Best Trail Running Shoes 2021

The North Face brings speed to the trails with the innovative Flight Vectiv.

Featuring a 3D carbon-fiber plate integrated into a dual-density midsole foam, the Flight Vectiv strikes a balance between propulsive responsiveness and supportive cushion. Fleet Feet reviewers love the energy return and snappy ride the carbon-fiber plate delivers over technical terrain.

The dual-density foam is softer at the forefoot and more rigid toward the heel to offer support and create a rocker that supports your natural gait while generating forward momentum. A new Matryx upper designed from Kevlar provides the necessary support to keep your foot on the carbon-fiber plate. The upper also features a reinforced toe cap for the added durability you need on the trails.

Read our review of The North Face Flight Vectiv.

A favorite among beginner and experienced trail runners, the updated Brooks Cascadia 16 is full of pop and foot protection with Brook’s plush DNA Loft v2 foam and Ballistic Rock Shield.

Unique grooves on the midsole and outsole conform and grip to rocky terrain and give you excellent stability and confidence on uneven trails.

The Cascadia 16 keeps your feet cool and protected on hot days thanks to a reinforced toe cap for knit mesh for durability and ventilation.

The padded heel collar keeps your foot secure and prevents debris from climbing down your shoe during your run, making the Cascadia 16 a do-it-all trail running shoe. Plus, if you tend to have a wider foot or like to wear thicker socks on your runs and hikes, Brooks offers wide widths for both men and women.

The Altra Lone Peak 5 offers one of the most unique fits and rides of any trail running shoe on this list.

Trail running in the Lone Peak gives you a connected feel to the ground without skimping on cushion or protection. Altra’s 0mm drop encourages a natural stride and makes a huge difference when it comes to avoiding ankle-sprains while their balanced AltraEGO™ cushioning gives you a soft and responsive ride.

When you’re on the trail, control and confidence in your trail shoes mean everything. The Lone Peak’s sticky MaxTrac™ outsole gives you an unbeatable grip whether you’re ascending a steep climb or pumping the brakes downhill. No matter what type of trail you’re conquering, the updated StoneGuard™ brings an extra layer of protection from roots and rocks.

Perfect for staying comfortable during long days on the dusty trail, Altra’s FootShape toe box is roomy enough for most wide feet and lets the toes splay and balance without rubbing the sides of the shoe. The Altra Lone Peak 5 is a do-it-all trail shoe for hikers and runners and is a no-brainer if you have trouble finding shoes that fit your feet comfortably.

The Brooks Catamount blends rugged durability and lightweight cushion for a plush ride on trails.

The Catamount is built on a lightweight DNA FLASH foam midsole. This nitrogen is feather-light and bouncy, delivering a responsive ride off-road. The thick, cushioned midsole works with Brooks TrailTack outsole to provide support and grip on the trails.

An upper built from lightweight mesh keeps your foot ventilated and allows for drainage after stream crossings. The midsole includes a rock plate to protect your foot from the impact of uneven terrain.

Read our review of the Brooks Catamount.

Featuring new Fresh Foam technology, the New Balance Fresh Foam More Trail v1 combines precision plushness with rugged durability.

Using recent advancements in shoe fit data, New Balance constructed the More Trail v1 with strategically placed support and cushioning in the midsole to absorb impact. The lugged outsole offers all-terrain traction while the water-resistant upper lets you take stream crossings with ease.

With the thickest Fresh Foam midsole yet, the More Trail v1 delivers extra protection on even the rockiest trails. The Fresh Foam construction cups around your heel and midfoot for a secure fit, providing cushioned protection and lightweight performance on even the most challenging trails.

Read our review of the New Balance Fresh Foam More Trail v1.