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10 Best Men's Trail Running Shoes 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.8 score

New Balance Men's 410 V8 Trail Running Shoe, Black/Cayenne/Shadow Grey, 12

The New Balance Men's 410 V8 Trail Running Shoe is a solid choice for those who enjoy both on-road and off-road running. The AT Tread outsole is a standout feature, offering versatile traction that helps you stay steady on various surfaces. The shoe's cushioning is provided by a soft BIO Foam midsole, which adds comfort for your feet during runs. However, some might find the support and stability a bit lacking, especially on more challenging trails.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,137
Traction

Most important from
2159 reviews

Traction
Comfortable shoe with excellent traction for outdoor walking in all seasons, though it may feel narrow for wider feet.
#2
9.6 score

ALTRA Men's Lone Peak 8 Trail Running Shoe, 10, Black/Green

The ALTRA Men's Lone Peak 8 Trail Running Shoe seems to be a solid choice for trail runners looking for a mix of comfort and performance. One of the standout features is its MaxTrac outsole coupled with the TrailClaw lug pattern that offers notable traction, which is vital for navigating tricky terrains. The shoe's 25mm stack height provides ample cushioning, making long runs significantly more comfortable. This cushioning can help reduce fatigue, allowing you to tackle more rugged trails with ease.

Rating
9.6
Support and Stability
Protection
Fit and Comfort

Most important from
601 reviews

Support and Stability
Despite being lightweight, these shoes offer robust support and protection, making them ideal for both rugged trails and everyday runs.
Protection
Despite being lightweight, these shoes offer robust support and protection, making them ideal for both rugged trails and everyday runs.
Fit and Comfort
These shoes are extremely comfortable, especially for those suffering from foot pain like plantar fasciitis.
#3
9.4 score

Brooks Men’s Cascadia 18 Mountain Trail Running Shoe - Black/Blackened Pearl/Grey - 10.5 Medium

The Brooks Men’s Cascadia 18 Mountain Trail Running Shoe is designed to offer a blend of comfort, protection, and stability for runners and mountain hikers. One standout feature is its DNA LOFT v2 cushioning, which ensures soft comfort across various terrains. The TrailTack Green outsole provides reliable traction on both wet and dry surfaces, which is vital for maintaining stability on unpredictable trails.

Rating
9.4
Cushioning
Support and Stability
Fit and Comfort

Most important from
307 reviews

Cushioning
While the shoe provides good cushioning and support, the forefoot width may be too narrow for those with wider feet.
Support and Stability
The Cascadia 18 offers exceptional stability, preventing ankle injuries even on rough mountain trails.
Fit and Comfort
Comfortable and very supportive, these shoes feel incredibly light, almost like wearing air.
Weight
Comfortable and very supportive, these shoes feel incredibly light, almost like wearing air.

Top 10 Best Men's Trail Running Shoes 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.8 score

New Balance Men's 410 V8 Trail Running Shoe, Black/Cayenne/Shadow Grey, 12

Traction: AT Tread outsole
Cushioning: BIO Foam midsole
Protection: Durable overlays, mesh material
Fit and Comfort: secure fit
Water Resistance: no water resistance
Weight: 2 pounds

Chosen by 1137 this week

ALTRA Men's Lone Peak 8 Trail Running Shoe, 10, Black/Green

Traction: MaxTrac outsole, TrailClaw lug pattern
Cushioning: 25mm stack height
Support and Stability: roomy toe box, eNatural Fit
Fit and Comfort: lace-up closure, roomy toe box
Weight: 3 pounds

Brooks Men’s Cascadia 18 Mountain Trail Running Shoe - Black/Blackened Pearl/Grey - 10.5 Medium

Traction: TrailTack Green outsole
Cushioning: DNA LOFT v2
Support and Stability: stability
Protection: ballistic rock shield
Fit and Comfort: soft comfort
Weight: 1.5 Pounds

Salomon Men's SPEEDCROSS Trail Running Shoes for Men, Black / Black / Phantom, 13

Traction: Contagrip outsole with deep 5 mm lugs
Support and Stability: Specialized heel unit for stability
Protection: Abrasion-resistant ripstop fabric upper
Fit and Comfort: Sensifit and Quicklace for secure fit
Weight: Relatively lightweight trail shoes

ALTRA Men's Olympus 6 Trail Running Shoe Taupe

Traction: Rubber sole
Cushioning: Plush cushioning
Support and Stability: Decent support
Protection: Synthetic-and-rubber
Fit and Comfort: Breathable mesh lining
Weight: 3 pounds
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Buying Guide for the Best Men's Trail Running Shoes

Choosing the right pair of men's trail running shoes is crucial for a comfortable and safe running experience on rugged terrains. Trail running shoes are designed to provide better grip, stability, and protection compared to regular running shoes. When selecting a pair, consider the type of trails you will be running on, your running style, and personal comfort preferences. Here are some key specifications to help you make an informed decision.
TractionTraction refers to the grip of the shoe on various surfaces. This is important because trail running often involves uneven, slippery, or loose terrain. Shoes with aggressive lugs (deep, widely spaced treads) offer better grip on muddy and soft trails, while shoes with smaller, more closely spaced lugs are suitable for hard-packed trails. If you run on a mix of terrains, look for versatile shoes with moderate lugs.
CushioningCushioning is the amount of padding in the shoe's midsole, which affects comfort and shock absorption. High cushioning provides more comfort and protection for long-distance runs or rough trails, but it can be heavier. Low cushioning offers a more responsive feel and is lighter, making it suitable for shorter runs or smoother trails. Choose the level of cushioning based on the distance you plan to run and your preference for comfort versus responsiveness.
Support and StabilitySupport and stability features help prevent injuries by keeping your foot in place and providing balance on uneven terrain. Shoes with a firm midsole and a wider base offer better stability, which is important for technical trails with rocks and roots. If you have a tendency to overpronate (your foot rolls inward), look for shoes with added support features like medial posts. For neutral runners, standard stability features should suffice.
ProtectionProtection in trail running shoes includes features like toe guards, rock plates, and reinforced uppers to shield your feet from rocks, roots, and other trail hazards. If you run on very rocky or technical trails, look for shoes with robust protective elements. For less technical trails, lighter protection may be sufficient. Consider the level of protection based on the roughness of the trails you frequent.
Fit and ComfortFit and comfort are crucial for preventing blisters and ensuring an enjoyable run. Trail running shoes should fit snugly but not too tight, with enough room in the toe box to accommodate foot swelling during long runs. Try on shoes at the end of the day when your feet are slightly swollen, and consider wearing the socks you plan to run in. Pay attention to any pressure points or areas of discomfort, as these can lead to issues during your runs.
Water ResistanceWater resistance is important if you run in wet conditions or through streams and puddles. Waterproof shoes with membranes like Gore-Tex keep your feet dry but can be less breathable, which might lead to sweaty feet in warm conditions. Water-resistant shoes offer some protection while maintaining better breathability. Choose based on the typical weather and trail conditions you encounter.
WeightWeight affects how heavy the shoes feel on your feet, which can impact your running efficiency and fatigue levels. Lighter shoes are generally preferred for faster runs and races, while heavier shoes with more features (like extra cushioning and protection) are better for long-distance runs and rough trails. Balance the need for lightweight shoes with the necessary features for your running conditions.

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