Best Trail Running Shoes 2022: The Full Trail Matrix

Introduction

This is the trail counterpart to the road shoe matrix: every shoe here is one of the best performers tested on real trails over the past year, including a few holdovers from 2021 that still have not been beaten. The list is organized the same way, by what a shoe is actually best at, because trail running rewards specificity. The right pick depends on whether you want traction, foot protection, a firmer ride, or something built for racing and fast packs.

One practical note worth keeping in mind: some runners report that very soft midsoles, like the one on the New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v2, can bother their knees, and softer shoes can also be an issue for those with plantar fasciitis. If that sounds like you, a firmer option later in this list may serve you better.

Firm and Responsive

The Saucony Peregrine 12 is the pick here for a firm, responsive ride, and it doubles as the traction standout, gripping and biting into mountain terrain all day long. If you want one shoe that covers both bases, this is it.

Maximum Cushion and Foot Protection

The New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v2 delivers an enormous stack height. For some people it may be too much, but you will not feel a thing through that midsole, which makes it the go-to when your legs are barking and you just want miles to feel easy.

The Hoka Speedgoat 5 is the other protection pick, with enough midsole to shield your feet from rocks and roots on rough terrain. If full protection is the priority, this is the shoe to look at.

Traction First: The Grip Specialists

When traction is the top priority, Inov-8 is always worth leaning toward. The Inov-8 Parkclaw G 280 earns its spot for grip, with the caveat that the midsole is not the softest, so comfort is not its calling card.

The Inov-8 X-Talon G 210 goes further: it is almost like a cross-country spike, nimble and aggressive, and it is the shoe credited with the most fast mountain efforts on Colorado 14ers. If loose, steep, technical ground is your territory, this is the tool for it.

The Inov-8 X-Talon Ultra 260 v2 carries the same grip-focused DNA into a slightly more versatile package, and it earns the traction slot for longer days out as well.

Racing and Fast Days

The Hoka Tecton X is the bright orange responsive race option, and one of the most talked-about shoes of the year. If you want speed with a springy ride, start here.

The Saucony Endorphin Edge is a genuine tweener: responsive enough for racing yet capable all day, and it scored well enough that it could arguably have ranked even higher. It also shows up in the racing and long run categories, which tells you how versatile it is.

The La Sportiva Cyclone is the firmer racing option, and notably not a Hoka-style soft ride. Runners who find very soft shoes aggravate their knees have repeatedly gravitated toward this one, and it holds the firm-side slot for racing and fast efforts.

The Salomon Pulsar Trail is a 2021 holdover that still has not been beaten, and for good reason: it is the shoe worn to win the Pikes Peak Marathon. With a plate in the midsole, it earns the foot protection slot in the racing category too.

The Nike Terra Kiger 8 rounds out the responsive picks, keeping a light, quick feel underfoot for faster trail days.

Long Runs and Ultra Days

The New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v2 is the long run pick outright. It is simply butter underfoot for big volume days, and if you love running far, this is the shoe that keeps showing up.

View more details for New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v2

The Saucony Exodus Ultra is another cushioned option worth a look for extended time on trail, sitting comfortably in the long run conversation alongside the more trail-focused picks.

The Saucony Endorphin Edge and Hoka Speedgoat 5 both reappear here as well: the Endorphin Edge for a responsive all-day ride, and the Speedgoat 5 for full protection over long, rocky courses. Think about the terrain you will actually race on before choosing between them.

View more details for Saucony Endorphin Edge

The Salomon Ultra Glide is a newer arrival that already earned a spot on this list, with a ride aimed squarely at comfortable long-distance trail running. It is a promising pick if your focus is time on your feet rather than podiums.

How to Choose

Match the shoe to the job. Traction and technical ground point to the Inov-8 models or the Peregrine 12. Racing and fast days point to the Tecton X, Endorphin Edge, Cyclone, Pulsar Trail, or Terra Kiger 8, depending on whether you want soft and springy or firm and controlled. Long days and recovery miles point to the More Trail v2, Speedgoat 5, or Ultra Glide. And if very soft midsoles tend to bother your knees, favor the firmer end of the list.

Conclusion

Thirteen shoes, one clear theme: the best trail shoe is the one built for the specific terrain and distance you run. Pick your category, pick your priorities, and any shoe on this list will serve you well out there. Work hard and love the trails.