Trail running is a fantastic way to explore the outdoors while keeping yourself healthy.
Whether you prefer jogging through picturesque forests, alongside waterways, or amidst mountains, trail running offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature. The terrain can range from rugged winding tracks to wide, well-maintained paths, allowing you to get off the pavement or treadmill and feel the ground beneath your feet.
If you want to experience the host of physical and mental benefits trail running provides, choosing the right shoes to stay safe and get the most out of each run is crucial.
To help, our team of expert reviewers, composed of avid trail runners, has thoroughly tested numerous pairs of trail running shoes. Based on our assessments, we have compiled a list of the top seven trail running shoes for 2026.
Why Try Trail Running?
If you have yet to try trail running in the past, this is the year to start. At Marathon Sports, we’re big fans of trail running because it combines the mental health benefits of the outdoors with the physical health benefits of running.
The following are just a few of the many perks you’ll notice when you start trail running:
- Improved fitness
- Superior appreciation for natural surroundings
- Therapeutic effects of being outdoors
- Improved balance
- A sense of achievement
Some runners complain of boredom when logging miles day after day on a track, the pavement, or a treadmill. Trail running is rarely dull, as your surroundings are constantly changing. Many trails wind through scenic areas, which makes running even more entertaining. The countless benefits of trail running make it one of our favorite ways to log miles and strive for our fitness goals.
What Makes a Great Trail Running Shoe?
There are numerous women’s and men’s trail running shoes on the market, which makes choosing the best one for you a challenge. The right trail running shoe for one person may not be perfect for the next. That’s because runners have different running styles, foot shapes, injury histories, and personal preferences.
Generally, more rigid trail running shoes with extreme traction are ideal for technical trails with loose or slippery terrain. They won’t transition well to road runs because they feel too stiff and unforgiving. Hybrid shoes have less pronounced traction on the bottom and are less stiff. They transition better from trails to the road and back again.
The Importance of Trail Running Shoes
If you trail run often, you should invest in quality trail running shoes. The right shoes can help prevent injury by providing superior traction on loose terrain. They may also offer superior protection from debris, water, and dirt. Trail running shoes generally have more support and are more durable than traditional running shoes.
The Review Process
The Marathon Sports reviewers not only research and review shoes but also put them to the test on various terrains and lengths of runs. These trail running shoes were tried out on mountain singletracks, dirt paths, and pavement to assess their comfort, durability, support, fit, and traction.
The seven best trail running shoes for 2026 were selected based on a combination of the reviewers’ running experience, research on shoe technologies, and consumer feedback.
The 7 Best Trail Running Shoes for 2026
Choosing the best of the best was challenging with so many quality pairs of trail running shoes on the market. However, our reviewers combined their personal running experiences with hours of research to create this list of the top seven trail running shoes for 2026.
- HOKA Speedgoat 7
- Brooks Cascadia 19
- Altra Lone Peak 9+
- Saucony Peregrine 16
- Altra Olympus 6
- Topo Ultraventure 4
- Brooks Caldera 7
HOKA Speedgoat 7
The HOKA Speedgoat 7 comes complete with the Vibram Megagrip outsole, which is the heart and soul of the shoe. It has deep lugs and a decent bite on just about any ground.
The midsole also got a bit of an upgrade from the last iteration, using supercritical EVA. A lot of our reviewers noted it feels lighter and slightly springier than before.
There’s a lot of foam under you, with a 37/32 mm stack height. However, with a 5 mm drop and responsive cushion, it doesn’t feel out of control. There’s obviously plenty of protection from rough terrain, but you can still feel where you’re landing. They really hit the sweet spot for trail shoes.
The upper is more structured than before. It locks your foot in better, especially through the midfoot, which helps on descents and quick direction changes. The heel hold is also solid. Once it’s on, it stays put.
One complaint is that the toe box does run a bit narrow. If you’ve had issues with past Speedgoat iterations due to the width, not much has really changed there. But overall, we appreciated how versatile and comfortable this shoe was, from technical trails to more packed dirt or gravel roads.
Brooks Cascadia 19
This might be the best version of the Cascadia Brooks has made. And honestly, it was overdue.
Older versions always felt solid, but kind of flat. Especially underfoot. The DNA Loft v2 foam just didn’t give much back. This one hits different. Brooks switched to DNA Loft v3, and now there’s some life to it. It’s lighter, more energetic, and way less dull over longer runs.
You still get that layered setup underfoot, so there’s enough cushioning for distance, but it doesn’t feel mushy.
The stability is what really surprised us here, especially with the soft foam. Brooks widened things out a bit through the midsole, so you’ve got more surface area working for you, and incorporated a flexible rock plate throughout the midsole. Along with making it more stable, these features make it a solid choice for technical hiking.
The traction is solid too. Brooks’ TrailTack Green outsole doesn’t get as much attention as Vibram, but it should. It grips well across a mix of surfaces and is super durable.
