Best Trail Runners For Thru Hiking 2025

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This is a gear review about the best trail runners for thru-hiking in 2025.

All the best ultralight trail running shoes are well suited to hiking trails. In fact, in the last couple of years, ultralight hikers have been using Trail Running Shoes for Thru-Hiking. With the perfect combination of comfort and lightweight, they could be a better alternative to Hiking Boots or Hiking Shoes.

Trail Runners for backpacking are generally more robust and stiffer than regular jogging shoes, offering more support and stability to better adapt to rugged and uneven surfaces. They also offer a more aggressive sole for better traction.

Some trail-running shoes are designed with rock plates between the midsoles and outsoles that add an extra layer of protection against sharp objects such as rocks and sticks, while still providing a lightweight feel. 

I started using trail runners a couple of years ago and have clocked up hundreds of days of hiking, backpacking, and thru-hiking in them. They now have a place on the hiking trails in my opinion, and often they are a much better choice than traditional hiking shoe or boots.

Whether you’re hitting the trails to run, hike, camp, or go backpacking, in this article, I’ll be taking you through the best trail running shoes for hiking that are on the market in 2025.

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How We Tested

All the Trail Runners in this review have been extensively evaluated and researched by the expert author who has many years of experience in Thru-Hiking, Backpacking, and Hiking with trail runners. He also spent several years managing a hiking retail store that used to fit Trail Runners to customers. Some of the Trail Runners in this review were purchased by the author for this review. They have been rigorously tested by the author in all kinds of weather and over thousands of miles of use. The research, testing, and experience of the author have combined to come up with the best trail runners for thru-hiking 2025. Read the Review Policy for further details.

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The Best Ultralight Trail Runners for Hiking 2025

The Best Ultralight Trail Runners for Thru Hiking 2025 are:

• Best Overall: Altra Lone Peak 9
• Best Hiking Trail Runner for Mud: Salomon Speedcross 6
• Best Ultralight Trail Runner for Hiking: Hoka Speedgoat 6
• Best Backpacking Trail Shoe: Salomon Men’s X Ultra 4
• Best Lightweight Trail Runner for Backpacking: Salomon Sense Ride 5
• Brooks Cascadia 18
• Altra Timp 5
• La Sportiva Bushido iii
• Altra Olympus 6
• Saucony Peregrine 14
• La Sportiva Wildcat

The Altra Lone Peak 9 is the latest update of the ever-popular Lone Peak Trail Runners. Like all the previous models there is a lot to like about these trail running shoes, including a very large choice of colors available this season.

There is a nice wide toebox on this shoe that allows the toes plenty of room to spread out. This is not only comfortable but reduces toe blisters and rubbing. While the shoe is wide in the front section of the shoe it becomes more narrow towards the rear which allows the shoe to better grip onto the foot as a whole when hiking or trail running. But all this width is not for everyone. If you want something tight-fitting these are not the best, but take my advice and stay away from tight-fitting shoes.

There is a very high level of comfort with the latest Lone Peak 9. There is a good amount of cushioning in this shoe. If you hike or run often enough you will appreciate that there is not so much padding that you can’t tell if you are on a paved road or mountain trail. I guess what I’m saying is this shoe allows you to feel the trail as you hike or run.

Let’s talk about zero drop. It refers to the height difference between the front of the shoe where your toes are the rear of the shoe where your heel is. Most trail runners have been 4mm and 8mm. Altra has zero drop meaning the shoes are essentially flat. When I first used Altra Lone Peaks many years ago it felt like I was walking up a hill all the time because my calves needed to stretch more than with my usual 6mm drop. After a day of use, I loved that feeling. And that is what the updated Lone Peak 9 offers, a shoe you will love wearing.

The updated outsole offers a good balance between traction and wear life. Other shoes may offer more aggressive traction and others may have a sole that lasts longer, but the Lone Peaks are a good balance. Most runners and thru-hikers should get around 500 miles of use out of them, maybe more if used on easy groomed trails.

