Last updated on January 2nd, 2023 at 08:09 am
Roots, stones, and fallen trees will be your obstacles during any given trail run. Your footwear needs to handle these terrains while remaining light, providing traction, and being comfortable. Whether a trail running novice or a mountain running pro, this post seeks to help by providing our list of the top men’s trail running shoes of 2022.
What Makes Great Trail Running Shoe for Men?
Technical single-track, mixed terrains, and unexpected obstacles will demand a shoe designed specifically for trails.
Finding the best trail running shoe for you depends on both you and the shoe. Knowing whether you have a preference for extra toe-box space, more cushioning, or higher arches will help a good deal in your search.
With the above being said, we feel that almost all great men’s trail running shoes share a core group of base attributes. Below we’ve listed what we feel are the most important core features in a quality trail running shoe:
- Cushion: Well-cushioned soles prolong your own durability as they provide extra shock absorption and reduce the impact felt through the knees, hips, and joints.
- Aggressive Treads: Deep lugs on the base of your foot provide the most traction and grip. This is one of the main deviations away from road shoes (which are slippery on rocky or muddy terrain).
- Stability: Stability in trail running is crucial as you encounter so many uneven surfaces. Being confident in a stable platform reduces the chance of any slips or falls.
- General comfort: As obvious as it is important. It’s the most important piece of the puzzle and any trail shoes you pick should feel super comfortable.
- Rockplate: This is the protection you have underfoot. A good rockplate is designed to provide rigidity and absorb impact.
Our Favorite Men's Trail Running Shoes Are...
We have researched, compared, and tested countless men’s trail running shoes. We focused on cushioning, stability, comfort, traction, whether they have a rockplate, and more. While all of the shoes on this list are fantastic, we feel three were deserving of special mention here:
Best Overall: The Salomon Men’s Speedcross 5
Most Versatile: La Sportiva Men’s Wildcat
Best of Ultraracing: Salomon S/Lab Ultra 2 Trail
While the three I mention above are all amazing shoes, we also reviewed a bunch of other great options below. Every shoe on this list is incredibly well designed and ready to help you advance as a trail runner.
Comparison Table of 8 Best Trail Running Shoes for Men
We researched TONS of trail running shoes, and the comparison table below is intended to show our favorites side-by-side. With the table, you will be able to see what each looks like, and if you click on the picture or name of the shoe, you can quickly check out more specs, pictures, and current pricing on Amazon.
| Picture | Name / Link | Price |
|---|---|---|
 
|
Salomon Men's Speedcross 5 | $$ |
 
|
La Sportiva Men's Wildcat | $$ |
 
|
Salomon S/Lab Ultra 2 Trail Men's | $$$ |
 
|
La Sportiva Men's Ultra Raptor | $$ |
 
|
La Sportiva Men's Mutants | $$ |
 
|
La Sportiva Men's Bushido II | $$ |
 
|
Altra Men's Lone Peak 4.5 | $$ |
 
|
Inov-8 Men's Terraultra 260 | $ |
Any of the trail running shoes shown in the table above would be great for the majority of trail runners out there.
If you want to dive deep into the specifics for each of the shoes we researched, keep reading through this post… we have analyzed each extensively and provide a ton of detail for every shoe on our list.
1. Salomon Speedcross 5
Salomon are gifted at creating great trail running shoes, and the Salomon Speedcross 5 is no exception. Developed by continually improving upon previous versions of the shoe, this might be the most trusted trail runner on the market.
The Speedcross 5 Provides MAJOR Traction
What truly sets the Speedcross 5 apart is the unrelenting traction it provides. Each Speedcross model has been the standard-bearer for aggressive treads.
The Speedcross 5 has taken has evolved its lugs and general traction from the previous Speedcross 4 model. Salomon maintained the arrow-shaped lugs but spaced them slightly further apart to reduce mud gathering.
Compared to other trail running shoes, the lugs are extremely aggressive. They measure 6 millimeters deep which is almost a full 2mm longer than most other trail running shoes.
