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Best Trail Running Shoes, right now
Simple, no-nonsense recommendations with my personal top 2 picks for road-to-trail hybrids, all-mountain workhorses, ultra cushioned cruisers, and lightweight trail racers.
If you’re new to trails or just want one simple, no-fluff guide that covers everyone, you’re in the right place.
I’ve boiled it all down to just four easy categories and picked my absolute top two shoes in each; the ones I genuinely reach for and recommend to friends and subscribers every single week.
Quick note: I also run a separate YouTube channel and website called Alastair Running where I do full, in-depth video reviews of every shoe below (and many more).
Alastair Running
Running gear reviews, training tips, and thoughtful blogs for runners who like to ask why.
Alastair Dixon
So if you want my in-depth review of any of these, just watch the embedded video or read my review that I have included for each one — they’re all there waiting for you to enjoy! 😄
Here we go, the 8 best trail running shoes of the year (so far), picked for real runners like you.
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Best Road-to-Trail running shoes
Perfect for beginners or anyone who runs mostly on roads but wants to dip into light trails, gravel, and park paths without buying two pairs of shoes.
2. Altra Experience Wild 2
Price: $150 at Altra
Altra Experience Wild 2 review: this trail-weighted hybrid shoe Is Awesome
Light, stable, and smooth-rolling on mixed surfaces. This hybrid is built for runners who want one shoe that handles roads, gravel, and everyday trails with ease.
Alastair Dixon
Weight: 9.8 oz (men's US 9) | Drop: 4 mm | Fit: True to size, wide toe box
Wide toe box for natural foot splay, lightweight, and rolls beautifully from sidewalk to singletrack. Ideal if you like a low-drop feel or just want something that doesn’t cramp your toes.
1. KEEN Roam
Price: $165 at REI
KEEN Roam review: the most underrated road-to-trail hybrid I’ve tested this year
The KEEN Roam blends QuantumFoam cushioning, confident traction, and all-day comfort into a durable shoe built for real-world road-to-trail running.
Alastair Dixon
Weight: 10.6 oz (men's US 9) | Drop: 6 mm | Fit: True to size, roomy forefoot
My #1 hybrid right now. Super comfy straight out the box, great grip on light trails and wet pavement, and it lasts forever. Feels like a normal running shoe on the road but laughs at gravel and dirt.
Best All-Mountain trail running shoes
These are the do-it-all workhorses. The shoes most people should buy first if their focus is solely to hit as many trails as possible.
They handle fire roads, rocky singletrack, mud, and even the occasional ultra.
2. Mount To Coast T1
Price: $180 at Mount To Coast
Mount To Coast T1 Trail Running Shoes Review
All-mountain comfort, control, and grip. No break-in required, just lace up (twice), and hit the trails!
Alastair Dixon
Weight: 9.1 oz (men's US 9) | Drop: 4 mm | Fit: True to size, roomy toe box
Light, secure, and surprisingly grippy for how smooth it feels on the run. No break-in needed, just lace them up and go. Perfect if you want something a little lighter than the Xodus Ultra and still super capable.
The Best Running Rain Jackets, right now
The best running rain jackets (lightweight, waterproof, breathable), with links to my reviews. Tested by a professional running gear reviewer.
Alastair Dixon
1. Saucony Xodus Ultra 4
Price: $170 at REI
Saucony’s Xodus Ultra 4 digs deep for all-day trail comfort and grip
Built for long distances and sketchy terrain, this rugged trail shoe prioritizes protection, grip, and comfort over all out speed but that’s what makes it the best all-round trail running shoe right now.
Alastair Dixon
Weight: 10.7 oz (men's US 9) | Drop: 6 mm | Fit: True to size, medium width
My overall favorite trail shoe of 2026 (so far). Plush but not mushy, incredible grip, and it just feels confident on every kind of trail. I’ve put serious miles in these and they still perform great.
Best cushioned trail running shoes for ultra running
Big-mileage cruisers built for comfort on long runs, ultras, or just when your legs need extra love after a tough week of training.
50K Training Plan + ULTRA RACE GUIDE
In this guide, I’m sharing ALL my 50K Ultra Marathon training plans, tips, and racing secrets.
Alastair Dixon
2. Salomon Ultra Glide 4
Price: $160 at Salomon
Salomon Ultra Glide 4 review: max cushion that still feels in control on real trails
Relieve Sphere smooths out rocky miles, contaGRIP stays trustworthy, and the updated upper keeps long runs feeling comfortable.
Alastair Dixon
Weight: 9.7 oz (men's US 9) | Drop: 6 mm | Fit: True to size, medium width
Maximum cushion that still feels controlled and stable on technical terrain. The rocker makes long distances feel effortless.
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