Best Mast Cushioning Trail Shoes – Guide Spring 2025

Trail shoes with maximum cushioning are models that will work well both for ultra mountain runs and for everyday training. They offer the highest level of cushioning, safety and comfort, making them the perfect choice for both advanced runners and those just starting out on their trail running adventure. These are some of the most comfortable trail shoes on the market, and competition in this segment is growing every year.

Who is it for?

The shoes in this shoe guide are trail running shoes with maximum shock absorption and are not only suitable for long distances. These shoes are suitable for:

• runners off-road, outside of asphalt roads,
• runners on mountain trails,
• looking for shoes for mountain ultra runs,
• runners looking for shoes for long, easy training sessions off-road,
• weighing up to about 100 kilograms,
• looking for very high comfort and softness underfoot.

Technical data comparison

Shoes models overview

Altra Olympus 6

In the maximumist shoes, you can find many shoes with a drop (the difference in midsole height between the heel and the toe) lower than the classic 8-10 millimeters, but only Altra offers zero here. So we have zero difference between the stack height under the heel and under the toes. In addition, the front part of the shoe is wider, so that the front part of the foot has plenty of room to move freely. There is also a lot of cushioning and a lot of perceptible softness under the foot. Last but not least, which is important in the field, the outsole is made of grippy Vibram rubber.

• Stack heightwy: 33/33 mm
• Drop: 0 mm
• Weight: 345 g men’s, 310 g women’s
• Regular price: 180 EUR

Asics Trabuco Max 4

A somewhat surprising shoe and a pumped-up version of the classic Trabuco that we have known for many years. Compared to its counterpart without the “Max” suffix, this model offers much more cushioning. And height, on paper this is the shoe with the highest stack in this shoe guide. So it’s soft and high. Maybe a bit unstable too, but you’ll have to judge for yourself. The upper, which is breathable for trail shoes, is made mostly of thin, breathable mesh. The outsole is versatile enough to be used on a variety of surfaces, but it can get “clogged up” quite quickly in mud.

• Stack height: 40/35 mm
• Drop: 5 mm
• Weight: 312 g men’s, 265 g women’s
• Regular price: 180 EUR

Brooks Caldera 8

A monster from Brooks. Not only tall, but also very soft to the touch, thanks to the third generation of DNA LOFT foam (the one doped with nitrogen). What is important, despite such high cushioning, it seems to be a fairly stable and reliable shoe even in more difficult terrain. The upper is, like in Trabuco Max, a fairly thin technical mesh, so we have a similarly breathable (and water-permeable) shoe. The outsole is quite versatile, but certainly not aggressive. It will not interfere on asphalt “finishing lines” and will provide good traction on dry and slightly wet surfaces. It may be difficult in the mud.

• Stack height: 39/33 mm
• Drop: 6 mm
• Weight: 300 g men’s, 263 g women’s
• Regular price: 150 EUR

Diadora Sestriere XT 2

The only trail shoe from Diadora, but what a powerful one. It may not be the lightest, but it makes up for it with its great parameters. This is a shoe that combines powerful cushioning (thick layer of ANIMA foam) with an aggressive outsole – something you rarely experience in trail shoes, because the usual choice is one or the other. Sestriere will perform on stones, mud and forest paths, always making you feel comfortable, even on ultra distances. It will also be an excellent choice for less ambitious forest trails if you prefer comfort and softness under your feet.

• Stack height: 38/33 mm
• Drop: 5 mm
• Weight: 340 g men’s, 275 g women’s
• Regular price: 160 EUR

Dynafit Ultra PRO 2

The Ultra PRO 2 model offers the highest level of cushioning available in the Dynafit lineup, based on SpeedLite foam, as well as high comfort and a classic 8-millimeter drop. It is designed to provide trail runners with optimal protection and cushioning over long distances. It is the ideal choice for ultra runs, especially for less demanding runners, as well as for everyday running on less technical routes. It comes standard with a clamping lacing system, but a spare pair of traditional laces is also included.

• Stack height: 35/27 mm
• Drop: 8 mm
• Weight: 310 g men’s, 270 g women’s
• Regular price: 180 EUR

Hoka Speedgoat 6

Currently the number one in ultra mountain running. It combines very good cushioning (although you can find models with an even softer midsole) with good dynamics, which is rare in this segment of shoes. In addition, it offers stability and excellent traction thanks to Vibram MegaGrip. This shoe has become the number one trail shoe for mountain runners, but also for those who simply enjoy trail running. It makes you feel very comfortable, no matter how far you want to go.

