Top Trail Running Shoe Brands for Adventurous Runners

Trail running has become increasingly popular, and having the right pair of shoes is crucial for both performance and safety. With advancements in design and technology, certain brands have stood out in the market, offering runners superior grip, durability, and comfort tailored for rugged terrains. Among the top names in trail running shoes, you'll find brands known for their innovation and commitment to quality, making them favorites among both amateur and professional athletes alike. Curious to discover which brands make the cut? Read on to explore our curated list of the best trail running shoe brands.

Illustration of trail running shoes

Best brands of trail running shoes in 2025

Salomon

Salomon, a French-based outdoor brand, has established itself as a leading producer of trail running shoes, known for its balance between performance and fashion. The brand has seen significant growth, with a 35% increase in revenue to $949.3 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2023, and over 60% of its revenue in 2022 coming from footwear. Salomon's trail running shoes, such as the Speedcross and XA Pro, have been highly successful, and the brand's sportstyle segment has been particularly strong, driven by limited distribution and celebrity endorsements. In the North America trail running shoes market, which is projected to grow to USD 5.56 billion by 2033, Salomon is a key player, benefiting from the increasing participation in trail running and consumer preferences for comfort and advanced cushioning. The brand's commitment to athlete-driven design and innovation has maintained its reputation for quality and performance.

Hoka One One

Hoka One One has established itself as a leading brand in the trail running shoe market, known for its exceptional comfort, support, and innovative designs. The brand has seen remarkable growth, with a 34% sales increase in the fiscal fourth quarter of 2024 and a 27.9% growth for the entire year, reaching $1.8 billion in sales. Hoka's trail running shoes, such as the Speedgoat, Challenger ATR, and Stinson, are highly praised for their cushioning and stability, making them favorites among ultrarunners and casual trail runners alike. The brand's focus on full-price selling and expanding its direct-to-consumer sales has contributed to its strong performance and record gross margins. Hoka's popularity is particularly strong among 18 to 34-year-olds, with brand awareness nearly doubling year-over-year in this demographic. For more insights into their trail running footwear, explore their selection of Hoka trail running shoes.

Altra

Altra is a leading brand in the trail running shoes market, known for its innovative designs and user-centric features. The brand, which emerged in 2009, specializes in zero-drop running shoes with a wider toe box, providing enhanced ground feel and comfort. Altra's shoes, such as the Lone Peak 3.0, are highly regarded for their robust toe cap, generous midsole cushioning, and high-quality outsole, making them a top choice for ultra runners and hikers. The brand's focus on improving key styles rather than adding more has contributed to its popularity, especially among those with wide and large-volume feet. Altra is expected to continue its growth in the market, which is projected to reach $12.4 billion by 2032, with the female segment and online sales channels driving significant growth.

La Sportiva

La Sportiva is renowned as one of the top producers of trail running shoes, leveraging its 95 years of mountain footwear heritage to deliver high-performance products. The La Sportiva Prodigio, for instance, stands out with its nitrogen-infused supercritical foam midsole, offering 15% more cushioning and 19% more rebound while being 19% lighter than traditional EVA material. For a comprehensive guide on the best men's trail running shoes, check out this detailed review.

Brooks

Brooks Running has solidified its position as a leading producer of trail and performance running shoes, achieving a $1 billion revenue milestone in 2024, the fastest pace in the company's history. The brand maintained its No. 1 market share in adult performance running footwear at U.S. national retail for the 11th consecutive quarter and saw a 10% year-over-year revenue increase in North America, with a 16% growth in e-commerce. Globally, Brooks experienced a 30% revenue increase in the Asia Pacific-Latin America region and a 10% increase in Europe, Middle East, and Africa. The brand's popular models, such as the Ghost and Adrenaline GTS, continue to dominate the market, with the Ghost Max setting a new record for retail adoption. Brooks' strong multichannel strategy and innovative products have driven its success and market share gains. For more details, visit their official website.

Saucony

Saucony is a renowned brand in the trail running shoes market, known for its innovative and high-quality products. The brand has a proven formula for driving industry-leading innovation, as evident from its Endorphin Elite collection, recognized by Runner's World in its Gear of the Year awards. Despite a 13.7% decline in Q4 revenue in constant currency, Saucony's annual sales for 2023 totaled $495.8 million, showcasing its strong market presence. Saucony's trail running shoes feature advanced technologies such as GORE-TEX waterproof protection and PWRTRAC rubber outsoles, enhancing traction and comfort. The brand holds a significant market share, with 5% of the US athletic shoe market and a strong presence in the global trail running shoes market expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.8% by 2031.

Nike

Nike, a leading producer of trail running shoes, dominates the market with its innovative and high-quality products. In 2023, the light trail running shoes segment, which includes Nike's offerings, led the market with a 56.0% revenue share in North America. Nike's strong presence in the athletic footwear market, holding 30% of the athletic footwear market share and 38.5% of the sneaker market, underscores its expertise in trail running shoes as well. The company's commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction has driven significant growth, with the trail running shoes market projected to reach $14.10 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 5.7%. Nike's global reach and brand recognition further solidify its position as a top choice for trail runners.

Merrell

Merrell is a leading brand in the trail running shoes market, known for its commitment to comfort, design, durability, and versatility. The company, which originated as a hiking boot manufacturer in the 1980s, has expanded its product line to include trail running shoes that cater to various needs, such as the minimalist Merrell Trail Glove 5 and the stability-focused Merrell Antora. In 2024, Merrell gained 30 basis points in market share in the hike and trail run categories, highlighting its growing presence in the market. Their collaboration with Jeep and the successful launch of new collections, such as the Moab Speed 2, have contributed to their market share gains and consumer response. Merrell continues to innovate, offering a range of trail running shoes that provide protection, comfort, and performance. Explore their collection on Merrell's official website.

Innov-8

Inov-8 is a premier brand for trail running shoes, founded in 2003 by Wayne Edy and known for its innovative use of graphene, a material 200 times stronger than steel. This technology has led to outsoles that are 50% harder wearing, 50% more elastic, and provide 50% better grip compared to standard rubbers. Inov-8's shoes, such as the TrailFly Ultra G 280 and TrailFly G 270 V2, are designed for long-distance runs and feature advanced cushioning and traction, making them ideal for rugged and wet terrain. The brand has received numerous awards, including Trail Running Shoe of the Year for the Terraultra G 270 in 2020. Inov-8's commitment to durability and performance has made it a favorite among ultrarunners and trail enthusiasts.

The North Face

The North Face is a leading producer of trail running shoes, known for its innovative technology and strong market performance. The brand has seen significant growth, with a 17% increase in revenue for the fiscal year ending March 2024, reaching $3.6 billion, and a 12% increase in constant dollars marking its 10th consecutive quarter of double-digit revenue growth. Their trail running footwear, particularly the Vectiv Pro series, has garnered attention for its cutting-edge foam and carbon plate technology, enhancing running efficiency. The North Face's commitment to quality and performance is further highlighted by its athlete roster and the success of its XPLR Pass loyalty program, which surpassed 18.5 million members by the end of Q4 2023. For more information on their trail running technology, visit their official website.