Interested in taking up a new hobby in the great outdoors? Here are five shoes we recommend for your runs on unpaved terrain
Trail running is quickly becoming a favorite for every adventure-seeking fitness enthusiast. It is a sport where you tread through unpaved terrain, from forest grounds to hilltops and slippery surfaces. Due to the dangers of tripping on steep inclines and other such uneven surfaces, runners need to be equipped with the right footwear. In line with that, here are some of the best trail running shoes we recommend for both beginners and pro trail racers in the field.
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VJ Shoes MAXx
Trusted by many trail runners is VJ Shoes’ MAXx. These are versatile, breathable, made for every terrain, and are the perfect choices for long-distance trail running or ultra-trail races due to their protective midsole rockplate and durable upper-mesh. Comfort is also assured with their cushioning units, larger and shallower outsole lugs, and wider toe box.
Hoka Tecton X
The top-performing Hoka Tecton X are built to be grippy, propulsive, and comfortable with their Vibram-designed outsole, responsive and soft foam underfoot, and single-layer jacquard mesh. They are also vegan and have carbon fiber plates, a protective toe rand, and laces made from recycled polyester.
The North Face VECTIV™ Infinite x Elvira
The North Face’s VECTIV™ Infinite x Elvira Shoes is a collaborative effort between Spanish artist Fernando Elvira and The North Face. These shoes feature the artist’s unique designs on the exterior while retaining The North Face’s VECTIVE hiking and trail technology, making it the ultimate shoe for ultra runners braving off-terrain adventures. Notably, these shoes have all-terrain 3.5mm lugs for a rugged grip, as well as lightweight and responsive dual-density midsoles to elevate your running experience.
Saucony Endorphin Edge
Saucony’s Endorphin Edge is among the brand’s best-sellers—and for good reason. These trail running shoes feature SPEEDROLL technology to propel you further, as well as light and responsive foam cushioning with Carbitex™ MonoFlex carbon-fiber plate to keep you fast, stable, and running efficiently. The Endorphin Edge also has a 3-quarter plate design to let you run through varied terrain without discomfort, and lightweight mesh to keep your feet cool and dry no matter the weather conditions.
Brooks Catamount
Brooks’ Catamount shoes were carefully designed for trail runners, trail racers, and hikers, making them the ultimate rock and root protection without sacrificing speed and adaptability. With material like the Ballistic Rock Shield placed between the midsole and outsole, the Catamount features ultralight and responsive cushioning, sticky traction, and flexible protection.
