Hey trail runners! We’re wrapping up the first half of 2025 with trail running at its peak, and the brands have brought out the big guns: shoes packed with cutting-edge tech, jaw-dropping designs, and durability that can handle everything from muddy bogs to razor-sharp ridges
At Trade and Trail, we don’t just love charging through the mountains—we also geek out over finding the best gear to make every run epic. So, to cap off these first six months, we’re diving into the top trail running shoes of 2025, sorted by distance (short, medium, and the king of all challenges: ultra trail).
We’ll break down which shoes suit each runner level (beginner, intermediate, advanced) and highlight their standout features.
Lace up, because the trails are calling, and trail running is hotter than ever this summer!
Short-Distance Shoes (5-15 km) and Vertical Kilometers
Want to fly through short trails or dominate vertical kilometers? You need lightweight, agile shoes with grip that saves you on technical descents or gives you confidence on explosive VK climbs. These are reactive shoes with low drops that deliver that extra spark to move fast and feel in control.
Perfect for short, punchy races or vertical kilometers where every gram matters and agility is king. Get ready to stomp the trails and savor every stride!
Here are our top three picks:
Adidas Terrex Speed Flow
The Adidas Terrex Speed Flow is a nimble, lightweight shoe that feels like an extension of your foot on fast trails. It’s perfect for beginners who want speed without sacrificing comfort.
Runner Type: Lightweight to medium-weight runners (up to 80 kg) looking for a versatile, agile shoe for fast trails.
Level: Beginner; ideal for getting started on short trails and dynamic sessions.
Key Features::
- Drop: 8 mm
- Cushioning: Lightstrike EVA, striking a balance between lightness and protection, perfect for moderate terrains.
- Outsole: Continental rubber with 3.5 mm lugs, designed for mixed surfaces with solid traction in dry conditions but less effective in deep mud.
- Upper: Breathable mesh with reinforcements for abrasion resistance, ideal for rocky and rooty trails.
If you love short trails, lively paces, and feeling like you’ve got wings on your feet, the Terrex Speed Flow could be your new best friend.
It’s agile, light, and fast—perfect for days when you want to flow through the mountains without dragging concrete blocks.
Review: runrepeat.com/adidas-terrex-agravic-speed-ultra
Hoka Zinal 2
The Hoka Zinal 2 shines as one of the best shoes for short distances, offering stellar grip in muddy conditions and solid stability even on technical terrain.
Runner Type: Lightweight to medium-weight runners (up to 80 kg) seeking agility on short trails.
Level: Intermediate; suited for runners with experience pushing fast paces.
Key Features::
- Drop: 5 mm
- Cushioning: Compressed EVA foam (CMEVA) midsoles, delivering firm, reactive cushioning with enough impact absorption for moderate trails.
- Outsole: Vibram Megagrip Litebase with 5 mm lugs, built for superior traction on technical terrain, from wet rocks to loose trails. The Litebase construction cuts weight without compromising grip, though it’s less effective in deep mud.
- Upper: Lightweight, breathable technical mesh with reinforcements for durability.
Trail runners, the Hoka Zinal 2 is your secret weapon for crushing 5-15 km trails! This shoe is pure energy, with ferocious grip that bites into mud and technical terrain like it’s nothing. Perfect for intermediate runners (up to 80 kg) chasing speed and control, it offers stability to tackle wild descents. It’s not the queen of thick mud, but on mixed trails, it’s a beast! Lace up and conquer the mountain.
Review: irunfar.com/hoka-zinal-2-review
NNormal Kjerag
The NNormal Kjerag is a lightweight beast designed with Kilian Jornet’s precision. Its minimalist build, paired with superior traction and reactive cushioning, makes it unbeatable for short, technical races and vertical kilometers. However, its focus on speed and agility demands solid technique and isn’t ideal for runners seeking comfort over long distances or extreme terrains.
Runner Type: Lightweight runners (up to 75 kg) prioritizing speed and agility on technical terrain.
