The 7 Best Running Shoes for Trail Running

Trail running is one of the most adventurous and exciting activities ever, one that takes you away from the main roads to connect with nature. But if you’re not wearing the appropriate footwear, you could end up with slips, stumbles or worse: painful blisters. From newbies to veterans, picking the right trail running shoe can be the difference between blisters and bliss.

In this guide, we’ll help you through the 7 best trail running shoes for 2024, discussing their grip, comfort, sturdiness, and support. We prepare you for off-road without fear!

Things to Look for in Trail Running Shoes

But before we get into the best choices, these are the main features to keep in mind when picking trail running shoes:

✅ Grip & Traction – A must-have for muddy, rocky, or slippery trails.

✅ Cushioning & Comfort – This one will keep your feet comfy on long runs.

✅Hardened – Built to take a beating through your rough terrains and any of mother nature’s harsh conditions.

✅ Waterproofing – Essential for wet or snowy trails.

✅ Air Permeability – Avoids sweaty feet and blisters.

Top 7 Trail Running Shoes

Discover the best trail running shoes with our list of the top 7 options. From superior grip and durability to comfort and support, these shoes are designed to tackle any terrain and enhance your outdoor running experience. Whether you’re a seasoned trail runner or a beginner, find the perfect fit for your next adventure.

Salomon Speedcross 6 — The Best for Muddy Terrain

🏆 What We Like: Aggressive grip, great waterproofing and fit.

The Salomon Speedcross 6 is the reigning monarch of muddy trails.

While the deep lugs and the Contagrip outsole give plenty of traction even when it’s wet and slick.

Hoka Speedgoat 5 Review – Best for Comfort

🏆 What We Love: Maximum cushioning, wide toe box, and lightweight.

If plush comfort and sure-footed performance sounds like your jam, the Hoka Speedgoat 5 is your shoe. This is great for longer distance runners who require extra cushioning.

Altra Lone Peak 7 – Best for Wide Foot

🏆 What We Love: Roomy fit, natural feel and excellent ground connection.

The narrow fit: The Altra Lone Peak 7 is for wide-foot runners.

Its zero-drop design encourages a natural stride, yet provides ample cushioning for rough terrains.

Nike Pegasus Trail 4 – Best Road-to-Trail Shoe

🏆 Why We Love It: Versatile/ responsive cushioning and breathable.

If you run on both pavement and trails, the Nike Pegasus Trail 4 is the ideal hybrid. It gives smooth transitions and plenty of grip on light trails.

Brooks Cascadia 17 – Best for Stability

🏆 Why We Love It: Trustworthy traction, rock plate protection, and durable.

Brooks Cascadia 17: Lightweight yet ready for uneven terrains.

It is equipped with a rock plate coverage for extra protection, guarding your feet from sharp rocks or debris.

Best for Technical Trails — La Sportiva Bushido II

🏆 Why We Love It: Ultra-grippy, stable, and fantastic control.

The La Sportiva Bushido II is a favorite for mountain runners going over rocky and technical terrain; it has grip and agility that can’t be beat.

Saucony Peregrine 13 – Best All Rounder

🏆 Why We Love It: Light, grippy, very responsive.

The Saucony Peregrine 13 is the best do-it-all trail shoe.

It provides the ideal mix of grip, durability, and speed, making it a great option for all trails.

How to Pick the Right Ones for You

We use the following to determine the best trail running shoes:

✔ Type of Terrain – Are you running on mud, rocky paths, or both?

✔ Distance – More cushioning and comfort are needed for longer runs.

✔ Weather – Wear resealable shoes in the rain or snow.

✔ Foot Type – Make sure the shoe accommodates your foot shape and running style.

Best Running Workouts to Prepare for Outdoor Adventures with Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 24

Whether you’re hitting the trails at home, visiting national parks, or going on long hikes, outdoor adventures demand strength, endurance, and stability. The right training regimen can boost stamina, agility, and overall fitness — and a quality pair of running shoes can make a huge difference!

Enter the Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 24, a stability running shoe that’s meant to keep you feeling comfortable and supported, no matter the terrain. In this guide, we’ll cover the best running workouts to get you ready for outdoor outings, so you can hike the trails, climb the mountains, or tackle whatever nature can throw at you.

Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 24 is a Good Choice?

Now before we get into the workouts, here’s why the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 is the perfect training shoe for the outdoors:

✅ Supportive Stability – Built with our GuideRails® technology for added stability so they can avoid injury on uneven terrain.

✅ Soft Comfort – Soft yet responsive underfoot, the DNA LOFT v2 midsole delivers plush cushioning miles into a run.

✅ Breathable Upper – Helps you beat the heat for long training sessions.

✅ Long-Lasting Traction – A stout outsole grips pavement, jaunts on light trails, and a variety of terrains.

Without further ado, here are the number one running workouts to get you adventure-ready!

Endurance Run–Develop Your Endurance

🏃 Workout:

Warm-up: 5–10 minutes of dynamic stretching and light jogging.

Run at comfortable steady pace 30–60 minutes

Cooldown: Light jog and stretch .

📌 Why It Works:

Enhances aerobic endurance so you can handle long hikes or prolonged outdoor activities without fatigue.

