Best trail running shoes 2019: storm over tough terrain

What's the best time for trail running? Every time is best for trail running, as long as you have the best trail running shoes on, let it be sunny June or windy October.

As much as it is great running when the weather is all sunny and happy, running during Autumn/Winter also has its upside: running can release serotonin in your brain, also know as the 'happiness-hormone', a much needed substance in the soul-slapping winter months.

Those planning to escape the tarmac and run off-road, should make sure you're lacing up a pair of shoes built to contend with everything the trail can throw at them. To help you find the perfect pair, T3's resident off-road running experts have hunted down finest trail running shoes available to humanity, from lightweight racers to full-on ice-busting, hill-conquering trainers that will transform you into a human mountain goat.

• Prefer the flat? These are the best running shoes
• The best running watch: because you will want to keep track of the miles you covered and calories burned
• Best head torches: headlamps for running, hiking, camping and fishing

How we picked the best trail running shoes

Our resident jocks, sorry, running experts, Matt, Kieran and Luke have sampled numerous trail running shoes from the best brands, to pick a selection that offers something for everyone.

Our pick for the best trail running shoe overall was the On Cloudventure Peak. This lightweight, versatile and fast off road shoe provides power on the ups and stability on the downs and is a great option for those who split their time between tarmac and trail. Serious ultra running mountain goats should definitely check out the inov-8 X-Talon 230, which set a new high for grip, comfort and durability on the tougher terrain. 

The other shoes are then listed very approximately in order of how much we like them.

However, you should also note there are also shoes in the list below for different off-road specialisations, different levels of grip and support, and so on. 

To help you make the best choice, we've indicated what we think each shoe is best for. 

Trail running shoes: a buying guide

Trail runners, just like road-running shoes, come in numerous variants, with something to suit every style and level of running ability.

High up the list of requirements for most people will be things like weight, grip, increased support, durability and decent waterproofing.

Most of the big brands like Nike and Adidas offer adaptations of your favourite road runners, but there are plenty of other brands that specialise in off-road running, such as inov-8 and Salomon, so don't restrict your search to the obvious. 

Your perfect trail running partners might even come from a brand you've never tried before.

Have a think about where you're going to run most. Do you want shoes that can cross comfortably from road to trail? Do you want a pair that's going to help you get over tough, stoney tracks? Or perhaps you're hitting hills that have just as much grass as dirt track.

Try on as many pairs of shoes as your patience can stand. If they feel in any way niggly in the shop, they're going to be 10 times worse when you're clambering down steep hills.

You want to find shoes that almost feel like they're not there the moment you slip them on. That's a good sign you're on the right track.

The best trail running shoes, in order

With a tagline like “as fast as the Alps are high”, the Cloudventure Peak sets a pretty lofty goal. The minimalist, highly flexible shoes have been stripped down to create the fastest shoe possible, whether you’re running up or down those challenging hills or powering along horizontal surfaces. 

The overriding goal is to make ascents and descents feel flatter, while still offering the cushioning, protection and durability you’ll need on unpredictable surfaces. 

• Buy On Running Cloudventure Peak from Amazon

To assist with this, the patented Speedboard tech (which has underpinned On’s running shoes since 2013) combines with the Cloudtec pods to propel you forward on the uphill stretches, all while helping you maintain your natural running style. 

On the up, the design reduces the temptation to transfer too much weight onto the forefoot and can unlock speed you didn’t know you had when powering up those mountains. 

Then, during your descent, the Cloudtec pods slide backwards on contact, offering you more support and cushion, and a little more resistance when planting your foot. Rather than the unpleasant slapping of the forefoot, the shoe encourages a nice forward roll for a feel more akin to cycling than running. 

For the Cloudventure Peak, On deployed a super-detailed micro-engineered, 4-level rubber grip profile, delivering different levels of traction and control where you need it most. 

Design wise, the Cloudventure Peak offers a considerably lower ankle profile than most of its competitors. It’s a striking design choice, even for a shoe company that thrives on them. However, this has enabled On to reduce the weight and prevent any unnecessary rubbing against the ankle. There’re also heel and toe caps to guard against those pesky rocks and tree roots that sometimes appear out of nowhere.

The Peak also offers a unique upper constructed from a lightweight, breathable, durable and fast-drying ripstop material. There’s an inner sock construction that eliminates blisters, while the slim and comfortable tongue helps to bring the weight (260g) down further. 

Unlike some trail running shoes, these are also stylish enough to wear around town and comfortable enough on a workday when a lot of walking is in order. 

On’s Cloudtec pods can split opinion, mainly because they’re prone to stone intrusion rather than any issues with the cushion provided. However, those unwanted passengers they tend to work themselves out relatively quickly. Also, it’s fair to say some runners (especially those with previous injuries) might miss the ankle support when tackling longer distances. 

Overall though, the innovative tech on board and the ability to unlock a more explosive running style makes the On Cloudventure Peak our top pick for trail running. Although not 'cheap' as such, they’re priced comparably to their competitors.

