10 Best Men's Trail Running Shoes 2025 in the United States

The Altra Lone Peak 9 trail running shoe is designed for comfort and natural foot movement. Its roomy toe box allows toes to splay naturally, enhancing stability on uneven trails. The breathable mesh upper keeps feet cool during long runs, contributing to comfort in warmer conditions.

Featuring a rubber outsole that provides decent traction, the shoe may not be optimal for very slippery or technical terrains due to lack of specific advanced grip features. Cushioning is provided mainly by an EVA insole, offering moderate comfort that may be less plush compared to other trail shoes focused on extra shock absorption. Pull tabs make it easy to put on and take off.

This shoe is ideal for trail runners who prioritize comfort and natural foot movement on mild to moderate trails. It may not be the best choice for those requiring heavy-duty protection or water resistance.

The Salomon Men’s Speedcross GTX is designed especially for trail runners who need reliable grip and protection in wet or rough conditions. Thanks to its waterproof Gore-Tex membrane, it keeps your feet dry and comfortable even in rainy weather or muddy trails, while still allowing breathability. The aggressive Contagrip TA sole offers excellent traction on slippery, uneven surfaces like mud, wet ground, or loose gravel, helping you maintain stability.

Cushioning in the midsole provides good shock absorption, making longer runs feel less tiring, and the Sensifit design along with Quicklace closure ensures a snug, secure fit that hugs your foot without pressure points. The upper’s ripstop fabric is tough against tears and scrapes, giving solid protection against trail debris. Some may find the shoe a bit heavy compared to ultralight trail shoes, which could affect speed if you prefer very lightweight gear. Also, while the fit is precise, those with wider feet might feel it’s slightly narrow.

This shoe is ideal if you prioritize durability, waterproofing, and strong traction for varied and challenging trail conditions rather than running on easy or dry paths.

The Salomon Men’s Speedcross Trail Running Shoes are designed primarily for trail runners tackling mixed and muddy terrains. They excel in traction thanks to deep, sharp lugs and a special rubber compound that grip soft and loose ground well, helping you stay steady on tricky trails. Stability is another strong point, with a heel unit that supports and cradles your foot to promote a secure, balanced stride.

The shoe’s upper is made from durable, abrasion-resistant ripstop fabric with mesh panels to keep mud and debris out, offering good protection while keeping your feet comfortable. The fit is precise and secure with Sensifit technology and a Quicklace system, making it easy to adjust and ensuring the shoe hugs your foot well.

These shoes are a great match for runners who need reliable traction and stability over varied terrain but may not be the best choice if you prioritize a very lightweight feel or require extra cushioning or waterproofing for wet conditions.