And somehow, with its durability, the shoe still breathes. That’s not always the case in trail shoes. You usually trade airflow for protection, but this one manages both. Your feet don’t feel cooked after a few miles, even in warmer conditions.
Altra Lone Peak 9+
The Altra Lone Peak 9+ continues to uphold its status as a trail favorite with thoughtful updates that enhance its durability and comfort. This iteration features an updated upper with no-sew overlays and 100% recycled ripstop mesh, designed for increased durability and breathability.
The shoe maintains Altra’s signature zero-drop platform and spacious toe box, promoting a natural foot position and accommodating toe splay. The Altra EGO midsole foam offers a balanced cushioning that is both lightweight and responsive, providing a connected feel to the ground.
While Altra’s proprietary outsole was always efficient, this time around they added a Vibram MegaGrip outsole for maximum grip and confidence with every step through rugged terrain.
These enhancements ensure that the Lone Peak 9+ remains a reliable choice for trail runners seeking a blend of comfort, durability, and eco-friendly design.
Saucony Peregrine 16
The Peregrine is back and better than ever!
While the last version of the Peregrine wasn’t bad, we lost a bit of confidence with it on technical trails. This one fixes some of the qualms our reviewers had. The grip alone is a huge step up. Saucony added a Vibram Megagrip outsole, and the difference is noticeable. It bites better and feels more secure, especially on descents.
Saucony stuck with its legendary PWRRUN foam but also added about 4mm more. It’s a big up for runners who like a softer shoe, but we’re glad they didn’t push it too far. We’ve always been fans of the ground connectivity this shoe has, and it didn’t go away. That makes it a really solid option for technical terrain.
The toe bumper is worth mentioning too. Perfect for when you inevitably clip a rock. It’s a small thing, but it can be a foot-saver in those moments when you lose your footing.
The fit is classic Peregrine. It’s narrower through the heel and midfoot, with just a bit more room up front than before. Still not a wide shoe by any means, but it’s a little more forgiving than older versions. It’s also a certified CarbonNeutral product, making it a good option for those looking for more sustainably-made trail shoes.
Altra Olympus 6
The Altra Olympus 6 is made for rugged terrain. It’s the bulkiest shoe on our list of the top best trail running shoes, but that also means more protection and ample cushioning. The cloud-like comfort means you’ll enjoy softer impacts and a more energetic feeling from the first mile to the last.
Like most of Altra’s other trail running shoes, the Olympus 6 features a zero drop design and spacious toe box to encourage the foot’s natural movement. Our reviewers appreciated that this Altra shoe doubles as a sturdy, protective, and grippy hiking shoe as well. The Vibram Megagrip outsole ensures runners feel grounded even when running or hiking on rocky, snowy, or unstable terrain.
The Altra Olympus 6 weighs 12.2 oz for men’s shoes and 10.95 ounces for women’s shoes. It’s a trail running shoe for those who like rugged terrain and are okay with sacrificing some weight for comfort and protection. Our team’s only complaints were about its bulkiness and higher price point.
Topo Ultraventure 4
The Topo Ultraventure 4 continues the brand’s tradition of delivering comfortable and reliable trail running shoes.
This latest rendition features a high-cushioning midsole paired with a durable Vibram® XS Trek EVO outsole, providing confidence on varied terrain. What we really love about this shoe is its versatility. The lugs are aggressive enough for secure landings on moderate trails, but the lug pattern is optimized for light trails and even road-to-trail transitions.
The shoe maintains Topo’s signature roomy toe box, allowing for natural toe splay, with a secure fit through the heel and midfoot. We also appreciated the low 5 mm drop for extra ground connection on more technical trails.
These features make the Ultraventure is a great choice for runners or hikers seeking comfort and stability, no matter where their adventures take them.
Brooks Caldera 7
The Brooks Caldera 7 offers ultra-cushioning for ultra-distances, providing added support optimized to be lightweight, responsive, and durable.
This version features super-soft, nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 cushioning, delivering plush comfort over long distances. The shoe is designed to accommodate various foot strikes, ensuring a smooth ride on diverse trail terrains.
These enhancements make the Caldera 7 a reliable option for trail runners seeking a blend of cushioning and support for extended adventures.
Finding Your Perfect Fit
Now that you’re equipped with a list of the best trail running shoes for 2026, it’s time to find your perfect fit. Our Marathon Sports Right Fit™ service customizes your shopping experience to your wants and needs. Walk into any of our stores and undergo the quick and easy Right Fit™ process.
We’ll gather information about your running style, foot shape, fitness goals, and more to help us find the perfect trail running shoe for you. Our team will go even further to help you find the clothing and gear you need for your favorite trail running environments.
It’s Time to Hit the Trails
Trail running is one of the best ways to spend the warmer spring and summer months outdoors, and a new pair of trail running shoes can provide the motivation you need to get out there.
Shop all seven trail running shoes above and our vast selection of running and clothing gear here at Marathon Sports. We hope to see you out on the trails soon!