• Stack height: 40/35 mm
• Drop: 5 mm
• Weight: 278 g men’s, 232 g women’s
• Regular price: 160 EUR

Hoka Mafate Speed 4

The second Hoka, which, in my opinion, can be used interchangeably with the Speedgoat. In theory, it is a bit faster because it is a shoe (like fast asphalt shoes) made of a mixture of two foams of different softnesses. Thanks to this, it gives a slightly different sensation under the foot than the Speedgoat. At the same time, it is a rather wide shoe with a fairly aggressive Vibram MegaGrip outsole. One of the few in this shoe guide that does not lose miserably in the mud on the trail. I once heard that it is a kind of trail “cruiser” that does not have to be fast, but can cover the trail space safely and efficiently. That’s what it is.

• Stack height: 33/28 mm
• Drop: 4 mm
• Weight: 295 g men’s, 241 g women’s
• Regular price: 180 EUR

inov-8 Trailfly Max

The TrailFly Max is Inov-8’s best cushioned running shoe. Designed for long runs and ultramarathons, it offers the highest level of comfort and traction. The POWERFLOW PRO midsole and BOOMERANG insole make for excellent cushioning and high energy return, keeping your feet fresh even over long distances. Graphene-enhanced rubber and 4-millimeter multidirectional lugs provide traction.

• Stack height: 24/18 mm
• Drop: 6 mm
• Weight: 260 g
• Lug depth: 4 mm
• Regular price: 160 EUR

New Balance More Trail v3

One of the most powerful, as the name suggests. Based on a large amount of very soft Fresh Foam X and complemented by a Vibram outsole with fairly large studs. More is also a shoe for runners with slightly larger feet, or those who do not run ultra but are looking for an ultra-soft shoe for everyday running in the forest. It is a model that will work well in this application, but it will also cope well during mountain ultra runs in dry terrain.

• Stack height: 39,4/35,4 mm
• Drop: 4 mm
• Weight: 322 g men’s, 260 g women’s
• Regular price: 170 EUR

Nike ZoomX Zegama 2

This model stands out thanks to the ZoomX foam, which was originally developed for the fastest Nike Vaporfly models. This makes it the softest and most resilient Nike model for trail running, offering extraordinary comfort and high dynamics. In addition, the outsole is made of Vibram rubber and has a moderate lug height of 4 millimeters. This makes it perfect for dry roads and stony trails. The front part of the upper is quite spacious and makes for above-average space. The back part of the shoe is finished with a gaiter around the ankle to prevent dirt from getting inside the shoe.

• Stack height: 37/33 mm
• Drop: 5 mm
• Weight: 328 g men’s, 280 g women’s
• Regular price: 180 EUR

Salomon S/Lab Genesis

The Salomon S/Lab Genesis is one of Salomon’s most cushioned models, designed for demanding trail running. It is versatile and suitable for trail running, mountain running and off-road challenges. Although it is primarily aimed at ultra-marathon runners, people who prefer to run at a slower pace can also benefit from its exceptional comfort and safety. This model also stands out for its stability, utilizing the ActiveChassis stabilization system, which is important on very technical trails. On the other hand, the upper made of Matryx material ensures both breathability and durability. It is a shoe that makes you feel exceptionally protected and comfortable, regardless of the terrain you are running on.

• Stack height: 30/22 mm
• Drop: 8 mm
• Weight: 269 g men’s, 242 g women’s
• Lug depth: 4,5 mm
• Regular price: 200 EUR

Salomon S/Lab Ultra Glide

New in Salomon’s lineup and one of the brand’s most comfortable trail running shoes. The secret of comfort lies in the innovative midsole – a combination of the resilient energyFOAM+ and a more rigid energyFOAM layer for optimal stability. The unique, wavy outsole with tread is designed to distribute the foot’s pressure evenly on the ground. In addition, it has a lightweight, breathable upper with a QuickLace fast lacing system and a 4-millimeter outsole that is suitable for both dry and wet routes.

• Stack height: 37/35 mm
• Drop: 6 mm
• Weight: 280 g
• Lug depth: 4 mm
• Regular price: 250 EUR