Overall, the Altra Lone Peak 9 are the best trail running shoes for thru-hiking, running, and backpacking in 2025.

Do you find yourself hiking or running on muddy trails and want a lightweight trail running shoe? If you answered yes, then the Salomon Speedcross 6 could be for you.

The most noticeable thing about the Salomon Speedcross 6 is the huge lugs on the outer sole of the shoe. These lugs are more like studs that football/soccer players might use on a sports field. They offer the best in class traction on muddy trails, technical trails, and soft trails. In these conditions, the Salomon Speedcross 6 comes into a class of its own. Add to all that traction the fact that they have a 10mm drop which is at the upper end when it comes to these styles of trail runners.

All the traction is matched with a good level of comfort. While not as comfortable as the Hokas or Altras it doesn’t mean they are uncomfortable. They have a high level of comfort.

The new and updated Salomon Speedcross 6 has gone on a diet and lost a bit of weight compared to the previous model. And they certainly feel light. But not so light that they don’t feel tough enough for the trail.

When I tried the Salomon Speedcross 6, I found them to be on the narrow side but they come in a wide version which could be a better option for most people.

Overall, the Salomon Speedcross 6 are the best trail runners for mud and soft conditions.

If it’s ultralightweight, comfort, and support you’re looking for, look no further than the Hoka Speedgoat 6 upgraded running shoe. These trail runners have lightweight foam midsoles for maximum cushioning and excellent absorbing impact.

The updated toe boxes and wider forefoot construction provide a more accommodating fit for enhanced comfort and stability.

The gusseted tongues feature strategic cutouts for added breathability and the breathable textile lining provides abrasion-free wear.

A trail runner like this is best suited to trails that are in good condition and not as well suited to rough terrain or muddy. If heading onto rougher trails then a stronger hiking shoe might be a better option.

The Hoka is slightly narrower than the Altras and they have a 5mm drop which most people seem to prefer. Most hikers will get around 500 miles out of the Hoka Speedgoat 6 shoes when thru-hiking. They have a 4mm drop from heel to toe.

The Hoka Speedgoat 6 is an exciting trail running shoe for ultralight hikers. They lack the durability of a hiking shoe but have gained a following for those looking for an ultralight trail running shoe for thru-hiking.

The Salomon X Ultra 4s are ideal if you’re looking for a trail shoe for hiking rather than a running shoe. The Salomon X Ultra 4 hiking footwear has been designed to provide cushioning and support over long distances.

The Contragrip MA rubber outsole grips the terrain, even when slippery or wet. 

The Salomon X Ultra 4 is an upgrade from the previous model and is equipped with SensiFit technology to cradle the feet from the midsole to the lacing system, which provides a secure and snug fit.

The Ortholite sock liner and contoured EVA heel cups provide enhanced heel support and cushioning, while the breathable mesh panels keep feet feeling cool and wick moisture away. The Salomon X Ultra hiking shoe comes in a waterproof and non-waterproof version.

The Salomon X Ultra 4 is best suited to hikers wanting more of a lightweight hiking shoe than a trail running shoe. They are best suited to hikers with narrow feet only, people with wide feet should look elsewhere.

Salomon is arguably the leader in the field of lightweight hiking shoes and lightweight trail runners. The Salomon Sense Ride 5 is the latest upgrade to the trail running shoe family.

The Salomon Sense Ride 5 does everything well and in many ways it should rank higher on this list. They are comfortable, offer good traction, and are durable enough for most trails.

The Salomon Sense Ride 5 is more comfortable than the Speedcross but not as comfortable as the Hoka or Altra models. Having said that, I don’t think you can find too many people who wouldn’t like these shoes.

The Salomon Sense Ride 5 offers good traction and for most situations, these will be a better option for groomed trails and those hiking or running in areas that do not need technical traction for mud or soft terrain.

The Salomon Sense Ride 5 are lightweight but not the lightest shoes in this review. I guess you can read this review and work out that these are just great shoes in all areas.

