There’s nothing like running trails. Whether you’re splashing along muddy towpaths, grinding up uneven mountain tracks or navigating unpredictable woodland paths, it’s one of the most physically and mentally demanding sports. 

To train effectively - and safely - it’s worth getting the best trail running shoes available. Choosing proper gear means you’re less likely to develop an injury, can run more confidently and can push yourself harder. 

To choose the best trail running shoes for men and women, it’s useful to know about their key features and why they’re important. 

Trail running shoes are footwear that are specifically designed for running off-road. They come with several key features that help you run on trails more confidently, comfortably and safely. 

The best trail running shoes give you:

• Deep lugs: You get chunky, tough lugs on the outsoles which allow you to grip on slippery and uneven surfaces. The best trail running shoes should also shed debris from the lugs. 
   

• Foot protection: The best cushioned trail running shoes use advanced foams to absorb footstrikes, relatively stiff outsoles to protect your feet from sharp stones, and toe guards to prevent injury. 
   

• Low profile: Most trail running shoes have a low heel to toe drop (basically, how many millimetres your heel sits above your forefoot when standing up in the shoes). This allows you to change your foot movements more easily, so you can respond to a changing terrain. 
   

• Water resistance: The best water resistant  trail running shoes use breathable but water resistant overlays which mean your feet stay dry when you splash through puddles. 

No. Keep your road running shoes for running on concrete, tarmac and the treadmill. They don’t offer enough traction when you’re running on muddy, uneven surfaces. That means you’re more likely to slip. 

You should also avoid using trail shoes for running long distances on roads. The lugs aren’t designed for use on these surfaces, meaning they’ll wear away faster. 

There are a few key factors to consider when you’re choosing your trail running shoes. 

Different trail running shoes are more suited to different kinds of surface:

Grass and mud: 

• Choose running shoes with larger lugs with more space between each cleat. This lets you grip on these slippery surfaces, while also shedding debris. 

• Our top shoe pick: Unisex UA Infinite Pro Trail Running Shoes. You get a full-length Vibram® outsole, with chunky, well-spaced lugs that let mud, twigs, pebbles and other debris drop out.

Hard packed trails: 

• Running on towpaths, gravel or in dry weather? You’re going to benefit from lightweight shoes with lots of cushioning and shorter lugs. 

• Our top shoe pick: UA Bandit Trail 3 Running Shoes. The upper is super lightweight, you get UA Charged Cushioning® to protect your feet from harsher foot strikes and technical trail lugs that are positioned a little closer together. 

Multi-surface: 

• These are for the all-rounders. If you run on all kinds of trails, you need versatile gear. 

• Our top shoe pick: UA Sonic Trail Running Shoes. The lug height is a little higher on these shoes, meaning they can handle most surfaces. The use of responsive UA HOVR™ cushioning reduces impact, and toe protection means you can be confident clambering over shale and rocks. 

Trail running is an all-weather discipline. Your feet are going to get wet when you splash through puddles, cross forest streams and get rained on. The best water-resistant trail running shoes keep you dry and help prevent chafing. 

Try the UA Bandit Trail 3 Running Shoes. The uppers are built with a breathable membrane that doesn’t let water in, but lets sweat get out. 

Different people need different levels of support from their trail shoes. If you run recreationally on fairly flat surfaces, you’ll need less support. But if you’re climbing up and down steep hills, you’ll need more. Some people have weaker ankles too, so protecting them is essential. 

That support comes in a few places: 

• Ankle collar: A higher ankle collar means you’re less likely to twist your ankle (twists and sprains are among the most common injuries in the sport).  UA Valsetz Mid Tactical Boots are suitable for trail use, but give you much more ankle support than regular shoes. 
   
• Slip resistance: Find you slip often? Run on wet rocks? Some trail running shoes are built with slip resistant designs on the outsoles. The UA Micro G® Strikefast Tactical Shoes use high traction lugs for an enhanced grip. 
   
• Structure: The structure of trail running shoes can also provide stability. An external heel counter provides lockdown and containment, toe protection prevents toe injuries, while moulded uppers keep your foot in place. 
   
• Cushioning: The amount of cushioning in your running shoes reduces the impact of foot strikes on your joints. 
   
• Outsole toughness: The use of tough, durable and fairly rigid rubber on the outsoles means your feet are protected from sharp stones and other debris. 

Not just shoes: You’re going to need breathable, durable and sweat wicking tops, bottoms, jackets and more. Check out our trail performance wear for men and women. 

We build trail running shoes that help you train better. You get a powerful combination of insanely tough materials, advanced technological breakthroughs and reliable designs for all kinds of surfaces, distances, experience levels and conditions. 

Check out our range and discover the best trail running shoes for women and men.