14 Best Trail Runners of 2026

The Lone Peak 7 delivers the roomy FootShape toe box and zero-drop platform that Altra fans love, giving your toes room to splay naturally on the trail. The soft midsole soaks up miles on dirt and gravel, and the low weight makes it easy to switch between hiking and running.

This shoe suits runners with wide feet or those transitioning to a natural stride who don’t need responsive stability on technical terrain. The cushioning can feel overly plush on rocky or uneven ground, and the outsole and mesh may wear through before 300 miles – treat it as a comfortable, short-season shoe rather than a long-term investment.

The Excursion TR14 prioritizes longevity over styling – its seam integrity and outsole wear rate outpace the newer TR15. This makes it a smart pick for budget-focused trail runners who cover technical terrain and don’t need the freshest look. Note that the fit runs small and narrow; ordering a half size up or selecting wide width is required for most. The aggressive tread provides good grip on loose soil but can feel less stable on hardpack surfaces – a tradeoff worth considering for mixed terrain.

The 3D chassis system delivers pronounced lateral support that pure trail runners lack, giving this shoe a planted feel on rocky descents and off-camber sections. It’s heavier and less nimble than dedicated models like the Speedcross 4, and the fit runs narrow — sizing up half to full size is necessary for wider feet. This works best for runners who want a stable, boot-like low-top for mixed terrain, and for hikers who occasionally run on trails.

The Charged Cushioning midsole delivers a smooth, road-like feel that works for easy trails and daily walks. It transitions comfortably from dirt paths to pavement, making it a true all-rounder. The moderate tread provides enough bite for packed dirt and grass but lacks deep lugs for mud or loose terrain. Best for runners who prioritize comfort and versatility over aggressive grip, though the snug toe box may require a half-size up, and the upper mesh can show wear within months.

The Gore-Tex lining handles rain, puddles, and muddy slop without making the shoe feel like a rubber boot. The Quicklace system makes adjustments quick on the move, and arch support is solid for longer runs.

Runners with narrow feet will appreciate the secure fit, but those with wider feet may need to size up half to full size. Outsole and lace durability has been noted as less robust than expected at this price point, particularly on rocky trails.

The Lone Peak 9’s MaxTrac outsole provides noticeably better traction on wet rocks and roots compared to the LP7. But the cushioning is firmer, and the overall experience doesn’t stray far from the previous version — making this a pick for Altra enthusiasts who want the latest tread, not for buyers chasing better value.

This premium-priced update retains the aggressive traction and comfortable ride of the Speedcross line. It costs more than the Speedcross 4 without delivering performance upgrades, and sole wear or seam issues can appear within months — something to weigh against the Speedcross 4’s longer track record. Best for buyers who want the latest colorway and are comfortable with a possible trade-off in long-term durability.

Solid build quality and all-day comfort make the Speedcross Peak a reasonable option for light trail use, but inconsistent sizing and reports of soles wearing through after limited mileage keep it from matching the Speedcross 4’s value. Best suited to Salomon loyalists who can confirm fit in-store and stick to soft terrain to preserve the outsole.

The Saucony Excursion TR15 delivers a comfortable fit and wide sizing at a low price, making it a good option for occasional trail runs and hikes. However, the upper mesh and outsole can wear faster than the previous TR14 model, so this shoe is best suited for light, infrequent use rather than heavy training.

The Dynasoft Tektrel V1 delivers a comfortable, lightweight ride on easy trails and pavement, with quality looks. However, the mild tread is not suited for technical terrain, and the narrow fit combined with reports of mesh tearing and outsole wear make it best for light trail use only.

The women’s Lone Peak 7 offers the same roomy FootShape toe box and zero-drop platform as the men’s version, making it appealing for those with wide feet. However, it’s nearly identical across genders, so fit preference matters more than the label. Durability is a concern — the outsole and mesh may wear out before 300 miles, so treat these as a consumable for heavy trail use.

Good arch support and attractive styling make this a comfortable choice for walking and light trails. The fit can run a full size small, so sizing up is recommended. The upper and eyelets may show wear under heavier use, so it suits casual rather than serious trail running.

At a budget-friendly price, the Terrex Tracefinder delivers comfortable cushioning and solid construction for light trail runs or walking. However, a persistent squeaking noise underfoot may be distracting in quiet settings, and the narrow fit may require sizing up. This makes it a reasonable pick for casual use where noise is less of a concern.

The Lone Peak 8 continues ALTRA’s FootShape toe box design, allowing natural toe splay on trails. However, without sufficient customer feedback or a listed price, it’s not possible to recommend this model over earlier versions or competitors. Skip this until more reviews and pricing become available.