12 Best Trail Running Shoes for Hiking: 2026

Yes, you can use trail running shoes for hiking. Many hikers now choose trail runners as a lightweight alternative to traditional hiking boots and hiking shoes. But it's worth stating the obvious: trail runners are made for running—not hiking. This means hikers must choose them carefully. The best trail running shoes for hiking are (1) lighter than a true hiking shoe and (2) sturdy enough to stand up to the rigors of hiking or ultralight backpacking. Otherwise, you'd be better off in a true hiking shoe.

My trail runner recommendations are specifically for hiking. Over the past 5 years, I've personally hiked in more than 20 different trail running shoes, testing the most promising models for hikers. My list includes perennial best sellers and new trail running shoes that have dropped in 2025 and 2026.

For the most part, my list has organized the top trail runners for hikers by weight—with the lightest shoes higher on the list and the more supportive shoes lower on the list. (Although, a few of my picks are both lightweight and supportive!) My mini-reviews below will help you find the best fits for your feet and best matches for your hiking style.

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Best Trail Running Shoes for Hiking

In 2026, the best trail running shoes for hiking are the HOKA Speedgoat 7, Salomon Ultra Glide 4, Altra Lone Peak 9, Topo Athletic Traverse, Topo Athletic Visa, KEEN Roam, Salomon Speedcross 6, LOWA Fortux, Salomon XA Pro, La Sportiva Prodigo Max, Mammut Sertig II, and Brooks Cascadia 19. I've personally tested and reviewed each of the models while hiking more than 1,000 miles each year. Here's more on their main benefits, fits, and recommended uses. 

HOKA SPEEDGOAT 7

Max-Cushion Trail Running Shoe

The Speedgoat is the most popular HOKA for hikers and the top-selling trail runner in the U.S. Many hikers have fallen for this max cushion tail running shoe with shock-absorbing soles to soften your ride on the trail. Surprisingly, this is the lightest trail runner on this list—in spite of that copious cushioning—and it's in the top half for support, too. Plus, the shoe's Vibram Megagrip outsoles offer outstanding tread, especially in mountainous terrain. I've personally hiked hundreds of miles in several versions of this shoe. The Speedgoat isn't the cushiest shoe on this list anymore, but its balance of comfort, weight savings, support, and grip are GOAT-worthy. 

For more, see my full Speedgoat review 

SALOMON ULTRA GLIDE 4

Ultra-Cushy Trail Running Shoe for Hiking

The Salomon Ultra Glide 4 (updated for 2026) is actually cushier than the HOKA Speedgoat above. Salomon's most comfortable trail running shoe is superlight with max cushion and more ventilation to keep your feet cooler. I loved the old version, but version 4 is much more athletic—and looks absolutely sick! On my test hikes, I feel like I'm hiking faster than normal, thanks to the Ultra Glide's ultralight and ultracushy build. This may be the best trail running shoe for hikers who place a premium on weight savings and comfort. 

ALTRA LONE PEAK 9

Zero Drop Trail Running Shoe

The legendary Altra Lone Peak is a niche trail running shoe for hikers who don't like conventional hiking shoes. The Lone Peak feature a wide toe box that accommodates swelling and supports natural toe splay. Plus, some hikers swear by Altra's balanced cushioning (formerly known as "zero drop"). That is, Altra removes the extra heel cushioning and mid-foot structure of traditional running shoes to force you to rely on your body (not shoes) for cushioning and support. Altras don't make sense for people who prefer more conventional fits or more supportive trail shoes. (Personally, I've had troubles with calf strains, shin splints, and rolled ankles with Altra.) But the Lone Peak has a cult-like following who love its extra-roomy fit and less-is-more philosophy. 

TOPO ATHLETIC TRAVERSE

Thru-Hiking Shoe with Natural Fit

The Topo Athletic Traverse is a trail running shoe that's specifically designed for thru-hiking long distance trails. The Traverse features the "Topo Fit"—low (5mm) drop, a secure fit in the mid-foot, and roomy toe box—for a more natural stride. It's relatively lightweight with a moderately high stack height for shock absorption and premium Vibram Megra Grip outsoles for plus traction. It's also optimized to drain water and dry quickly. I enjoyed backpacking the Gila Wildernes—and its bazillion water crossings—in this shoe. I'm not a thru-hiker, but I love the Traverse's wide toe box and regularly wear mine for mid-week hikes. 

