Best Trail Running Shoes of 2025 – Sklep Biegacza Selection

As with our selection of the best road running shoes, we have also selected the best trail running shoes for 2025. These shoes have proven their worth on forest paths, mountain trails, and technical routes. Important factors included grip, stability, and foot protection, as well as running dynamics. This selection is based on the subjective, practical experience of the Sklep Biegacza team. If you are looking for a trail shoe that can handle tough conditions, you’ve come to the right place.

Top Trail Running Shoes

The voting rules were the same as those for selecting the best running shoes for hard surfaces. Each employee of a brick-and-mortar running store in Poland could cast three votes, as could the entire Sklep Biegacza team outside the sales floor. The highest-rated model received three points, the second choice received two points, and the third choice received one point. Forty-nine people participated in this year’s vote, resulting in comprehensive and practical outcomes.

1. Hoka Mafate 5

The Hoka Mafate 5 won our poll for the best trail shoe of 2025. Designed for long runs on challenging terrain, this model prioritizes cushioning, stability, and traction. Its thick yet springy midsole effectively absorbs shock, and its aggressive outsole provides traction on technical trails. Despite its weight, the Hoka Mafate 5 is a trail tank that can run surprisingly lightly.

2. Asics Trabuco 13

The Asics Trabuco 13 came in second place. This versatile trail shoe performs well in a variety of conditions. It provides solid foot protection, stability, and traction, making it suitable for forest paths and more technical trails. The Trabuco is a safe choice for everyday trail running for a wide range of runners. It’s worth noting that the Trabuco Max 4, a more “fat” and heavily cushioned version, also appeared in the shoe guide.

2. Salomon Ultra Glide 3

The Salomon Ultra Glide 3 also tied for second place. Compared to its predecessor, it has a completely redesigned construction focused on even greater comfort. Among trail shoes, it stands out with its unique outsole. At first glance, it looks unusual, but it offers great traction on varied terrain. The Ultra Glide 3 is stable, predictable, and surprisingly versatile. The shoe guide also features a more advanced, high-performance version of this shoe: the Salomon S/Lab Ultra Glide, which received many votes.

4. Hoka Speedgoat 6

Although previous editions of the Hoka Speedgoat have often won our shoe guide, the Speedgoat 6 took fourth place this year. This demonstrates the strength of the competition, as the Speedgoat remains the absolute benchmark in trail running. It is probably the most popular shoe for mountain running, used in everything from local competitions to ultras in the Alps. Its great cushioning, aggressive Vibram outsole, and stable platform perform well in difficult terrain. It’s a shoe that often needs no introduction because everyone knows it.

5. Asics Trabuco Max 4

The Asics Trabuco Max 4 took fifth place this year, although its previous edition won our shoe guide. It is one of the most cushioned trail shoes on the market, designed for long, slower runs in the terrain. Compared to the classic Trabuco, it is its clearly “fatter” brother – with more cushioning and even better leg protection for ultra distances. It is a trail couch potato that works great when comfort on a long route is what counts.

6. Salomon S/Lab Ultra Glide

Although the Salomon S/Lab Ultra Glide only placed sixth this year, it is one of the best technological trail running shoes on the market. This model is packed with thoughtful features designed for one purpose: long-distance running efficiency. Every detail of its construction is refined, from the fit of the upper to the stable midsole. Like the standard Ultra Glide, it stands out with its unique outsole. Despite its unusual appearance, it provides excellent traction on varied terrain. It’s a shoe for demanding runners who pay attention to every technical detail.

7. Salomon Aero Glide GRVL

The Salomon Aero Glide GRVL took seventh place this year, representing trail shoes designed specifically for gravel. Its name is no coincidence – gravel, or GRVL, is its natural environment. This model is best suited for hard, fast trails; forest roads; and mixed surfaces, where classic trail shoes can be too aggressive. It is the perfect choice for running on hard surfaces and terrain without having to change shoes.

8. Hoka Challenger 8

The Hoka Challenger 8 came in eighth place and, like the Aero Glide GRVL, is a gravel running shoe. Designed for mixed terrain, it transitions smoothly from hard surfaces to compacted forest roads. It offers comfortable cushioning and a versatile outsole that performs well on dry ground. The Challenger 8 is an ideal choice for runners who want one versatile shoe.

9. Brooks Cascadia 19

The Brooks Cascadia 19 was ranked ninth this year and remains a classic in the trail shoe category. This versatile model provides stability, foot protection, and traction on varied terrain. It performs well on technical trails, as well as on longer runs through the woods or on forest roads.

10. New Balance Hierro v9

The New Balance Hierro v9 came in tenth place this year, closing out our list of the top trail shoes of 2025. This model offers solid cushioning and a durable, aggressive Vibram midsole. It is ideal for runners seeking comfort and traction over long distances on varied terrain.

Ranks 11 and Beyond

Best Trail Running Shoes by Brand

This is a summary of this year’s best trail running shoes by brand. Hoka remains in first place, while Salomon moved up from third to second and Asics dropped from second to third. These three brands once again dominated our vote. Further down the list, the votes were more evenly distributed, which meant that four brands were missing from the ranking. This year, adidas, On, The North Face, and La Sportiva did not make the list.