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10 Best Men's Trail Running Shoes 2025 in the United States
#1
Winner
Salomon Men’s XA PRO 3D Gore-Tex Waterproof Trail Running Shoes - Black/Black/Magnet - 11
The Salomon Men’s XA PRO 3D Gore-Tex shoes are designed for challenging trail running and hiking, making them well-suited for outdoor enthusiasts who need reliable gear in tough conditions. They stand out with their waterproof Gore-Tex membrane, which keeps your feet dry while still allowing breathability, a great feature for wet or unpredictable weather. The traction is strong thanks to the Contagrip rubber outsole, providing confidence on mixed or loose terrain.
Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,492
Traction
Support and Stability
Fit and Comfort
Most important from
10366 reviews
#2
Salomon Men's XA PRO 3D Trail Running Shoes for Men, Black / Magnet / Quiet Shade,11.5
The Salomon Men's XA PRO 3D Trail Running Shoes are built for tough trails, making them a great choice if you need reliable footwear for challenging outdoor adventures. They offer excellent grip thanks to the Contagrip rubber outsole, which helps you confidently handle mixed terrain and loose gravel. Cushioning is another strong point, with a lightweight EnergyCell foam midsole that absorbs impact while keeping things flexible and comfortable.
Rating
8.8
Traction
Support and Stability
Fit and Comfort
Most important from
10366 reviews
#3
Brooks Men’s Cascadia 18 GTX Waterproof Mountain Trail Running Shoe - Blackened Pearl/Black/Tomato - 12 Medium
The Brooks Men’s Cascadia 18 GTX is designed to handle mountain trails with reliable stability and protection, making it a solid choice for trail runners and hikers looking for versatile shoes. Its standout feature is the waterproof GORE-TEX upper, which keeps your feet dry without feeling too bulky, adding comfort in wet conditions. The cushioning is handled by DNA LOFT v2, which offers a soft and responsive feel that adapts well across different terrains, helping reduce fatigue on longer runs.
Rating
8.5
Fit and Comfort
Cushioning
Traction
Most important from
692 reviews
Top 10 Best Men's Trail Running Shoes 2025 in the United States
#1
Winner
Salomon Men’s XA PRO 3D Gore-Tex Waterproof Trail Running Shoes - Black/Black/Magnet - 11
Salomon Men’s XA PRO 3D Gore-Tex Waterproof Trail Running Shoes - Black/Black/Magnet - 11
Traction: Contagrip rubber outsole
Cushioning: superior
Support and Stability: 3D Advanced Chassis
Protection: reinforced toe cap
Fit and Comfort: stable, comfortable fit
Water Resistance: waterproof Gore-Tex membrane
Weight: relatively heavier build
Chosen by 1492 this week
Salomon Men's XA PRO 3D Trail Running Shoes for Men, Black / Magnet / Quiet Shade,11.5
Salomon Men's XA PRO 3D Trail Running Shoes for Men, Black / Magnet / Quiet Shade,11.5
Traction: Contagrip rubber outsole
Cushioning: EnergyCell foam midsole
Support and Stability: 3D Advanced Chassis
Protection: reinforced toe cap
Fit and Comfort: mesh inner material
Brooks Men’s Cascadia 18 GTX Waterproof Mountain Trail Running Shoe - Blackened Pearl/Black/Tomato - 12 Medium
Brooks Men’s Cascadia 18 GTX Waterproof Mountain Trail Running Shoe - Blackened Pearl/Black/Tomato - 12 Medium
Traction: TrailTack Green outsole
Cushioning: DNA LOFT v2
Support and Stability: adaptable stability
Protection: ballistic rock shield, TPU mudguard, waterproof
Fit and Comfort: breathable mesh uppers, waterproof layer
Water Resistance: waterproof GORE-TEX upper
Weight: 1.5 Pounds
New Balance Men's Fresh Foam X Hierro V9 Trail Running Shoe, Dark Juniper/Black/Dried Apricot, 12
New Balance Men's Fresh Foam X Hierro V9 Trail Running Shoe, Dark Juniper/Black/Dried Apricot, 12
Traction: Vibram outsole with Traction Lugs
Cushioning: dual-density Fresh Foam X midsole
Support and Stability: stable grip on wet and dry surfaces
Protection: Toe Protect technology
Fit and Comfort: gusseted tongue, snug fit, breathable
Water Resistance: not designed for heavy water resistance
Weight: slightly heavier than minimalist trail shoes
New Balance Mens 410 V8 Trail Running Shoe, Black/Cayenne/Shadow Grey, 11.5 US
New Balance Mens 410 V8 Trail Running Shoe, Black/Cayenne/Shadow Grey, 11.5 US
Traction: AT Tread outsole
Cushioning: soft BIO Foam midsole
Support and Stability: decent support; no advanced stability
Protection: durable overlays; trail obstacle protection
Fit and Comfort: lace-up; secure, adjustable fit
Weight: 2 Pounds
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Altra Olympus 5, Men's Trainers, Navy, 10.5 US
Altra Olympus 5, Men's Trainers, Navy, 10.5 US
Traction: Vibram Megagrip outsole
Cushioning: Good comfort and shock absorption
Support and Stability: Wide midfoot area
Protection: Moderate ankle height
Fit and Comfort: FootShape toe box, roomy fit
Weight: 3 Pounds
ALTRA Men's Lone Peak 9 Trail Running Shoe, Navy, 9
ALTRA Men's Lone Peak 9 Trail Running Shoe, Navy, 9
Traction: Rubber outsole, decent traction
Cushioning: EVA insole, moderate comfort
Support and Stability: Roomy toe box, natural toe splay
Fit and Comfort: Roomy toe box, breathable mesh
Brooks Men’s Cascadia 18 Mountain Trail Running Shoe - Black/Blackened Pearl/Grey - 10.5 Medium
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
#10
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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.