For more, see my full Topo Traverse review

TOPO ATHLETIC VISTA

Max Cushion Trail Running Shoe for Hiking

New in Summer 2025, the Topo Athletic Vista is a max cushion trail running shoe that's cushier than the other shoes on this list. It's not only the king or queen of cush. The Vista's Vibram Megagrip outsoles offer high-end traction for the mountains. Like the Traverse above, the Topo Vista features low heel to toe drop (5mm), a more secure fit in the midfoot than Altra, and a roomy toe box. It's also available in wide. This doesn't appear to be the most durable trail running shoe for hiking, based on my testing. But its comfort and grip have impressed me. If you like your trail runners extra-cushy, the new Topo Athletic Vista is a top alternative in the max cushion category. 

KEEN ROAM

Best Trail Running Shoe for Wide Feet

SALOMON SPEEDCROSS

Best Trail Running Shoe for Narrow Feet

If you have narrow feet, it's hard to beat the Salomon Speedcross. Salomon's narrowest fitting trail runner features the brand's signature speedlaces and aggressive tread for mud and gravel. (Some hikers actually use it as a softball cleat!) This trail runner may be too aggressive for casual hikers, and its tread isn't reliable on solid sock. But it's a stand out on steeper and muddier trails and my go-to recommendation for men and women who need a narrower fit. 

LOWA FORTUX

Light & Supportive Trail Running Shoe

The sturdiest of LOWA's new trail running shoes, the Fortux is built like an NFL running back: muscular yet fast in the field. Made for long distance trail runs, the LOWA Fortux is stiffer than my other trail runners—with plenty of backbone for tougher terrain. But also packs in plenty of cushioning. Usually, hikers need to choose support OR weight savings and float OR feel. However, the Fortux is both supportive AND lightweight with good cushioning AND good trail feel. This shoe crushed it on my test hikes—and immediately earned its place among the best trail running shoes for hiking. 

For more, see my full LOWA Fortux review

SALOMON XA PRO

Traditional Trail Running Shoe for Hiking

I've personally owned several pairs of XA Pros, wearing them for day hikes, urban trails, and mountain vacations. This oldie-but-goodie is moderately stiff with a protective chassis adding some foot support and lateral stability. Even though it's one of the heavier shoes on this list, it's still lighter than the best hiking shoes. Available in a non-waterproof or GORE-TEX style, this trail runner features moderate cushioning, moderate traction, and a time-tested quick-lace system. The Salomon XA Pro may be a good choice for men and women who want a more supportive and protective trail running shoe.

LA SPORTIVA PRODIGIO MAX

Supershoe for Technical Trails 

New for 2025, the La Sportiva Prodigio Max is one of the standouts on this list. It's a "supershoe"—a lightweight, high-performance trail running shoe with a carbon plate and extra cushion. It's designed for ultra runners. But if you're a badass hikers who knocks off big miles on gnarly trails, this trail running shoe may be the perfect match for your hikes. By hiking standards, this shoe is lightweight yet feels indestructable. It has max cushion soles but isn't too soft. It has aggressive lugs but also grips solid rock. In other words, there's little this pro-grade shoe can't do.

The Prodigio Max's feel is hard to describe: simultaneously cushy and stiff, roomy yet snug. You'll need to try it on to decide if it's too much or absolutely perfect. It's too much shoe for the casual day hiker. But I've loved hiking in this unicorn of a trail running shoe. It should be high on your list if you're a serious hiker. 

Mammut Sertig II

Sturdy yet Nimble Trail Running Shoe

The Mammut Sertig II may be the best trail running shoe that most hikers don't know about. Made for the Swiss Alps, this trail runner is surprisingly sturdy without feeling heavy. It also has a thicker stack of EVA foam than the average trail runner, which takes the edge off its stiff, supportive build. I've been hiking in this shoe for six months and love how it supports my feet on moderate to tough trails. It's more supportive than some hiking shoes I own while being noticeably lighter and more athletic. If you prefer a sturdier trail running shoe for your hikes, this one gives you hiking shoe-like support at a trail runner weight. It's an impressive, high-performance trail shoe for hiking—and, yes, it looks sick, too!