With a tread design like these, the Salomon Men’s Speedcross 5 are designed to handle the most technical terrain and softest conditions.
Impeccable Comfort
Previous versions of the Speedcross Series were considered to run a little narrow which meant that over the longer distances they would become less comfortable. Hearing their customers, Salomon widened the toe box at the front to give a far more comfortable feel. The Speedcross 5 now keeps its comfort regardless of distance.
Quick-Lace System
If you have never owned a pair of Salomon shoes, you may have believed Velcro and tying laces were the only closing systems in the game. However, there is an alternative.
The Quick-Lace system, designed by Salomon, allows you to simply pull the slack out for the tightness you want and close it using a drawstring clamp. The excess is rolled up and tucked into the tongue of the shoe.
Getting the right level of tightening is overlooked but can provide significant support to different areas of your foot and ankle.
Apart from quicker and more effective tightening benefits, the quick-lace system also never loosens. This is huge for ultra-distance running.
Salomon Speedcross 5 Pros and Cons
Salomon Speedcross 5 PROS
- Long-distance comfort
- Incredible traction
- Quick lace system
- Fantastic fit
- Very durable
Salomon Speedcross 5 CONS
- On heavy side at 11.3 oz (320g) per shoe
- Not a stability shoe
Who are the Salomon Men's Speedcross 5 Perfect For?
Salomon Men’s Speedcross 5 trail running shoe is thoughtfully designed with the trail community in mind. They are a great overall trail running shoe but really excel when used for long, technical trail runs through muddy conditions. These attributes are what truly separate the Men’s Speedcross 5 from all others. If you think these sound great, you can check out more pictures, specs, and current pricing on Amazon here: Salomon Men’s Speedcross 5
2. La Sportiva Men's Wildcats
La Sportiva’s trail running line has exploded in popularity recently, and the La Sportiva Men’s Wildcat is a perfect example why. Designed with mountain navigation and slip prevention in mind, these shoes deserve to be on your shortlist. Extreme durability and slip protection are two things that set these shoes apart.
These Shoes Are Extremely Durable
While these shoes are a bit heavier than some of the other options we cover in this post, they still only weigh 12.7 oz. per shoe. This is still light enough to pack on the miles, but the bit of additional weight is where these shoes derive some of their extreme durability.
The Wildcats are built with a stiffer heel and FriXion rubber sole that outlasts most competitors.
The Wildcats can take a beating and perform well on rocky mountainous terrain. What more could you want from a great trail running shoe?
Cushioning and Support
Part of what provides the Wildcat’s durability is its thick heel cushioning. Obviously, this provides a benefit to overall comfort on long runs, but more specifically this is beneficial if you are a heel-striking trail runner.
The Wildcat gives you that little bit of extra cushioning to soften that impact. With awkward tree roots and sharp rocks, this is a huge benefit. Overall, La Sportiva regards the Wildcat as one of their most cushioned trail running shoes.
Breathable Design
Breathability is often sacrificed in trail running shoes, but the Wildcat takes a completely opposite approach.
The upper is comprised of a breathable nylon material (Vented AirMesh) that helps keep feet cool on long runs. This same technology helps dry the shoes faster if running through stream crossings.
Pros and Cons of the La Sportiva Wildcats
La Sportiva Wildcat PROS
- Extremely durable
- Perform well on rocky terrain
- Breathable construction
- No break-in period required (for most)
La Sportiva Wildcat CONS
- On the heavy side
- No rock-plate
Who Will Love the La Sportiva Wildcats?
These shoes have tons of cushion, have a FriXion rubber sole that holds firmly to slick rock, and have a breathable design. All of these attributes are very desirable in a single shoe.
While the Wildcats are probably a little too heavy if you are looking to shave just a couple of seconds off your half-marathon pace, they are perfect for the majority of trail runners because of their versatility. These shoes would be a high-quality training shoe that will perform well on bridal trails, single-track, or rock/root littered trails.
If these shoes sound like they would work for where you’re running, or you are looking for the perfect trail trainer, you can check out more specs, pictures, and current pricing at Amazon here: La Sportiva Men’s Wildcat.
