9 Best Men’s Trail Running Shoes That Could Improve Your Experience
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With warm weather approaching, it’s almost time to trade your road running shoes for a pair equipped for the trails. And several leading brands in the market have great sneakers that could improve your off road running experience.
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The trail running market is ultracompetitive, with labels from the athletic industry (such as Brooks, New Balance and Hoka One One) and outdoor space (including Merrell and Salomon) competing for consumers. The result is a wide array of great shoes for the activity.
Tips and Notes
Not all trail runners are the same. Some are great for firm terrain and others are better for loosely packed dirt and rocks. And then you have road-to-trail transitional shoes to choose from. Make sure you buy the style built to take on the terrain you’re tackling.
Keep in mind how the cushioning will impact your run and why you’re on the trail. The underfoot feel from shoe to shoe is vastly different. Some provide plush cushioning that doesn’t allow you to feel what you’re running on while others feature far less and will let you feel every root and rock. If you’re competitive and going for time, you may want to sacrifice cushioning. If you’re out for enjoyment, a cushy ride may be for you.
Below, shop nine of the best trail running shoes for men based on sales and user reviews that are on the market today.
1. Hoka One One Torrent
The brand developed this shoe to incorporate both cushioning and agility and equipped it with several technologies such as its responsive ProFly midsole, protective forefoot and toe box overlays and a high-traction rubber outsole with an aggressive lug pattern.
Hoka One One
Hoka One One Torrent
2. Merrell Bare Access XTR
This shoe is for the runner who wants a solid connection to the ground. The style, which is deigned with a barefoot feel, is built with a Vibram TC5+ sticky rubber outsole and a mesh and TPU upper.
Merrell
Merrell Bare Access XTR
3. Saucony Peregrine ISO
The Saucony style boasts the brand’s acclaimed Everun cushioning tech atop its Pwrfoam midsole, which combined is built to provide greater energy return and a smoother ride. Also, it is equipped with its proprietary Pwrtrac outsole to give it solid traction across all terrains.
Saucony
Saucony Peregrine ISO
4. Salomon Speedcross 5
This look is designed with comfort in mind. Salomon equipped it with a breathable seamless upper, OrthoLite insoles and the brand’s energy-returning EnergyCell+ midsole.
Backcountry.com
Salomon Speedcross 5
5. Adidas Outdoor Terrex Agravic XT GTX
With the Terrex Agravic XT GTX, the brand wants you stay energized and dry throughout your run. To accomplish this, the brand equipped the shoe with a Gore-Tex waterproof membrane and its acclaimed energy-returning Boost midsole cushioning.
Adidas Outdoor
Adidas Outdoor Terrex Agravic XT GTX
6. New Balance Minimus 10v1 Trail
You’re sure to feel the terrain under your feet with this minimalist shoe. It features a Vibram outsole to keep your feet protected, which is paired with a flexible upper made of synthetic materials and mesh. But there’s something you need to keep in mind when buying: New Balance warned on its website that the shoe runs small and suggesting ordering a half size larger.
New Balance
New Balance Minimus 10v1 Trail
7. La Sportiva Bushido 2
The biggest change to the latest Bushido style from its predecessor is the grip, which has been enhanced for the new model. Also, the Bushido 2 features a sock-like fit, an upper with the brand’s AirMesh material and a TPU toe cap for durability.
Moosejaw
La Sportiva Bushido 2
8. Altra Timp 1.5
Tired of debris getting inside your shoe? Altra has the answer. Its Timp 1.5 has a 4-Point GaiterTrap made to keep your gaiter secure to your shoe to keep rocks and dirt out. It also features the brand’s aggressively-lugged TrailClaw outsole tech.
Road Runner Sports
Altra Timp 1.5
Brooks Cascadia 13
This shoe is built specifically with traction and durability in mind. It features an improved lug pattern from past styles and the brand’s 3D Rubber Print Mud Guard to minimize the damage caused by debris.
Brooks
Brooks Cascadia 13
All products featured have been independently selected and curated by our editorial team. If you buy something through the links included on our site, FN may earn a commission.
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