12 Best Trail Running Shoes for Hiking: 2026

The best trail running shoes for hiking are (1) lighter than hiking shoes and (2) sturdy enough to stand up to the rigors of hiking or ultralight backpacking. Otherwise, you're better off buying a true hiking shoe. Hiking Feet is the only website (I know) that specifically tests trail running shoes for hikers—not runners. Over the past five years, I've personally hiked in more than 25 different trail running shoes from Altra, HOKA, Salomon, La Sportiva, Topo Athletic, and other top brands. My list of the best trail running shoes for hiking is based on my experience testing hiking footwear more than 1000 miles a year and managing footwear at Appalachian Outdoors.

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 Hikers

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 the Goat. The HOKA Speedgoat isn't the cushiest shoe on this list anymore, but its balance of comfort, weight savings, support, and grip are GOAT-worthy. 

Learn more in 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 value weight savings and cushioning more than anything else. 

Learn more in my full Ultra Glide 4 review 

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. It stands out for its wide Footshape fit and for eliminating extra heel cushioning and midfoot structure, which forces you to rely on your body—not your shoes—for cushioning and support. Altras don't make sense for hikes who prefer more conventional fits or more support. (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 flat design. 

Disclosure: I have tested previous Lone Peaks but not the Lone Peak 9 (since this shoe doesn't work for me). 

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. Premium Vibram Megra Grip outsoles provide 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

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 max-cushion trail runners with wide toe boxes, start with the new Topo Athletic Vista. 

Learn more in my full Topo Vista review

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 standout on steeper and muddier trails. This is my go-to recommendation for men and women who need a trail running shoe with a narrower fit and aggressive tread. 

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 it also packs in plenty of cushioning. Usually, hikers need to choose support OR weight savings. The Fortux is both supportive AND lightweight. It somehow blends both float and feel, too. The LOWA Fortuex 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, mostly wearing them for urban hikes 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 light-to-moderate cushioning, moderate traction, and a time-tested quick-lace system. It's also affordable by today's standards. 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 

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 hiker who knocks off big miles on gnarly trails, this trail running shoe may be the perfect match for your hikes. By hiking standards, the Prodigio Max 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. I've loved hiking in this unicorn of a trail running shoe.

Learn more in my full Prodigio Max review 

Mammut Aenergy Trail Endurance Ultra

New Trail Running Shoe for 2026

Made for endurance runners, the Mammut Aenergy Trail Endurance Ultra is a new trail running shoe for 2026. It's slightly heavier than most shoes on this list, which boosts its support and comfort for hikers. But it's a softie, too, with plenty of cushioning and more toe room than most Mammut trail shoes. I've personally tested the Aenergy Trail Endurance Ultra on easy to tough trails outside Albuquerque and have enjoyed how comfortable and grippy it is. I sized up extra, which gave me a relatively roomy fit. You can wear the Trail Endurance Ultra for almost anything—for comfort on easier trails to performance on moderate to difficult trails.  

Learn more in my full Trail Endurance Ultra review. 

BROOKS CASCADIA 20

Traditional Trail Running Shoe for Hiking

Sometimes, the oldest trail runners make the best trail running shoes for hiking. One of the first trail runners to become popular with thru-hikers, the Brooks Cascadia is now in its 20th version. 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. It's the heaviest shoe on this list. But the Cascadia has a long track record of holding up to hiking. 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 roomy fit, 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 are the lightest trail running shoes for hiking:

• According to my measurements, the HOKA Speedgoat 7 was the lightest trail running shoe followed by the Salomon Ultraglide 4 and Topo Traverse.
• The Brooks Cascadia (13.3 oz), Salomon XA Pro, and Mammut Aenergy Trail Endurance Ultra are the heaviest trail running shoes I recommend for hiking. Still, they're lighter than most true hiking shoes. 
• The HOKA Speedgoat, LOWA Fortux, La Sportiva Prodigio Max, and Topo Traverse 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. Based on my testing, the most supportive trail running shoes for hiking are the

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

Cushion

These top-performing trail running shoes also vary in their cushioning. My recommendations include 6 max cushion trail running shoes. Testing them side by side on the same trails, here's how they ranked for cushioning:

1. Topo Athletic Vista (most cushioning)
2. Salomon Ultra Glide 4 (plush cushioning)
3. Mammut Aenergy Trail Endurance Ultra (light & responsive cushioning)
4. La Sportiva Prodigio Max (thick & responsive cushioning)
5. HOKA Speedgoat 7 (firm cushioning) 

If you prefer less cushioning (for better trail feel), I recommend the Salomon XA Pro or Salomon Speedcross.

Who should buy trail running shoes for hiking?

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 wear trail running shoes in summer and 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

Yes, you can hike in trail running shoes. But you need to be careful which trail runner you choose because they're designed for runners, not hikers.

This list should help you narrow down your choices by fit, features, and recommended uses. I can vouch for the twelve shoes above. I've personally tested and reviewed each of them while hiking 17,000 miles over the past 15 years.

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