For those who enjoy On's road running shoes, this is the perfect equivalent if you’re planning a switch to the trails. It uses the same 6mm heel to toe offset, so you’ll feel right at home. 

• Buy Hoka One One EVO Speedgoat (Woman) directly from HOKA
• Buy Hoka One One EVO Speedgoat (Men) directly from HOKA

If you thought the word 'goat' only meant wall-climbing animal only, you would be wrong. Goat also stands for 'Greatest of all time', and the person who inspired the Hoka One One Speedgoat line is surely one of those people.

Named for HOKA Athlete Karl Meltzer, “The Speedgoat,” who holds the record for the most 100-mile trail race wins, the EVO Speedgoat offers elite traction and cushion with a racing-weight, resilient upper

The Hoka One One EVO Speedgoat builds on the foundation laid by the Speedgoat 3 and further improves it. The main difference between the Speedgoat EVO and the Speedgoat 3 is the upper and that the former is 11 grams lighter.

The Matryx upper textile features high-tensile synthetic fiber strands across the midfoot for added strength and durability as well as being made out if non-wicking treated fabric. This optimises water drainage and keeps your feet dry in damp environments.

The very shallow drop (Woman – 5 mm, Men – 4 mm) provides extra stability and maneuverability on uneven terrain.

Brand new for 2018, the All Out Crush 2 builds upon its popular predecessor, with a versatile trail shoe suited to long distance runs or hikes. It arrives with a waterproof Gore-Tex membrane that offers a lightweight (190g per shoe) construction with breathable protection. 

• Buy Merrell All Out Crush 2 Gore-Tex from Amazon

Vegan-friendly, the Crush 2 promises the same great traction thanks to the M Select Grip outsole, while comfort is there in abundance thanks to the Lycra neoprene heel lining and integrated footbed. If the heavens do open, you’ll also benefit from a fast-draining mesh and TPU upper. 

Merrell’s TrailProtect pad technology is also on board, delivering some additional support on those tough rocky routes. Some runners might find they run a little narrow so you might want to grab a wider size than normal. If you’re looking for a more agile running shoe for the summer, you may want to consider the Bare Access 3D Knit shoe, which offers a lower profile and a sock like fit. However, you’ll sacrifice the waterproof protection.

• Buy Saucony Peregrine ISO (Woman) directly from Saucony
• Buy Saucony Peregrine ISO (Men) directly from Saucony

The latest edition of Peregrine, an award-winning trail running shoes series, now features the ISOFIT system (hence the 'ISO' in the name). The ISOFIT is a "soft inner sleeve and floating support cage that combines to create a dynamic fit system that adapts to the shape and motion of the runner’s foot".

This means that the Peregrine will hug your foot on long runs out in the wild, ascending hills and descending in leafy forest trails.

The Peregrine ISO’s POWERFOAM midsole is lighter and 50% more responsive than standard EVA midsole from Saucony, so you'll have more directional control over the shoes.

The shoe’s 4mm heel-to-toe offset further helps to put you in control and promises a smoother ride.

The ISOFIT upper also aims to enhance the running experience by bringing the upper as close to the top of your feet as possible.

Time flies when you’re on the trail. The X-Talon shoe is celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2018 with the addition of the X-Talon 230. Alongside the new 210, it’s the first ever Inov-8 shoe to feature the brand new Stickygrip outsole. The claw-like 8mm moulded studs remain very much in play, but a new rubber compound offers much improved traction on all terrains. 

• Buy Inov-8 X-TALON 230 from Amazon

Inov-8 had also added a new flexible rockplate that lines up with each metatarsal, which can protect your feet against the nastiest protruding rocks. And make these shoes pretty much bullet proof. In the midsole, we’ve got Inov-8’s Powerflow+ tech, which offers a soft landing without dumping all of that hard-earned momentum into the ground.

In order to keep the X-Talon 230 as light as possible (230g as the name suggests), the company constructed the upper from new materials and is including a gusseted tongue and protective rang to keep out run-ruining debris and water.

If you’re after a slightly lighter and faster solution, the 210g X-Talon 210 offers the same Stickygrip tech, but you’ll lose the flexible rockplate. The stripped-back upper is also a little more breathable also comes minus the wraparound rand.

Most trail running shoes favour function over looks and, given they abuse they’re subjected to, that’s not surprising. But with the Salomon Sense Ride, you get a pair of trail blazers that you can look down at and enjoy the view.

• Buy Salomon Sense Ride from Amazon

Beyond the pleasing aesthetics, the Sense Ride is headlined by the Vibe cushioning system, which helps to disperse vibrations from shock before they reach your foot. The EnergyCell+ tech within the midsole also delivers great energy return, while the Contragrip outsole is designed to combat wet and slippery surfaces.

The upper has Salomon’s trademark easily-adjustable quick-lace technology, and the laces themselves contain Kevlar fibres that encourage one-pull tightening. Once you’ve got the perfect fit, the laces can be tucked a way into a pocket and won’t interfere with your run. Salomon also includes its Endofit inner sock, promising a snug fit and heightened foot security.