If you like running in the mountains, hiking or trekking, here you can find the best trail running shoes that currently exist on the market.
Unlike running shoes, the trail shoes are specially made for all types of terrain, mud, rocks, asphalt etc .
Surely there are versatile running sports shoes that can also be used for more uncomfortable terrain. However, if you really want to have the guarantee that your feet and knees will be safe during excursions to the mountains, you need one of these on your feet!
Once you have decided to find the ones that best suit your needs, questions are always raised when buying the best trail running shoes . This is why we have selected the ones that are currently hitting the hardest.
The 7 best trail running shoes of 2020
There are numerous models and brands of this type of mountain footwear. However, one of the most important differentiations comes from the hand of the different sexes. In the following list you can find the 7 best trail running shoes for both men and women.
❝ Its minimalist lacing system and water-resistant materials make waterproof trail running shoes ❞
These Salomon XA GTX from Salomon will mold perfectly to multiple surfaces, rock, mud or asphalt. Thanks to its sole made of light and resistant rubber , you will travel through forests, valleys and trails in complete safety.
Salomon XA Pro 3D GTX is made of waterproof material ( Gore-Tex) , allowing you to cross the most uncomfortable and difficult terrain, keeping your feet dry and safe at all times.
They are characterized by their extreme lightness, since their weight does not exceed 400 grams , providing you with greater resistance on your kilometer routes.
Additionally, you won't have to worry about checking your laces continuously, as it develops an easy and safe tying system .
Accompanying the closure system, our feet will feel at home thanks to its Sensifit system . On the other hand, this trail shoe has great lateral stability thanks to the advanced Chassis 3D .
Features :
Side protections : Yes
Tying System : Quicklace
Adaptation to the terrain : High
For whom? Man
Sole height : 3.3 cm
Waterproof materials : Yes
Salomon XA Pro 3D GTX is made of waterproof material ( Gore-Tex) , allowing you to cross the most uncomfortable and difficult terrain, keeping your feet dry and safe at all times.
They are characterized by their extreme lightness, since their weight does not exceed 400 grams , providing you with greater resistance on your kilometer routes.
Additionally, you won't have to worry about checking your laces continuously, as it develops an easy and safe tying system .
Accompanying the closure system, our feet will feel at home thanks to its Sensifit system . On the other hand, this trail shoe has great lateral stability thanks to the advanced Chassis 3D .
Features :
Side protections : Yes
Tying System : Quicklace
Adaptation to the terrain : High
For whom? Man
Sole height : 3.3 cm
Waterproof materials : Yes
Pros :
- Great lateral stability
- Composed of waterproof materials (GTX)
- Minimalist tying system
Cons :
- High price
❝ Super water resistant sports watch, very suitable for water activities and swimming ❞
These trail running shoes are very similar to the previous ones, they differ both in weight and in their 3D design that offers excellent lateral stability.
As we say, Salomon XA Pro 3D weighs between 350 and 400 grams, it will always depend on the foot size you use. Even so, we can consider it as a fairly light mountain shoe .
Additionally, when stepping on, we will be completely sure that we will have good cushioning thanks to the OrthoLite insole system . Likewise, its Contagrip sole fully adaptable to both damp and wet soils , will provide us with a perfect grip on the ground.
Finally, and so that you do not have any type of problem with the tying system, it develops the Quicklace lacing system , characterized by its simple and easy way of being tied even in very cold circumstances.
Features :
Side protections : Yes
Tying System : Quicklace
Adaptation to the terrain : High
For whom? Man
Sole height : 3.1 cm
Waterproof materials : No
As we say, Salomon XA Pro 3D weighs between 350 and 400 grams, it will always depend on the foot size you use. Even so, we can consider it as a fairly light mountain shoe .
Additionally, when stepping on, we will be completely sure that we will have good cushioning thanks to the OrthoLite insole system . Likewise, its Contagrip sole fully adaptable to both damp and wet soils , will provide us with a perfect grip on the ground.
Finally, and so that you do not have any type of problem with the tying system, it develops the Quicklace lacing system , characterized by its simple and easy way of being tied even in very cold circumstances.
Features :
Side protections : Yes
Tying System : Quicklace
Adaptation to the terrain : High
For whom? Man
Sole height : 3.1 cm
Waterproof materials : No
- Damping could be improved
❝ There is no doubt that Salomon makes pure trail shoes better than anyone, this is a great example ❞
Without a doubt, this is one of the best hiking shoes . Salomon Speedcross 4 is exclusively designed for rough and stony terrain.
It incorporates a sole with which you will not resist any type of pavement, whether wet or dry . It is made from a special type of resistant rubber that offers aggressive grip on wet and slippery surfaces. We are talking about the Wet Tratction Contragrip .
The weight of this trail shoe is reduced to a minimum since it does not exceed 300 grams and its Quicklace lacing system will allow you to adjust the Salomon Speedcross quickly and safely, even with cold hands.
It has exterior coatings that will protect your feet against rocks or mud as well as vegetation. This, along with the insole and a comfortable interior for your feet, the adventures to the mountains are going to be terribly pleasant.
