If you want to enjoy some lightness of the feet and swift on the trail, you can better your trail performance with the best trail runners for backpacking. From hard rugged terrain to easy-smooth-well-groomed trails, there’s a range of trail running shoes out there to suit your needs.
The question is, what exactly are your trail running shoe needs? Do you love optimal traction? Or prefer more cushion to avoid bruising from rocks? To help you answer these questions and many more, we’;; walk you through the process of selecting the best trail running shoes for hiking of 2020 long with our favorite recommendations based on test.
For more of our top hiking footwear recommendations, check out the Best women’s sandals for water and Hikings.
Table of Contents
QUICK ANSWER – THE BEST TRAIL RUNNING SHOES FOR HIKING
- Saucony Peregrine ISO
- Salomon Speedcross 5
- La Sportiva Bushido II
- Altra Lone Peak 4
- Salomon Sense Ride 2
- Merrell Trail Glove 4
- Altra King MT
- Arc’teryx Norvan VT
- Topo Athletic MT2
- HOKA ONE ONE Challenger ATR 5
The Best Trail Runners for Backpacking or Hiking
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SAUCONY PEREGRINE ISO
SPECS
- CLOSURE: Lace-up
- CUSHIONING: Moderate
- WEIGHT: 1 lb. 5 oz.
FEATURES
- It really is Comfortable
- It is Flexible
- Has a Great Traction
BEST FOR: AGILITY
When you are speeding the trail the last thing you want to be worried about is bulky shoes killing your shine. The Saucony Peregrine ISO saves you the stress of worrying. Built for speed, these are the trail runners you’ve been dreaming off.
The lightweight Saucony Peregrine ISO comes with tacky rubber outsoles with flexible rubber lugs that are grooves which bite into the earth to prevent slippage. This increases the traction making these trail running shoes suitable for various terrain. As dirt goes flying, the protective protects your feet from scratch. Powerful on the ascent and swift on the downhill, the cushioning keeps your feet feeling supported and comfortable every step of the way.
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SALOMON SPEEDCROSS 5
SPECS
- CLOSURE: Single-pull Lace
- CUSHIONING: Moderate
- WEIGHT: 1 lb. 7.2 oz.
FEATURES
- Quick Lacing
- Superb Traction
- Soles are Aggressive
- It is Durable
BEST FOR: DRY OR WET UNEVEN TERRAIN
No matter if your foot is striking sludge or soft ground, you’ll scamper right through with the Salomon Speedcross 5. These trail running shoes have deep lugs that are aggressive and provide the bottom of the shoes (outsoles) teeth-biting grip on varying terrain.
As soon as your foot strikes the ground, the midsoles power your movement while the cushioned footbed offers more shock absorption. Fitting safe and snug, these running shoes have ample cushioning for out-of-the-box eliminating break-in-time. Slip on a couple and take them for a spin on your most loved rugged trail. You’ll find they’re begging you to tackle any rough terrain.
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LA SPORTIVA BUSHIDO II
SPECS
- CLOSURE: Lace-up
- CUSHIONING: Moderate
- WEIGHT: 1 lb. 5 oz.
FEATURES
- Has an excellent Traction
- Stability is solid
- Super comfortable
BEST FOR: LONG DISTANCES
La Sportiva Bushido II shines on long distance trails with lots of steep ups and downs. Adding a spring to your steps, the rugged outsoles and cushy foam midsoles work in harmony to energize your feet upon impact.
Providing you confidence landing upon landing, these running shoes boasts of a supportive sock-like feel and stable construction. Whether you’re on the descent or ascent, the tacky rubber outsoles provide amazing traction and extra stability. As you work up a sweat you’ll discover that the mesh on the upper gives a breathing space for your feet, increasing your comfort level.
- ALTRA LONE PEAK 4
SPECS
- CLOSURE: Lace-up
- CUSHIONING: Moderate
- WEIGHT: 1 lb. 3 oz.
