7 Best Trail Running Shoes For Hiking: 2026 Guide

If you have ever been on a trail and thought, “why am I wearing these big clunky hiking boots” or “I miss my trainers,” you may want to invest in one of these best trail running shoes for hiking!

This is my updated 2026 guide to trail runners that will help make your next hike faster, lighter, and better!

Any pair of these trail running shoes is going to provide an amazing experience on the trails. You can make your decision based on your specific needs and how these shoes match up!

Each year, I hike and run 1000+ miles in Colorado. This provides the opportunity to extensively test four to seven new pairs of shoes each year. Over the past five years, I have tested 20+ different trail runners. Fore each shoe test, I will hike and run a total of 150-400 miles. I know these top picks in detail.

Are Trail Running Shoes Good for Hiking?

Yes! Unless it is a backpacking trip where I plan to carry more weight, I almost always wear my trail running shoes when hiking.

Trail runners are designed like sneakers but with special hiking shoe specs. Their soles are often made of grippy rubber with edged lug treads for better traction on steep switchbacks. Trail runners for hiking are flexible, lightweight, breathable, and get the job done.

I hike everywhere here in Colorado in my favorite trail runners (April 2026) – check out my thorough Saucony Peregrine 16 review for all the details!

Trail Running Shoes vs Hiking Shoes – What is better?

The best choices for hiking footwear are hiking shoes and trail running shoes. If you prefer or require added support, protection, and coverage, you could go for hiking boots – however they can feel heavy, clunky, and hot. In this post, we are focusing on shoes only.

Hiking Shoes

Hiking shoes are built like lighter, lower-cut hiking boots. Their rubber outsoles are often paired with stiff leather, a leather-mesh combination, or synthetic uppers. Hiking shoes are great for short backpacking trips where you plan to carry a light to medium load. They are also good for long, difficult day hikes and tough terrain. The midsoles and outsoles of hiking shoes are typically stiffer, offer more support and protection, and are more durable than trail runners.

Trail Running Shoes

Even if you don’t consider yourself a cardio king or queen nor plan on sprinting up switchbacks, trail running shoes are an excellent option for hiking. As mentioned earlier, they are built like sneakers but equipped with special functions to protect your feet from water, roots, rocks, and fatigue. Trail runners are popular among thru-hikers and ultralight backpackers for their lighter and more breathable feel. A proper hiking shoe may be better if you are prone to ankle or foot injuries and/or plan to carry a heavier load on your back.

What to Look For When Buying A Trail Running Shoe for Hiking

Lug Treads, Grip and Traction

When walking in mud or dirt, you may notice your shoe leaves behind a special pattern. This pattern is an imprint of your shoe’s tread – the (often rubber) part of the trail running shoe that touches the ground. Aggressive lug treads are the biggest factor differentiating trail running shoes from road running shoes. The tread on trail running shoes is made of lugs, protruding features that resemble cleats on the shoe’s outsole. In general, the larger and wider spaced the lugs, the better traction a shoe will have on surfaces like mud. However, these deep lugs (4mm – 7mm) can be uncomfortable when running on pavement or firmer surfaces. If you plan to run on hard-packed trails, opt for a shoe with shorter (2mm – 4mm) and more closely spaced lugs.

Pro Tip: For scrambling and/or running on rocky trails, buy trail runners with a “sticky rubber” outsole. The specialized rubber on trail runners like La Sportiva’s, have a specialized rubber that maximizes grip on rock. The rubber is softer and bendier, yet still durable.

Comfort and fit

Before you think about anything else – when you try on trail running shoes – ask yourself – do these feel comfortable out of the box?

If a shoe that you try on feels slightly strange or uncomfortable, it is most likely the wrong shoe for you. Do not be influenced by how the shoe looks (style) or the colors. Focus on how it feels. Your ideal trail runners should feel great immediately. There should not be any pinching, pain points, rubbing, slipping or sliding. Trail running shoes should fit somewhat like a glove – but with wiggle room.

Cushion

The cushion in your new trail running shoes is an important feature, and is determined by the midsole that is a foam sandwich between the grippy treads and the upper of the shoe.

Ultimately, whether you want your shoe to have more or less cushion is up to you. If you are unsure where to get started, here are some general guidelines:

More Cushioning: More cushioning is common for shoes that go on and off the trail. If you plan on running long distances or primarily on hard-packed trails, the extra cushioning may be easier on your joints.

Pro Tip: Heavy runners or those with knee and joint pain may find that well-cushioned shoes help reduce shock.