Level: Advanced; built for competitive, fast races and experienced runners who master technical trails. While its lightness and grip may appeal to intermediates, its minimal cushioning and precise fit require strong technique, especially on technical descents.
Key Features::
- Drop: 6 mm, offering a low profile for maximum ground connection and stability on technical trails, ideal for fast paces and quick direction changes in races.
- Cushioning: EExpure supercritical EVA foam midsoles, highly reactive and lightweight for rapid response and a close-to-the-ground feel. The minimal, firm cushioning prioritizes speed over protection, making it ideal for short distances but less suited for ultras.
- Outsole: Vibram Megagrip Litebase with 3.5 mm lugs and V-Grip technology, optimized for exceptional grip on technical terrain, including wet rocks and loose trails. It’s less effective in deep mud due to smaller lugs.
- Upper: Matryx (polyamide and Kevlar weave), combining extreme durability, breathability, and lightness. The precise, snug fit with an asymmetrical lacing system ensures a secure lockdown, with a reinforced toe for moderate protection on rocky terrain.
Trail runners, the NNormal Kjerag is a lightweight rocket signed by Kilian Jornet to dominate short trails and vertical kilometers!
This minimalist beast delivers blazing speed and ferocious grip on rocks and technical trails, perfect for advanced runners with solid technique. It shines on fast climbs and descents but isn’t your friend for ultras or extreme terrain. It may slip a bit in thick mud, but on mixed trails, it’s a pro-level weapon. Lace up and rule the mountain!
Review: runrepeat.com/n-normal-kjerag
Medium-Distance Shoes (15-40 km)
Get ready to conquer 15-40 km trails with shoes that are the perfect all-rounders!
These running machines are like the perfect all-rounder.
hese trail machines strike a balance between cushioning that saves your feet after hours of pounding trails, with top-tier foams that absorb impacts from rocks and roots without feeling like a soft mattress.
They offer ample stability with wide bases and, in many cases, rock plates to shield your soles from treacherous terrain.
Don’t worry about weight—these shoes are dynamic, with drops between 4-8 mm and rocker geometries that make climbs and descents a breeze.
Perfect for mountain marathons, intense training on varied terrain, or anyone wanting to feel like a mountain goat, whether you’re a newbie stepping up to longer distances or a pro seeking versatility.
Here are our top three picks:
Hoka Speedgoat 6
The Hoka Speedgoat 6 is a true all-terrain beast that laughs in the face of rocks, mud, and technical descents. Its cushioning pampers your feet on long trails, and the outsole grips like it’s got suction cups. Perfect for beginners seeking security and intermediates chasing reliable shoes for mountain marathons, though its weight might slow you down in short, fast races.
Runner Type: Lightweight to medium-weight runners (up to 80 kg) seeking a versatile shoe combining comfort, protection, and traction on varied technical terrain. Its accessible design prioritizes safety and durability over pure speed.
Level: Beginner to intermediate; ideal for runners new to trail running who need an easy-to-use shoe with great cushioning and stability, as well as intermediates competing or training on technical terrain without requiring advanced technique.
Key Features::
- Drop: 4 mm, with a low profile for maximum stability on technical terrain. Hoka’s MetaRocker geometry ensures smooth, fluid transitions, reducing fatigue and boosting efficiency, especially for beginners.
- Cushioning: CMEVA foam midsoles with moderate-to-high cushioning, soft yet firm enough for responsive 5-40 km runs. A built-in rock plate protects against sharp rocks.
- Outsole: Vibram Megagrip with 5 mm lugs and Traction Lug technology, optimized for exceptional grip on wet rocks, loose trails, moderate mud, and compact paths. Spaced lugs prevent mud buildup, though wear may occur on prolonged asphalt sections.
- Upper: Recycled technical mesh, lightweight and highly breathable, with toe and side reinforcements to protect against rocks, roots, and abrasions. Suited for medium to wide feet, with ample toe space to prevent chafing on long descents.
The Hoka Speedgoat 6 is an all-terrain tank that laughs at rocks, mud, and technical descents! This gem pampers your feet with plush comfort, perfect for beginners and intermediates (up to 80 kg) seeking security on 15-40 km trails.
