As the number of shoe manufacturers in the trail running shoes scene increased so did the availability of customer choices. Before it’s a matter of choosing which, taking it to a road test and if survives with enough satisfaction then it becomes the perfect shoe. That practice just won’t do today. The presence of multitudes of brand names amidst thousands of shoe products is enough to overwhelm any casual buyer. The effect would be disastrous. Someone could mistakenly go for ballerina shoes in running, and would choke everyone to death for laughing so hard.
If you happen to be on the scene then read this trail running shoes review by brand and get a helpful insight before you’re off to buying your shoes.
Running World’s Pick : SAUCONY PEREGRINE
Price: $90
Weight: 10.1 oz (M) 8.4 oz (W)
Where to Get It: http://runningandmarathon.com/saucony-peregrine
The trail blazing Saucony ProGrid Peregrine running shoe is made for the outdoor runner. Minimalist, low-profile and offers incredible responsiveness on uneven surfaces. Multidirectional lugs and sticky rubber outsole provides amazing traction and grip. Gusset tongue, gaiter compatible upper. Memory foam heel pods, hydrator collar lining, premium sockliner. Heel ProGrid™ Lite, SSL EVA midsole. XT-900® high traction rubber, External Bedrock Outsole (EBO).
Trail Running Shoes Review for adidas
ADIDAS SUPERNOVA RIOT 3
Price: $110
Weight: 13.1 oz (M) 11.3 oz (W)
Where to Get It: http://runningandmarathon.com/adidas-supernova-riot-3
With its redesigned heel frame, the adidas Supernova Riot 3.0 shoe steps out with a fresh new look and feel. Features trail-specific 3D FORMOTION cushioning, a breathable upper and a protective forefoot cage. Your feet will feel comfortable and secure. Recommended for heavier runners looking for a hardy shoe for both road and trail running.
Adidas Supernova Riot 3 Running Shoe Features:
- FORMOTION adapts to the ground to ensure the smoothest, most comfortable run possible
- Air mesh upper for maximum ventilation
- GEOFIT construction for anatomical fit and comfort
- TORSION SYSTEM for midfoot integrity
- Lightstrike lasting for added comfort and stability
- adiWEAR outsole offers the ultimate in high-wear durabilit
ADIPRENE
Price: $90
Where to Get It: http://runningandmarathon.com/adiprene
Nike is to Shox; adidas is to adiPRENE
®. Though not as polished as the Shox, adiPRENE® stands on its own as a competent challenger to the Nike technology. There are a lot of winners in adidas selection, too, like the ClimaCool® which rivals the Shox but costs lesser than the Shox’s $110.

$85 is not a bad price for a shoe of this caliber. The ClimaCool has everything you might need for trail running: fast drying textile, high traction, shock absorption and enough support. Even the antimicrobial lining is a big plus especially on trail running where your feet could get especially damp even with waterproof shoes.
Trail Running Shoes Review for New Balance
NEW BALANCE 915
Price: $125
Weight: 13.1 oz (M) 11.3 oz (W)
Where to Get It: http://runningandmarathon.com/new-balance-915
In the New Balance 915, what you see is what you get. Intense comfort with cushioning to spare, serious stability and the adventure-friendly technology at play in both the upper and the midsole all combine to create a trail running shoe unlike any other. Toe Protect™ rubber compound provides reinforcement and protects against the elements. External heel counter for rearfoot stability. Ortholite® foam insert delivers long-term comfort, breathability and odor resistance. LIGHTNING DRY® liner keeps your feet dry and comfortable as you train. LockDown Liner™ is integrated into lacing to provide a custom fit without smothering your foot. Sure Lace™ secure shoe laces provide added midfoot support and keep the shoe snug around the foot. Debris-free construction eliminates waste, preserving raw materials and providing an enviromentally preferred manufacturing solution. Quick-drying mesh upper.
