For years, dedicated road and trail running shoes have dominated the running shoe conversation. The top shoes in the market excelled on either paved roads or technical trails – but not many options could handle both.
The problem is that many people cross multiple terrains throughout the course of a run or walk. Whether you need to run on a paved path to get to your favorite trail or you just like to switch things up on your runs, sometimes you need a shoe that can handle it all.
And if that sounds like you, you’re in luck. More and more brands have been recognizing the need for all-terrain shoes, or road-to-trail shoes that can easily transition between varied terrains without sacrificing comfort or durability.
In this guide, we’ll cover some of the best all-terrain shoes you can buy in 2026. We’ll also highlight some key features to look for and what to keep in mind when shopping for an all-terrain shoe so you can find the perfect choice for your walking or running needs.
Road-to-Trail Shoes: Key Features To Consider
In this comprehensive guide to all-terrain shoes, we’ll offer some insight into some of the best options on the market today. But first, let’s take a closer look at the key features you can expect to find in any great all-terrain shoe.
Outsole & Grip
One of the biggest differences between road and trail shoes is the outsole design. Road shoes tend to have a smoother outsole, while trail shoes feature grippy rubber outsoles with lugs designed for grip and traction.
All-terrain shoes should fall somewhere in between these two categories. They should have a versatile outsole design, grippy rubber, and non-aggressive lugs that can adapt to both road and trail running.
Upper
With all-terrain shoes, you want to look for an upper design and fit that will keep you comfortable and secure no matter where your runs take you. It should be secure enough around the feet to keep you locked in place as you maneuver rocks and roots, without feeling constrictive or too tight.
And as with any running shoe, you should look for a breathable upper that can protect your feet from debris while providing good ventilation and water drainage.
Cushioning
Cushion level and overall feel will be the most varied feature among all-terrain shoes. While some shoe models will feature firm cushioning for more stability, others will have a high stack of softer foam for maximum comfort.
Ultimately, cushion level and underfoot feel come down to individual preferences and needs. Soft, high cushion shoes can feel unstable on trails but may feel ideal for anyone who prioritizes shock absorption and comfort on pavement.
On the other hand, lower cushion shoes will improve ground feel on uneven, rugged terrain but won’t necessarily provide the same luxurious comfort on roads.
All-terrain shoes tend to land somewhere in the middle of these two extremes. Look for stable but comfortable cushioning that can adapt to different surfaces and provide the support you need. When deciding what works best for you, consider your road/trail split and personal goals and priorities with your running or walking shoes.
Best All-Terrain Running Shoes
Now that you have a solid idea of what to look for in an all-terrain shoe, we’ll take a closer look at some of the top road-to-trail shoe options around. Here are five of the best options.
Mount to Coast H1
The H1 from Mount to Coast has been fine-tuned for road-to-trail or gravel running. Between the durable design, dedicated all-terrain grip, and stable, resilient foam, this hybrid shoe delivers all the comfort, security, and traction you need as you cross over from road to trail running.
The VersaGrip outsole is the star of the H1, offering versatile traction that can easily carry you from paved roads to slippery trails with confidence. This outsole is paired with a super critical CircleCELL midsole. Not only is this sustainable foam incredibly durable, but it also offers softness and energy return that delivers a smooth ride on any surface.
Around the top of the foot, the woven material and TUNEDFIT Dual Lacing System create a snug, nearly customized fit that keeps you secure and supported through each step. Whether you’re on gravel, roads, trails, or a combination of all three, the H1 has your back.
Hoka Challenger 8
The Challenger has famously been referred to as “the Swiss Army Knife” of running shoes, and with an incredibly versatile design that can truly do it all, it’s clear to see how it earned that title.
The Challenger 8 is one of the most cushioned running shoes on this list, with a stack height of 42/34 mm for men’s shoes and 39/32 mm for women’s shoes. The compression-molded EVA foam is soft but stable underfoot, providing maximum comfort and impact absorption no matter where your runs take you.
The durabrasion rubber outsole boosts the shoe’s durability, while the multi-directional 4 mm lugs can easily adapt to both road and light trails. The minimal mesh upper is lightweight and breathable for everyday wear, while the rubber toe cap adds an extra layer of protection when you’re out on trails or gravel paths.
Topo Ultraventure 5
The Topo Ultraventure 5 is technically a trail shoe, but our team has found that the adaptable tread and plush cushioning make it an ideal choice for all your road-to-trail needs.
The plush bed of ZipFoam cushioning delivers unmatched comfort and soft, smooth landings as you head out on paved paths, dirt trails, technical terrain, and more. The Vibram XS Trek EVO outsole is also optimized for road-to-trail transitions. The multi-surface lug pattern provides effective grip and traction when needed, all while keeping the shoe lightweight and comfortable across different terrains.
The Topo Ultraventure also offers some unique features designed to keep you feeling comfortable and secure throughout any workout. The low 5 mm drop keeps your feet in a relatively natural position for more stability and groundfeel, while the roomy toe box ensures natural toe splay during long runs or hikes.
The spacious toe box ensures freedom of movement, and the snug heel and midfoot keep you secure and locked in place as you maneuver any terrain.
Craft Nordlite Ultra 2
The Craft Nordlite Ultra 2 is known for its ability to adapt to any terrain, making it a great choice for anyone who likes to tackle a wide variety of surfaces during their runs.
The HyperGrip outsole provides effective traction on any surface, from paved roads to light trails. The mesh upper keeps the shoe feeling light and breathable and is reinforced with TPU for extra durability and traction.
Not only is this hybrid shoe incredibly versatile, but it’s also a fun and energetic option for any type of run. The midsole is made of supercritical Cr foam. This springy foam delivers maximum energy return and rebound underfoot for a smooth and dynamic ride.
Brooks Ghost Trail
Most runners and walkers have heard of the Brooks Ghost. This neutral, moderate cushion shoe is one of the most popular running shoes around today. But with the Brooks Ghost Trail, the brand gave this beloved, familiar shoe a hybrid, cross-terrain makeover.
Like its namesake, the Ghost Trail features a stack of nitrogen-infused DNA Loft cushioning for soft and reliable landings. The biggest difference between the shoes stems from the outsole. While the Brooks Ghost features a traditional rubber outsole, the Ghost Trail boasts a flexible TrailTack Green rubber outsole with 3 mm lugs for adaptable, all-terrain traction.
Up top, the breathable air mesh upper is soft and flexible for maximum comfort around the foot. The upper and overall fit are similar to the Ghost, although the 3D printed toe cap and mudguard layer provide some additional protection while out on the trails.
Road, Gravel, Trail, and Beyond: Finding the Right Hybrid Shoe for You
For years, running brands have been working to bridge the gap between road and trail running. Today, we’re lucky enough to have a wide range of fantastic road-to-trail options available that do exactly that.
The best all-terrain shoes differ in terms of technology, cushioning, and outsole design. But in general, the shoes listed above will all excel when it comes to reliability and versatility. As you cross over from roads to packed dirt to gravel and more, they’ll all provide dependable grip and ensure you feel safe, secure, and comfortable through each stride.
Throughout this guide, we highlighted five of the top hybrid shoes. But these aren’t your only options, and we know that finding the perfect shoe can feel overwhelming. That’s why the Marathon Sports team is here to help.
When you visit your nearest Marathon Sports location, our team members will use the Right Fit process and talk through your running shoe preferences, fitness goals, and usual running terrain to ensure you end up with the perfect fit for you.
