The 14 Best Trail Running Shoes for Off-Road Running

• Weight: 10.30 ounces
• Drop: 4mm
• Cushion: Balanced

Pursuing the ideal balance of cushion and support can be tricky when it comes to a trail running shoe — unlike your road running kicks, you want a little more connection to the ground. Hoka's Speedgoat has been renowned in the trail running space since its original launch, and the fifth version is no different. Right off the bat, our tester appreciated the burly and grippy Vibram Megragrip outsole — the lugs are traction-focused and deep. She noted the molded EVA sockliner and cushioning, the combo of which is both neutral and balanced, while also comfortable for long distances. At the end of the day, the Speedgoat maintains just the right amount of support, and nothing more.

• Weight: 10.2 ounces
• Drop: 8 mm
• Cushion: Regular

Designed for long-distance comfort and performance, the Ultra 3 features a breathable mesh liner and balanced cushioning to deliver a consistent feel on the trail. Wet and slippery conditions are no match for the grippy Contagrip outsole, while the high-rebound midsole design maximizes energy return and durability. Our tester found that while protection and stability were high, the shoe's sensitivity came up lacking compared to other models. Our tester found that overall, thanks to its precise fit and light weight, this is a fantastic shoe for ultra running or intensity training, At $180, they’re a little pricier than other options but come race day, these sturdy, nimble shoes will leave your opponents seeing red.

• Weight: 15 ounces
• Drop: 0 mm
• Cushion: Minimal

If you’re looking for more connection to the trail, the Trail Glove 6 from Merrell provides the perfect minimalist platform with zero drop and only 6mm of cushioning. Version six of Merrell's popular shoe sees updates in improved fit and increased abrasion resistance: our tester found that compared to past versions, the Glove 6 features a slightly thicker sole and a little more support while maintaining the human foot shape that made it so popular in the first place. With a Vibram Ecostep outsole and Merrell’s TrailProtect padding at critical points, the Trail Glove 6 will be ready to go long after your feet are screaming for a break.

• Weight: 8.5 ounces
• Drop: 6mm
• Cushion: Dynamic

If you've ever just needed to go fast, and feel the wind in your hair and the ground flying by under your feet, then check out Saucony's Endorphin Edge. The agile trail runner is as fast as it is eye-catching, and is our top choice for when the need for speed hits.

Our tester found that the Endorphin Edge strikes the ultimate balance between responsiveness, ground feel and cushioning, and the 4.5mm lugs dup deep into the soft, post-rain dirt of the trails outside her house. The shoe is ultra light at 8.5 ounces, and the carbon-fiber plate propelled our tester forward with more power than the shoes she tested that lacked that tech. She didn't love the collar of the shoe, especially compared to cushier models like the Hoka, but easily overlooked it with a nice pair of thick socks. If you're training for your next race and want a shoe that can go fast and look good doing it, the Endorphin Edge may just be your best bet.

• Weight: 9.8 ounces
• Drop: 6mm
• Cushion: Plush

Like running on a cloud, the plush and supportive Caldera is best for casual trail runners looking to increase time on the trail. Although the cushioned DNA Loft v3 midsole can take some getting used to (especially if you're used to a more neutral or minimal feel), the payoff is well worth any adjustment period you may have. Our tester logged twice as many miles as she typically ran in other shoes, thanks to the combo of neutral support, low weight and lofty cushioning. Usually, on runs longer than four miles her left knee starts to seize up, but thanks to the plush and balanced cushioning in the Caldera, she not only maintained her pace, but got further down her favorite trails.

• Weight: 9.4 ounces
• Drop: 6mm
• Cushion: Balanced

If you're looking for a lightweight long-distance trail runner, you should buy these. Hell, even if you just run short distances, you should buy these. Our tester found that the Norvans provide plenty of protection around the ankles and toes in case you encounter some loose rocks, but honestly, are probably worth it on the fit alone. Also, not for nothing, they're pretty reasonably priced at $165, especially compared to some of the other shoes we've been testing lately. If any brand in the outdoors is synonymous with minimalism and quality, it's Arc'teryx, and our tester found that this shoe continues to hold that torch aloft.

• Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Drop: 8mm
• Cushion: Balanced

The Agravic Flow 2 was developed with help from professional ultrarunner Abby Hall, and her input helped bring this stiff, nimble trail runner to life. Built with Adidas's pro-moderator technology and a Lightstrike EVA foam midsole, the Agravic Flow 2 provides runners with stability and comfort on all types of terrain over longer distances. The Continental outsole gives it outstanding grip in variable conditions, while the breathable Gore-Tex membrane seals out wet conditions. Made with 50 percent recycled materials and featuring an engineered mesh upper with mudguard and suede tongue, Adidas Terrex says its new shoe is built to go the distance, and our tester agreed.

When running in her pair, our tester noticed the ankle is a bit snug — after five miles it started to become a hot spot and was a point of irritation on longer runs. If you have a wide ankle, consider another trail runner.