Overall, the Salomon Sense Ride 5 is the trail runner you choose when you don’t know which one to choose. Love Salomon but don’t want the aggressive lugs on the sole of the Speedcross. Then these are for you.

Brooks is one of the pioneers of trail running shoes for hiking. About 10 years ago wearing trail runners when thru-hiking was popularized by Brooks Cascadia. Soon after they made trail runners popular they had a few quality issues that left many lacking faith in Brooks. Fast forward to 2025 and the Brooks Cascadia 18 is worthy to be listed as one of the best trail runners for thru-hiking.

The Brooks Cascadia 18 features engineered mesh to increase breathability and improve drainage to dry quickly when running through creeks or in wet weather. 

The built-in rock plate helps to protect the feet from loose rocks, roots, and random debris on the trail, while the plush yet lightweight next-generation DNA Loft Foam cushioning softens every step with a springy, energy-boosting return.

They come with an improved sticky rubber outsole which is blended with a high percentage of recycled material which provides added grip on rugged or wet surfaces.

The Brooks Cascadia 18 is a little like the Salomon Sense Ride trail runners. They are good at almost everything without being the best at anything. They are incrementally improving every time a new updated model is released. If you have a narrow foot, you will love them and they are worthy of being higher on the list.

Overall, the Brooks Cascadia 18 is a popular trail shoe and this newly upgraded model is a solid trail shoe for hiking.

The updated Altra Timp 5 has gone on a diet and lost a bit of weight. Somehow these shoes are lighter than the very popular Lone Peaks. They trimmed down the overall design for a lightweight feel and better fit. And like many others on this list, they deserve to be much higher up. With a bit more use and testing this model might replace the Hoka as the best ultralight trail runner for backpacking.

The Engineered mesh uppers are durable and breathable, while the high-cushion Quantic midsoles provide soft cushioning to deliver miles and miles of comfort. 

The Altra Timp 5 also features Altra’s wide toe box that allows the toes to relax and spread out naturally and for the big toes to remain in a straight position, as well as Balanced Cushioning which places heels and forefeet the same distance from the ground, to encourage low-impact landings when running.

The Altra Timp 5 is a zero-drop trail running shoe with no difference in the heel-to-toe drop.

The outsole has been redesigned and they now use a Vibram sole on the new Altra Timp 5. The multidirectional lug pattern gives a better grip than all the other previous models. While it is still not designed for muddy trails, it is a significant improvement.

Overall, I found the Altra Timp 5 to be very comfortable and essentially very similar to the Lone Peaks but with an extra couple of millimeters of padding under the feet.

The La Sportiva Bushido 3 provides a perfect combination of responsiveness, stability, and comfort, as well as great protection and traction. 

La Sportiva has made some small tweaks to the Bushido to take it to the next level, including an all new outsole that provides better traction. While the traction may not be quite as good as the Salomon Speedcross it is very close. Also, the updated design offers better breathability. It retains the durability and strength of previous models making this model more resistant to wear and tear than most other trail runners.

The Bushido has always had a great feel and fit for those with narrow feet. The newly updated La Sportiva Bushido iii now comes in a wide option for the first time, so those with wider feet can try these trail runners.

Overall, the new La Sportiva Bushido iii is the one of the most durable trail shoes and one of the best trail running shoe for backpacking trips.

The Altra Olympus 6 offers more cushioning than both the Lone Peak and Timp. All this extra cushioning will make for a softer trail experience but reduce your feel for the trails. Making this one of the most comfortable trail running shoes for long-distance hiking trails. 

Using the same wide-toe box that other Altras use allows your toes to spread out and makes for less impact when running or hiking. It also uses a zero-drop design. As I mentioned in the review of the Lone Peaks it may not be for everyone and will take a couple of days to get used to how they feel.

All the extra cushioning does increase the weight of the shoes but that extra weight is not noticeable. When I tested the shoes I found the cushioning to be better than any other shoe in this review. But all that padding takes away any feel for the trail. Most of the time I had no idea I was walking on sharp rocks or tree roots.

