10 Best Trail Runners and Hiking Shoes of 2026
Trail runners and hiking shoes have become increasingly popular with hikers and backpackers because they’re lighter weight than hiking boots and dry faster. The biggest difference between trail runners and hiking shoes is that (low) hiking shoes, which tend to be heavier and more durable, can only be used for walking, while trail runners can be used for walking and running. Given their popularity among hikers, it makes sense to list them together so you can weigh their pros and cons.
| Men's Model | Type | Women's Model | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Altra Lone Peak 9+ | Trail Runner | Altra Lone Peak 9+ | $160 |
| Hoka Speedgoat 7 | Trail Runner | Hoka Speedgoat 7 | $165 |
| Salomon Speedcross 6 | Trail Runner | Salomon Speedcross 6 | $150 |
| Topo Ultraventure 4 | Trail Runner | Topo Ultraventure 4 | $155 |
| La Sportiva Wildcat | Trail Runner | La Sportiva Wildcat | $160 |
| Brooks Cascadia 19 | Trail Runner | Brooks Cascadia 19 | $150 |
| Merrill Moab 3 | Hiking Shoe | Merrill Moab 3 | $140 |
| Danner Trail 2650 GTX | Hiking Shoe | Danner Trail 2650 GTX | $210 |
| KEEN Targhee WP IV | Hiking Shoe | KEEN Targhee WP IV | $170 |
| Oboz Firebrand II Low WP | Hiking Shoe | Oboz Firebrand II Low WP | $175 |
Preferences vary widely, however, and some hikers prefer waterproof footwear, thick cushioning, more durable hiking shoes, or ultralight mesh trail runners that dry quickly when they get wet. Regardless of your preferences, it’s important to choose footwear that fits well and is appropriate for the conditions you plan to hike in, especially regarding temperature, terrain difficulty, and the weight of the loads you expect to carry.
Here are the 10 best trail runners and hiking shoes that we recommend.
1. Altra Lone Peak 9+ Trail Runners
- Type: Trail Runner
- Cushion: Medium
- Drop: 0 mm
- Wide Sizes: Yes
- Durability: Average
2. Hoka Speedgoat 7 Trail Runner
- Type: Trail Runner
- Cushion: Maximum
- Drop: 5 mm
- Wide Sizes: Available
- Durability: Average
3. Salomon Speedcross 6 Trail Runner
- Type: Trail Runner
- Cushion: Medium
- Drop: 11 mm
- Wide Sizes: Available
- Durability: Excellent
4. Topo Ultraventure 4 Trail Runner
- Type: Trail Runner
- Cushion: Maximum
- Drop: 5 mm
- Wide Sizes: Available
- Durability: Average
5. La Sportiva Wildcat Trail Runner
- Type: Trail Runner
- Cushion: Medium
- Drop: 12 mm
- Wide Sizes: No
- Durability: Above Average
6. Brooks Cascadia 19 Trail Runners
- Type: Hiking Shoe
- Cushion: Maximum
- Drop: 6 mm
- Wide Sizes: Available
- Durability: Above average
7. Merrell Moab 3 Hiking Shoes
- Type: Hiking Shoe
- Cushion: Medium
- Drop: 11 mm
- Wide Sizes: Available
- Durability: Excellent
8. Danner Trail 2650 GTX Hiking Shoe
- Type: Hiking Shoe
- Cushion: Medium
- Drop: 8 mm
- Wide Sizes: Yes
- Durability: Excellent
9. KEEN Targhee IV Waterproof Low Hiking Shoes
- Type: Hiking Shoes
- Cushion: Medium
- Drop: 12 mm
- Wide Sizes: Yes
- Durability: Excellent
10. Oboz Firebrand II Low Hiking Shoes
- Type: Hiking Shoe
- Cushion: Medium
- Drop: 15 mm
- Wide Sizes: Yes
- Durability: Excellent
How To Choose Hiking Shoes and Trail Runners
There’s a lot of variety available when it comes to hiking footwear and ad people have a wide range of personal preferences. This is why we highly recommend that you try lots of different options if you’re making a new selection, so you can discover what your preferences are. Here are some guidelines about things you should consider when choosing between different hiking boots, trail shoes, and trail runners. For example, some thru-hikers can get an entire hike out of a pair of hiking shoes but will go through three or more pairs of trail runners to travel the same distance. That can get kind of expensive, as you can imagine.
Hiking Shoes vs Trail Runners: What’s the Difference?
Hiking shoes are really just meant for walking, while trail runners can be used for walking or running. That’s probably the simplest definition. The truth is there is a lot of overlap between the categories. In general however, you’ll find that hiking shoes are heavier and more durable, while trail runners wear out much more quickly because they’re lighter weight and made with less durable materials.
Sweat can lead to blisters
The buildup of sweat inside of hiking footwear and your socks can lead to blisters. When your socks stick to your skin, they can cause friction, and a friction burn, which is how blisters form. Breathability is key to preventing sweat build-up, which is why so many hikers prefer mesh hiking footwear since it dries while you wear it.