• Weight: 10 ounces
• Stack: 25 mm
• Cushion: Moderate

The latest version of the Lone Peak sees updates in fit and performance. With a customizable lacing system, grippy outsole and canted lugs, and a weight of just over 10 ounces, this is the trail shoe for all-day adventures. After running in the updated LP 7 for a month, our tester walked away impressed with the shoe's mixture of performance and comfort. It's certainly not the most cushioned shoe on the market, but she likens it to the midpoint between barefoot running and ultra-high cushioning. If you're looking for a transitional shoe that can perform on the trail, promote toe splay and get you one step closer to true barefoot running, this shoe is one to bet on.

• Weight: 6.9 ounces
• Drop: 5mm
• Cushion: Responsive

No stranger to comfort on the trail (and the road), the parallel carbon fiber plates in Hoka's female-specific trail runner bring a sense of explosive power, combined with its reputation-building comfort, to every step. The Tecton X — named for the earth's tectonic plates — is built for speed and stability, pivoting easily between obstacles on the trail. The Vibram Megagrip with Litebase outsole provides excellent traction and reliable braking, while the single-layer jacquard engineered mesh hugs the foot and maximizes breathability. Of all the shoes our tester wore on the trail, these were her go-to race pair.

• Weight: 10.5 ounces
• Drop: 8 mm
• Cushion: Plush

The sixteenth edition of the Cascadia holds up Brooks’s strong trail tradition — it's a smoother, lighter version of the shoe we've come to know and love. The new midsole and outsole construction let the shoe essentially mold to the ground while still protecting from trail obstacles. Prior to this version, our tester felt that Brooks was prioritizing comfort over performance; the Cascadia 16 sees a return to high octane power and tank-like construction, and is a welcome iteration on the classic. The responsive midsole and burly rockplate form an ideal duo in this updated trail runner, making it one of our favorites (and still most comfortable) on the list.

• Weight: 1 pound, 1.2 ounces
• Drop: 7 mm
• Cushion: Maximum cushion

La Sportiva is no stranger to crafting a high-octane shoe, and the Jackall II is no different than the rest of the brand's lineup. From the first time lacing these bad boys up, our tester was struck by the comfort and bombproof construction of the shoe. The laces are thick enough to tie barehanded or with gloves on in cooler conditions, but strong enough to cinch down for a secure and unmoving fit. The upper is made with no-sew, thermo-adhesive TPU reinforcements, which minimize itchy seams and provide protection from rocks and obstacles on the trail. Although these ran large on our tester (she could easily have sized a half size down) after her mid-to-long range runs, the extra room helped accommodate any swelling she experienced. If you're racing technical trails or simply want a shoe that can stand up to plenty of abuse and use, our tester says this is the shoe to pick. If you can try one on first though, we'd highly recommend it.

• Weight: 10.05 ounces
• Offset: 6 mm
• Cushion: Moderate

We've written about the Flight Vectiv before, and it's plain to see why we can't stop: the innovative introduction of carbon into a trail shoe has propelled the footwear game forward in a big way. TNF's Flight Vectiv has a stable, balanced feel underfoot thanks to responsive cushioning, and the 3D carbon-fiber plate was designed to maximize energy return on the trail. Apart from the shoe's technical accolades, it also boasts the clean and style-forward aesthetic The North Face is known for.

Our tester took his pair out on the trail for a total of a little over 100 kilometers, and found that the Flight Vectiv is "a lot more shoe than it appears to be". It might be too much shoe — or rather, too little — for sub-elite trail runners, but minimalists might find it fits their needs just right. And the rest of the Vectiv line is there to suit the needs of those who want a bit more.

Read our full review of the Flight Vectiv here.

• Weight: 12 ounces
• Offset: 8 mm
• Cushion: Plush

New Balance says its shoe provides a soft landing on rough terrain, and with tech specs like a new foam midsole, Vibram outsole and TPU threads woven into the upper, we'd have to agree. Our tester found that they're on the heavier side by a few ounces (especially compared to the Hokas and Sauconys on this list) but make up for the extra weight with superior comfort. Ultimately, our tester found that the Fresh Foam Hierro 6 is the balance between a cushiony daily runner and highly-capable trail shoe, with a snug and breathable fit that makes it hard to take them off, even when you've finished your run.

• Weight: 8.71 ounces
• Drop: 5 mm
• Cushion: Plush

You may not recognize the name Norda yet, but don't be surprised if you start to see it with the same frequency as Nike, New Balance and Reebok. The relative newcomer's 001 shoe is an impressive feat: it mixes innovative materials like Bio-Dyneema and recycled polyester with industry stalwarts like Vibram to deliver a trail runner that is light, abrasion-resistant and performance-oriented. The shoe is designed to provide the highest energy return possible while prioritizing sustainability. If you're looking for a mix of form and function that's a little more unique than the average runner, try these on for size.

Our tester's first run in the 001 was on slushy city sidewalks after a snowstorm — not necessarily a trail, but definitely rife with its own obstacles. The traction on the 001 was unparalled, and the uppers are one of the best he's tried. He also appreciated the seamless construction and wide toe box, both of which provided enhanced comfort on his runs.

Read our full feature on the Norda Run 001 here.