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The Best 5Reviewed by Mike Hunter·May 24, 2026

Best Trail Running Shoes

Top trail running shoes for technical terrain, mud, and long miles, reviewed and ranked from real multi-source testing.

Quick answer

Hoka Speedgoat 7 is our top pick for trail running shoes — an averaged 4.7/5 across 3 published reviews at about $39.99. Runner-up: Salomon Speedcross 6 (~$130.04).

Read the Hoka Speedgoat 7 review →$39.99 · Check Price on Amazon

At a glance

Tap any product for the full review
1Hoka Speedgoat 7Top Score
(3 sources)
$39.99Best for: trail runners who want one highly cushioned, grippy shoe for varied terrain and long miles
$39.99 · Check Price on Amazon
2Salomon Speedcross 6
(3 sources)
$130.04Best for: trail runners who tackle mud, soft ground, and wet, technical terrain and want maximum grip
$130.04 · Check Price on Amazon
3Altra Lone Peak 9
(3 sources)
$144.95Best for: trail runners and hikers who want zero-drop, a roomy toe box, and natural ground feel
$144.95 · Check Price on Amazon
4Brooks Cascadia 19
(3 sources)
$149.95Best for: trail runners and hikers who want a versatile, durable all-rounder at a sensible price
$149.95 · Check Price on Amazon
5Saucony Peregrine 14
(3 sources)
$140Best for: value-minded trail runners — from beginners to experienced — who want a capable all-rounder
$140 · Check Price on Amazon
Verdict is reader-supported. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links on this page are affiliate links — if you click through and buy, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our ratings are sourced from independent publications, not sponsors.
Reviews aggregated from
Runrepeat.comIrunfar.comRoadtrailrun.comBelieveintherun.comRunningshoesguru.comFleetfeet.comRuntothefinish.com

The full ranking

How we rank →
Hoka Speedgoat 7
#1 · Top Score
Best for: trail runners who want one highly cushioned, grippy shoe for varied terrain and long miles
Hoka Speedgoat 7
from 3 sources$39.99as of Jun 7

The Speedgoat 7 is the best-overall trail shoe: Hoka's flagship pairs a new supercritical midsole with the gold-standard Vibram Megagrip outsole for a cushioned, grippy, genuinely do-everything ride. RoadTrailRun's testers scored it around 9.7/10, iRunFar named it a top pick, and Believe in the Run praised its refined, versatile feel.

Strengths
  • — New supercritical midsole adds noticeable pop and responsiveness, especially uphill
  • — Vibram Megagrip outsole with 5mm lugs grips confidently in nearly any condition
Watch-outs
  • — Tall, max-cushion stack isn't for minimalist or low-to-the-ground runners
  • — Ride firmed up slightly versus earlier Speedgoats
$39.99 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →vs. Salomon Speedcross 6 →
Salomon Speedcross 6
#2
Best for: trail runners who tackle mud, soft ground, and wet, technical terrain and want maximum grip
Salomon Speedcross 6
from 3 sources$130.04as of Jun 7

The Speedcross 6 is the mud-and-soft-ground specialist: deep 5.8mm Mud Contagrip lugs and a foot-hugging, protective upper make it the grip king on soft, loose, and wet terrain. RunRepeat scored it 89/100, and reviewers from iRunFar to Running Shoes Guru praise its reliable traction — while cautioning it is tailored to mud, not all-around running.

Strengths
  • — Deep 5.8mm Mud Contagrip lugs deliver outstanding grip on mud and soft ground
  • — Wide, self-clearing lug gaps shed mud effectively
Watch-outs
  • — Specialist shoe — not an all-around or door-to-trail option
  • — Aggressive lugs feel awkward on hard-packed trail and pavement
$130.04 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →vs. Hoka Speedgoat 7 →
Altra Lone Peak 9
#3
Best for: trail runners and hikers who want zero-drop, a roomy toe box, and natural ground feel
Altra Lone Peak 9
from 3 sources$144.95as of Jun 7

The Lone Peak 9 is the zero-drop pick: Altra's classic trail shoe carries forward true zero-drop geometry and the famously roomy, foot-shaped toe box, now slightly wider in the forefoot. RunRepeat scored it 91/100, and reviewers praise its natural ground feel and dual trail-and-hiking versatility — though the zero-drop, low-stack design demands a transition.