3. Salomon S/Lab Ultra 2
Designed for elite level athletes, the Salomon S/Lab Ultra 2 is worth considering for any trail runner looking to shave their times or take on an ultramarathon.
Built as a protective yet lightweight long-distance trail runner, you will see this shoe on the feet of some of trail running’s biggest names.
Killian Jornet is a major advocate and wearer of the S / Lab series. This could could not be higher praise, as he is the man responsible for breaking several running records on the most famous mountains in the world.
Similarly, these shoes have also won over the sensational Francois D’Haene, the Ultra Trail Du Mont Blanc record holder, to provide the best feedback possible for trail running. From trail marathons to ultra-races, the S/Lab Ultra 2s stack up incredibly well.
The Salomon S/Lab Ultra 2 has Great Protection
The S/Lab Ultra 2 designers focus amazing attention on being protective of the athlete.
The lace system is made from Kevlar, the upper mesh uses injected polyurethane, and the mid-soles are made from Salomon’s patented EnergyCell EVA. All around, this shoe is going to keep your feet safe from rocks, roots, and branches.
As a shoe driven by the need of ultra-distance athletes, this is built to give as much protection to the racer as possible.
Designed for Ultrarunning Distances
While the market is populated with shoes that are capable of taking on great challenges, not every shoe maintains its comfort over the more extreme distances. As mentioned, Salomon brought in the experience of their ultra-marathon athletes to learn what they needed to improve on previous models.
They have shaved a few grams off and added extra security to the rear of the shoe to make what was already a high quality option into one of the most comfortable long distance shoes available. Maintaining comfort over 100 miles is an exceptional feat.
Traction and Durability
I know it looks like I’m cheating by including two attributes here but allow me to explain:
Many shoes with sharp or aggressive treads can be extraordinary for traction over a limited period of time. The impact of rubber wearing against rock is exemplified in rock climbing. Climbers will typically replace shoes every few months as the wear through the rubber outsoles. The same can occur for trail running shoes. However, not with the S/Lab Ultra 2 shoes. Salomon uses an extremely durable Contragrip outsole to make sure the grip of these shoes holds up for the long term.
The outsole design ensures the shoes last a bit longer, while still providing the traction requirements of mountain running.
Salomon S/Lab Ultra 2 Pros and Cons
Salomon S/Lab Ultra 2 PROS
- Stability
- Traction
- Quick-lace system
- Very protective
- Popular among elite runners
Salomon S/Lab Ultra 2 CONS
- Costly
- Narrow toe box
- Low heel-to-toe drop
Who Do These Trail Running Shoes Work Well For?
Salomon S/Lab Ultra 2 Men’s Trail Running Shoes come with attributes anyone will love, but due to their price tag these shoes might only make sense for serious trail runners. They are designed to give the runner everything they need from protection and traction to durability.
If you are a serious trail runner training for an ultramarathon or wanting to shave time off your PR’s these shoes should definitely be on your shortlist. You can check out more specs, pictures, and current pricing on Amazon here: Salomon S/Lab Ultra 2
4. La Sportiva Men's Ultra Raptor
The La Sportiva Ultra Raptors are a tough, reliable shoe that is at home in any condition. They have an aggressive outsole for extra traction, a thick toe cap for your protection, and offer incredible stability. I have personally owned about a dozen pairs of these.
They are a real “all-rounder” and in my years of trail running, they have withstood serious punishment. If you want to read my full comprehensive review on these (after 2000 + miles of running in them), you can check it out here: La Sportiva Ultra Raptor Detailed Shoe Review. Otherwise, I go through the main takeaways on these below.
These Shoes Have TONS of Stability
The Ultra Raptors have a reinforced, deep heel cup for you to sink your foot into. It is covered with a dense rubber shield and inner liner for extra assurance that you are protected and your foot is going nowhere.
I have worn these shoes while running on slick smooth rock surfaces, over tree-roots, and difficult single-track. I have never (knock-on-wood) rolled my ankle wearing these shoes. I find them incredibly stable.