They feel just as light as all the other Altras and are very similar to the Hoka Speedgoat when it comes to weight. These shoes will be better suited to rocky hiking trails such as the Appalachian Trail or desert hiking trails that are very rocky.

Underneath, the upgraded Vibram sole offers better traction than previous models and is durable enough to last most people around 600 miles on the trail.

Overall, the updated Altra Olympus 6 is a comfortable zero-drop shoe best suited to someone who wants a lot of padding and maximum amount of comfort without the extra weight.

The Saucony Peregrine 14 is an upgrade from the Peregrine 13. They are the lightest trail running shoes for hiking. While the shaving weight is good the fit is not quite as comfortable as the previous model. Not to say it is uncomfortable, but it is still one of the most comfortable shoes in this review.

They have a 4mm heel-to-toe drop and plenty of foam to absorb the shock. The tread is very grippy without being too aggressive.

The ultralight weight of these trail shoes will not offer the same durability as some of the others in this review but if weight is important then there are no better.

Overall, the Saucony Peregrine 14 is the lightest trail running shoe for hiking. They are good in every area and will be popular for anyone wanting a super light shoe.

The Wildcat is another of La Sportiva’s best-sellers, and it features rugged 1-piece nylon mesh uppers which minimize the weight of the shoe and provide superb breathability.

The external thermoplastic urethane stabilizers provide support for heels, while the dual-density midsoles and 2.4mm thick EVA lasting boards provide ample cushioning for comfort when covering distances. 

The Wildcat has been designed with a dynamic tongue that works with the lacing harnesses to provide a snug fit and maximum stability.

The nylon mesh linings on the tongue and back half of the shoe wick moisture to help keep feet dry, while the Sticky FriXion AT rubber outsoles deliver excellent traction.

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Other Trail Runners to Consider

There are several other worthy trail runners for thru-hiking such as:

• Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4: The Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4 Trail-Running Shoes are the new and improved model that are being evaluated now and may be added to the list

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Trail Running Shoe Comparison Table

Brand	Weight	Drop
Altra Lone Peak 9	1 lb. 6.4 oz	0mm
Salomon Speedcross 6	1 lb. 5 oz	10mm
Hoka Speedgoat 6	1 lb. 4.6 oz	5mm
Salomon Sense Ride 5	1 lb. 4.2 oz	8mm
Salomon Men’s X Ultra 4	1 lb. 9.6 oz	Not Specified
Brooks Cascadia 18	1 lb. 7.3 oz	8mm
Altra Timp 5	1 lb. 3.6 oz	0mm
La Sportiva Bushido 3	1 lb. 5 oz	6mm
Altra Olympus 6	1 lb. 8.4 oz	0mm
Saucony Peregrine 14	1 lb. 2.8 oz	4mm
La Sportiva Wildcat	1 lb. 9 oz	12mm

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Sizing

When it comes to any type of running shoe, comfort is always going to be top of your priority list.

This will largely depend on the fit of the shoe, and some trail shoes run small, so ensure you check the size guide and reviews before you purchase.

Also, bear in mind that your feet are bigger in the afternoon, and they’re going to swell when you’re running or walking for long periods, therefore, it might be wise to size up a little. 

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Comfort 

You’ll also want to pay attention to the cushioning in the shoe, and the level of support it provides.

Those with high arches require maximum cushioning, whereas those with lower arches may need a stability shoe to prevent the foot from rolling.

It’s also worth looking for a shoe with a roomy toe box so your toes can spread out, and a flexible upper that adapts to your movements. 

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Weight 

Most trail running shoes are designed to be lightweight to lessen fatigue and reduce stumbling and injuries, however, if you’re running on particularly uneven terrain, you may wish to opt for a heavier shoe as these are likely to provide more protection and durability. 

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Materials 

Trail running shoes usually compromise on durability to reduce the overall weight of the shoe, however, it’s worth checking the uppers and the lugs of trail runners as these will indicate how durable they are. 

