Overall Trail Running Shoe Rankings
Here are the current overall rankings of our best Trail Running Shoes reviewed on Mountaineerjourney.com to date.
Some rankings may change we continually update our reviews with continued testing
1. NNormal Kjerag 2
Pros
- VERY comfortable
- Excellent on technical terrain
- Matryx Upper
- VERY durable
Cons
- Price
- Non-waterproof
2. Brooks Cascadia 19
Pros
- Exceptional traction across varied terrain types
- Only 11 ounces
- VERY good stability
- Comfortable Footbed
- Available GTX version
Cons
- Not quite on par with Vibram Megagrip in extremely slippery situations
- Limited performance on loose scree
3. Hoka Mafate X
Pros
- Exceptional comfort for ultra-distance trail adventures
- 49mm stack height
- Surprising energy return from the carbon plate
- VERY durable
Cons
- Heavy at 12.5 oz (men’s size 10.5)
- High stack height creates occasional instability
- Stiff shoe construction reduces flexibility and ground connection
- Price
4. Hoka Challenger 8
Pros
- Excellent Comfort
- Improved Upper
- Ultra Lightweight
- Ultimate Trail To Road Shoe
Cons
- Average Durability
- Soft Outsole
- Shallow Lugs
5. Merrell Agility Peak 5
Pros
- Excellent stability on technical terrain
- Rock plate for superior protection
- Gore-tex (waterproof) options availableÂ
- Gaiter compatibility
- Engineered with sustainable materialsÂ
Cons
- Very firm rideÂ
- Needs Better Heel Cushioning
- Fits larger than expected
6. Altra Olympus 6
Pros
- Exceptional toe room with Altra’s Original FootShape design
- Plush 33mm stack height
- Outstanding breathability with improved ventilation system
- Reliable grip with Vibram Megagrip outsole and deeper 3.5mm lugs
Cons
- Heavy at 15.5 oz (439g) for a trail runner
- May feel unstable on technical terrain due to high stack
- Zero-drop requires adjustment period for some runners
7. Hoka Challenger 7
Pros
- Fits true to size, no break-in period required
- Excellent torsional rigidity in the heel
- Good responsiveness in midsole
- Only 10 ozÂ
- Performs better than most trail runners on pavement
Cons
- Too soft for VERY technical terrains
- Lugs will tend to wear quicker than other models
8. Hoka Stinson 7
Pros
- Exceptional cushioning with 40mm heel stack height
- H Frame technology provides incredible stability despite high stack
- Versatile performance on roads, gravel, and light trails
- Durable, with quality materials
- Hoka’s best technical trail runner for maximalist comfort
Cons
- Heavy weight at 12.5 oz may feel sluggish
- Limited traction on wet rocks and technical terrain
- Less breathable than lighter trail shoes
9. Hoka Mafate 5
Pros
- Exceptional Comfort
- Aggressive Traction
- Outstanding Impact Absorption
Cons
- Price
- Not good on technical trails
- Stability downgrade
10. Salomon Speedcross 6
11. Altra Lone Peak 9+
Pros
- Zero drop technology, an Altra staple
- Stoneguard Inset for increased stability on tough terrain
- Extremely lightweight, weighing in a 11 ozÂ
Cons
- Durability Issues
- Price
12. Hoka Speedgoat 6
PROS
- Outstanding traction
- Very secure
- Great on-trail feedback
- Most versatile trail runners (can use for hiking shoes as well)
CONS
- Issues with comfort on upper
- Lower heel-to-toe drop (5mm)
- Foot fatigue
- Price
13. Brooks Cascadia 18
Pros
- Excellent value at a competitive price point
- Reliable fit with gaiter attachment compatibility
- DNA Loft v2 foam provides consistent cushioning in all temperatures
- Enhanced grip with TrailTack Green outsole
Cons
- Heavier than some competitors at 11 oz
- Thin toe box mesh durability concerns
- Limited reflective elements for low-light visibility
- Lacks trail sensitivity
14. Hoka Speedgoat 5
**Limited Availibility**
Pros
- Great traction and stability
- 4mm heel drop
- Extreme comfort
- Durability that will last years
- Great value for shoes that have been on the market for over 2 years
- Mid Version Availible
Cons
- Traction lugs could be more spaced apart
- Very wide toe box for a trail runner
- Lacks breathability at times
15. Salomon Sense Ride 5
Pros
- Great trail feel
- Excellent stability & support
- Ultra Lightweight
- High heel to toe drop (8mm)
Cons
- 21mm forefoot stack height
- Decent comfort
- Not for ultra distance trails
16. Merrell Morphlite
Pros
- Extremely lightweight at 8.4 oz
- $100 compared to average trail shoe at $145
- Soft FloatPro foam midsole provides comfortable ride
- Dual gusseted tongue
- Incorporates recycled materials supporting sustainability goals
Cons
- Narrow fit with 89 mm forefoot width unsuitable for wide feet
- Actual 11mm drop significantly differs from advertised 6mm
- Shallow 2mm lug depth limits technical terrain performance
Updates
- 7/1/25 Added Altra Olympus 6
- 8/10/25 Added Hoka Stinson 7, Hoka Mafate X, and Hoka Challenger 8
- 8/30/25 Added Merrell Morphlite, NNormal Kjerag 2,Brooks Cascadia 19 and Hoka Mafate 5
- 8/2/25 Hoka Speedgoat 6 dropped from 7.9 to 7.8 after updated testing
Tyler
Our Founder Tyler has over 15+ years of experience in the outdoors, including Hiking, Trekking, Mountaineering, Survival Skills, and much more. Tyler also serves as a Mountain Guide.