ABZORB® Strobel Board runs the full length of the shoe to maximize shock absorption and comfort. ABZORB® cushioning in both the heel and forefoot for exceptional shock absorption. C-CAP® midsole provides cushioning and support. Stabilicore® medial support system provides an extremely smooth transition from heel to toe-off. N-Durance® rubber compound for maximum outsole durability. Aggressive lugged outsole gives maximum traction for off-road activities. Rock Stop® embedded into forefoot provides protection from sharp rocks and debris. Solid sticky rubber outsole is constructed of durable, tacky rubber for traction on slick surfaces.
NEW BALANCE 803
The 803
model is New Balance
best rated running shoes. It is lightweight and soft. There had been a couple of reviews about its comfort especially in long stretches of running. It is also very durable; said to still be in excellent condition even after seeing considerable use. New Balance 803 is an old model though but surviving up to this era only signifies its quality.
Recommended Model: New Balance Men’s MT813 Trail Running Shoe
Trail Running Shoes Review for Asics
ASICS GEL-TRAIL ATTACK 7
Price: $85
Weight: 11.5 oz (M) 9.6 oz (W)
Where to Get It: http://runningandmarathon.com/asics-gel-trail-attack-7
the ASICS® GEL-Trail Attack™ 7 running shoe is targeted toward the aggressive trail runner who seeks a racing-type ride on a platform designed specifically to withstand the rigors of the trail. Packs all the expected trail technology into an exceptionally light, responsive platform. A rock protection plate provides protection against stone bruises, and an anti-gravel tongue has gussetted construction that prevents debris from entering the shoe. Durable mesh and synthetic leather upper.
Exceptional cushioning is offered with the rearfoot and forefoot GEL® Cushioning Systems. This phenomenal cushioning attenuates shock during impact and toe-off phases and allows movement in multiple planes as the foot transitions through the gait cycle. ASICS’ Trusstic System® reduces the weight of the sole unit while retaining the structural integrity of the shoe. Step confidently knowing your shoes have a trail-specific outsole, specially designed with reversed lugs that provide uphill and downhill traction on all types of terrain.
Trail Running Shoes Review for Brooks
BROOKS CASCADIA 6 — ON SALE: $72
Price: $100
Weight: 12 oz (M) 10.1 oz (W)
Where to Get It: http://runningandmarathon.com/brooks-cascadia-6
Sustainability reaches daunting new heights in the new Cascadia 6. Virtually every component has an environmentally friendly back story to wow any eco-crusader. Handle unpredictable terrain with ease and savor the sights and sanctuary of nature, knowing you have a hand (and foot) in its preservation. No greenwashing here – meaningful environmental progress goes hand in hand with off-road performance in the best trail shoe out there.
Brooks added their adaptable Brooks DNA cushioning to the heel and forefoot of the Cascadia, creating customized comfort and a shoe that adapts to different surfaces. In addition, Brooks made sure the midfoot saddle is our most conformable and adjustable, offering an unsurpassed glove-like fit to almost any foot, and further perfecting the locked-in feel for ultra-stability. Then they added a medial forefoot pivot post with four points of contact – providing 4×4-like suspension in a much more sustainable way. Oh, and Brooks added all that while making the shoe nearly an ounce lighter.
Trail Running Shoe Review for Nike
It seems that Nike
has successfully employed all the shoe geniuses in the world. That or they did their own ‘trinity project’ that could make Oppenheimer blush. Either way, Nike has all the money to fund any project. And the result? Innovative, state of the art shoes. The aftereffect? Outlandish prices. Yet another effect? Starvation. (no, kidding)
Even with outrageous prices, Nike tries to compensate by giving the best experience its shoe has to offer. Take for instance the Shox
technology which could never be duplicated by any brands. After a few walks with my Shox, wow, it was really nice. I often find myself taking occasional glimpse at the floor to just to convince myself the streets in Manhattan aren’t carpeted.
One word of caution: Shox wear out fast. Nike claims that Shox Junga can resist wear but so far I’ve only seen the brittle Shox. If you are careful spender, consider the other options below before buying this model.
Recommended Model: Nike Men’s Shox Junga II Running Shoe