#Minimalist trail running shoes upgrade
#Minimalist trail running shoes full

We’re also huge fans of their Mafate Speed 4, which features a narrower base, Hoka’s dual-density PROFLY+ foam, and gripper, trail-biting lugs. But for a surprisingly good all-rounder that offers exceptional comfort for ultra distances, the Hoka is a top performer. But while the Speedgoat has converted many skeptics to the max-cushioned world, it’s not for everyone: The tall stack height lacks the precision of a low-slung build like Hoka’s Zinal (below), and those taking on shorter distances at speed will likely want a less cushioned, more responsive design. The midsole is also a bit softer and lighter, which is good news for most runners-although some have found it to lack stability compared to previous iterations. The biggest changes were to the upper, which features stretchy engineered mesh without the overlays of the outgoing 4, translating to a closer fit with slightly less weight and bulk. The fifth version of the Speedgoat is a pretty serious overhaul from the previous model, but the new shoe retains all the performance characteristics we love. Tack on a medium-width toe box that fits a broad range of foot shapes, and it’s no secret why Speedgoat is one of the most well-loved running shoes of 2023. The aggressive outsole is light but sticky with substantial lugs (improved in the most recent version), blown rubber, and a Vibram Megagrip compound that holds well on everything from dry dirt and mud to steep rock. But there’s a lot more to love about the design: In our opinion, the Speedgoat hits a near-ideal balance of comfort, weight, protection, and responsiveness whether you’re running short or far, fast or slow. With a thick midsole (33mm at the heel), the shoe offers maximum long-distance comfort and underfoot protection, absorbing a nice amount of impact with each stride.

#Minimalist trail running shoes upgrade

Hoka has built their reputation around plush, heavily cushioned running shoes, and the freshly updated Speedgoat 5 is a nice upgrade to the popular design. What we don’t: Thick midsole minimizes trail feel in technical sections. What we like: Standout comfort and traction in a lightweight package.

See the Men's Salomon Sense Ride 5 See the Women's Salomon Sense Ride 5īest Max-Cushioned Trail Running Shoe 2. And in an era when many trail runners are creeping close to $200, it’s also a solid value at $140. But for a versatile trainer and adventure shoe that can handle most trails with aplomb, the Sense Ride 5 is one of the most well-rounded designs we’ve tried. Further, runners focused on speed will want a more precise and responsive runner like the Catamount or Zinal. Held up against specialists like the Speedcross and Ultra Raptor II below, you give up a bit of grip and ground feel for challenging terrain, and the Sense Ride is not as soft and lightweight as a max-cushioned shoe like the Speedgoat. We’ve put over 700 miles on various iterations of the Sense Ride, and the “5”-which features a softer midsole and more durable outsole compared to the outgoing model-is a consistently comfortable and high performance shoe for a wide variety of terrain.īut while the Sense Ride 5 is good at everything, it’s not necessarily a top performer in any specific category.

#Minimalist trail running shoes full

The all-around performance isn’t surprising given the Salomon’s versatile design, which features a moderate amount of cushioning (29.6mm in the heel), generously sized toe box, fairly standard 8-millimeter drop, and full Contragrip rubber outsole. This shoe is equally at home on quick door-to-trail runs as it is during ultra-distance pursuits, and can even handle technical cross-country terrain with ease. What we don’t: Not a top performer in any one category.įor a trail runner that can do it all, we love the Salomon Sense Ride 5. What we like: A versatile shoe for everything from daily training to mountain running.

Best Running Shoe for Mountain Terrain: La Sportiva Ultra Raptor IIīest Overall Trail Running Shoe 1.

Best Trail Runner for Wide and/or Finicky Feet: Altra Lone Peak 7.

Best Running Shoe for Mud and Soft Terrain: Salomon Speedcross 6.

Best Light and Responsive Trail Runner: Brooks Catamount 2.

Best Max-Cushioned Trail Running Shoe: Hoka Speedgoat 5.

Best Overall Trail Running Shoe: Salomon Sense Ride 5.

For more information, check out our comparison table and buying advice below the picks. Below are our top trail runners of 2023, which cover everything from flexible and lightweight shoes for smooth trails to tough and stable designs for tackling technical or mountainous terrain. Better yet, trail running is an immensely easy sport to get into and requires only minimal gear. Running on varied and challenging trails is a welcome break from the monotony of pounding pavement (or even worse, the belt of a treadmill).