Trail running shoes
Trail shoes are judged mainly on grip and traction. Start with the price range that fits your budget.
How the trail running shoes rankings work
Trail shoes are made for dirt, rock and mud.
We rank 13 trail running shoes in three price ranges: Smart Buy (under $120, 3 products), Sweet Spot ($120 to $170, 5 products), and Top Shelf (over $170, 5 products). Regular prices run from $79.99 to $275. Each ranking holds at most five products, and a product appears in one price range only.
Grip and traction makes up 45% of every score and protection and cushioning 25%. Weight, and durability count 15% each.
Scores come from manufacturer specifications, independent reviews and owner reviews. We do not test products in person. How we score.