To help you make your choice, here is a comparison of the best trail running shoes -
DR
The editorial staff of 20 Minutes did not participate in the production of this article.
Depending on your habits and your experience in trail running, you will need to choose a suitable pair of shoes, especially in terms of cushioning and grip.
Check out our selection of the best trail running shoes.
Everything you need to know about trail shoes
Trail shoes are often confused with running shoes, yet they are quite different.
Where the former are primarily intended for outdoor use, the latter are more suitable for use on hard ground such as asphalt.
What are trail shoes?
Trail shoes often take the lines of a classic sneaker, nevertheless they are designed to remain comfortable even on uneven ground (stones, unevenness, mud…).
With a very grippy sole, these shoes grip well all types of soil.
How to choose trail shoes?
Choosing the best trail running shoes isn't just about color preference or size.
Cushioning power, grip or even type of coating are some of the essential criteria to study before selecting one pair over another.
Why buy trail shoes?
It is not recommended to lend your shoes, including trail shoes.
Beyond the basic rules of hygiene, your shoes gradually shape the morphology of your foot.
If other people use your trail running shoes, there is a good chance that the shoes will warp and become less comfortable.
The selection of the best trail shoes
La Sportiva Mutant Black: mixed and high-end trail shoes
La Sportiva Mutant Black Trail Shoes - DR
The Mutant Black by La Sportiva are unisex shoes particularly suited to difficult climatic conditions.
Extremely comfortable both when putting on, wearing or removing, these shoes have a very grippy sole on all soils (mud, stones, snow, wet roads, etc.).
A detail that those who are cold will appreciate, but which may perhaps inconvenience others: these trail shoes keep the foot warm in all circumstances.
The pros and cons of the La Sportiva Mutant Black trail shoes:
Most :
Great tightness;
Optimal grip on all types of soil;
Lightness and comfort at the rendezvous;
An iconic brand and an original design.
The lessers :
Size a little small.
Get the Mutant Black model
La Sportiva Ultra Raptor: versatile and comfortable trail shoes
La Sportiva Ultra Raptor Trail Shoes - DR
Renowned in the world of trail running, the La Sportiva brand has created a pair of versatile trail shoes, as comfortable on the road as on rough terrain.
Extremely comfortable for this type of model, the Ultra Raptors embed several technologies patented by the brand.
The ultra-grippy sole provides optimal support and grip, even for several hours.
The pros and cons of the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor trail shoes:
The most
:
A highly breathable anti-abrasion mesh upper;
An anti-shock midsole;
A patented very grippy sole (FriXion XF);
Suitable for all terrains and all types of endurance.
The least
:
A little heavy (around 630 g depending on the size).
Get the Ultra Raptor model
Adidas Terrex Agravic: iconic trail shoes for men
Adidas Terrex Agravic Trail Shoes - DR
The Adidas brand is constantly reinventing its flagship model of Terrex Agravic trail shoes.
This new model features a sole stamped by the world-famous Continental tire brand.
This sole is designed to grip all types of terrain, including passages between hard (asphalt) and rocky surfaces.
Small flat: these Adidas trail shoes for men are intended more for a thin foot.
The pros and cons of the Adidas Terrex Agravic trail shoes:
The most
:
A very breathable and abrasion resistant mesh upper;
A very grippy Continental branded outsole;
Excellent support on different types of soil;
Lightweight and comfortable.
The least
:
More suitable for thin feet than wide feet.
Get the Terrex Agravic model
Asics Gel-Phoenix 10: reliable and robust trail running shoes for men
Asics Gel-Phoenix 10 Trail Shoes - DR
The Asics Gel-Phoenix 10 are famous men's shoes for regular trail running.
With a cushioning sole and additional gel protection at the heel, this pair of trail running shoes provides optimal support, even in the middle of nature.
They can also be used occasionally on the road thanks to the presence of fluorescent strips.
Please note: this model is quite heavy and is suitable for those used to this type of shoe.
The pros and cons of the Asics Gel-Phoenix 10 trail shoes:
The most
:
Optimal heel protection;
A resistant sole with very good cushioning;
A mesh upper that lets the foot breathe;
Fluorescent areas under the sole when used on the road.
The least
:
A little heavy (around 670 g depending on the size)
Get the Gel-Phoenix 10 model
Adidas Women Rockadia Trail: trail running shoes for women, performance and balanced
Adidas Women's Trail Running Shoes Rockadia Trail - DR
The Adidas Women's Rockadia Trail trail shoes are ideal for those looking for balanced and efficient models.