Its grip is like having suction cups, ideal for mountain marathons. It’s a touch heavier, so not for short sprints, but on technical terrain, it’s a champion! Lace up and dominate the trails.
Review: https://www.trailrunningreview.com/es/Hoka-Speedgoat-6/REVIEW–2871.html
New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trail
The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trail shines for its reactivity, with cushioning that propels you like a spring in every step. Ideal for intermediate runners seeking speed on moderate trails, it’s not the most robust for extreme rocky or muddy terrain but excels in short to medium competitive races.
Runner Type: Lightweight to medium-weight runners (up to 80 kg) prioritizing speed and comfort on short to medium trails (5-40 km), including fast races and moderate vertical kilometers. Perfect for agile, reactive runs on moderately technical trails, compact paths, or mixed surfaces, but not built for extreme terrain.
Level: Intermediate; suited for runners with solid trail experience who can leverage its reactive cushioning and lightness in fast races. Accessible for advanced beginners on moderate trails, but its lack of a rock plate and precise fit can be demanding for novices on very technical terrain.
Key Features::
- Drop: 6 mm, balancing control on technical terrain with comfort for medium distances. The road-inspired rocker geometry ensures fast, fluid transitions for climbs and descents in races or intense training.
- Cushioning: Nitrogen-infused FuelCell EVA midsoles, highly reactive and lightweight for maximum propulsion and response at fast paces. Offers great bounce for trails up to 40 km but less protection on very rocky terrain due to no rock plate.
- Outsole: Vibram Litebase with 4 mm lugs, optimized for traction on mixed terrain like wet rocks, loose trails, and compact surfaces. Smaller lugs favor agility in dry or moderate conditions but offer less grip in deep mud.
- Upper: Lightweight, breathable technical mesh with toe and side reinforcements for moderate technical trails. The traditional lacing system offers a precise, adaptable fit, though it may feel snug for wide feet.
The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trail is like a turbo-charged ride for your trails, perfect for blasting through paths without losing flow!
This gem shines on moderate trails but isn’t the tank you need for ultra-wild terrain. If you want to run like the wind, this is your adventure buddy!
Review: trailrunningreview.com/es/New-Balance-FuelCell-SuperComp-Trail/REVIEW--2747.html
La Sportiva Prodigio
The La Sportiva Prodigio is a technical beast with a precise fit and exceptional grip, perfect for technical terrain and advanced runners seeking total control. Its firm cushioning and traction shine on rocky trails, but it may not be the comfiest for beginners or easy terrain.
Runner Type: Lightweight to medium-weight runners (up to 85 kg) seeking performance and precision on demanding technical trails like rocky paths, roots, or steep slopes over 15-40 km
Ideal for those prioritizing stability, control, and traction on tough terrain, though not the best for easy trails or runners needing soft cushioning for long distances.
Level: Advanced; designed for experienced runners who master technical terrain and have solid technique to leverage its precise fit, firm cushioning, and aggressive traction
Not ideal for beginners due to its firm midsoles and technical design.
Key Features::
- Drop: 4 mm, with a low profile for maximum ground connection and stability on technical trails. The subtle rocker geometry aids transitions on climbs and descents, offering precise control for advanced runners.
- Cushioning: Compressed EVA midsoles with Infinitoo polyurethane inserts, blending firmness and reactivity for technical 15-40 km runs. A lightweight rock plate absorbs impacts on rocky terrain.
- Outsole: FriXion XT with 4.5 mm multidirectional lugs, designed for exceptional grip on rocks, roots, and technical trails in dry or wet conditions, thanks to the Impact Brake System. Less effective in deep mud.
- Upper: AirMesh with Wrapping System for a snug, stable, durable fit, ideal for technical terrain. The asymmetrical lacing system locks the foot in on descents, but the narrow fit may feel restrictive for wide feet.
The La Sportiva Prodigio is like a ninja tank for the wildest trails, ready to devour technical terrain like a pro!