Black toenails indicate a poor fit
If your toenails turn black when you hike, it’s because your toes do not have enough room in the front of your footwear. Size up or select footwear that has a larger toe box by design. Altra and KEEN shoes and boots have an exaggerated-size toe box, which is why they’re so popular with hikers and backpackers.
After-Market Insoles
One-third of hikers and backpackers buy after-market insoles, such as Superfeet, to replace the insoles that come with their hiking boots, mids, trail shoes, and trail runners. These provide more protection, more arch support, and cup your heel to help prevent the lateral movement that can cause plantar fasciitis. They also last longer than factory insoles.
Waterproof/breathable footwear dries slowly
Waterproof/breathable footwear tends to dry much more slowly than non-waterproof footwear. While waterproof hiking boots and shoes are good for hiking in cold weather, it’s often more desirable to have a well-vented mesh shoe that dries quickly than one that stays wet for days and can lead to blisters and other discomforts.
Ankle Rolling
Many hikers opt for boots/mids because think they’re necessary for carrying heavier-weight backpacks and provide more ankle support than low hiking shoes or trail runners. While that was probably true when all hiking boots were made with heavy leather, modern hiking boots and mids are much softer and less supportive and are really just one step up from being trail or running shoes. While they can provide more assurance, you can still twist an ankle when wearing one. On the flip side, many hikers and backpackers are able to carry heavy packs and walk on rugged mountainous terrain in trail shoes and trail runners. In other words, there’s no right answer and you should decide for yourself, rather than follow anyone’s gospel truth.
Traction
Boot and shoe manufacturers make a big deal about traction and while it is important, it’s very difficult to prove that different sole compositions, lug angles, lug depth, Vibram or non-Vibram soles, blah, blah, blah, etc. make that big of an impact on traction. When push comes to shove, the only hiking traction that really matters is when you’re scrambling on wet rock or walking along a cliff edge. Even then, good footwork is probably more important, so develop that rather than relying on your shoes.
Toe and Foot protection
Hiking and backpacking can be tough on the feet, particularly around the toes and under the arch. It doesn’t affect everyone, but it can lead to injuries that take a long time to heal. Built-up areas around the toes, sometimes called toe kicks, are good if you hike in rocky terrain. A shank is usually a hard strip of nylon or plastic that runs under the arch and helps stiffen a shoe or boot. Rock plates and stone guards in the forefoot of the shoe provide additional protection from sharp stones that can bruise your feet, particularly when trail running.
Gaiters
Hikers wear gaiters to block sticks, stones, and other debris from getting into their shoes while they hike. But some shoes are more gaiter compatible than others. For example, if your gaiters have a strap that loops under your shoe, you’re going to want to have footwear that has an arch, so the gaiter strap doesn’t get destroyed by rubbing on the ground. Gaiters designed for trail shoes or trail runners may require gluing a velcro strip to the back of your heel to hold the gaiter in place. If this is the case, make sure there is a flat surface on the back of the heel so you can glue the velcro strip to it.
Wide Shoe Sizes
About 1/3 of all hikers require footwear in wide widths. Companies such as Merrell, KEEN, Brooks, and Vasque have the best selection of wide-width hiking footwear.
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I’m surprised at you, Phillip. You’ve gone to the Dark Side and become another boot shamer, telling those of us who use boots that we only *think* they’re better for carrying heavy backpacks and that they provide more ankle support. You couldn’t be more wrong and frankly, somewhat arrogant, about it. I use mid-ankle boots, mostly by Keen. They are not made of “heavy leather” and I have never rolled my ankle in over 700 miles of backpacking on the Appalachian Trail and elsewhere. When my ankle starts to roll, the collar of the boot catches it in time to provide valuable support and enough warning for me to correct. It is ludicrous and annoying that you and others cannot graciously accept that boots actually work better for some of us, providing structure, ankle support and protection that lightweight trail runners and hiking shoes don’t. I gave Altra Lone Peak 5’s a try when they came out and found them to be basically well-made slippers with no structure and no support. Within 5 miles of backpacking, I developed foot pain and returned them to REI. It is not our imagination that we boot users do better with boots. You make a feeble attempt to say there’s no right answer but you make it quite clear you believe boots are the wrong answer.
Jeff – I don’t think I’ve become a boot shamer. I wear them about 7 months of the year. I’m also working on a companion article to this one about the best hiking boots and mid-height boots. I honestly think you’re reading to much into the intent behind this article and in fact that you’d just wrong.
You’re certainly entitled to your opinion but it is not universally correct. Boots do offer more ankle support…. Ankle support that is my personal opinion is of little benefit if you develop strong ankles in the first place.
The better part of thirty years ago I work typical full height hiking boots to a fault, not only on day hikes but generally around town many months of the year. When I took up jogging I had REPEATED roles ankles that took a long time to heal and realized they were a result of my own boot wearing habits.
Now more than 20 years since wearing hiking boots (I do have some mid cuts I wear for snow showing) I never suffer ankle injuries.
