge, we love this one-of-a-kind design. Plus, at $180, they’re surprisingly well-priced, especially for a brand notorious for premium outdoor apparel with premium price tags to match.

What do buyers say? “[V]ery comfortable! I really like the fit and how the top sock feels,” said one Arcteryx.com reviewer.

Hardcore runners—trail runners, in particular—rarely let lousy weather stop them. If you’re committed to getting in a run rain or shine, you need a pair of trail running shoes built for any weather conditions. Salomon’s latest Outbound Prism Gore-TEX are versatile kicks that straddle the line between hiking shoe and trail runner. With a true Gore-TEX membrane around the exterior, they’re made to keep your feet dry in even the wettest conditions. Even hard rains are no match. The Contagrip sole is well-balanced for sure-footed traction over both pavement and trails in wet and dry conditions. This is a trail running shoe that moves seamlessly between on-trail and off.

These are some of the most versatile waterproof trail runners we’ve tested this year. If you don’t want to or just can’t justify spending the money on multiple pairs of runners, these are solid go-to “wear almost anywhere” trail running shoes that can do it all. Plus, we love that they’re extremely well-reviewed and are priced right at around $100, so they’re accessible for runners for all stripes.

What do buyers say? “Talked to several people that owned Salomon’s and finally decided to try. So glad I did, the fit/finish is perfect and they are like walking on perfection!” said one Amazon reviewer.

Exploring off-pavement on foot can get dicey. Slippery rocks, wet forest undergrowth, and loose debris can all make maintaining good footing a challenge. New Balance’s flagship Fresh Foam X Hierro v7 GTX are built to tackle it all with an ultra-grippy design that’s made for serious off-roading. With a beefy, Vibram Megagrip outsole and a genuine Gore-TEX waterproof lining, they guarantee serious traction and the ability to keep your feet dry and comfortable in the nastiest conditions. The breathable upper also features no-sew overlays for a more streamlined look and feel.

With some of New Balance’s best footwear tech built-in, these are arguably the grippiest trail running shoes of 2023. They’re damn near perfect for trail runners who need serious traction for tackling the roughest, most slippery trails. We love the eye-popping good looks of the Pixel Green colorway, too, and the roughly $160 price tag is approachable for serious runners on almost any budget.

What do buyers say? “Rugged, grippy, fully waterproof & LIGHT. My new favorite shoe for disc golf, work, shoveling light now. Highly recommend,” said one NewBalance.com reviewer.

Spending north of $150 will get you a pretty sweet pair of trail running shoes. But Adidas’ Terrex Agravic Flow 2 prove that you don’t have to spend that much. They’re well-priced at around $80 while offering much of the same great footwear tech as the brand’s flagship trail runners. The abrasion-resistant upper is lightweight yet built to take a beating, all while maintaining maximum breathability. Lightstrike cushioning and a Continental Rubber outsole combine for solid stability and comfort with responsive performance to propel you forward.

We love the look of these shoes, too, whether in some variation of Core Black or one of three eye-popping, dayglo-inspired colorways. They’re modern, cool, and streamlined with a dash of ruggedness. They’re also incredibly well-reviewed on Amazon, REI, and more. If you’re looking for a versatile and affordable pair of trail running kicks that you can wear on-trail and off-, these are easily the best value trail running shoes of 2023.

What do buyers say? “Nice light and comfy shoe with very good grip for trail running,” said one REI reviewer.

Trail running shoes tend to feel like trail running shoes. They’re stiffer and typically thinner than road running shoes, which can take some getting used to if you’re new to off-pavement running. Craft’s Men’s Endurance Trail Running Shoe is a pro-grade model with a full, lightweight Px Foam midsole. It’s the key to this trail runner delivering a feel that’s more like a road running shoe than any other on this list. It balances buttery soft landings and a smooth, efficient stride with maximum responsiveness. They’re snug in the heel but with reliable lock-in capability—great for more challenging terrain. The design is versatile enough for tackling roads and light trails with aplomb, making this one a great “daily driver” for most runners.

Some runners appreciate the unique fit of dedicated trail running shoes. But if you’re a newbie trail runner or just appreciate traditional-fit road running shoes, these are a great way to transition. At roughly $160, they’re also decently priced between the priciest kicks on this list and the most affordable.

What do buyers say? “The most comfortable, versatile trail shoe I own! Feels like a road shoe but with the protection and traction of a trail shoe,” said one CraftSports.us reviewer.

Brooks Caldera 5

Nike Wildhorse 7

Altra Men's Mont Blanc

Hoka Men's Speedgoat 5

Saucony Men's Peregrine 12

Asics GT-2000 9 TRAIL

Speedland Speedland SL:HSV

Trail running shoes are different than ordinary running shoes designed to be worn on the smooth, flat surfaces frequently trod by road runners. The surface of a field, a forest floor, or a rocky peak all present different challenges for safe passage.

As interest in the activity has grown—according to World Athletics, participation in the sport has increased at 15 percent annually in recent years, and there are currently 20 million trail runners around the world—there was a demand for specialized footwear to better handle the technical challenges presented by nature. "With this new passion of running, traditional running shoes were not advantageous to running on the rugged terrain, and the development of trail shoes blossomed," says Mendeszoon.

You might not notice the most obvious difference between a standard road shoe and a shoe designed for trails if you look at a pair on someone's feet. Turn the shoes over, however, and look at their bottoms to find out. "The most obvious difference will be the outer sole (rubber material) which has larger treads (lugs), which will be a bit softer so it can adapt to the different surfaces on the trails," says Mendeszoon, who also knows shoes as the owner of the Achilles Running Shop stores in Ohio and Erie, Pennsylvania. "The midsole, which provides most of a shoe’s cushioning and support, will be more firm as opposed to a running shoe, as it has to provide a more stable platform. "Some trail shoes will go a step further and implement a rock plate to protect the foot from rocks, sticks and ruts."This is a thin piece of plastic material between the outer sole and midsole," says Mendeszoon.

Finally, there are also a couple other differences. "The tongues on the trail shoes will be a bit larger than a running shoe, as it can protect the ankle region from the trail elements," Mendeszoon continues. "And trail shoes will have longer shoe laces, as many runners like to keep their shoes on a little more firm, and this allows for multiple lace knots and the excess lacing can be placed in pockets of the shoes which minimizes getting caught on braces or sticks and minimizes falling.

According to Mendeszoon, there are three factors to consider when shopping for the best trail running shoes for you:

Tip #1

If a person is a pure trail rail runner, then it is important to be fitted in an aggressive tread soled shoe. If running on trails and roads, then a hybrid shoe would be beneficial as the tread pattern won’t be as aggressive and a slightly softer midsole.

Tip #2

Have your feet measured in length and width, and be sure to have the proper running sock when trying on the shoes. When the proper shoe is selected, properly lace your shoes so that the shoes are fitting properly.

Tip #3

Appreciate that trail shoes will be a bit different than a road shoe, and may have and a firmer ride (i.e. the shoe may not be as flexible.) Attempt to try the shoe on alone without the need for an immediate over the counter insole, as trail running biomechanics is different from walking or road running. Having the foot being intimate with the trail surfaces is paramount. If insoles are custom, orthotics are required, and you should trial the shoes with them on.

And if you're unsure about the best fit for you, try to find a local running store. "As with running shoes, trail runners should actually go to their local running shops and try on the different type of trail shoes. Like running shoes, they all have different fits and functions," says Mendeszoon.