All products featured on Self are independently selected by our editors.
However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
Read on to explore all the options from retailers like REI, Backcountry, and Amazon.
Courtesy of the brands / Laneen Wells
Tower-Pierce calls the Altra Lone Peak her gold standard for trail running shoes.
This might not be comfortable for everyone (especially those who have problems with their calves and Achilles).
The Timp has lots of cushioning, so its well-suited to prevent foot fatigue over long periods.
I love the feel of these.
I can easily change activities or surfaces while still feeling in tune with the ground, our tester wrote.
My foot felt cradled and supported, and although I wouldnt call it cushiony, it definitely felt comfortable.
It helped her stay nimble during easy runs on hard-packed paths and steeper terrain alike.
Knowing what types of trail conditions you like will help determine what kind of running gear you need.
Shopping with your running goals and preferences in mind is a great first step (pun intended).
For example, shoes that have a very precise fit with a narrow toe box are great for precision.
I choose cushioning depending on the terrain, Kommer says.
If you prefer a comfy, stepping-through-clouds running experience, look at shoes with a thick, well-padded midsole.
Finally, truly minimalist shoes are a better choice if youll be mixing your trail running with rock scrambling.
Specifically, the lugs and flexibility of the outsole will impact how the shoe feels during your run.
Some trail runners have soft rubber outsoles, while others are more rigid.
However, it won’t be as durable as harder rubber.
Deeper lugs will allow for better grip, potentially meaning fewer slips and falls.
Many brands use Gore-Tex to make their shoes waterproof, but some have their own proprietary materials.
