![\"Columbia-zero-rules-lifestyle\"](\"http:\/\/setupjunkie.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/S21_EscapeAscent_TK_UTAH-4024-700x467-1.jpg\")
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Venturing off-road can provide a mental lift<\/strong> to your weekly routine and reap huge fitness gains.<\/strong> While we\u2019ve all taken our road shoes to the trail, having specific trail running shoes will elevate your off-road game.<\/p>\n The perfect shoe is the calculus of individual fit and the type of trail you run on. To collect feedback, we had our team of testers from across the country run in diverse terrain.<\/p>\n From rocky scrambles to mellow hikes to the Leadville 100, we\u2019ve worn these trail shoes through rain, summer heat, and everything in between. And while there isn\u2019t a single perfect shoe for everyone, we\u2019ve categorized our top picks to help you find the best fit.<\/p>\n Fortunately for runners, 2024 is a great year for trail running shoes. Every shoe on this list is a stellar choice, with several capable of crossing over into a variety of terrain.<\/p>\n To curate this exhaustive list, our team of dedicated trail runners clocked endless miles in a broad diversity of conditions and landscapes to bring you the streamlined selection of fifteen shoes you see today. For our most recent update, we sent gear-tester and contributing writer Matthew Medendorp on two trail-running testing trips, toting a carry-on<\/a> stuffed with our finalists for head-to-head testing in the deserts of Northern Arizona and the high-alpine ridges of the Eastern Sierras.<\/p>\n Our list is quite comprehensive. If you need more help deciding, be sure to check out our buyer\u2019s guide<\/strong><\/a> at the end of our review to unravel just how to choose the best trail running shoes for you. Also, check out our comparison chart<\/strong><\/a> to see how our choices stack up against one another, and our <\/strong>FAQ<\/strong><\/a> section for any lingering questions.<\/p>\n Editor\u2019s Note: We refreshed this article on May 8, 2024, adding two new products, additional details about our testing practices, and more information in the FAQ section of the buyer\u2019s guide. We also made sure our product list is up-to-date with current models, color schemes, and designs<\/em>.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGreat rebound<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSegmented rock plate provides protection and flexibility<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFantastic fit<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRounded outer soles and shallow lugs don\u2019t bite into the trail as well as other shoes<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMinimal heel cup support compromises some lateral stability<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLugs clatter on pavement<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n A balance of snap, cushion, traction, and fit,\u00a0Nike\u2019s<\/strong>\u00a0Terra Kiger 9<\/strong>\u00a0<\/a>($150) stands head and shoulders above the field of shoes we laced into this year.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Core to TK9\u2019s comfort is the full-length React foam midsole. Prior iterations featured an Air pod unit in the forefoot, but this has been removed in this update to bring the runner closer to the ground. The result is a firmer cushion with a slight rocker that puts a spring in your step. The shoe wants to take flight with every stride.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n The breathable revamped upper fits like a sock and minimizes debris buildup. There\u2019s zero play in the shoe; the heel and tongue pads are engineered to lock the Kiger to the foot, connecting the runner to the trail. More porous than other uppers, Nike lines the toebox with an inner sock, which curbs the amount of sand and grit from spilling in. The bootie liner rides up over the toes, connecting to the tongue. This keeps the tongue pegged dead center over the foot.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Inside the shoe rides a segmented rock plate. While the shoe\u2019s rocker is minimal, the stiff heel yields some flexibility as the plate segments towards the toes, allowing good mobility while climbing.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Per usual, the design team at Nike hits it out of the park. The TK9 sports gorgeous lines and is available in a variety of bright color schemes. For those who like it tamer, the TK9 is also available in black and grey.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Equal beauty and brawn, the Kiger embodies the evolution of the modern trail shoe. It\u2019s low to the ground, protective, springy, and shouts at you like a backseat driver urging you to step on it.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n The\u00a0TK9<\/strong>\u00a0<\/a>has become our go-to trail shoe for quick lunch runs to long, Saturday miles. It\u2019s the shoe we kept wanting to lace back into after testing the competition and it\u2019s what we recommend to our friends looking for a great all-rounder for the trail.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSuperb combination of cushion, rebound, and rocker<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGreat fit<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tOn the heavy side<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSome testers found it had too much arch support<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Plush midsole, supportive upper, and a robust rocker,\u00a0The North Face VECTIV Enduris 3<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0($149) was our favorite cushioned shoe tested this year.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n In back-to-back testing against other trail shoes, the VECTIV Enduris 3 felt more cushioned. No laggy, doughy ride. The midsole feels both supportive and energetic. Helping propel you through the gait, the Enduris II has a TPU plate and an aggressive rocker. The combination keeps the feet protected and legs rolling with quick turnover.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Riding above the robust midsole is a breathable upper that snugs the heel and opens a touch in the toebox. It\u2019s not aggressively wide (like an Altra), but cradles the foot with secure comfort.