This is complimented by a thick rubber cap around the toes usually found on a hiking boot. These shoes have given me incredible protection across scree and sharp tree routes whenever I have taken them into the trails.
Treads and Traction Prevent Slipping
Based on appearance alone, you can tell these shoes are aggressively treaded. La Sportiva have gone for more of the smaller lugs and it really pays off in all conditions. Some shoes may favor wet or dry but not the Ultra Raptors. They are equally adept and agile in both.
The Vibram rubber sole gives incredible grip for all surfaces and is a powerful addition to the lugs. In fact, the sole alone would provide ample traction on rock surfaces. The two pronged approach really pushes the Ultra Raptors into the highest bracket for traction.
This is a Trail Running Shoe with Arch Support
The Ultra Raptors deviate from the norms of the newer model trail running shoes and go with a slightly raised arch in the sole. The arch opens up the option of this shoe being used as an alternate hiking shoe.
Pros and Cons for the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor
Ultra Raptor PROS
- Stability
- Great toe protection
- The rock plate is great
- Little to no break-in period
Ultra Raptor CONS
- Firm heel
Who Are the La Sportiva Ultra Raptors Perfect For?
This is a super impressive trail running option that performs well across all conditions. The Ultra Raptor Trail Running Shoe is fit for multiple purposes in hiking and trail running and keeps the agility required to be a viable race shoe. What it lacks in fully waterproofed technology, it makes up for in breathability and quick-drying mesh. The protection and traction given this shoe are really on another level.
If you think the Ultra Raptor is a good match for the trails you plan on running, you can check out more specs, pictures, and current pricing on Amazon here: La Sportiva Ultra Raptor.
5. La Sportiva Men's Mutant Backcountry Trail Running Shoes
La Sportiva have a great penchant for naming their trail running shoes. The Mutant Backcountry Trail Running Shoe is as well-built as it’s siblings on this list with a number of unique, customer-focused features.
While still durable, these are a more streamlined lighter weight trail running shoe.
Braking Power - Control on Descents
A major factor of trail running is cutting loose on the downhills and hoping against hope that you still have control when you need to turn or slow down. This exhilarating risk is factored into the Mutant’s design with special V-Groove technology in the outsole of the shoe.
The lugs of this shoe are designed as a braking system to give you as much control as you want:
- The front of the shoe has lugs facing forward
- The back has them facing behind you.
The reasoning for this is to give your plant foot the most power. When you are braking going downhill, this allows you to put more traction into slowing down which is amazing detail.
These Shoes are Extremely Comfortable (and Protective)
The Mutants are different from many of their counterparts in comfort features.
The Air Mesh system keeps them breathable and cool on warmer days.
The shoe has a unique Spyral tongue for easier access and to give it a more personalized fit that maintains the protective integrity.
It also benefits from a Fushion Gate Lacing Harness System which gives extra security around the middle of the foot.
Lastly, it is topped off with the protective toe cap to ensure a safe ride all the way through.
The Mutant Backcountry has Serious Treads
As could be guessed from the description of the braking power of the Mutants, they provide exceptional traction.
The Mutant incorporates 6mm lugs on the base to go further than most with the tread depth.
Their lugs are coupled with the extremely grippy FriXion XF technology found in many La Sportiva shoes.
With great incorporation of their latest technologies, the Mutant’s will keep you in control all the way through your run.
Pros and Cons of the La Sportiva Mutant Backcountry Trail Running Shoes
Mutant Backcountry PROS
- Braking Power
- Comfort Features
- Treads provide awesome traction
- A lighter weight trail running shoe
- Great cushioning
Mutant Backcountry CONS
- Sizes run a little smaller
- A bit narrow on the heel
- Slightly less heel padding
Who Will Love These Trail Running Shoes?
La Sportiva Men’s Mutant Backcountry Trail Running Shoes make exceptional use of improvements in lug design and traction control.
For those of you who enjoy the difficulty of running hills and undulating surfaces, this shoe meets the demands of technical terrain with ease. Stability, strong cushioning, and a secure heel add everything you need for a shoe that gives you confidence. If you are looking for a shoe good for hilly terrain you can check out more pictures, specs, and current pricing on Amazon here: La Sportiva Mutant Backcountry.
