Best Trail Running Shoes for 2026: Tested on Mud, Rock, and Everything Between
Road shoes on a muddy trail are a recipe for twisted ankles and bruised egos. I learned this the hard way on a Peaks fell run that turned into a controlled slide down a hillside in my Nike Pegasus. Since investing in proper trail shoes, I have gone from dreading off-road runs to actively seeking them out. The right shoe transforms trail running from sketchy to enjoyable.
What Makes Trail Shoes Different from Road Shoes?
Trail shoes have three key differences. The outsole has deeper lugs for grip on mud, rock, and loose ground. The midsole is firmer and often includes a rock plate to protect your feet from sharp stones. And the upper is more durable, with reinforced toe caps and water-resistant materials. They sacrifice some of the cushioned, bouncy feel of road shoes in exchange for protection, grip, and stability.
The Trail Shoes I Trust
Salomon Speedcross 6 — Best for Soft Ground
The Speedcross has been the go-to mud shoe for over a decade, and the version 6 maintains that reputation. The deep, aggressive lugs bite into soft ground like crampons, and the Contagrip outsole sheds mud rather than clogging. The quicklace system lets you cinch them tight without fiddling with laces in the cold. They are less comfortable on hard-packed trails or tarmac sections, but in genuine mud and soft terrain, nothing I have tested grips better.
HOKA Speedgoat 6 — Best All-Round Trail Shoe
If you want one trail shoe that handles everything, the Speedgoat is it. HOKA’s signature cushioning makes rocky descents comfortable, the Vibram Megagrip outsole works on wet rock, dry trails, and moderate mud, and the fit is roomy enough for long-distance comfort without being sloppy. I have used these for everything from local trail 10Ks to a 50K mountain race, and they performed consistently well everywhere.
Inov-8 Roclite G 275 — Best for UK Fell Running
Inov-8 is a British brand that designs shoes specifically for the kind of terrain you find in the Lakes, Peaks, and Scottish Highlands. The Roclite G 275 uses graphene-enhanced rubber in the outsole, which is remarkably grippy and durable. The shoe is light, nimble, and has enough cushioning for longer fell runs without feeling like a road shoe. If your running involves UK hills and variable weather, this is the shoe to try.
Nike Pegasus Trail 5 — Best for Mixed Terrain
If your runs involve a mix of road and trail — running from your front door to the nearest bridleway, for example — the Pegasus Trail is a solid crossover option. It uses Nike React foam for comfort on tarmac and a lug pattern that provides grip on moderate off-road terrain. It will not handle deep mud or technical rock, but for casual trail running and mixed-surface routes, it is a comfortable and familiar option for anyone who already runs in Pegasus road shoes.
How to Choose Your Trail Shoes
- Match the shoe to your terrain: Deep lugs for mud, Vibram soles for rock, lighter lugs for hard-packed trails. There is no single shoe that does everything perfectly.
- Consider waterproofing: Gore-Tex versions keep water out but also trap heat and sweat. I prefer non-waterproof shoes in summer and accept wet feet in winter — they dry faster.
- Get the right fit: Trail shoes should have a thumb’s width of room at the toe. Your feet swell on long runs, and a too-tight shoe leads to black toenails on descents.
- Drop and cushion: If you are transitioning from road shoes, start with a similar stack height. Going from a cushioned road shoe to a minimal trail shoe is asking for calf and Achilles problems.
- Try before you buy: Many specialist running shops offer trail shoe try-on sessions. The fit matters more than the brand name.
Trail running opens up a completely different world from road running. Better scenery, softer surfaces, more varied terrain, and far fewer cars. Invest in a pair of shoes that match your local trails, and you will wonder why you spent so long sticking to pavement.