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n The foot drops into the plush midsole and is stabilized with both lateral and medial postings that creep up the shoe\u2019s sidewalls from the TPU plate. For a mileage shoe, the Enduris II has plenty of stability to minimize the odds of torquing an ankle.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n While tailored for high miles, we feel the VECTIV Enduris 3<\/strong><\/a> strikes a balance of comfort and stability with proper roll and rebound, making this a good all-arounder for many runners.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNimble, lightweight, and fast on technical terrain<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGreat balance of comfort and trail feedback<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tParallel carbon plates<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExcellent Matryx upper (secure and durable)<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTacky and surprisingly durable outsole<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNarrow fit (especially in the midfoot)<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNot super plush (longer mileage or sharp terrain may affect feet)<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpensive<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n We\u2019ve seen a few brands introduce carbon plates to the running world.\u00a0TNF\u2019s <\/strong><\/a>VECTIV<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>and\u00a0Craft\u2019s CTM Ultra<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0come to mind. As you\u2019d expect, these shoes provide spring and rigidity \u2014 and are meant to go\u00a0fast<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n HOKA Tecton X 2<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0($225) entered the ultrafast field with its own carbon whip, designed to keep the turnover revving toward a PR. In our opinion, the Tecton X sets the current bar for carbon-plated shoes and is worthy of consideration.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Like all HOKAs, the cushion is top shelf, with a softer layer against the foot and a denser, responsive layer closer to the ground. Sandwiched between the foams are a pair of carbon plates that give you the stiffness and spring you\u2019d expect from carbon while yielding lateral compliance to negotiate the changing terrain.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Laced down over to just above the toes, a Matryx upper hugs the foot, weaving in breathability and adjustable comfort for long days on the trail. A Vibram Megagrip outsole with an early-stage MetaRocker is studded with spaced 4mm lugs to shed mud without sacrificing traction.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n As a whole, the Tecton X 2 has a pop that shouts speed.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Do you need a carbon shoe? Well, with the release of the\u00a0Tecton X 2<\/strong><\/a> \u2014 maybe! If you are a racer who\u2019s been on the fence with carbon fiber plates, this is the shoe we\u2019d recommend pulling the trigger on.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe Best Trail Running Shoes of 2023<\/h2>\n
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\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\tBest Overall Trail Running Shoe\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tNike Terra Kiger 9\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\t\tSpecs\t<\/h3>\n
\n\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t10.3 oz.<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t4.5mm<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBurning turns on technical trails<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n![\"The](\"http:\/\/setupjunkie.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Nike-Terra-Kiger-9-2.jpg\")
<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t\tPros\t\t<\/h4>\n
\n\n
\n\n\t\t\tCons\t\t<\/h4>\n
\n\n
\n
\n\tChris Carter<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\t$67 at Backcountry<\/a>Check Price at Nike<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\tBest Cushioned Trail Running Shoe\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tThe North Face VECTIV Enduris 3\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\t\tSpecs\t<\/h3>\n
\n\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t10.8 oz.<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t6 mm (31\/25 mm)<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMaximum cushioning for ultra distances<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n![\"The](\"http:\/\/setupjunkie.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/The-North-Face-VECTIV-Enduris-3.jpg\")
<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t\tPros\t\t<\/h4>\n
\n\n
\n\n\t\t\tCons\t\t<\/h4>\n
\n\n
\n
\n\tChris Carter<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\t$149 at REI<\/a>Check Price at The North Face<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\tFastest Trail Running Shoes\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tHOKA Tecton X 2 Shoes\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\t\tSpecs\t<\/h3>\n
\n\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tClaimed 8.8 oz., Actual (size 10.5) 9.6 oz.<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t5mm<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t$225<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n![\"The](\"http:\/\/setupjunkie.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/hoka-tecton-x-2-shoe-mens.jpg\")
<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t\tPros\t\t<\/h4>\n
\n\n
\n\n\t\t\tCons\t\t<\/h4>\n
\n\n
\n
\n\tChris Carter<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\tRead Review:
\n\t
\n\t\tThese Carbon-Plated Trail Runners Are Fun, Fast, Look Fantastic: The HOKA Tecton X2 Review\t<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\tCheck Price at Backcountry<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\tBest Road-to-Trail Running Shoe\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tSalomon Ultra Flow\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\t\tSpecs\t<\/h3>\n
\n\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t244 g (M); 222 g (W)<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t6 mm<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBudget trail runners who tackle both road and trail<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n![\"The](\"http:\/\/setupjunkie.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/salomon-ultra.jpg\")
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