6. La Sportiva Men's Bushido II
The Bushido II is the final La Sportiva entry on our list but by no means the least. The Bushido is many people’s favorite trail running shoe for the most technical trails.
It offers incredible traction and responsiveness to maintain agility over changing landscapes and inclines. La Sportiva addressed the lesser cushioning of the previous model to give this shoe and you the upgrade deserved.
The Bushido II is Very Durable
The Bushido II are every bit as durable as they look. The rugged, ready appearance is matched by several intricate design features. The first of which is the toe cap found in other La Sportiva models that offers great protection and shores up a typically vulnerable part of any shoe. The outsole is noticeably stiffer than other models which give it extra strength in dealing with rough terrain. The upper is carefully constructed to give breathability with welded ripstop fabric. Overall, it is a shoe ready for anything.
Comes with Awesome Treads
A feature of La Sportiva’s success in trail running shoes is the unrelenting traction offered by the FriXion rubber outsole. For both inclines and declines the Bushido’s will stick to the ground and give you purchase under foot. The lugs wrap right up to the sides of the shoe for equal stability when taking turns. The placement and use of lugs encourage you to safely power through obstacles rather than always slow down and lose momentum.
Quality in Overall Design
Some trail shoes can be accused of trying to also fit the road running market keeping one foot in the mainstream. The Bushido II is not distracted by that allure and is intentionally designed to perform incredibly well on trails. They provide traction for hills and a stiff sole for durability. La Sportiva were stayed faithful to the trail running community with this product line and it is much appreciated.
Pros and Cons of The La Sportiva Men's Bushido II
Bushido II PROS
- Provides great stability
- Very durable design
- A lighter weight shoe
- Great treads and traction
- Designed just for trail running
Bushido II CONS
- Slightly stiffer than other trail running shoes
- Slightly less cushioning
Who Is This Trail Running Shoe Perfect For?
La Sportiva’s final model on this list does not fail to deliver. It is a no nonsense trail shoe that keep the runner agile and in control at all times. The Bushido II Trail Running Shoe are truly one of the best shoes out there and give any trail runner the comfort and confidence to embrace all adventures.
7. Altra Men's Lone Peak 4.5
Altra are a newcomer to the list and a real pioneer in the sport of trail running. They design numerous zero-drop shoes which are footwear that have the heels and toes at the same height.
Most other shoe manufacturers use designs where the heel sits higher than the toe box to create momentum. The purpose of the zero drop sole is to replicate the natural design of your foot.
With the Lone Peak 4.5 Trail shoe, Altra have stuck to their mantra and kept the zero-drop set up. They have paid extra attention to the strength of the rockplate for upgraded durability and trimmed the uppers to give you more flexibility and overall comfort.
Foot Protection
One of the focuses of the upgraded 4.5 has been the protection of your foot. Both the top and the bottom of your foot are catered for in the newer model. The midsole StoneGuard rockplate is made up of dense foam that handles rocky terrain very well. Sewn fabric overlays, 3D printed material, and ripstop mesh are all features of the uppers that give much more intentional protection than earlier models.
Stabilty
The zero drop technology allow Altra a great advantage in stability. It is closer to the ground and a more natural feel. While some other shoes may stack the heel with extra cushioning or features in the sole and become poorly balanced, the Lone Peak 4.5 doesn’t suffer this fate. The strong, resilient platform and ability to keep the foot in place give Altra an edge over most others in stability.
Traction and Treads
Altra calls their traction concepts the Trail Claw which gives a reasonable indication of its ability. Different shaped lugs and a specially designed rubber compound sole give consistent traction even in directional changes. The combined technologies make it a great option for rocky trails especially in the dry weather.
