10 Best Trail Running Shoes 2025 in the United States

The New Balance Men's 410 V8 Trail Running Shoe offers several features aimed at enhancing your trail-running experience. Designed with an AT Tread outsole, this shoe provides versatile traction, making it suitable for a variety of terrains, whether you're navigating rocky trails or smoother paths. The soft BIO Foam midsole adds a layer of cushioning, which can help in providing comfort during long runs, reducing the strain on your feet. With a synthetic upper and durable overlays, these shoes are built to withstand the wear and tear of outdoor adventures. However, the synthetic material might not offer the best breathability compared to natural fibers, which could lead to warmer feet in hot conditions.

In terms of fit and comfort, the shoe features a lace-up closure that ensures a secure fit, which is essential for stability on uneven surfaces. The shoe is also available in an X-Wide size, catering to those with wider feet who often struggle to find comfortable running shoes. Weighing around 2 pounds, they are moderately lightweight, but there might be lighter options for those prioritizing speed over durability.

The shoe’s water resistance is not specifically highlighted, which suggests it may not be ideal for extremely wet conditions or water-heavy trails. For those who frequently run in rainy weather or through streams, additional considerations like water-resistant features might be necessary. This shoe is particularly suitable for trail runners looking for a durable and comfortable option with good traction and cushioning. It might not cater as well to those who need advanced waterproofing or are looking for ultra-lightweight options. Nonetheless, for regular trails and mixed terrain, this shoe offers a solid balance of protection and comfort.

The Merrell Women's Morphlite Sneaker is designed with trail running in mind, offering features that support comfort and grip on varied terrains. Its jacquard mesh upper and internal bootie provide a locked-in, breathable fit, which helps keep your feet secure and comfortable during runs. The shoe uses FloatPro Foam in the midsole, making it lightweight while still offering cushioning that can absorb impact without feeling bulky.

The outsole features Merrell’s sticky rubber, known for reliable traction that helps prevent slips on trails, which is a major plus for trail running safety. However, this model does not highlight added protection features like reinforced toe caps or rock plates, so it might not be the best choice for very rugged or rocky trails. Also, there’s no mention of water resistance, so it may not perform well in wet or muddy conditions.

The lace-up closure allows for a customizable fit, and the materials suggest the shoe leans toward lightness. These shoes suit runners who want a comfortable, breathable trail shoe with good grip, especially for moderate trails where extreme protection or waterproofing isn’t critical.

The Brooks Women’s Divide 5 is well-suited for runners who want a versatile shoe that handles both road and light trail running comfortably. Its standout feature is the DNA LOFT v2 cushioning, which makes the ride soft and smooth while being 10% lighter than before. This added cushioning helps absorb impact, especially useful when moving between pavement and uneven trail surfaces. The fit feels secure and snug thanks to a road-inspired design with a tongue gusset, and the breathable, quick-drying mesh upper adds comfort while protecting against trail debris with a TPU mudguard and toecap. Traction is strong for light trails, thanks to the TrailTack rubber outsole with aggressive lugs that grip wet and dry terrain well. However, the shoe is better for moderate trails rather than very rugged or technical terrain, as the lugs are not deeply aggressive and the overall protection is moderate.

It weighs about 1.5 pounds, which is reasonable for a cushioned trail shoe but might feel heavier compared to ultra-light racing shoes. There is no specific mention of full waterproofing, so it may not keep feet dry in very wet conditions. A bonus is its carbon-neutral certification, reflecting eco-friendly materials and manufacturing. For women runners looking for a comfortable, adaptable shoe for mostly easy to moderate trail routes with some road running, the Divide 5 is a solid choice.