FEATURES
- Wide Toe Box
- ZeroDrop Eliminating Heel Elevation For More Natural Movement
- Gaiter Attachment For Debris Protection
- Ample Cushion
BEST FOR: WIDE FEET
For those of you searching for a more natural stride with cushy comfort, the Altra Lone Peal 4 is the answer to your prayer. These trail running shoes feature a ZeroDrop from heel to toe to imitate natural movement while offering plenty of underfoot cushion.
The Altra Lone Peaks sport a wide toe box allowing for complete foot splay. This not only mimics barefoot running, but it also reduces the chance of irritating blisters. There’s lots of breathable mesh for ventilation if you’ve got sweaty feet. Meanwhile, the increased drainage on the uppers reduces dry time after stream crossings.
Put on some gaiters for more protection against debris and hit the trail with confidence.
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SALOMON SENSE RIDE 2
SPECS
- CLOSURE: Single-pull Lace
- CUSHIONING: Moderate
- WEIGHT: 1 lb. 3 oz.
FEATURES
- Fast Lacing
- Weight is super light
- Protects your feet from Odor
BEST FOR: NARROW FEET
If you haven’t decided on the best trail runners for backpacking to choose so far, you may want to check out a pair of Salomon Sense Ride 2. The integration of moderate cushioning, interior foot cradling sock-like layer, breathable mesh uppers and moisture wicking mesh provide unbeatable trail comfort.
So if you’re going the distance, you might want to take this along. Plus, the proprietary cushioning also serves the brunt of your foot’s impact, which all together helps to reduce fatigue.
Put your feet in and provide the fast lacing systems a tug to secure the shoes in place. As you increase your mileage, the antibacterial sockliners fight smelly odors and the rubber outsoles keep you stable to maintain your steady pace.
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MERRELL TRAIL GLOVE 4
SPECS
- CLOSURE: Lace-up
- CUSHIONING: Minimal
- WEIGHT: 1 lb.
FEATURES
- It really is Lightweight
- Mimics Barefoot Movement
- Your feet breathes
BEST FOR: THE MINIMALIST RUNNER
It you dislike lofty soles, earth biting lugs and cushy interiors because they weigh you down, pick up the pace with the Merrell Glove 4. Shedding ounces for small features, these shoes are the next best trail runners for backpacking; as it feel like you’re running with no shoes on.
These lightweight running shoes fit like a glove. The thin soles allows you feel some sort of connection to the earth’s surface while the lightweight pads protect the bottom of your feet from rocks and roots. With rubber outsoles, you’ll still need to achieve ample grip on les rugged trails while mesh uppers provides exceptional ventilation for fast-moving feet.
If you’d like a more natural movement, then these shows are top choice for trail running.
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ARC’TERYX NORVAN VT
SPECS
- CLOSURE: Lace-up
- CUSHIONING: Moderate
- WEIGHT: 2 lb. 11 oz. (Men’s Pair)
FEATURES
- One-of-a-kind Lacing System
- Outsoles are tacky
- Offers Excellent Feet Protection
- Solid Traction On Technical Terrain
BEST FOR: HIGHLY TECHNICAL TERRAIN
For an average experienced runner who gets an adrenaline rush from highly technical terrain, you’ll require some serious shoes to match your zeal. In this case, we gladly introduce you to Arc’teryx Norvan VT.
When you’re scrambling up a mountain, you’ll come to love the secure fit these shoes provide. With the single pull of a lace, you can switch the laces from run to climb mode very fast. Kicking into gear, the 9mm heel drop offers precise footing while the sticky outsoles offer stable traction.
Lots of protection on the outside, yet comfortable and breathable on the inside,. These shoes are a beast waiting to be let out on the road.
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TOPO ATHLETIC MT2
SPECS
- CLOSURE: Lace-up
- CUSHIONING: Moderate
- WEIGHT: 1 lb. 1 oz.
