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I’ve crossed the frozen tundra of Mongolia and the dry desert of the Sahara on foot as well as setting trail records in the UK and USA. After reviewing running shoes for a number of years here is my guide to the best shoes for trail running in 2020. I’ve selected the best 7 shoes I’ve used extensively for every type of terrain and distance you might be looking for whether you are new to trail running, increasing your distance or running on a new type of terrain, there will be a great option for you.

Great for Ultra Distance Wet or Dry – Altra Lone Peak

The Altra Lone Peak is my ‘go to’ trail shoe when I’m not sure what I will encounter. This shoe is most suitable for the ‘time on your feet’ kind of trail runner rather than your elite super fast speedy person. If you want long distance comfort for long training runs or high distance Ultras with plenty of grip and lots of stability then this is the shoe for you.

It also comes with a high ankle version shown here which gives you more ankle stability on very uneven terrain. There is also an ‘RSM’ waterproof breathable version for an extra $30 that carefully sacrifices a bit of breathability to give you total waterproof confidence on winter runs. Read my in depth review here.

Good for Fast Wet Rocky Trails – On Cloud Cloudventure

The On Running Cloudventure Waterproof shoes are a superb pair to have for those rainy day trail runs or wet hikes. They are superbly water resilient, even up at the tongue and laces area, and a very sturdy feeling shoe with a firm hard midsole that makes them great over rocky and unstable terrain. They have a neutral gait and are actually generously wide at the toe end. The grip is superb on wet rock and doesn’t get clogged in mud. You’ll need time to get your head round that the shoe ‘feels’ stiff and hard when actually the cushioning is happening in an unusual way you don’t notice.

You’ll buy them for the waterproof feature but use them because they are so speedy on rough rocky wet and muddy terrain. A great trail shoe for anything from a training run to about marathon distance.

Read my more in depth blog review here.

PURCHASE $169.99

Military Heritage and Rock Proof – Lalo Zodiac Recon AT

The ZODIAC RECON AT running shoes have an elite military heritage and it shows. They have more than average cushioning for long runs on trail whilst still maintaining plenty of control when you are running or hiking on uneven or rocky terrain. They have a non nonsense ‘normal’ fit across the toes so your feet enjoy a more natural foot shape and your toes don’t get squeezed.

The grip meets the demands of a multitude of terrain by being good in the wet and the dry and the shoe has been designed to be used on sections of tarmac too because in the real world we all have to run to the trails or do sections of sidewalk as well. I love the drain features and quick drying fabric too which repels water on its outer coating. I would describe these shoes as like mini military hovercrafts, but they handle more like a dirt bike! Order in a half size bigger than your normal size and they will not disappoint.

Read the more in depth review here.

PURCHASE $160

Great for Wide Feet – Topo Athletic Ultraventure

This is the most cushioned shoe in Topo Athletics Range so its built for long distance trail cruising and those that want to reduce fatigue on their feet or legs. The Ultraventure has a decent wide toebox that means your toes don’t get squished so those with normal or wider fitting feet will enjoy the extra space. The undersides use an aggressive lugged vibram sole for grip in lots of different conditions and the upper mesh has drain holes too to dry your feet off fast when you’ve run through streams. There is 30mm/25mm of cushioning which places this shoe in the same company as Hoka and Altra but those that suffer from tighter achilles or calves or squished toes will prefer the 5mm heel to drop of this shoe.

If you want maximum cushioning but dont get on with the narrow fit for Hoka or the zero drop of Altra ( or the prices) then the Topo Athletic Ultraventure trounces its closest competitors on price, fit, durability and heel to toe drop.

Read my more in depth blog here.

Great All Round Trail Shoe – Brooks Cascadia 13

There is little wrong with the Brooks Cascadia shoe. There is also nothing particularly exciting. If you are new to trail running this is an absolutely brilliant start BECAUSE its so inoffensive. This Volvo Estate of shoes will be relatively good on and off trails, over pretty decent distances and it seems the Brooks build quality is back to where it was a few years ago. Other than the stupidly long laces I cant fault this shoe.