Reinforced mesh uppers and firm lugs will make for the most robust trail runners.

Most trail shoes aren’t waterproof, but they’ll usually feature breathable mesh panels for increased airflow or drainage holes which allow the shoes to dry quickly if they get wet.

Some styles may also come in a Gore-Tex variation, which is a breathable, waterproof material, and these can be good if you’ll be running in wet, muddy conditions. But most people prefer the breathability benefits of non-waterproof trail running shoes. When they are more breathable the feet are less sweaty and less prone to blisters.

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Traction

Taking lightweight trail running shoes on hiking trails will require that they have good traction. Almost all the trail runners in this review have good lugs on the sole that give good traction. Also, they have a good soft rubber that gives a good grip. But this grip and traction come at the cost of durability with most trail runners only lasting around 500 miles / 800 kilometers before the tread is worn out. This distance tends to correspond to about the same distance when the rest of the shoe is worn out too.

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Waterproofing

As a general rule using a waterproof trail running for hiking and backpacking is not the best choice. If you are planning a hiking or backpacking trip on muddy trails, snow, or in very wet areas then trail runners are not the best choice. You would be better served by a more solid Hiking Shoe or Hiking Boot.

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Breathability

Having a breathable trail runner when hiking is super important, much more so than how waterproof it is. If your feet get wet a breathable trail running shoe will dry out much quicker than any hiking boot thus keeping your feet dry.

Breathable trail runners will remove the build-up of heat and sweat and prevent blisters. So keep this in mind, breathability rules when it comes to trail runners. And it is breathability that is super important. If you are considering a Gore-Tex Trail Runner then think again, don’t do it. Get a waterproof hiking shoe instead.

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Heel to Toe Drop 

Traditionally, a noticeable heel-to-toe drop was believed to increase your running and walking efficiency, however, today, some modern trail runner designs have zero drop and balance your foot off the ground at the same distance from heel to toe.

It’s thought that this puts less stress on your body and allows for a more natural gait while running. 

If you ever try zero-drop shoes after being conditioned to use shoes with a heel-to-toe drop it will initially feel weird. I found that it felt like every step I was taking was uphill as my calves had to do more work, or so it appeared to me. They are not for everyone and a period of adjustment is usually needed for most people to get used to them. After more than 200 miles of hiking with zero-drop shoes I have grown to love them but I still prefer a couple of millimeters in the heel-to-toe drop, it just feels better.

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Socks

It is difficult to talk about the best trail running shoes for hiking without mentioning just how important it is to have the Best Hiking Socks. The socks must be not only comfortable but durable enough to withstand multi-day hiking trips on muddy trails and many days without being washed.

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Insoles

Most of the shoes in this review are supplied with quality insoles. Some people will find that they are soft and comfortable but do not provide the support they need. If you have issues with your feet, knees, hips, or back then you might need orthotic inserts prescribed by a qualified podiatrist.

For many years I used orthotics due to long-term foot issues. But for many people, a good pair of Insoles might be a good investment.

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Gaiters

Many people will want to use gaiters when using trail runners. Not the heavy-duty ones that keep out mud but ultralight ones that keep out sand and small rocks. There are many ultralight gaiters on the market. Many of the shoes in this review are specially designed to allow gaiters to be used with them.

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Conclusion

Here are the best trail runners for backpacking:

• Best Overall: Altra Lone Peak 9
• Best Hiking Trail Runner for Mud: Salomon Speedcross 6
• Best Ultralight Trail Runner for Hiking: Hoka Speedgoat 6
• Best Backpacking Trail Shoe: Salomon Men’s X Ultra 4
• Best Lightweight Trail Runner for Backpacking: Salomon Sense Ride 5
• Brooks Cascadia 18
• Altra Timp 5
• La Sportiva Bushido iii
• Altra Olympus 6
• Saucony Peregrine 14
• La Sportiva Wildcat

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Frequently Asked Questions 

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