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 men’s and women’s trail running shoes. Based on our assessments, we have compiled a list of the top ten trail running shoes for 2023.
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:
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.
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.
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 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 ten best trail running shoes for 2023 were selected based on a combination of the reviewers’ running experience, research on shoe technologies, and consumer feedback.
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 ten trail running shoes for 2023.
The HOKA Speedgoat 5 was made for rugged terrain and features some of the most innovative technology in trail running shoes. The HOKA Speedgoat 5 is also .5 ounces lighter than the Speedgoat 4.
The shoe features Vibram® Megagrip traction—some of the industry’s best. It’s able to provide traction on rocks, loose soil, and more. The Speedgoat’s Meta-Rocker shape provides smoother transitions and more stability while on the ground. A molded EVA sock liner adds comfort, while the shoe’s double-layer mesh protects feet and remains durable year after year.
A significant advantage of choosing the Speedgoat 5 is that HOKA manufactures it using recycled materials. The new, double-layered mesh features recycled content, and the laces are recycled polyester. Trail runners love the outdoors, and this shoe seeks to lighten runners’ negative impact on their surroundings.
The Brooks Cascadia 16 is quickly becoming a favorite among trail runners around the globe. The Cascadia has been one of the most popular trail running shoes in the Brooks lineup for over 20 years, and this year’s version is better than ever.
The Cascadia 16 features more height in the midsole than previous versions and an entirely new midsole that provides cushioning and stability. Brooks’ Ballistic Rock Shield keeps runners’ feet safe on rocky terrain.
Our reviewers described the Cascadia as an extremely comfortable trail running shoe perfect for everyday runners. It also remains comfortable on the pavement, a significant perk for runners who want a shoe to do it all. This versatile trail running shoe gives you a lot of bang for your buck.
Our team described the Altra Lone Peak 7 as one of the best-looking trail running shoes on the market. That’s partly why the model has been a favorite for decades. It’s an everyday trail running shoe with a wide toe box, impressive grip, and Altra EGO™ foam cushioning. It’s a surprisingly responsive trail running shoe with traction that can handle challenging trails thanks to it’s MaxTrac™ outsole.
The Altra Lone Peak 7 is a zero-drop shoe, which means it may take some getting used to. Some of our reviewers commented on tight calves after long trail runs in the Lone Peak 7, but that subsided after a couple of outings. We appreciate this aesthetically-pleasing trail running shoe for its impressive comfort and responsiveness on varying terrain.
The Saucony Peregrine 13 is our favorite trail running shoe for racing. Past editions had steered away from the shoe’s racing history, but this year’s model is leaner, lighter, and ready for competition. It’s also an excellent daily trainer for those who don’t trail run competitively.
The Saucony Peregrine 13 features PWRRUN foam cushioning and a PWRTRAC rubber outsole. It fits snuggly on the foot and offers the traction needed for stability on varying terrain. The rock guard protects feet from dirt and debris.
The Saucony Peregrine 13 is a lightweight trail running shoe that can easily go from training to race day. We appreciate the shoe’s versatility and that Saucony made it for trail runners who like to go fast.
The Altra Olympus 5 is made for rugged terrain. It’s the bulkiest shoe on our list of the top ten best trail running shoes, but that also means more protection, a spacious toe box, and ample cushioning. The Vibram Megagrip outsole ensures runners feel grounded even when running on rocky, snowy, or unstable terrain.
Like Altra’s other trail running shoes, the Olympus 5 features zero drops to encourage the foot’s natural movement. The cloud-like comfort means you’ll enjoy softer impacts and a more energetic feeling from the first mile to the last. Our reviewers appreciated that this Altra shoe doubles as a sturdy, protective, and grippy hiking shoe as well.
The Altra Olympus 5 weighs 11 ounces. 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.
The Topo Ultraventure Pro is one of the best-looking trail running shoes on our list (in our opinion). It’s also an ideal option for runners who prefer a trail running shoe that remains comfortable for thru-hiking too.
Stand-out features include the three-piece ZipFoam™ midsole with its exterior TPU heel counter that provides stability and promotes proper running form. Like several other trail running shoes on our list, the Topo Ultraventure Pro features the extra-grippy Vibram Megagrip outsole. It’s a shoe that remains balanced and stable in slippery conditions.
The Topo Ultraventure Pro is truly made for trails with firm pliability, a flexible ESS rock plate, and gaiter compatibility. It’s a trail running shoe for adventurers.
The Saucony Xodus Ultra is for long-distance trail runners who demand comfort from start to finish. It also includes significant advancements over the Xodus 11, including a lighter weight structure, more spacious toe box, improved rock plate, and more.
Saucony reduced the lug height by .5mm and increased spacing to reduce weight while keeping plenty of traction and stability. New 6mm cushioning ensures the Saucony Xodus Ultra remains comfortable no matter how many miles you conquer. Other outstanding features include ultralight PWRRUN PB, a durable PWRRUN frame, and a three-piece PWRTRAC outsole. There’s plenty of grip, flexibility, and comfort with this shoe.
The Saucony Xodus Ultra is undoubtedly our favorite for long-distance trail runs. We also appreciate that Saucony now uses recycled materials in the shoe’s upper.
The HOKA Mafate Speed 4 is our favorite new trail running shoe from HOKA. It’s a comfortable trail runner that can easily double as a road running, trail racing, or hiking shoe if needed.
Our team appreciated the changes HOKA made for the Mafate Speed 4. The new PROFLY+ midsole offers pillow-like comfort and energy that you can feel every time your foot leaves the ground. The outsole is a firm and durable layer that protects the bottom of your feet while providing unrivaled stability.
The HOKA Mafate Speed 4 is also one of our favorite shoes for running in muddy or wet terrain. The rubber bottom is thick, which puts a necessary barrier between the elements and your foot. The traction features three-tiered lugs with sharp edges that grip slippery surfaces. All this protection would make runners think this is far from a lightweight shoe, but the Litebase outsole keeps the weight under control and the shoe feeling lively.
The Brooks Caldera 6 is the most cushioned trail running shoe on our list, and it’s made for logging countless miles on the trails. Imagine a traditional long-distance running shoe with cloud-like cushioning but the extreme grip of a top-quality trail running shoe. The Brooks Caldera 6 is exactly that.
The next-level softness of the DNA LOFT v3 cushioning provides optimal comfort from the first mile to the finish line. The TrailTack rubber outsole offers the traction and protection from rocky terrain trail runners need. Our reviewers also appreciated the fit of the Brooks Caldera 6, which feels like it’s made for your foot. The lace keeper holds laces in place so they’re not pulled away by debris, and the upper fits snugly around the foot without sacrificing breathability.
Brooks first released the Caldera in 2017, and has been upgraded every year since. Our reviewers agreed that the 2023 Brooks Caldera 6 is the best version yet.
Topo is one of our favorite trail running brands, and the Ultraventure 3 is the lightest, most comfortable shoe we’ve seen from the company. Topo’s new ZipFoam is ultra-lightweight, soft, and incredibly responsive for achieving your next PR.
The newly-designed Vibram XS Trek EVO outsole is durable yet flexible, allowing the shoe to perform on multiple surfaces. The Ultraventure 3 is highly cushioned for going the distance but with moderate flexibility for support and protection. We found that the Ultraventure 3 also made a great hiking shoe, with its breathable mesh upper and comfort that lasts even the longest thru-hikes.
One of the greatest attributes of the Ultraventure 3 is that it is made with sustainable materials. The mesh upper keeps three plastic bottles out of landfills per pair.
Now that you’re equipped with a list of the best trail running shoes for 2023, 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.
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 ten 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!
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