Pros and Cons of The Altra Lone Peak 4.5
Lone Peak 4.5 PROS
- Zero-Drop
- Quality foot protection
- Good stability
- Traction
- Pioneering Concepts
Lone Peak 4.5 CONS
- Zero-Drop isn’t for everyone
- Narrow mid-foot feel
- Relatively heavy
- Rigid heel fabric
Who Is This Trail Running Shoe Perfect For?
The ALTRA Men’s Lone Peak 4.5 has made significant improvements in areas that required it historically. It is best suited to drier conditioned reasonably technical runs. The pioneering concepts of Altra continue to develop and intrigue customers who enjoy the more natural feel of the sole.
8. Inov-8 Men's Terraultra 260
Inov-8 are exactly what you expect from the title; innovative. Similar to Altra, they are pioneers of the zero drop sole and firm believers in the need for durability.
Specially designed soles and Kevlar overlays speak to their commitment to bring a shoe that will outlast almost all others. As a minimalist shoe, they keep the zero drop natural designs but have improved the overall comfort experience.
Extremely Durable Design
Trail running shoes are built on the expectation of durability but often fall victim to wearing out. The Terraultra 260 is in a durable class of its own. We’ve mentioned the Kevlar fabric overlays that protect the structure of the shoe and your foot but the real crown jewel is the G-grip outsole. This is Inov-8’s graphene rubber compound that can stand up to more than pretty much every other trail running shoe on the market. It has been tested over and over again and always withstood. It is a challenge to find a single review on the internet that disputes this.
Comfort
Inov-8 have not been playing games with their willingness to build the best trail running shoe ever. Serious strides toward that title have been ably assisted by the graphene soles traction design. The Terraultra 260’s lugs are broader and flatter than most other models and gives immense grip on wet rock and downhill terrain.
Traction
Inov-8 have not been playing games with their willingness to build the best trail running shoe ever. Serious strides toward that title have been ably assisted by the graphene soles traction design. The Terraultra 260’s lugs are broader and flatter than most other models and gives immense grip on wet rock and downhill terrain.
The Inov-8 Men's Terraultra 260 Pros and Cons
Terraultra 260 PROS
- Durabilty
- Comfortable
- Confidence building
Terraultra 260 CONS
- Very costly option
- Minimal cushioning
- May take some getting used to
Who Is The Inov-8 Terraultra 260 Built For?
Inov-8 Men’s Terraultra 260 Trail Running Shoe is a shoe on a mission to the top. The natural feel of the zero drop sole has become much more attractive to trail runners in recent times. Coupling this with the incredible new graphene infused sole, Inov-8 are pushing all other trail running shoes to maintain their efforts for the highest standards.
Before Picking Your Trail Running Shoe
Before picking a pair of trail running shoes, it is extremely important to answer the following two questions:
- What is my intended use of the shoes? For example, if my answer to question number one is ultra racing, that will narrow down my shoe selection greatly.
- What does my body need most from a shoe? For example, if you answer that you need a shoe that provides some built-in arch support, you have further narrowed your search.
Regardless of how you begin to narrow your search, remember that shoes designed specifically for men’s trail running should:
- Have ample cushion for various terrain
- Provide deeper lugs / treads
- Provide more stability
- Be comfortable for long distances
- Come with a rock plate underfoot
Have Confidence On Any Trail and Enjoy Your Runs
Trail running is about experiencing the outdoors in an intimate and meditative way. You are surrounded by nature, but also deeply in-tune with your own thoughts and body.
For this reason, selecting a pair of trail running shoes should be about working to sustain our trail running experiences without unnecessary distractions. The right pair of shoes will reduce your likelihood of getting blisters, having sore knees, and being uncomfortable… which are all distractions to the trail running experience.
With the above in mind, getting a good pair of trail running shoes is really about preserving your enjoyment on the trails. It is also about gaining confidence that your feet (and body) can take on what lays ahead.
If you are excited to pick a pair of trail running shoes, hopefully, this post has helped provide the information and comparisons you need to make a decision.
For those new to trail running, you may want to check out our post, The Ultimate Beginners Guide to Trail Running, to get a run-through of all the basics.
Experienced trail runners might want to get further inspiration by checking out our list of the Best Trail Races in the United States.
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