Trail running is becoming extremely popular, with more and more runners taking their daily miles off-road. I'm one of those people; I like the variety the terrain and my surroundings provide over jogging on tarmac.

Given the sport's popularity, the best trail running shoes in 2026 look different from the clunky, almost dorky models from the pre-2020 era. New trail runners look sleek and rival the performance benefits of their road running siblings.

I've been testing plenty over the past year while recovering from an ankle injury, so stability has become just as important to me as outright speed.

I also naturally prefer lower-drop shoes, which help me feel more planted on uneven terrain and give me a little more confidence when the trail gets technical. These are the three pairs I've found myself reaching for most often.

TOP 3

Best Overall

Salomon Ultra Glide 4

The Salomon Ultra Glide 4 is my performance pick. It offers excellent grip, plush cushioning and a confidence-inspiring ride that helped me hit personal bests over both 5K and 10K trail runs. The Quicklace system is also brilliantly simple, making these the easiest shoes here to get on, tighten and forget about.

Most comfortable

Nike ACG Pegasus Trail

The ACG Pegasus Trail is the trail shoe I reach for most often. It's comfortable enough to wear all day yet still delivers a smooth, cushioned ride on everything from gravel paths to woodland trails. It also happens to be my favourite-looking shoe here, making it an easy choice whether I'm heading out for a run or simply spending the day on my feet.

Best stability

Hoka Speedgoat 7

The Speedgoat 7 delivers the comfort and stability Hoka is known for, with a lower drop that gives me plenty of confidence on uneven ground. My only complaint is the fit, which comes up a little small with a tighter toe box than I'd like. Size up or choose the wide fit if you want maximum comfort on longer runs.

Best overall

Salomon Ultra Glide 4

The Ultra Glide 4 somehow manages to feel soft without becoming unstable, making it equally happy on forest paths, muddy trails or harder-packed gravel. They're also the shoes I've consistently run my fastest times in, setting personal bests over both 5K and 10K trail routes while still feeling fresh enough for longer distances.

Salomon Ultra Glide 4 (Image credit: Future)

A big part of that comes down to the ride. The cushioning is generous but never feels overly squishy, while the grip inspires confidence when cornering or descending. Salomon's Quicklace system also deserves a mention. Once you've used it, it's hard to go back to traditional laces, especially when you're trying to get out the door quickly or adjusting fit mid-run.

They're not the flashiest-looking trainers here, but they're easily the pair I'd trust for race day.

Buy these if: You want one trail shoe that can comfortably do everything.

Best daily trainer

Nike ACG Pegasus Trail

The Nike ACG Pegasus Trail is the shoe I wear the most, even when I'm not running.

Nike has absolutely nailed the balance between everyday comfort and trail capability. The cushioning makes walking, travelling or spending all day on your feet genuinely enjoyable, while they're still more than capable of handling woodland paths, parks and light trails.

Nike ACG Pegasus Trail (Image credit: Future)

They also happen to be, in my opinion, the best-looking trail shoe currently available. Unlike many trail runners, they don't scream "technical footwear", meaning I'm just as happy wearing them with jeans as I am heading out for an easy recovery run.

Performance-wise they aren't quite as confidence-inspiring on rougher terrain as the Salomon, but unless you're tackling particularly technical trails, they'll do almost everything most runners need.

Buy these if: You want one shoe for running, travelling and everyday life.

Best for comfort

Hoka Speedgoat 7

The Speedgoat has become something of a legend in trail running, and it's easy to understand why.

The latest version continues to offer excellent grip, a stable platform and the kind of cushioning that makes long runs feel surprisingly forgiving. The relatively low drop also suits the way I run, giving me a secure feeling over uneven ground without feeling overly aggressive.

Hoka Speedgoat 7 (Image credit: Future)

My only real criticism is the fit. Compared with the other shoes here, the Speedgoat 7 comes up noticeably small, and I found the toe box a little tighter than I'd like.

On longer runs, especially when your feet naturally swell, I wanted a little more room around my toes. If I were buying again, I'd almost certainly size up or look for the wide version.

That aside, it's still a superb trail shoe and one that's easy to recommend if the fit works for your feet.

Buy these if: You like a cushioned, stable ride and don't mind sizing carefully.

Which would I buy again?

If performance is the priority, I'd buy the Salomon Ultra Glide 4 tomorrow without hesitation. They've helped me run some of my quickest trail times while remaining comfortable enough for everyday training.

If I wanted one shoe to wear every single day, whether running or not, I'd choose the Nike Pegasus Trail

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