Less Cushioning: A minimalist shoe may be preferred on smooth, short-distance trails and/or if you prefer a close-to-ground feel when running.

Rock Plate

A rock plate or nylon shank is built into some trail runners to prevent your feet from rock bruising. If you run on pavement or smooth trails, rock plates are unnecessary. However, a rock plate for gravel or rocky technical trails can prove extremely valuable.

Waterproofing Features (Gore-Tex)

If choosing a shoe for cold conditions and wet weather, it is important to consider a trail runner’s waterproofing features. Waterproof shoes are often marked by “GTX” or “Gore-Tex,” meaning they have Gore-Tex waterproofing liners in the upper. Waterproof trail runners, however, are overkill in warm climates. They are not as breathable as non-waterproof shoes, making your feet hot and sweaty, which could lead to blisters. If you are worried about occasional rain or creek crossings, opt for a quick-drying, lightweight mesh shoe.

Heel-to-Toe Drop

For new runners, the heel-to-toe drop can be quite an obscure feature. It specifies how many extra millimeters of cushioning are in the heel compared to the toe. Choosing the length of a heel-to-toe drop depends on how you run. If you are a heel striker and first land on your heels when you run, a traditional drop (10mm – 12mm) will suit you well. Lower drops encourage midfoot strikes. For many, midfoot strikes are perceived as having a lower impact than heel strikes. You can find out what type of striker you are on your own or at a local running store.

The Most Popular Trail Running Shoe Brands

La Sportiva

Based in Italy, La Sportiva consistently creates technologically advanced, performance-driven trail running shoes. Their shoes are characterized by their unbeatable traction and durability. Generally, they have a narrower fit (though wide fits are becoming available, such as the Bushido III wide), are stiffer, and are built for challenging and rough terrain. Several models feature Goretex waterproof lining to keep your feet dry.

Salomon

Salomon trail running shoes are right at the top of the line with La Sportiva. The brand promises to deliver protection, stability, durability, and great precision when running – putting you more in touch with the Earth beneath your feet. Salomon shoes are generally firm and prioritize a responsive ride over a cushioned feel – like what you would get from our next brand, Hoka.

Hoka One One

As minimalist designs from brands like Altra started to peak in the early 2000s, Hoka did the exact opposite. Hoka is the King of Cushion, and for good reason – their trail runners provide the plushiest, softest shoes on the market. If you want your runs to be smooth and feel like you are floating, Hoka is your go-to brand.

Saucony

Out of the most popular trail running shoe brands, Saucony boasts the most versatile selection. They are known for their mantra “Run For Good” and inspire customers to create their running communities.

Altra

If you read the Hoka description above and ask yourself, “Why would anyone not want to feel the trail beneath them?” or “I prefer running barefoot,” look no further than to Altra. Altra trail runners are designed by the mantra less is more and are built to bring you back to how you naturally run. Their models are defined by a wider toe box, which allows your foot to expand and your toes to wiggle. Altra trail running shoes have little to no drop, which means your foot will fall and lay flat rather than from heel to toe (like most running shoes). Altra is the perfect brand for fans of the book “Born to Run” and you hippies who like the-toe running shoes.

Before buying a pair of trail runners based on our list, it is important to note that your best pick is based on what shoe style YOU prefer OR what fits your foot best! While these are some of the most popular models found on the cardio kings and queens of the Colorado Rockies, your #1 Pick should be based on your desired shape and comfort.

The Best Trail Running Shoes For All Hiking Scenarios

You can’t go wrong with any of these trail runners. These are the most popular and best quality for this season.

1) Most Popular Trail Running Shoe

Hoka Speedgoat 7

This shoe is the most popular trail running shoe because it delivers on amazing comfort out of the box with a lightweight feeling.

Why We Recommend: There is a reason why Hoka One One’s best-selling Speedgoat is a favorite cushioned trail running shoe for hiking as well. The unbeatable cushion makes rugged trails feel like you are walking on clouds. The new Speedgoat 7 features new Vibram Megagrip outsoles and lug tread pattern. This is an upgrade – the lug treads of older versions were not durable and rounded by 100 miles. This is a shoe known for comfort and cushion, which is true in my experience. However, the midsole cushioning in my experience is not long-lasting and fades by 150-200 miles. The cushion and comfort that is delivered by the next trail running shoe on our list is superior – the Saucony Peregrine 16 that I rate the best trail runner for hiking.

Once you put on Hokas, you won’t want to take them off. The shoes have been spotted with all types of outfits, from athleisure to business casual.

For more information on this trail runner, check out our complete review of the Hoka One One Speedgoat.