It’s boring to the point of feeling incredibly familiar on my feet, like an old friend. Boring is good in running. You want to concentrate on anything other than the features of a trail shoe that is annoying you.  If you are an Ultra runner you may find the cushioning isn’t quite good enough, if you are a fell or mountain runner you might find the grip is better but overall I challenge any’experienced’ trail runner to find a better all round trail shoe. 

Best for Ultra Distance Comfort – Altra Olympus

The Altra Olympus was my go to shoe for very big long runs where cushioning and comfort is the most important factor. I’ve crossed the Sahara Desert in the Marathon des Sables in Altra Olympus and set a Fastest Known Time on the 650 mile Monarchs Way in Altra Olympus. 

On the down side they lack the grip and lugs that other trail shoes have so there is a sacrifice. They are great for summer running on road or light trail.

Great for Trail and Tarmac – Topo Athletic MT3

Finally I’m offering a ‘hybrid’ shoe for trail and tarmac. I’ve dubbed the Topo Athletic MT-3 as the ‘City to Summit’ shoes. They have a tread pattern that’s as good for pounding pavement to and from trail as it is when you get on rock, mud or the wet. They have a wide toe box and foot shape that will help people who get blisters on their toes from narrow shoes. There is a superb amount of cushioning from 25mm of padding and a very slight drop of 3mm from heel to toe which means people who get Achilles niggles from zero drop shoes will love them.

Their biggest feature is how they ‘handle’. They are tight and secure round the heel and mid foot giving you great control over uneven terrain, but loose and comfy like a slipper at the front where your toes want the space. They are a Racing Car at the back and Soccer Mom SUV at the front.

Great in Trail and Town – Topo X Danner 2650

If you want a shoe thats great on trails and wont look out of place in urban clothes then the new Topo X Danner 2650 is worth a look.

The Topo Designs X Danner Trail 2650 shoe is a collaboration between a well respected trail shoe maker and a company known for its bold ‘Princess Diana on the Ski Slopes 1985′ color schemes. They have a superb rock plate to keep your feet safe, vibram grippy soles with aggressive lugs and a touch of exotic sports car class with a suede black upper. Look past the gimmicky colors and you’ll find a superb pair of shoes for trail or hiking with an eye on the user being on their feet all day. Read the full review here.

PURCHASE $159.95

Great for Going Sockless – Giesswein Wool Cross X Shoe

The Giesswein Wool Cross X Shoe is uniquely made from 100% wool lining and is designed to be worn without socks. Unlike most shoes its also machine washable at 30C. The wool helps regulate hot feet better in the Summer and the natural fiber means they are also very ‘stink resistant’.

The shoes are made from 100% wool and the lining is made from a smooth 100% merino wool lining. In effect you need to think about these shoes having a built in sock and being made with comfort in mind.

You can read more in my in depth blog here.

Best For Obstacle Course Racing – Altra King MT

The Altra King MT2 is an aggressive lightweight trail running shoe that suits people with wider feet. Its ideally suited for shorter trail runs or obstacle course races where grip and agility is important.

When I was lucky enough to be in the Obstacle Course Racing World Championships a few years ago it was the Altra King MT shoe that I took with me. If you have normal or slightly wide feet the usual range of Salomon Speedcross, Mudclaw or Hoka are just too narrow and so The Altra King MTs become a likely go to shoe. This is not a shoe for any kind of long distance hiking or trail running unless you are very lightweight because the stripped down cushioning and lack of rock plate would destroy your feet,but these shoes are pretty unbeatable over tough wet terrain at speed for one or two hours on your feet.

You can read my more in depth Review here.

Verdict

This review should give you a wide range of options if you are new to trail running or increasing your distance or changing the terrain you are running on. Please add comments below for shoes you would like me to review in the future ( except Hoka … I can’t stand Hokas!).

If you liked the guide then why not take a look at my Ultra Runners Kit List Guide, Blister and Foot Care Guide, Wild Camping Guide or my Waterproof Jackets Guide.