This robust yet agile beast offers cushioning without sacrificing control, perfect for attacking steep climbs and descents at full throttle. Its grip is like steel claws on rocks, roots, and mixed trails, though deep mud isn’t its forte. Beginners, beware—this beast demands technique!
Review: trailrunningreview.com/es/La-Sportiva-Prodigio/REVIEW--2801.html
Ultra-Marathon Shoes (50 km or More)
Here comes the ultimate challenge!
Trail runners, get your legs and hearts ready for the adventure! Ultra trails test your endurance, mental grit, and gear, and your shoes are your best allies for conquering 50 km (or more) on unforgiving trails.
For ultras, you need cushioning that protects your feet after hours of pounding, shielding against rocks and roots that seem to have a life of their own, and durability to keep you going mid-mountain.
We’re breaking down three ultra beasts: the Hoka Mafate Speed 4, a comfy tank for beginners and intermediates; the Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra, a rocket for competitive ultras; and the NNormal Tomir 2.0, an all-terrain beast for advanced runners seeking versatility.
Each has its own vibe, but all are ready to push you to the limit on technical terrain for hours on end. Ready to pick yours? Let’s dive in!
Hoka Mafate Speed 4
The Hoka Mafate Speed 4 redefines comfort for ultramarathons, offering exceptional cushioning that protects on technical long-distance trails. Ideal for beginners and intermediates, this shoe blends durability and technical response, making it a standout choice for demanding ultras.
Runner Type: Lightweight to medium-weight runners (up to 80 kg) prioritizing comfort and protection in ultramarathons (50 km or more) on technical terrain like rocky, muddy, or mixed trails.
Perfect for those seeking generous cushioning and robust traction for long hours in the mountains, suited for moderate to steady-paced ultras.
Level: Beginner to intermediate; ideal for runners new to ultras needing security on technical terrain, as well as intermediates seeking reliable shoes for long races or training without requiring advanced technique.
Key Features::
- Drop: 4 mm, with a low profile for enhanced stability and control on technical terrain. Hoka’s MetaRocker geometry ensures smooth transitions, ideal for maintaining pace in ultras with long climbs and descents.
- Cushioning: PROFLY+ dual-density midsoles (soft EVA in the heel, firmer in the forefoot), offering generous, protective cushioning for 50 km+ ultras. A lightweight rock plate protects against rocky impacts.
- Outsole: Vibram Megagrip with 5 mm lugs, designed for exceptional grip on wet rocks, moderate mud, and loose trails. Well-spaced lugs prevent mud buildup.
- Upper: Matryx (polyamide and Kevlar blend), lightweight, durable, and breathable, with reinforcements to resist abrasions in long ultras. The traditional lacing system ensures a comfy fit, ideal for medium to wide feet.
The Hoka Mafate Speed 4 is like a 4x4 couch for your ultras!
This lightweight tank pampers your feet, soaking up impacts like they’re nothing. With ferocious grip on rocks, mud, and everything in between.
it’s perfect for beginners and intermediates (up to 80 kg) seeking comfort on 50 km+ ultras without sacrificing agility.
It’s a bit hefty for breakneck paces, but for long distances, it’s a true kilometer-devourer!
Review: outdoorgearlab.com/reviews/shoes-and-boots/trail-running-shoes-men/hoka-mafate-speed-4
Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra
The Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra blends speed and protection, ideal for fast ultras, though its smaller lugs limit grip on loose terrain. Perfect for intermediate runners with some technique aiming to fly through the mountains.
Runner Type: Lightweight to medium-weight runners (up to 80 kg) seeking performance and speed in competitive ultramarathons (50 km or more) on compact or moderately technical terrain.
Ideal for those prioritizing reactivity and cushioning in long races but requiring experience to leverage its design on demanding trails.
Level: Intermediate; suited for runners with long-distance experience and solid technique for fast-paced ultras. Less accessible for beginners due to its focus on speed and reduced protection on very technical terrain.
Key Features::
- Drop: 6 mm, balancing control and comfort for fast ultras. The rocker geometry ensures dynamic, fluid transitions for maintaining steady paces on varied terrain.