Letting the foot breathe thanks to a mesh upper and synthetic overlay construction, these shoes are easy to put on and take off.
In order to maintain a grip in all weathers, the sole accommodates specific crampons which do not retain the mud which, when it dries, decreases the grip.
The pros and cons of the Adidas Women Rockadia Trail trail shoes:
The most
:
A mesh upper;
A superimposed assembly for better support;
An easy donning and doffing system (Heel Pool Loop);
Anti-mud studs to maintain optimal grip.
The least
:
Size a little small.
Get the Rockadia Trail model
Vibram Five Fingers 19m7601 V 2.0: finger trail shoes for men
Trail shoes Vibram Five Fingers 19m7601 V 2.0 - DR
After conquering indoor walking, the five fingers are now available in trail shoes, like the Vibram Five Fingers 19m7601 V 2.0.
With a reinforced sole that provides excellent cushioning, these men's trail running shoes improve proprioception (awareness of the placement of body parts).
In other words, the Five Fingers trail shoes boost feel and performance.
The pros and cons of the Vibram Five Fingers 19m7601 V 2.0 trail shoes:
The most
:
5-finger technology (or Five Fingers);
A reinforced rubber sole;
Better toe support with each stride;
A total feeling of freedom.
The least
:
Not very comfortable on very rough terrain.
Get the 19m7601 V 2.0 model
SALOMON Speedcross 4: trail shoes with excellent support for men
SALOMON Speedcross 4 trail shoes - DR
Iconic sports shoe brand, SALOMON offers a new version of a flagship model.
The SALOMON Speedcross 4 are recommended for races in the great outdoors, especially thanks to a Quicklace system of laces and a large studded sole.
The Sensifit system respects the morphology of the foot and ensures a reliable and lasting hold.
However, puddles of water and overly wet terrain should be avoided, as these shoes are not waterproof.
The pros and cons of SALOMON Speedcross 4 trail shoes:
The most
:
Fast and secure lacing (Quicklace);
Excellent foot support;
A rubber sole with large studs for maximum grip;
Lightweight and breathable.
The least
:
Not waterproof.
Get the Speedcross 4 model
Mizuno Wave Ibuki GTX: trail shoes for women, ideal for starting out
Trail shoes Mizuno Wave Ibuki GTX - DR
The Mizuno Wave Ibuki GTX are trail shoes for women to recommend when they start practicing this sport.
Very light, they let the foot breathe thanks to the Gore-Tex upper.
In the event of significant differences in height, the X-studded sole ensures optimal grip.
However, they must be worn for several hours before being perfectly adapted to each foot morphology.
The pros and cons of the Mizuno Wave Ibuki GTX trail shoes:
The most
:
Lightweight and efficient;
A Gore-Tex upper;
Good cushioning;
An X-studded sole for better grip.
The least
:
Need time to adapt.
Get the Ibuki GTX model
Mizuno Wave Ibuki 3: comfortable and lightweight trail shoes for women
Mizuno Wave Ibuki 3 Trail Shoes - DR
The Mizuno Wave Ibuki 3 women's trail running shoes meet the needs of casual runners.
Lightweight and breathable, these shoes are ideal for hiking trails or corners of nature.
The rubber sole provides optimal support for the arch.
However, these comfortable trail shoes are very leaky (if at all).
The pros and cons of the Mizuno Wave Ibuki 3 trail shoes:
The most
:
Soft and light;
Very breathable;
Rubber sole with good cushioning;
Cut well.
The least
:
Not waterproof.
Get the Ibuki 3 model
New Balance Nitrel V4: lightweight and breathable trail shoes for women
New Balance Nitrel V4 Trail Shoes - DR
For those looking for a pair of light and comfortable trail running shoes, the New Balance Nitrel V4 is ideal.
Made of synthetic material, they remain flexible while providing good cushioning during drops in the countryside.
The foot breathes throughout the practice, which limits the risk of excessive sweating.
Take a size larger than yours for even more comfort.
The pros and cons of the New Balance Nitrel V4 trail shoes:
The most
:
Lightweight and breathable;
Good posture;
Soft cushioning;
Comfortable lacing.
The least
:
Size a little small.
Get the Nitrel V4 model
Accessible to all budgets, trail shoes are designed to last over time, regardless of their degree and frequency of use. Ideally, it is best to test this type of shoe before embarking on long strides in the great outdoors. This will allow you to choose the best trail shoes for you.
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