Check Prices: Hoka website | REI

2) Best All-Round Trail Running Shoe For Hikes

Saucony Peregrine 16

This is the best trail running shoe for hiking due to a very unique combination of soft cushioning and excellent foot protection that doesn’t interfere with feeling the details of the trails beneath our feet.

They are truly amazing – read my complete review of my new Saucony Peregrine 16s. I am updating the content each week as I hike and run the trails in Boulder, Colorado.

The Saucony Peregrine 16s (new February 2026) will keep your feet comfortable and happy for long hikes (10-20+ miles) or shorter hikes.

Why We Recommend  The Saucony Peregrine is a long-time favorite for its outstanding versatility as an off-road all-round trail running shoe. The Saucony Peregrine 16 is available in standard width, wide, and gore-tex. The shoe boasts high traction and the best foot protection on challenging terrain. The upper is wrapped with a mud guard to easily shed any mud after a hike or run. The new Vibram Megagrip outsole and lug treads are an upgrade vs the Peregrine 15s.

Check Prices: Saucony website | REI

3) Most Versatile Trail Running Shoe

Brooks Cascadia 19

I have owned 4 pairs of the Brooks Cascadia (16/17/18s) and have tested the standard width, wide fit, and the gore-tex versions. I am in the process of testing the new Brooks Cascadia 19s. What I like about the latest Brooks Cascadia 19s is the increase in midsole cushioning (4mm in the forefoot). This is great because previous versions lost the soft comfort feel at about the 150 mile mark (similar to the Hoka Speedgoat).

Why We Recommend: The Brooks Cascadia’s are perhaps the most durable trail running shoes which make them great for hiking in rocky terrain and on rough trails. Increasing cushion was an excellent idea because that is the only factor that rated average in the past.

Check Prices: Brooks website | REI

4) The Best Trail Running Shoe for Rugged and Off-Trail Terrain Adventure

La Sportiva Prodigio 2

The new Prodigio 2s seem like a totally different shoe than the original Prodigio’s.

Why We Recommend: The La Sportiva Prodigio 2 trail running shoes are really interesting. They are quite different than the original Prodigio that I have tested for 250+ miles on the trails of Boulder. The Prodigio 2s are noticeably more robust. The upper material looks more durable. The new midsole cushion feels thicker – the support is a bit firmer compared to the softer cushion feel that the original Prodigio’s had. The new lug treads are similar to the original Prodigio’s but look a bit bigger and more substantial so overall traction is improved. These trail running shoes are best for very rugged and rocky terrain for hikes above the treeline. The Prodigio 2s also are built for long days on the trails. All day long comfort for big hikes. This shoe is built better for hiking in my opinion.

Check Prices: La Sportiva website | REI

5) Best For Muddy or Mixed (Loose, Sandy, Messy) Terrain

Salomon Speedcross 6

Why We Recommend: The Speedcross 6 is a mid-weight, mid-cushion shoe with high performance. Designed for traction, 5 mm lugs provide grip on technical, soft, and muddy terrain and protect without a rock plate. A toe cap and anti-debris mesh protect the rest of the foot. The high-rebound midsoles provide excellent energy return, while the heel cradle provides stability. The shoe fits like the proverbial glove between the welded uppers and quick lace system. This rugged shoe will keep you comfortable for many miles or days on the trails.

Check Prices: Salomon | REI

6) Best Trail Running Shoe For Technical Terrain

La Sportiva Bushido III

Why We Recommend  Part of the La Sportiva Mountain Running Shoe line, the Bushido III is stable, grippy, and protective on rugged and technical terrain. The original Bushido was Trail Runner magazine Editors’ Choice Award, and the second generation is even more versatile. Moderate cushioning balances feeling the ground and comfort. The stiff and supportive sole is stable on rough terrain but unsuitable for the road. This trail runner is now available in a wide fit and that is what I tested and currently own. For me, they have limited use. I prefer a soft cushion feel. The Bushido IIIs are protective but do have a stiffer midsole feel to them.

These Italian shoes can be narrow, and they recommend sizing up by a half size.

There is also the La Sportiva Bushido III GTX with waterproof Gore-tex for women and men.

Check Prices: La Sportiva | REI

7) The Best Long Distance Trail Running Shoe

Why We Recommend The Altra Mont Blanc is the lightest weight, maximum cushion trail runner out there. It is designed for Vibram Litesole with micro and macro lugs provides maximum grip and traction without any extra weight. The minimal upper is breathable and lightweight but may not be as durable in the long run. Get these if you want the comfort of Hoka’s in a zero drop shoe.

Check Prices: Altra website | REI