which running shoes are best for trail running

The best trail running shoe depends on your terrain, distance, and foot shape, but these are among the strongest all-around choices:
GearLab
+1

HOKA Speedgoat 7 Trail Running Shoes
$164.99 • Designed for trail runners in New Jersey's varied terrain.
Salomon Speedcross 6 Trail Running Shoes
$139.95 • Ideal for rugged trails with superior grip and stability.
Brooks Cascadia 17 Trail Running Shoes
$109.95 • Suitable for diverse trail conditions in the New Jersey area.
La Sportiva Bushido III Trail Running Shoes
$160.00 • Built for technical trails with lightweight support and durability.
Best overall: HOKA Speedgoat 7

Best for: long runs, rocky trails, mixed terrain, ultramarathons

Excellent cushioning without feeling too sluggish

Strong grip from Vibram outsole

Good protection from rocks and roots

Great choice if you want one shoe that does almost everything

Tom's Guide

Best for mud and slippery trails: Salomon Speedcross 6

Best for: muddy, wet, loose dirt, steep trails

Very aggressive lugs for traction

Secure, locked-in fit for descents

Less ideal for lots of pavement or hard-packed paths

Balance Foot & Ankle

Best stable all-rounder: Brooks Cascadia

Best for: beginners, hiking/running crossover, varied trails

Predictable and comfortable

Good protection and durability

A safer choice if you don’t know exactly what terrain you’ll run

Best for technical mountain trails: La Sportiva Bushido III

Best for: rocky, technical terrain and agile runners

Precise foothold

Great stability on uneven ground

More “connected to the trail” feel, but less plush for long distances

Other excellent picks

Altra Lone Peak 9 — best if you like a wide toe box and zero-drop shoes.
RunBikeCalc

Salomon Ultra Glide 4 — good for comfortable, longer trail miles.

Saucony Peregrine 16 — versatile option with strong traction.
GearLab

Quick guide:

🏔️ Rocky mountains / long runs → HOKA Speedgoat

🌧️ Mud and wet trails → Salomon Speedcross

🌲 Beginner + mixed trails → Brooks Cascadia

🪨 Technical scrambling-style trails → La Sportiva Bushido

🦶 Wide feet → Altra Lone Peak

If you tell me your terrain (mud, rocks, forest paths, mountains), weekly mileage, and whether your feet are narrow/average/wide, I can narrow it to 1–2 pairs.