Trail Running Shoes – Best in Test 2026 – Top 10 Trail Shoes | Hardworkout Magazine

Key takeaways

- The shoes in this list have not been physically tested; the scores are an editorial assessment based on manufacturer specifications, external tests, customer feedback and price.

- Trail running shoes typically have a drop of about 3-6 mm, while many training shoes sit at around 8-10 mm.

- Lug depth usually varies between about 3 and 6 mm, with deeper lugs giving better grip in soft terrain and lower lugs performing better on hard trails and gravel.

- Only one of the ten models in the test, the Hoka Challenger 8 GTX, has a waterproof membrane; the other nine are not waterproof.

Are you looking for new trail running shoes? Here you get an overview of some of the best models on the market in 2026.

How do trail running shoes differ from ordinary running shoes?

Trail running shoes differ from regular running shoes in that they are designed for uneven surfaces. Grip, stability, fit, and durability are therefore of great importance. A good trail shoe provides secure traction on both wet and dry trails, keeps the foot stable in technical terrain, and has sufficient cushioning for longer runs.

At the bottom of the article, you can read more about the criteria for the test, as well as what to look for before buying trail running shoes. All the shoes in the test are of high quality and are models we can safely recommend, even though some score better than others on certain criteria.

Have these shoes actually been tested on foot?

Hardworkout.no is committed to ensuring that the tests are independent and credible. The products on this list have not been physically tested by us, and the assessment is based on the product's characteristics and features, external tests, customer feedback, as well as price.

You can read more about the criteria for the test further down in the article.

PS: Prices and selection may vary from day to day. The prices we provide are recommended prices. Online stores often have good offers and the products may be on sale at a lower price than what is stated here.

We always strive to keep the list updated with products that are in stock. Where there are multiple alternative prices, we link to several stores.

BEST IN TEST: [Merrell Agility Peak 6](https://hardworkout.no/Merrell-Agility-Peak-6)

The Criteria for the Test

This top list is based on specifications provided by the manufacturers and user reviews from Norwegian online stores.

We have compared models that are in stock at [Outnorth](https://hardworkout.no/outnorthhovedside), [Framsport](https://hardworkout.no/framsport-hovedside), [Nike](https://hardworkout.no/nike-hovedside), and [Løpeshop](https://hardworkout.no/loepeshop-hovedside) – and only included men's running shoes that are available in multiple sizes.

The scores are based on an editorial assessment of quality, function, and price, not on physical testing.

Grip (30)

How well the outsole is constructed to provide secure traction in the terrain.

Here, the rubber compound and pattern of the outsole and the depth of the lugs are evaluated. The depth of the lugs often varies between about 3 and 6 mm, where deeper lugs generally provide better grip in soft terrain, while lower lugs often perform better on hard trails and gravel.

Trail running shoes must provide good grip on wet roots, rocks, and muddy trails, while also functioning on harder surfaces like gravel and dry trails.

Stability (25)

How well the shoe is built to provide support and control on uneven terrain.

Here, the width of the sole, heel cap, side reinforcements, and construction of the midsole are evaluated. Stability is important when running on trails with roots, rocks, and sloped surfaces.

Fit (20)

How the shoe is designed to fit well on the foot during running in the terrain.

Here, the last, space in the toe box, heel cap, and how the upper holds the foot in place are evaluated. A good fit is important for comfort, but also for control when the surface is uneven.

Cushioning (15)

How well the shoe is constructed to absorb impact during running on trails and gravel.

Here, the type of midsole material and sole height are evaluated. Trail running shoes typically have less cushioning than shoes for asphalt, because the surface is often softer and because a lower sole height provides better control.

Durability and Build Quality (5)

Material choices in the outsole and upper, as well as reinforcements in vulnerable areas.

Running in the terrain exposes the shoes to more wear from rocks, roots, and branches, and good build quality is important for the model to maintain its shape and properties over time.

Price and Value for Money (5)

Price is assessed against specifications, build quality, and features.

More affordable models can score high if they provide a lot of function for the price, while more expensive shoes must deliver a corresponding level.

What to Look for When Buying Trail Running Shoes

What drop should a trail running shoe have?

Drop is the difference in height of the midsole between the heel and forefoot.

A shoe with 0 mm drop is completely flat, while a shoe with, for example, 8 mm drop means that the heel is 8 millimeters higher than the forefoot.

Previously, it was common to have quite a high drop on running shoes, often around 12–14 mm. Today, most models are lower.

Many training shoes are around 8–10 mm, while trail running shoes often have a drop of about 3–6 mm.

Lower drop provides a more direct contact with the surface and makes it easier to run with an active foot strike where the foot lands closer to the midfoot. Many experience that this provides a more efficient running stride in varied terrain.

Shoes with higher drop, on the other hand, may feel more comfortable for runners who land distinctly on their heels. The extra height at the back allows the stride to roll more naturally forward towards the forefoot.

In the terrain, many prefer a moderate or low drop because it provides better stability and more control when the surface is uneven.

Do you need as much cushioning on trails as on tarmac?

The need for cushioning in trail running shoes is usually less than in shoes used on asphalt.

Gravel, dirt, trails, and softer surfaces absorb some of the impact when the foot hits the ground. Therefore, many trail shoes prioritize stability, ground contact, and low weight over maximum cushioning.

At the same time, developments in recent years have led to several trail shoes combining good cushioning with low weight. This can be an advantage on longer trips or ultramarathons where comfort over many kilometers becomes important.

The most important thing is that the shoe provides good control in the terrain without the sole becoming so soft and high that stability is lost.

Trail Shoes with or without Gore-Tex?

Many trail running shoes are available both with and without a waterproof membrane, such as Gore-Tex.

Shoes without a membrane are often lighter, more flexible, and breathe better. They also release water more quickly if you run through marshes, streams, or wet grass.

Models with a waterproof membrane can be a good choice in cold and wet weather, or if you run a lot on snow and wet trails. The downside is that the shoe tends to be a bit stiffer and less ventilated. Once water gets into the shoe, it will also stay there.

The choice therefore mainly depends on where and when you run.

What is the difference between women's and men's trail shoes?

Most trail running shoes come in separate women’s and men’s models, but many models are also available as unisex.

The difference usually lies in the fit. Women’s models are often a bit narrower in the heel and have somewhat lower volume in the upper, while men’s models tend to be a bit wider.