Strengths
  • — True zero-drop geometry and signature foot-shaped wide toe box for natural toe splay
  • — Extra-roomy fit — slightly wider in the forefoot than the Lone Peak 8
Watch-outs
  • — Zero-drop and low stack require a transition for heel strikers and high-drop runners
  • — Gained weight versus earlier versions at about 10.9 oz
$144.95 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →vs. Hoka Speedgoat 7 →
Brooks Cascadia 19
#4
Best for: trail runners and hikers who want a versatile, durable all-rounder at a sensible price
Brooks Cascadia 19
from 3 sources$149.95as of Jun 7

The Cascadia 19 is the versatile, value all-rounder: Brooks slimmed and sharpened its long-running trail workhorse into a faster, more fun shoe that still handles varied terrain and doubles as a hiker. RunRepeat scored it 86/100, Run To The Finish rated it 90%, and reviewers praise its reliable traction, comfort, and adventure-ready durability.

Strengths
  • — Slimmer, faster, and more fun than recent Cascadias while staying versatile
  • — Reliable TrailTack Green traction across varied surfaces and weather
Watch-outs
  • — Shallower 3.8mm lugs are outclassed in deep mud
  • — Heavier than nimbler trail shoes at about 10.8 oz
$149.95 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →vs. Hoka Speedgoat 7 →
Saucony Peregrine 14
#5
Best for: value-minded trail runners — from beginners to experienced — who want a capable all-rounder
Saucony Peregrine 14
from 3 sources$140

The Peregrine 14 is the best-value trail shoe: a lightweight, versatile all-rounder with deep PWRTRAC lugs and a comfortable ride, priced closer to $100 than $200. RunRepeat called it an excellent pick for value, comfort, and versatility, iRunFar recommended it as a do-it-all shoe at a great price, and Running Shoes Guru scored it 10/10.

Strengths
  • — Excellent value — strong all-around trail performance well under premium pricing
  • — Deep, chevron-shaped PWRTRAC lugs grip well in dry conditions and handle moderate mud
Watch-outs
  • — Grip slides on wet wood, moss, and slick organic matter
  • — Lower stack offers less cushioning than max-stack rivals on long rocky runs
$140 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →vs. Hoka Speedgoat 7 →

Spec comparison

5 products
SpecHoka Speedgoat 7Salomon Speedcross 6Altra Lone Peak 9Brooks Cascadia 19Saucony Peregrine 14
Weight9.7 oz (M)10.4 oz (M)10.9 oz (M)10.8 oz (M)9.4 oz (M)
Drop4mm10mm (14.1mm measured)0mm6mm (7.8mm measured)4mm (2.2mm measured)
Stack height37mm heel / 33mm forefoot36.5mm heel / 22.4mm forefoot23.3mm heel / 23.3mm forefoot34.8mm heel / 27.0mm forefoot27.3mm heel / 25.1mm forefoot
Support typeNeutralNeutralNeutral (zero-drop)NeutralNeutral
CushioningMax (supercritical EVA)Moderate (EnergyCell)Moderate (Altra EGO)Moderate (DNA Loft v3)Moderate (PWRRUN)
OutsoleVibram MegagripMud ContagripMaxTracTrailTack GreenPWRTRAC
Lug depth5mm5.8mm3.8mm3.8mm4.7mm
Width optionsStandard, WideStandard, WideStandard (foot-shaped), WideStandard, WideStandard, Wide

Frequently asked questions

What is the best trail running shoe?
Hoka Speedgoat 7 is our top pick for trail running shoes, with an averaged rating of 4.7/5 from 3 published reviews. The Speedgoat 7 is the best-overall trail shoe: Hoka's flagship pairs a new supercritical midsole with the gold-standard Vibram Megagrip outsole for a cushioned, grippy, genuinely do-everything ride. RoadTrailRun's testers scored it around 9.7/10, iRunFar named it a top pick, and Believe in the Run praised its refined, versatile feel.
What's the runner-up if the top pick is unavailable?
Salomon Speedcross 6 (around $130.04) rates 4.5/5 in our analysis. The Speedcross 6 is the mud-and-soft-ground specialist: deep 5.8mm Mud Contagrip lugs and a foot-hugging, protective upper make it the grip king on soft, loose, and wet terrain. RunRepeat scored it 89/100, and reviewers from iRunFar to Running Shoes Guru praise its reliable traction — while cautioning it is tailored to mud, not all-around running.
How does Verdict rank these products?
Every rating on Verdict is the numerical average of scores published by independent review sites, YouTube reviewers, and Reddit buyer reports. No editor adjusts the order — the ranking is whatever the source data produces. See our methodology page for the full process.
When was this guide last updated?
This guide was last re-checked in May 2026. We re-run our research pipeline for each category on a rolling basis so prices and rankings reflect current market reality.

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