Develops mental toughness for tough trails.

Hill Repeats – Stairs Up Steep Terrain

🏃 Workout:

Find a moderate (1–5%) to steep hill (100–200 meters)

Run uphill at 80–90% effort.

Walk or jog back down to recover.

Repeat 6–10 times.

📌 Why It Works:

Strengthens and conditions the legs, which is important for going up steep inclines or across rough terrain.

Boosts cardiovascular fitness and lung capacity.

Improve foot stability — great for trails and uneven terrain.

Speed & Agility Power Intervals

🏃 Workout:

Warmup: 10 minutes of easy running

30-second sprint, 1-minute recovery jog

Repeat 8–12 times.

Jog slowly and stretch to cool down.

📌 Why It Works:

Enhances stride efficiency so you can run faster and smoother on outdoor trails

Helps with explosiveness, allowing you to more easily traverse rocks, roots and the inclines.

Trail Running – Real-World Adventure Prepping

🏃 Workout:

Select a trail with elevation (uphill and downhill) and variety of surfaces — dirt, gravel, grass.

Run for 45–60 minutes, depending on the terrain, faster or slower.

More about foot placement and steadiness.

📌 Why It Works:

Simulates authentic outdoor adventure conditions.

For better balance: strengthens core, legs, and ankles.

Adds quickness and agility on an undulating surface.

Warm up and rotating through Strength & Mobility Drills – Injury Prevention

🏋 Exercises:Lunges (3 sets of 10 reps on each leg) — Helps build lower-body strength for those steep climbs.Calf Raises (3 sets of 15 reps) — Bolsters the ankles to keep them stable over rocky paths.Plank (three sets of 30 seconds) — Increases core strength to help maintain balance.Single-Leg Hops (3 sets of 10 per leg) – Improves agility for rapid movements on uneven ground.

📌 Why It Works:

Helps you not get injured by adopting strong muscles and durable joints.

Improves balance and coordination.

Gives you total body strength to help you enjoy your outdoor adventures more.

Additional Tips for Outdooring Adventure Running

✔ Wear Appropriate Shoes – The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 is a perfect combination of stability and comfort for training and for outdoor use

✔ Hydrate & Fuel — To stay healthy, you need the right nutrition and hydration for long runs and hikes.

✔ Listen to Your Body — Rest days are important to avoid injury.

✔ Train Consistently — The more you train, the stronger and more prepared you’ll be for any outdoor adventure.

Conclusion

The right pair of trail running shoes can elevate your run — and give you comfort, stability, and confidence on any surface. Whether you’re after extra grip for muddy trails or cushioning for long-distance runs, there’s a shoe out there for you.

So, get to lacing up, and hit those trails! 🏃‍♂️💨

Read more: Real Adventurers Share Their Experience with Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 24

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use the Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 24 for trail running?

Well, sort of! The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 is actually a stability road running shoe, which means it’s awesome for paved paths, sidewalks, and light trails. But if you’re planning to tackle rocky, muddy, or super uneven terrain, you might want to check out a trail-specific shoe with extra grip and protection.

2. How often should I do these running workouts to get ready for an outdoor adventure?

It depends on your current fitness level, but a solid plan is 3–5 days per week. Mix in long runs, hills, and strength training, and you’ll be adventure-ready in no time! Just remember—consistency is key (and so is rest!).

3. How long will it take to build endurance for hiking and trail running?

If you’re starting fresh, expect to see progress in 4–6 weeks with regular training. If you’re already active, you might feel stronger in just a couple of weeks! The trick is to increase distance gradually and not overdo it too soon.

4. I’m a beginner—can I still follow this training plan?

Absolutely! Everyone starts somewhere. Just take it slow, listen to your body, and don’t stress about pace. Shorter runs and walk-run intervals are great ways to ease into training. Before you know it, you’ll be cruising through trails like a pro!

5. How do I avoid injuries while training?

No one likes being sidelined, so here’s how to keep those injuries away:

• Wear the right shoes (Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 = comfort + stability).
• Warm up before runs and stretch after.
• Add strength training (your legs will thank you).
• Listen to your body—if something hurts, rest!

6. What should I eat to fuel my runs and hikes?

Think of food as your fuel tank—you don’t want to run on empty! Here’s what helps:

• Carbs = energy (oatmeal, bananas, whole grains).
• Protein = muscle recovery (chicken, eggs, peanut butter).
• Electrolytes = hydration (coconut water, sports drinks, salty snacks).
  And don’t forget to drink plenty of water—dehydration is NOT your friend on the trail!

7. What’s the difference between road running and trail running?

• Road running = smooth surfaces, steady pace, and shoes with stability and cushioning (like the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24).
• Trail running = unpredictable terrain, hills, and the need for grip, ankle support, and rock protection.
  If you’re sticking to light dirt trails, road shoes will work fine. But if you’re hitting mountainous or muddy paths, go for trail-specific kicks!

8. How can I run faster and longer for my outdoor adventures?

Want to boost your speed and stamina? Try this:

• Add speed intervals (short bursts of faster running).
• Train on hills (yes, they hurt, but they work!).
• Strengthen your core and legs for extra endurance.
• Stay consistent—progress takes time, but it’s worth it!