- Cushioning: Lightstrike Pro EVA foam midsoles with a Pebax plate, blending reactivity and lightweight cushioning for long distances. Ideal for 50-100 km ultras on compact terrain.
- Outsole: Continental with 3 mm lugs, optimized for traction on compact, dry, or moderately wet terrain. Less effective in loose mud or wet rocks but ideal for firm trails.
- Upper: Breathable mesh with synthetic reinforcements, lightweight and durable for long ultras. The traditional lacing system offers a precise fit, adaptable to wider feet.
The Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra is a missile for ultras that launches you through the mountains! This shoe catapults you forward with every step, perfect for intermediates aiming to devour trails at full speed. Ideal for 50 km+ competitive ultras, it shines on compact terrain but demands some technique on technical trails.
If you want speed with a touch of protection, this is your adventure buddy!
Review: trailrunningreview.com/es/Adidas-Terrex-Agravic-Speed-Ultra/REVIEW--2805.html
NNormal Tomir 2.0
Designed by the legendary Kilian Jornet, the NNormal Tomir 2.0 is a stellar choice for trail runners seeking stability and durability in ultramarathons. Its upgraded midsoles boost comfort and reactivity, making it suitable for long distances, while the outsole delivers exceptional grip on technical terrain, both dry and wet, reflecting Jornet’s expertise in extreme trails.
Runner Type: Lightweight to medium-weight runners (up to 85 kg) seeking versatility and durability in ultramarathons (50 km or more) on mixed terrain, from rocks and roots to compact trails. Ideal for advanced runners wanting a robust shoe for long races or training in varied conditions.
Level: Advanced; designed for experienced ultra runners who master technical terrain and seek a durable, versatile shoe. Less suited for beginners due to its technical design and moderate cushioning.
Key Features::
- Drop: 5 mm, with a low profile for control on technical terrain and comfort in long ultras. The subtle rocker geometry aids transitions on mixed trails.
- Cushioning: Exxpure EVA foam midsoles, soft and reactive, with a lightweight rock plate for protection. Ideal for 50-100 km ultras on varied terrain.
- Outsole: Vibram Litebase with 5 mm lugs, optimized for traction on rocks, roots, and moderate mud. The lightweight compound and Traction Lug technology shine on technical terrain.
- UpperUpper: Matryx with asymmetrical lacing, robust and breathable, designed to resist abrasions in long ultras. The precise fit may feel restrictive for wide feet.
The NNormal Tomir 2.0 is the ultimate all-terrain beast for ultras, built to take you to the ends of the earth! This versatile gem grips everything from rocks to moderate mud, perfect for advanced runners tackling 50 km+ ultras on mixed terrain. It offers durability and versatility, but beginners, beware—it demands experience!
If you want a shoe that can handle anything, the Tomir 2.0 is your adventure companion.
Review: trailrunningreview.com/es/NNormal-Tomir-2.0/REVIEW--2875.html
Tips for Choosing Your Trail Running Shoes
To wrap up, here are some handy tips for picking the perfect trail shoe:
- Terrain: Choose 3-5 mm lugs for technical terrain and smaller lugs for compact trails or asphalt.
- Weight and Technique: Lightweight runners or those with solid technique can go for reactive models; medium-weight runners need balanced cushioning.
- Durability: For ultras, prioritize Vibram or Continental outsoles and reinforced uppers like Matryx.
- Fit: Leave room in the toe box, as feet swell on long runs. Opt for at least one size up from your usual.
Conclusion
The best trail running shoes of 2025 offer options for every distance and level, from the agile Adidas Terrex Speed Flow for beginners on short trails to the robust NNormal Tomir 2.0 for advanced ultra runners. Models like the Hoka Mafate Speed 4 and Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra excel in cushioning and traction on technical terrain, while the Hoka Zinal 2 and NNormal Kjerag shine at fast paces. Each shoe blends innovative tech like Vibram Megagrip, PROFLY+, and Matryx, ensuring performance and durability.
Choose based on your terrain, weight, and experience to conquer the mountains with Trade and Trail.
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