Trail miles just hit different than runs on the pavement. So, don’t lace up your daily trainers when you hit the dirt. Instead, reach for one of these new trail running shoes, which performed outstanding across a variety of trail conditions.
We tested them everywhere from the soft and muddy canal paths just outside our Pennsylvania headquarters to twisty singletrack courses. If you need a durable shoe with top-notch traction—or just enough versatility to handle that stretch of blacktop before you reach the trailhead—you’ll find a new off-road companion here.
Published: Jun 03, 2025 10:16 AM EDT+
Why Trust Us
“I’m really impressed with the performance of the Lone Peak 9+. The toebox is just as roomy and comfortable as my other Altra shoes, giving my feet plenty of space to spread out. The forefoot cushioning is ample, offering a smooth ride with every step. What stood out most to me was the more aggressive tread (the Lone Peak 9+ is updated with a Vibram Megagrip outsole), which gave me fantastic traction. I felt confident cornering, which is a big win for trail running. The build quality is top-notch, with high-quality materials that feel durable and long-lasting, and the design is sleek and stylish. While I typically prefer a cushioned heel for hard surfaces, the Lone Peak 9+ performed perfectly on grass and snow. Overall, it’s a fantastic trail shoe that blends comfort, performance, and style.”—John Parks, RW tester
Key Specs
| Weight | 10.6 oz |
|---|---|
| Drop | 0 mm |
Key Specs
| Weight | 8.9 oz |
|---|---|
| Drop | 0 mm |
The Dos and Don’ts of Double Workout Days
The Caldera is an ultra trail shoe outfitted with raised sidewalls and a broader base for more stability. Its stack height is 38.5mm, which includes 4mm lugs that can take on rugged terrain. A shoe intended for high mileage calls for a plush but sturdy midsole, which is why the Caldera 8 has the same foam as the Glycerin 21. Nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 offers cushioned support at a lighter weight.
“What I liked most is the fit, protection, and lacing,” said tester Jonathan Zsigovits, who trains at 8:30 pace. “I felt secure running on a variety of surfaces—the toebox felt roomy but not to the point where I would slide around in the shoe. In addition, I felt confident with the grip it provided both on inclines and declines and when transitioning from gravel to road to grass.”
Another tester said, “This shoe has the comfort, support, and stability to gobble up tons of miles and the traction to do so without wearing down in tough conditions.”—Amanda Furrer
Key Specs
| Weight | 10.8 oz |
|---|---|
| Drop | 6 mm |
| Features | Soft |
Key Specs
| Weight | 8.7 oz |
|---|---|
| Drop | 6 mm |
| Features | Soft |
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RW Tester: Holly Benner | Pronation: Neutral | Pace: 7:30 | Also Liked: Asics Fuji Lite 5
“What I liked most is the versatility of these shoes. They’re equipped to tackle any condition. I appreciated how they performed consistently, regardless of where I took them. The comfort level was another highlight. From the moment I slipped them on, they felt snug without being restrictive, and the fit only got better as I ran. No hot spots, no blisters, no tinkering with the laces or fit. These were a joy to run in right out of the box.
“Stability is where Topo shoes truly shine. They provide exceptional support, especially on uneven terrain. The shoes kept my foot stable and secure, and I felt confident navigating tricky paths. The midsole construction offers the perfect amount of responsiveness while keeping my foot in place, even when running on off-camber trails or through muddy conditions.”—Holly Benner, RW tester
Key Specs
| Weight | 10.1 oz |
|---|---|
| Drop | 5 mm |
| Features | Soft |
Key Specs
| Weight | 8.1 oz |
|---|---|
| Drop | 5 mm |
| Features | Soft |
See All 2025 Shoe Award Winners
Amanda Furrer, Editor, Running Reviews, studied journalism at NYU and writing at Emerson College. She has reviewed gear and covered other topics in the running space for almost 10 years. Since 2013, she has consecutively run the Boston Marathon. She also has a master’s degree in gastronomy from Boston University and was formerly a professional baker for two years before hanging up her apron.
RW+ Membership Benefits Runner’s World and the director of product testing. He has tested and reviewed running shoes, GPS watches, headphones, apparel, and more for nearly two decades. He regularly tests more than 100 pairs of shoes each year, and once had a 257-day streak running in different models. Jeff can usually be found on the roads, racing anything from the mile to a marathon, but he also enjoys racing up mountains and on snowshoes. When he’s not running, you’ll probably find him hanging from a ladder making repairs and renovations to his house (he’s also director of product testing for Popular Mechanics).
