10 Best Mud Trail Running Shoes 2025 in the United States

The New Balance Women's 410 V8 Trail Running Shoe is designed with the demands of both on-road and off-road running in mind. Its AT Tread outsole provides solid traction, which is essential for mud trails, ensuring that you can navigate various terrains confidently. The synthetic upper and durable overlays contribute to the shoe’s longevity, making it a reliable choice for frequent runners. However, synthetic materials may not offer the best breathability compared to natural fibers, which could be a consideration for warmer weather runs.

The lace-up closure ensures a secure fit, and the shoe's weight of 1.5 pounds is reasonable for trail running, though some might prefer a lighter option for less fatigue over long distances. Comfort is addressed with a soft BIO Foam midsole, offering decent cushioning to absorb impact and provide a comfortable stride. However, the shoe does not highlight any specific water resistance features, which might be a drawback for those frequently running on wet or muddy trails.

The shoe's design and color options, such as the Black/Bright Cyan/HI-Pink, add a vibrant touch, making them visually appealing. In summary, the New Balance Women's 410 V8 Trail Running Shoe is a well-rounded option for those looking for durability, decent comfort, and good traction, though it may fall short in breathability and water resistance for some users.

The New Balance Women's DynaSoft TEKTREL V1 trail running shoe offers a good balance of comfort and performance for mud and trail running. Its DynaSoft midsole provides responsive yet plush cushioning that helps reduce foot fatigue on longer runs, making it comfortable on varied terrain. The AT Tread outsole is designed to deliver versatile traction, capable of handling slippery or uneven muddy surfaces reasonably well, though it may not be as aggressive as some specialized trail shoes designed solely for extreme mud conditions.

The mesh upper supports breathability and a lightweight feel, keeping your feet cool but with limited water resistance in wet environments. The shoe emphasizes a lifestyle-inspired look, so while it’s stylish, it might lack some rugged durability features like reinforced overlays found in more hardcore trail shoes.

This shoe is ideal for runners seeking a comfortable, lightweight trail shoe with decent grip and cushioning for moderate mud trails. However, if maximum waterproofing or extremely durable materials are priorities for rougher conditions, other options might be more suitable.

The Merrell Trail Glove 7 is designed with a lightweight feel, featuring a breathable mesh upper made entirely from recycled materials that helps keep your feet cool during runs. It includes a rubber sole and a molded nylon arch shank that provide support and durability suitable for trail conditions. The shoe’s bellows tongue helps keep mud and debris out, which is beneficial on messy trails.

Cushioning is provided by Merrell’s Air Cushion in the heel, offering shock absorption and added stability important for uneven terrain. The fit and comfort are well considered, with recycled laces and a design aimed at stability, though the shoe’s ankle height is standard and does not offer extra ankle support. Weighing around 2 pounds, it balances lightweight construction with durability.

This shoe serves as a solid option for runners seeking a comfortable, eco-friendly choice for light to moderate muddy trails, but it may be less suitable for very wet or technical mud running conditions.