FEATURES
- Roomy Toe Box
- Weight is light
- Flexibility is guranteed
- Ample Cushion
BEST FOR: BUDGET
For those who derives happiness from trail running, but aren’t looking to get technical, take a quick look at the Topo Athletic MT2. These trail running shoes are an affordable option that’re perfect for light trails.
The year 2016 witnessed Runner’s Magazine naming Topo Athletic MT 2 their “Best Buy” and it’s not far fetched to see why. These trail running shoes comes with lots of durability, flex and grippy soles. The midsoles boasts of a decent amount of cushy foam while the mesh that is breathable helps keep hard-working feet cool. Super lightweight, these shoes sport a roomy anatomical toe box so that you can stroll. Walk, and run happily and enjoy your scenic run.
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HOKA ONE ONE CHALLENGER ATR 5
SPECS
- CLOSURE: Lace-up
- CUSHIONING: Thick
- WEIGHT: 1 lb. 2.8 oz.
FEATURES
- Has a comfortable Thick Midsole
- Stability is sure
- Heels are Contoured
BEST FOR: CUSHION
When maxed out, the cushion feels best on your feet, then take a look at the Hoka One One challenger ATR 5. These shoes feature Hoka One One’s signature Ultra thick midsole. This not only keeps you comfortable but also stabilizes your footing and chests off the impact.
For added support, these trail running shoes comes with a contoured heel. Making the transition from road to trail a smooth one, these shoes have closer spaced lugs to handle any terrain. As things begin to heat up, the two-layered breathable mesh cools you down. Hoka One One Challenger ATR 5 is an excellent choice for the trail runner searching for cushy comfort on less technical trails.
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Dynafit Ultra Pro
Sitting on the #10th position on our review of the best trail runners for backpacking is the Dynafit Ultra Pro.
Comfort: You can wear it as a street shoes, and is extremely breathable owning to its lighter than average mesh upper that allows for fee airflow. I would recommend it for trail pounding and say its less ideal for rock hopping because of the thick soles cushioned impact on the downhill’s.
Support & stability The Ultra Pro’s EVA midsole and 34mm stack height at the heel is one you’d enjoy all through your journey. The heelcup is shallow but still minimizes heel slippage well. The setback to this top trail running shoes for hiking is the one-pull laces don’t always cinch down completely in the middle, and they’re covered by a stretchy mesh flap, which makes adjustments tricky.
Traction The Vibram Megagrip outsole, which has multidirectional, oblong lugs, held tight on snowy scree, rock, and steep mud through a season in the Rockies.
Durability The breathable mesh on these trail running shoes is actually tougher than it looks, thanks to ballistic nylon and doubled-back construction on top of the foot. It resisted scree abuse without any damage. Over the first 150 miles of testing, the Ultra Pro’s midsole hasn’t compressed and the tread has held up nicely.
1 lb. 6 oz.; m’s 6-12, w’s 5.5-11; Buy Dynafit Ultra Pro Now
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Altra King MT 1.5
Comfort The 6mm insole prevents rock brusies, keeps you comfortable and doesn’t strip you of the groundfeel.
Support & stability The 5mm, proprietary foam midsole contains more elastomer than average, which enhances rebound—provides a fast and responsive ride. A hook-and-loop strap cinches down internally, securing feet on steep descents. Like most thin-soled trail runners, the King is best for lighter loads.
Traction Best-in-test grip makes you stick to every surface you try, from scree to mud to ice. The Vibram Megagrip’s toothy, 6mm, arrowhead-shaped lugs that mirror the shape of the foot.
Durability The TPU overlays shields the mesh upper from rocks and sticks. But the King is the lightest shoe on today’s list of best trail runners for backpacking, and it showed: We noticed fraying in the upper’s thin ripstop nylon after just a few weeks of peakbagging along Colorado’s Front Range.
1 lb. 1 oz.; m’s 7-15, w’s 5.5-12; Buy Altra King MT 1.5 Now
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Dynafit Speed Mtn GTX
Our take These running shoes handled 54 days, 140 miles, and 30,000 feet of elevation gain without a slip in these svelte runner extremely well.
