Best Men’s Trail Running Shoes in 2024

For those of you who enjoy running but have always kept your runs on the pavement or the roads up to now, and want to challenge yourself further, trail running might be that challenge you are looking for.

Off-road running, in the countryside, along different trails and on different types of terrain, brings with it a wide range of health benefits, both physically and mentally. Whether you are looking to train up for a half marathon in London and want to shake things up or you are just looking for a different way to stay fit, we’ve put together a guide to the best trail running shoes for men this year.

The importance of trail running shoes

It is important that you find the correct type of running shoe when trail running, as you are posed with many different challenges than if you just go out running on the pavement.

You can’t just put on a normal trainer and go for a run, instead, a trail shoe provides you with maximum grip when running in even the deepest mud, releasing mud from the base of the shoe or it can provide you with a grippy, rubber sole if you are running on rock or a hard terrain. That’s why you need to be careful when choosing your trail running shoe.

What is trail running?

Trail running is a term used to describe a wide variety of running terrain outdoors. It is mostly associated with running in the mountain, with ascents and descents, and challenging surfaces, in both competitive race formats and just casually for individuals or groups of runners.

It is essentially, any type of outdoor running that is away from the pavement and on footpaths that are made up of dirt, grass, and mud, rather than concrete or asphalt.

What are the benefits of trail running?

There are a few reasons why you should take up trail running. The psychological benefits are huge, as it ensures that you stay in the moment when running, promoting focus due to the nature of the twists and turns and the ups and downs of every unique trail.

Concentration on this level brings benefits akin to meditation. Physically, trail runners are less likely to experience repetitive strain injuries in the same way as a road runners, due to the unique nature of every trail, and there is a need for stronger muscle development. It also has less impact on your joints, as the surfaces are often softer. Last, the benefits of complete freedom and being out in the countryside are huge, allowing you to run where you want, away from the pollution of town and city roads and where you can clear your mind.

Best men’s trail running shoes

Now, let’s move on to helping you choose the correct trail running shoes for your needs.

Under Armour HOVRRidge Trek

If you are heading out into the wilderness and running the muddiest of trail routes and looking for the best men’s trail running shoes, you need that security that provides you with the ultimate grip to be safe in every stride. The Under Armour HOVR DS Ridge Trek gives you peace of mind, with an excellent grip delivered by the full-length Vibram sole and the protection that the reinforced upper gives.

It is lightweight yet manufactured to deliver in muddy conditions. It feels a tight yet comfortable fit and it has well-positioned cushioning. The textured lugs give fantastic levels of grip on even the most technical of trail runs.

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Nike Zegama 2

For a solid trail running shoe that fits the brief in many different conditions, the Nike Zegama 2 has a reliable level of traction, is manufactured to be robust and to last the test of time, and it is plush and bouncy, providing ultimate levels of comfort for your feet whilst easing the strain on the joints with how it runs with a thin 14.0 HA carrier super foam and Vibram Megagrip.

It isn’t the lightest of men’s trail running shoes out there, which might make it tricky to run in competition and for quick runs, but this is outweighed by the grip and deep traction lugs that make running secure whether you are on a soaked pavement, soggy mud paths or in the dirt. For hiking or long-distance trail runs, this is a solid all-rounder of a shoe.

Saloman Speedcross 6

A technical trail running shoe, this is a great option for those looking to move up through the levels and test themselves in the ultimate trails. It has a robust Contagrip outsole and supportive platform, supporting the running action with every stride. It is agile, offering superlative grip and is best used in technical, fast-paced conditions due to the tough rubber and durability.
This level of comfort and support is enhanced by the adaptability of the shoe, offering great flexibility on any type of terrain and challenging circumstances.

For trail running purposes, the Saloman Speedcross 6 is light, sheds mud very quickly and is ideal for heel strikers. It offers an enhanced ground feel and is agile in fast corners, making it a great fit for wet conditions and technical trails.
Despite this, it does have poor breathability and is not the most suitable for runners who are midfoot and forefoot strikers.

Getting out into the country and hitting the trail runs is a lot of fun. Whether you are a seasoned running veteran and want to find out the best trails near the short-term student accommodation you’re staying in during the summer months, a student moving to a new town and looking for the best options or a newbie in search of the best trail running shoes for men this year, there is a lot to be excited about. There are fantastic health benefits to trail running, you can run solo or find a community, and get out into the local countryside to explore and broaden your experiences. Finding a trusted running shoe is important though, as it will make or break how well you do, and how safe you run.