The Best Trail Running Shoes of 2023

When I asked a bunch of avid trail runners and strenuous mountain climbers what their favorite shoe was for moving on rugged terrain, about 80% of them recommended the Hoka speedgoat trail runners. One very experienced trail runner highlights this running shoe’s unreal tread due to its rubber, five-millimeter lugs, which provide mega grip in both wet and dry conditions.

If you want to swiftly run to the summit for sunrise, or move with confidence on crooked rocks and slick dirt, then these comfortable shoes let you do just that—with their supportive and locked-in midfoot, ventilated gusset tongue, and light-as-a-feather foam in the midsole.

This running shoe is for all you avid mountain adventurers who live for stepping on and over rugged, very technical terrain. One of my friends, who trail runs at least 20 miles every week, swears by this trail-running shoe for its high-quality grip—no matter which direction you’re running in, whether that’s up or down, forward, or sideways. This shoe is also very lightweight and keeps your foot locked in—allowing you to move uphill with more ease.

What’s more, this trail running shoe is comfortable on your feet—even while stepping over all of those rocks—due to its sturdy midsole and heel with a decent amount of cushioning, as well as its five-millimeter neutral foot drop for organic strides. If you have wide feet, you’ll also appreciate this shoe’s wide toe box. And if you prefer to run on uneven terrain, this shoe will handle anything you throw at it.

These trail running shoes for women are known to be worn by many in my White Mountain hiking community, and that is no surprise since we have some of the rockiest terrain in the United States. The Altra Lone Peak 6 provides greater protection from sharp rocks that you may step on while running. They are also made with Altra’s MaxTrac feature, which gives them a rigid lug pattern for greater grip on anything from slick roots to steep rocks. What’s even better: they have a mesh upper with laser-cut holes that allows water to drain out and dry your shoes quickly.

For really good comfort and softness, they even have Altra’s StoneGuard feature, which is a rock plate between the midsole and outsole to keep sharp objects from stabbing your feet (I’ve experienced that, and it doesn’t feel good).

These are one of the best women’s trail running shoes and are known for their extreme grip and stability on any type of terrain. Their Contagrip outsole has sharp lugs that are durable and provide unreal tread. Plus, their midsoles are made with Salomon’s EnergyCell+ to bounce a bit more while you’re running, so you can move faster and with more power. They’re made to move with the natural heel-to-toe-drop motion of your foot, yet are designed with SensiFit that hugs your feet from the midsole to lace to keep them secure.

The footbeds fight shock and odor, though reviewers say that the insoles are nearly useless when wet, since they shift. A lot of customers also seem to dislike the way they look and the color options they have, which can be an issue for stylish women.

If you’re looking for the best trail running shoes for moving down wet rocks and branches, then these ones are the best ones you can get (you should still be cautious when moving on slippery terrain, though). The lugs on these shoes cover both the outsole and midsole to provide even more grip and sturdiness. Plus, the FriXion XT V-Groove 2 rubber outsole has double traction for moving on insane terrain, such as slick rocks. These are easy to slip on and will stay secure without compressing your foot, though many reviewers say they’re better for those with narrower feet.