This is partially due to the fact that I (like most hikers these days) use hiking poles. In my experience they offer more ankle protection on variable terrain and under heavy load than any boot, and with out the weight, but a variety of other benefits. However MOST of the reason I never suffer ankle injuries is that I NEVER wear boots.
I’ve done my fair share of multi-day hiking from the Atlantic to the Pacific with a pack over 40lb, and good paces and over some very challenging terrain (like the west coast trail in BC for example).
Unless there is deep snow (and rarely even then) I’ll never hike in an anything heavier or higher than traditional hiking shoes again.
That doesn’t mean your opinion is wrong, but perhaps you shouldn’t be so arrogant to assume YOU are the one who is absolutely right either.
Further more, if we look to the triple crown through hikers (unlike the America’s that you and I both are) you would be hard pressed to find many sporting boots these days
It is inconclusive that boots prevent ankle injuries. Having strong ankles does.. Multiplemstudies have shown this. And your issue with Altra’s was more than likely from the zero drop and your legs just weren’t used to it so it effected your feet. You having no issues with sprains wearing boots is anectdotal evidence. These papers, however are not. Also this is a review site, There will be like 4 other articles eventually on boots to approach shoes. If anything I would question Phillip on his shoe choices, because I feel a fair amount of these are dated/not really used as much anymore by the majority, but this isn’t a shoe review website so I’m sure it is just what he gets mainly.
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/03635465990270061201
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1323436/
Ahoy Philip,
Have a look at Norda 001a. I’ve found them very supportive, light, and have good grip (Vibram lite base). A bit expensive, but the dynema uppers seem like they will last a long time.
I came from Altras and La Sportiva.
reviewed one last year.
https://sectionhiker.com/norda-001a-trail-runner-shoe-review/
Thanks for tackling a tough topic.
I’ll add my 50 years of hiking experience here so here goes..
I played Hockey for 50 years and during that time I’ve developed very strong ankle and leg muscles.
I’ve hiked on trail runners and they have zero ankle support. Almost like American Indian moccasins. I don’t think I need any studies to know what logic and common sense tells me.
My boots back in the day were of the mountaineering variety and they were like boat anchors which weighed a ton.
Today’s hiking boots with good ankle support are much lighter . Agree about the Gore Tex comment staying wet longer but adding waterproof socks helps my feet stay dry and comfortable on those ADK days of constant mud with no way to avoid it.
Also agree about the comment of hiking poles helping with rolling of the ankles. Just last week in the Whites they saved me twice from a awkward roll on frozen rock and another slide forward movement where if I didn’t have them I would have popped a quad muscle.
I would love to try trail hiking shoes but with a 25 lb pack on my back I’m hesitant to do so.
Hope this helps.
57-year-old hiking with my sons for 15 yrs now, 26 years old. My base weight is 12-20 lbs, depending on the temperature. My pack is often over 30lbs with a few days’ food and 1-2 liters of water. I started in Merril mid’s, then Merril Moab, then Adidas Terrex, and now La Sportiva Cyklon. After 100’s of miles, the Terrex has the best grip of any shoe ever. Personally, I prefer strong ankle training over the stiffness and inflexibility of Mids and boots. I feel a more flexible foot does not tire like one that is wrapped up tight. It’s a preference. In my experience, trail injuries are likely when you are tired. I use trekking poles for the steep downhills only, and prefer to jog the moderate downhills and flats. Phillip, thanks for your interesting and informed perspective on the pros and cons of prevailing ideas around gear and the trail. Your site is like no other that I know of…
Hey John, Which Terrex are you using now? The Terrex line has always been the best shoe for me, they usually have 6-10 mm drop and reasonable width. They keep changing their trail runner names though. I have been through the Folgian Hiker and the Free Hiker. Now it seems like the Agravic is their new trail runner? I wish they would stick to one line and make minor changes like most manufacturers do! And with Adidas I usually have the option to buy a smaller men’s size for extra width (and usually some discounts.)
But I too LOVE the Terrex grip and think they are the most underrated backpacking trail runners! I just can’t seem to figure out what their best trail runner is now! lol
I would like to add a trail shoe for future consideration. Mount To Coast, launched late in 2024. I have hiked in more than a few of the shoes above and some others. The T1 mount to coast are the best trail shoes ive ever owned and just ordered a pair of their running shoes. Your site is a go to for all my gear, thanks for the in-depth reviews of these shoes.
La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II. I was turned on to them when they first came out by a Rep who visited the EMS I worked at. You can now find them in a mid style for you “weak-ankle” people. They have the same rubber as LS climbing shoes; which is a pro for the first 400 miles and a con they don’t last as long as some other brands. I wore 5 pairs for my hike of the A.T., starting with Asolo 535. I just purchased from REI the mid-height version in GTX. I’m sure they will be warm in the summer months, like the pair they were modeled after – the Wildcat. Except for deep snow, I wear trail runners year round and don’t miss the weight of Danners & Asolo’s that I wore for years.
La Sportiva Ultra Raptor III Mid GTX is the new model. Same narrow width at the heal but wider toe box, at least. Not a ton of ankle support though.The benefit is more proprioceptive. Very little has changed with the low version except the color selection.