BROOKS CASCADIA 19

Traditional Trail Running Shoe for Hiking

The heaviest shoe on this list, Brooks Cascadia is another long-time best seller that's stiffer and (therefore) more supportive than most trail running shoes. That makes it a popular pick among day hikers and long-distance thru-hikers who don't want to lose too much support as they transition away from a true hiking shoe. Now in its 19th rendition, the Cascadia has a sturdy but cushioned ride with 8mm drop and aggressive, chevron-shaped lugs that can dig into mud and steep terrain for clutch footing. I tested and reviewed a previous version in Pennsylvania and continue to wear it for desert day hikes in New Mexico. The Cascadia also has a roomier fit than other supportive trail runners, making it one of the best trail running shoes for hikers with wide feet.

Comparing the best trail running shoes for hiking

I stand behind each of these trail running shoes. However, they all vary in terms of weight, support, and cushioning. Here's how to sort through these 12 options by feature to find the best fit for your feet and best match for your hikes:

Weight

Each of these trail running shoes runs lighter than the typical hiking shoe. However, their weight also varies by up to 4 ounces per pair. I personally weighed each of these shoes when I tested and reviewed them. Here's how they stack up by weight:

• According to my measurements, the HOKA Speedgoat 6 was the lightest trail running shoe followed by the Salomon Ultraglide and Topo Traverse.
• The Brooks Cascadia (13.3 oz) and Salomon XA Pro are the heaviest trail running shoes I recommend for hiking. Still, they're lighter than most (not all) hiking shoes. 
• The HOKA Speedgoat, LOWA Fortux, La Sportiva Prodigio Max, Mammut Sertig II, and Topo Traverse (12.1 oz) offer the best balance between weight savings and support. 

Support

I evaluated each shoe's support on a series of test hikes. This included wearing shoes side by side—that is, one shoe on the right foot and another on the left foot—to compare their support and foot protection. In order, these were the most supportive trail running shoes that I reviewed:

1. LOWA Fortux
2. La Sportiva Prodigio Max
   
3. Mammut Sertig II
4. Topo Athletic Traverse
5. Brooks Cascadia

Cushion

These top-performing trail running shoes also vary in their cushioning. HOKAS are known for their max cushion, but the HOKA Speedgoat was the just 5th most cushioned trail runner on this list. Testing the cushiest trail runners shoes side by side on the same trails, here's how they ranked for cushioning:

1. Topo Athletic Vista (most cushioning)
2. Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4 (plush cushioning)
3. Salomon Ultra Glide 4 (plush cushioning)
4. La Sportiva Prodigio Max (thick & responsive cushioning)
5. HOKA Speedgoat (firm cushioning) 

Working in the outdoor industry, it's been my experience that these groups of hikers are more likely to be happy wearing trail running shoes for hiking:

The average day hiker and backpacker often prefers true hiking shoes and hiking boots for their superior stability and support, weather protection, and durability. Likewise, hardcore hikers often pass on trail running shoes if they mostly hike moderate to difficult mountain terrain. Or, they'll switch to hiking boots for colder and wetter weather. For more, see my post on hiking boots vs hiking shoes vs trail running shoes. 

buying the best trail running shoes for hiking

The trend towards trail running shoes may be a good one for many hikers, especially if you hike fast and light. The trail-runners I've recommended here have strong reputations with pros in the outdoor industry. At least one of them should be a good match for your feet and your style of hiking. I can vouch for the twelve shoes above—I've personally hiked in each of them.

Are you ready to pull the trigger on a new pair of trail runners?! If this post helped you decide, please consider buying your next pair through the affiliate links above. Hiking Feet may receive a small commission (at no cost to you) from Backcountry or REI—the best outdoor specialty retailers in the U.S. These commissions fund this site (and compensate me for the hundreds of unpaid hours I spent creating free content to help you buy the best footwear for you.)

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