The details We love the speed lacing system, that keeps the shoes cinched evenly, but the protective sleeve is hard to manage with cold fingers. Dynafit let go of its standard lasts in favor of a wider one for the Speed Mtn—meaning it fits larger-volume feet and allows for more toe splay.
Trail cred The ballistic toe bumper is sure to keep your feet bruise-free
1 lb. 11 oz.; m’s 7-13, w’s 6-10; Buy Dynafit Speed Mtn GTX Now
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Adidas Terrex Two Boa
Our take This shoe cruise the road like a breeze thanks to a slightly thicker-than-average EVA midsole and a rockered profile with a 6mm drop for a natural, roll-off-your-toes stride. The Continental outsole, held fast on wet rock and icy singletrack thanks to 4mm lugs. The Terrex Two’s 26mm-thick heel provides just enough cushion for backpacking with a load under 30 pounds.
The details A Boa dial stands in for laces, making it easy to tweak fit on the fly,. However, a One wide-footed runner might feel crammed in the slightly narrow toebox.
Trail cred They can handle trails exceptionally well.
1 lb. 5 oz.; m’s 6-15, w’s 5-12; Buy Adidas Terrex Two Boa Now
Things To Consider Before Buying Trail Running Shoes
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Cost
Any solid pair of the best trail runners for backpacking will give you comfort, traction, and ample protection. Depending on how serious of a trail runner you are, your running shoes need to differ from individual to individual.
If you’re someone that enjoys the scenery on a mile/two run, then an inexpensive option will fit you just fine. But, if you meet technical terrain with a wide-toothed smile, you’ll want to have an aggressive shoes on to match the rigidity. So, you’ll want to invest in a more expensive option.
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Wide Versus Narrow Feet
This is a big kicker. Narrow, wide, or average, you’ll want to have a running shoe that matches the width of your feet. Selecting a shoe that doesn’t fit the width of your foot can result in more blisters and swelling or result in an awkward floppy fit.
For a more narrow feet, you’ll easily slip into a slim and snug fit like the Salomon Sense Ride 2 for wide feet, you’ll want a more roomy option like the Altra Lone Peak 4.
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Shoe Type
There are 3 types of trail running shoes: light-trail, rugged-trail, and off-trail shoes.
- Light-trail shoes offer modest protection with traction best suited for well-groomed trails.
- Rugged-trail shoes increase foot support and protection, making them well suited for the different trail conditions you’ll come in contact with on hiking trails.
- Off-trail shoes enhance the features you’ll find on rugged-trail shoes – such as more aggressive soles and water protection. This style of shoe is for the bold and daring trailblazers.
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Terrain And Traction
Soft dirt, rooted, and compact dirt – there are a couple of different types of terrain you’ll face on the trail. While there are several trail running techniques to enhance your performance, without the right trail running shoes for the job you won’t stand a chance.
In this case, the primary characteristics that you’ll need to pay attention to are the outsoles. For technical terrain, you’ll want grippy outsoles with deep lugs that offer great stability and traction. On the other hand, for lighter trails you can get away with minimal aggressive outsole.
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Cushioning
If feeling every root and rock make you cringe or gives you bumps, you might need a secent amount of cushioning. Meanwhile, if you prefer ground feel then a little cushioning is a better option. What you pick totally depends on your own comfort level.
Features Explained
Lugs
This refers to deep indentations on the outsoles of shoes that provide traction and stability.
Gaiters
This is a material that attaches to your shoe to prevent debris and dust from getting inside.
Rock Plate
This is a thin material, usually situated between the midsole and outsole, that protects the underfoot from roots and sharp rocks.
Zero Drop
Zero drop means the lack of elevation from heel to toe. This feature mimics barefoot movement allowing for a more natural range of motion and complete foot splay.
Here, we have seen the best trail runners for backpacking we hope this can help you pick the best trail running shoes for hiking more carefully now. Cheers!
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