Top Trail Running Shoes of 2023 (So Far): Six Standouts Worth a Look

Introduction

Halfway through the year is a good moment to step back and look at which trail shoes have genuinely earned their miles. After dozens of first runs and full reviews across 2023, a clear group of standouts has emerged: three shoes that top the list, plus a few near-misses that are well worth your attention. Whether you want plush cushioning for long ultras or a nimble, connected feel for fast technical terrain, there is something here for your kind of running.

3. Hoka Mafate Speed 4

The Mafate Speed 4 was a pleasant surprise. The fit is precise with excellent lockdown around the midfoot, and it felt airy and plush straight out of the box. One caveat: the fit runs narrow, so if you have a wide or high-volume foot this may not be the shoe for you. On the run it felt more balanced and responsive than expected, and that impression held up over longer efforts. The dual-compound ProFly midsole delivers comfortable cushioning with solid energy return, while the five-millimeter lugged Vibram Megagrip Litebase outsole makes this a well-rounded option for most trail conditions.

2. New Balance FuelCell Summit Unknown v4

A very different shoe, and one that flies under the radar. The FuelCell Summit Unknown v4 is more stripped back than the Mafate and all the more enjoyable for it. The first run felt light, balanced, and responsive, practically begging to be taken onto the most technical trail sections at speed. In a market obsessed with maximal cushioning, it is refreshing to wear a shoe that feels genuinely connected underfoot. The fit is narrow, but New Balance offers a wide option if you need more toe-box volume. It has just enough padding in the tongue and ankle collar, and while it will not match a max-cushion shoe for underfoot softness, it is comfortable enough for marathon or 50K distances and truly shines on shorter, faster efforts and races.

1. Saucony Exodus Ultra 2

The most consistent, comfortable trail shoe of the year so far. Ever since running 80 miles in the original Exodus Ultra straight out of the box, this line has been the go-to for long training runs and ultra races. The lockdown around the midfoot and hold in the heel are excellent, and the shoe has never caused a single hot spot or blister, even over 97 hot miles with big elevation at the TDS at UTMB. The dual-compound midsole with a PWRRUN PB core feels consistently poppy and energetic across loose gravel, rocky trails, compacted ground, and even tarmac. The outsole copes well with most conditions, though it is only average in heavy mud. It is simply a shoe that inspires confidence the moment you lace it up.

Honorable Mentions

Several shoes came close to the podium and could easily crack a year-end top five with more miles in them. First, the biggest surprise of 2023: the Nike Wildhorse 8. Nike trail shoes have historically struggled in tough UK conditions, but this one impresses. The React midsole is comfortable yet still energetic over long distances, the upper locks down well despite running a touch warm, and the outsole finally offers genuine grip and traction. If it dropped 20 to 30 grams it would be even better.

Next is the updated Saucony Peregrine 13, a strong refresh of a popular shoe. It gains 1.5 millimeters of PWRRUN cushioning in the midsole, a big improvement in comfort over the previous version, with excellent grip, good protection, and an upper fit that felt tailor-made.

The Caligula Ex-Boa (a lesser-known brand in the UK) rounds things out. The BOA dial initially seemed risky on a trail shoe, but it delivered a highly personalized fit with easy on-the-fly adjustment and great midfoot lockdown. Both the standard Ex2 and the BOA version deserve more attention than they get.

Norda 002

Finally, a newcomer that was still early in testing with only around 20 miles logged, but the early signs are strong. Compared with the previous Norda 001, the 002 is a major fit improvement: added structure at the back of the shoe, better midfoot lockdown, and far better heel hold. It is an enjoyable shoe to run in already, and it would not be surprising to see it make a year-end top five once it has more miles behind it.

Buying Advice

If you race and train mostly on shorter, quicker efforts, the Summit Unknown v4 is the pick for its nimble, connected feel. For long ultras and all-day comfort, the Exodus Ultra 2 is hard to beat on consistency and fit. The Mafate Speed 4 sits between the two, with plush cushioning and dependable Vibram grip, provided a narrow fit works for you. Wide-footed runners should check the wide option on the New Balance or look at the Peregrine 13. If you value easy, on-the-fly fit adjustment, the BOA-equipped option is genuinely underrated.

Conclusion

Three shoes stood clearly above the rest this year, but the honorable mentions show how deep the trail running field is in 2023. Expect the year-end rankings to shuffle as more models, including fresh updates from Hoka and La Sportiva, get their full testing.