Features :
Side protections : Yes
Tying System : Quicklace
Adaptation to the terrain : High
For whom? Man
Sole height : 3.2 cm
Waterproof materials : Yes
It incorporates a sole with which you will not resist any type of pavement, whether wet or dry . It is made from a special type of resistant rubber that offers aggressive grip on wet and slippery surfaces. We are talking about the Wet Tratction Contragrip .
The weight of this trail shoe is reduced to a minimum since it does not exceed 300 grams and its Quicklace lacing system will allow you to adjust the Salomon Speedcross quickly and safely, even with cold hands.
It has exterior coatings that will protect your feet against rocks or mud as well as vegetation. This, along with the insole and a comfortable interior for your feet, the adventures to the mountains are going to be terribly pleasant.
Features :
Side protections : Yes
Tying System : Quicklace
Adaptation to the terrain : High
For whom? Man
Sole height : 3.2 cm
Waterproof materials : Yes
- Only the sole is waterproof
❝ Without a doubt, the best trail running shoes for women from the Asics brand. A true work of art ❞
Features :
We are without a doubt a work of art, it presents an unbeatable traction and elasticity which will provide you with incredible comfort in all types of forests , valleys and trails .
Asics Gel-Fujitrabuco 7 features an exterior with rubber coatings on both the toe and sides to protect the feet from shocks and vibrations . Additionally, to avoid excessive internal sweating, it has a mesh allowing air to flow out and enter freely.
The sole is composed of Eva gel, which together with its 2 centimeters of platform will provide a more than acceptable cushioning .
These trail running shoes are 3D welded , that is to say, the manufacture is made without seams reducing friction on your feet. It also has a flexible and lightweight midsole , making your trail rides more bearable.
Features :
Side protections : Yes
Tying System : Laces
Adaptation to the terrain : High
For whom? Female, Male
Sole height : 3 cm
Waterproof materials : No
Pros :
Cons :
- Exquisite cushioning
- Great conditioned and comfortable interior
- No friction or blisters
- Traditional tying system, although safe and resistant laces
❝ I'm talking about an extremely light trail shoe with a superbly conditioned interior ❞
With the Salomon Trailster Women dare to tread any terrain in a safe and stable way.
These trail running shoes for women show excellent comfort and lightness. They are designed to travel all types of roads with the greatest confidence and grip.
Thanks to its sole made with multiple types of rubber , you will enjoy extreme adaptability for soft and hard terrain.
They incorporate the traditional lacing system and are really light, only 260 grams of weight , it will seem that you are going barefoot.
Salomon Trailster W has an interior with a magnificent great breathability, since its linings are made of fabric. Additionally and thanks to its Sensifit systemand Ortholite die- cut insole they willallow your feet to adapt correctly and comfortably.
Features :
Side protections : Yes
Tying System : Laces
Adaptation to terrain : Medium
For whom? Woman
Sole height : 3.2 cm
Waterproof materials : No
With the Salomon Trailster Women dare to tread any terrain in a safe and stable way.
These trail running shoes for women show excellent comfort and lightness. They are designed to travel all types of roads with the greatest confidence and grip.
Thanks to its sole made with multiple types of rubber , you will enjoy extreme adaptability for soft and hard terrain.
They incorporate the traditional lacing system and are really light, only 260 grams of weight , it will seem that you are going barefoot.
Salomon Trailster W has an interior with a magnificent great breathability, since its linings are made of fabric. Additionally and thanks to its Sensifit systemand Ortholite die- cut insole they willallow your feet to adapt correctly and comfortably.
Features :
Side protections : Yes
Tying System : Laces
Adaptation to terrain : Medium
For whom? Woman
Sole height : 3.2 cm
Waterproof materials : No
- Traditional tying system
❝ They are the second best Asics model in terms of trail running shoes. A true trail running wonder ❞
Asics Gel-Fujitrabuco 6 offers great versatility, we are talking about shoes that could be used for both running and trail riding.
Especially aimed at the female audience , however, we also find the same model for men.
They incorporate a specific sole for running on unstable and stony terrain , so much so that they have a small platform with an 8 mm heel drop, thus avoiding overloading the feet.
Additionally, and thanks to their Sloped Speva technology , whose objective is to maintain the stability of the foot on descending terrain, they provide a very favorable correct support for ankles and knees.
Asics Gel-Fujitrabuco 6 incorporates reinforcements in the front part, right where the fingers are located, therefore, they will serve as protectors against any rock that crosses the road.
Features :
Side protections : Yes
Tying System : Laces
Adaptation to the terrain : Medium-high
For whom? Woman
Sole height : 3.1 cm
Waterproof materials : No
Especially aimed at the female audience , however, we also find the same model for men.
They incorporate a specific sole for running on unstable and stony terrain , so much so that they have a small platform with an 8 mm heel drop, thus avoiding overloading the feet.
Additionally, and thanks to their Sloped Speva technology , whose objective is to maintain the stability of the foot on descending terrain, they provide a very favorable correct support for ankles and knees.
