Top Cross Country Shoe Brands for High-Performance Trails

Cross country running is a demanding sport that requires the right pair of shoes to enhance performance and prevent injury. Various brands have emerged as leaders in providing athletes with optimal support, comfort, and durability for running across rugged terrains. Notable among these are Nike, Adidas, and Saucony, each offering innovative designs suited to the diverse needs of cross country runners. For a detailed guide and to discover which brand might be the perfect fit for your cross country endeavors, explore the comprehensive list below.

Illustration of cross country shoes

Best brands of cross country shoes in 2025

Salomon

Salomon is renowned as one of the top producers of cross-country shoes, leveraging its technical innovation and premium quality to dominate the market. With over 60% of its revenue in 2022 coming from footwear, Salomon has seen significant growth, particularly in its Sportstyle collection, which generated over $165 million in revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The brand's footwear segment has been a key driver, especially in Greater China and the Asia Pacific region, where sales increased by 63% and 66%, respectively, in the same period. Salomon's products are highly regarded for their blend of functional performance and fashionable design, making them a favorite among athletes and consumers alike. The brand's strong market position is further enhanced by its global network of over 136 Salomon-owned and licensed stores, with plans to expand to several hundred locations in China. For more information about Salomon's market impact and vision, visit their official website.

Brooks

Brooks Running has solidified its position as a leading producer of cross-country and performance running shoes, maintaining the No. 1 spot in the adult performance running footwear market at U.S. retail for the tenth consecutive quarter as of 2024. The brand achieved record revenue of $1.2 billion in 2023, with a 5% year-over-year increase and a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 14% since 2018. In North America, Brooks saw a 7% year-over-year revenue increase, reaching $1 billion in the region for the first time. The brand's global revenue grew by 5%, driven by successful product launches such as the Ghost Max, and it expanded its market share in key international markets like France, the UK, and China. Brooks also reported a 25% increase in U.S. e-commerce sales through its direct-to-consumer business. For more details on Brooks Running's achievements in the performance running market, you can read the full article on Business Wire.

Saucony

Saucony is renowned as one of the best producers of cross-country and running shoes, with a rich history dating back to 1898. The brand boasts a 5% market share among sneaker owners in the United States and enjoys a brand awareness of 40% among U.S. sneaker owners. Saucony's products, such as the Peregrine 14, are highly regarded for their performance, featuring technologies like PWRTRAC rubber outsoles and PWRRUN HG foam for enhanced traction and energy return. The brand's loyalty stands strong, with 60% of its owners indicating they are likely to purchase Saucony again. Saucony continues to innovate, offering a wide range of shoes tailored for different running styles and terrains. For more information, discover their best Saucony running shoes.

Nike

Nike is one of the leading producers of cross-country shoes, dominating the athletic footwear market with a 30% share as of 2023, a significant increase from its 17.9% market share in 2011. The company's strong presence is evident in its extensive product range, including popular categories like Running, which is one of Nike's top-selling footwear segments. Nike's footwear revenue constitutes about 64.5% of its total company revenue from 2017 to 2022, highlighting the brand's focus on high-quality athletic shoes. In 2022, Nike held 38.2% of the total footwear market and produced over 780 million pairs of shoes, with a projected increase to 800 million pairs in 2023. The brand's commitment to innovation and high-quality construction has made it a favorite among athletes and casual users alike.

Adidas

Adidas is a leading producer of cross-country shoes, boasting a significant 15.4% market share in the global athletic footwear market as of 2022. The brand's footwear segment generated $13.2 billion in revenue in 2022, with a 9.6% growth from the previous year. Adidas's strong presence is also evident in its dominance in the EMEA region, where it tallied $4.2 billion in net sales in 2022. The brand's focus on innovation, such as its UltraBoost technology, and its strategic management of key footwear franchises, has been crucial in maintaining its market position. Additionally, Adidas produced approximately 420 million pairs of shoes in 2022, highlighting its extensive production capabilities. For more information about Adidas's market standing and production statistics, visit their Adidas shoes statistics page.

New Balance

New Balance is a prominent player in the athletic footwear market, particularly renowned for its high-quality cross country shoes. With a market share of 5% in the US athletic footwear sector, New Balance is favored by 27% of American users and enjoys a loyalty rate of 75% among its customers. In 2023, the brand's awareness stood at 80%, indicating its strong presence in the market. New Balance shoes are known for their comfort and performance, making them a popular choice among runners. The brand's consistent growth and customer satisfaction reflect its commitment to delivering exceptional footwear.

ASICS

ASICS is a leading producer of cross-country and athletic footwear, holding a significant global market share of 8.1% as of 2020, and a notable 6.5% market share in the U.S. athletic footwear market as of 2021. The brand is particularly strong in the performance running footwear segment, with a 9.9% global market share in 2019 and a 13.3% market share in the running shoe market, surpassing Nike and Adidas. ASICS' commitment to innovation, such as its GEL(tm) technology, has made its shoes a favorite among professional and amateur runners alike. The company's focus on high-performance products and its global presence have contributed to its steady growth and market success. ASICS continues to be a top competitor in the athletic footwear industry, with a significant presence in regions like North America, Europe, and Japan. Explore their range of cross-country shoes for more details on their offerings.

Hoka One One

Hoka One One has emerged as a leading producer of cross-country shoes, renowned for its innovative maximalist design and exceptional cushioning. Founded in 2009 by Nicolas Mermoud and Jean-Luc Diard, the brand has seen remarkable growth, reaching $1.8 billion in revenue for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, with a 27.9% annual growth rate. Hoka's sales have accelerated significantly, with a 34% increase in the fiscal fourth quarter of 2024, driven by strong full-price selling and increasing brand awareness. The brand's products, such as the Clifton and Arahi series, have been particularly successful, and Hoka continues to expand its market share in both running and lifestyle categories. With a compound annual growth rate of roughly 50% since 2018, Hoka is poised for further expansion in the global athletic footwear market. For more information about Hoka One One, visit their Wikipedia page.

Altra

Altra is a renowned brand in the trail running shoes market, known for its innovative Zero Drop and foot-shaped designs that enhance running efficiency and reduce injuries. Founded by Golden Harper, Altra's shoes have gained popularity for their lightweight, cushioned, and supportive features, particularly appealing to trail runners seeking agility and comfort. The brand has been a key player in the market, with the global trail running shoes market projected to reach $12.4 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 5.5% from 2023 to 2032. Altra's products, such as the modified Zero Drop shoes, have been praised for improving running techniques and reducing pain, making them a favorite among trail runners. The brand's commitment to natural footwear has contributed to its growth and customer satisfaction.

Inov-8

Inov-8, a UK-based brand, is renowned for producing high-quality trail and cross-country shoes, particularly notable for their innovative use of graphene in their outsoles, which are 50% harder wearing and infused with the world's strongest material. Founded in 2003, Inov-8 has been a pioneer in trail running, with shoes designed for various terrains and environments. Their shoes are favored by elite athletes such as Jasmin Paris and Damian Hall, and the brand is committed to sustainability. The TrailFly G 270 V2, for example, won Runner's World's 'Trail Running Shoe of the Year 2020' and features a zero-drop design with impressive cushioning. Inov-8's shoes are known for their grip, durability, and comfort, making them a top choice for off-road runners.