Asics Gel-Fujitrabuco 6 incorporates reinforcements in the front part, right where the fingers are located, therefore, they will serve as protectors against any rock that crosses the road.
Features :
Side protections : Yes
Tying System : Laces
Adaptation to the terrain : Medium-high
For whom? Woman
Sole height : 3.1 cm
Waterproof materials : No
Pros :
- Recommended for both trail and running
- Perfect stability
- Much improved top model Asics Gel Fujitrabuco 7
- Damping could be improved
- Traditional tying system
❝ These Salomon are truly interesting for the female audience, they avoid overloads both on the calves and the ankles ❞
These trail running shoes for women have a combination of different types of rubber on their sole that allow a perfect adaptation on any terrain.
It is characterized by being extremely light , as it does not exceed 250 grams in weight . The linings are made by means of a mesh, allowing the correct internal perspiration of the foot , which together with its padded insole, surround it in a secure and stable way.
As we said before, it has a structure on its sole that offers special grip and robustness.
We are talking about Contragrid technology , developed by engineers, which consists of a combination of different types of rubber and geometries in its sole, adapting in a spectacular way to all types of stony terrain, both wet and dry.
Additionally, for the correct support of the foot, this Salomon X Mission 3 W has a minimalist lacing system that is very easy to handle even with cold toes.
Features :
Side protections : Yes
Tying System : Quicklace
Adaptation to the terrain : Medium-high
For whom? Woman
Sole height : 2.9 cm
Waterproof materials : No
It is characterized by being extremely light , as it does not exceed 250 grams in weight . The linings are made by means of a mesh, allowing the correct internal perspiration of the foot , which together with its padded insole, surround it in a secure and stable way.
As we said before, it has a structure on its sole that offers special grip and robustness.
We are talking about Contragrid technology , developed by engineers, which consists of a combination of different types of rubber and geometries in its sole, adapting in a spectacular way to all types of stony terrain, both wet and dry.
Additionally, for the correct support of the foot, this Salomon X Mission 3 W has a minimalist lacing system that is very easy to handle even with cold toes.
Features :
Side protections : Yes
Tying System : Quicklace
Adaptation to the terrain : Medium-high
For whom? Woman
Sole height : 2.9 cm
Waterproof materials : No
- Damping could be improved
Surely you have had that strange feeling of not having the foggiest idea which trail shoe to choose , or you are simply wondering what it is. Well, before going into more details we are going to clarify these two questions.
Therefore, trail running shoes will come in handy if..
- You often practice hiking or trekking etc.
- Sometimes you like to go on excursions to the mountains
- You compete and practice trail running (running on trails, roads, valleys)
- You want to give a gift to a family member or friend who is passionate about adventure.
Trail vs running shoes
There are some differences between running and trail shoes. While running shoes are shoes specially designed for running on smooth and asphalt surfaces , trail shoes are exclusively made with materials suitable for unstable and stony terrain.
The reality is that these types of shoes are also known as trail running shoes , that is, specially designed for marathons in the field where we will have to cross terrain with rocks, mud and weeds.
Therefore, the functionalities and the materials by which both sports shoes are made are different.

How to choose the best trail running shoes?
Once the differentiation between both sports shoes has been made and having made their usefulness clear, we are going to enter the matter, selecting the main factors that we must take into account when buying trail shoes.
Cushioning
Very important factor in the tread, like the weight, the cushioning could be definitive when it comes to doing long marathons or endless routes. Generally, the part of the shoe that is responsible for adequate cushioning is the sole and inner insoles .
Impermeability
If we are going to cross wet terrain or it just starts to rain or snow, we must bear in mind that getting trail shoes made with waterproof materials can sometimes be vital to keep our feet dry.
Additionally, and related to the interior of this type of footwear, we can highlight that the correct perspiration of our feet could avoid unwanted chafing and blisters, therefore, it is advisable to choose materials that let air in and out.
Reinforced coatings
While our interior must be well conditioned to avoid any type of contingency, the exterior also matters.
When it comes to running marathons or hiking on unstable surfaces with all kinds of materials, such as mud, rocks and weeds. It would be convenient for trail running shoes to incorporate coatings on the sides and front, since any branch or rock on the road can put us inserious trouble.
Tying system
We all know the traditional lacing system that sometimes is really uncomfortable since every 2 by 3 we have to be securing them.
However, some of the models that you will be able to find in this article develop the Quicklace minimalist tying system , consisting of elastic cords with an insurance so that both tying and untying are produced in a comfortable and safe way.
Where to buy the best trail running shoes?
Always, when buying any footwear, it is advisable to try it out before because most models tend to give more or less size. Therefore, it is an advantage to buy trail running shoes in sports stores or large commercial areas.
However, today we do not have much time to approach a physical store, and online e-commerce has never been so reliable. Specifically, I am talking about the official Amazon store , in addition to having numerous sizes, you will be able to see in detail the comments of users who have already bought that same model to ensure your purchase.
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