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Running trails is something that many people prefer to running on sidewalks, busy streets, or woefully boring treadmills. Trail running lets you see Mother Nature, get some fresh air, and really run the way you want. There are some problems with trail running though, mainly sticks and stones, hills, and all around rough terrain. The solution to the problem or rough and slippery terrain comes in the form of trail running shoes.
Let’s talk about these neat innovations in running, what they can do for you, then check out the list of the top 10 best trail running shoes for men that your money can buy. These are durable, supportive, comfortable, and lightweight options that you do not want to miss out on by any means!
Summary: The Best Trail Running Shoes For Men
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Why Do I Need Good Trail Running Shoes?
Trail running shoes are not just a neat innovation from shoe companies meant to get you to buy yet another pair of shoes. Trail running shoes do actually come with a certain number of benefits which you should probably take advantage of.
First of all, a good pair of trail running shoes can help to offer you that much-needed support to stop your feet from becoming too painful while running. Trails can be quite punishing, and stepping on rocks and sticks can really hurt, not to mention that the impact of running can become painful too. Trail running shoes can offer you the cushioning and impact absorption you need to keep running over that rough terrain for as long as you want.
Related to that is the outsole. The outsole of a good trail running shoe will help the shoe as a whole stand up to the rigors that Mother Nature throws at you. The outer sole on a trail running shoe is specially designed to be durable no matter what the conditions are, not to mention to absorb and displace the impact of running across rough terrain. A good pair of trail runners is not going to let little sticks and stones hurt your feet.
Moreover, good trail running shoes will also offer you good underfoot support for your arches for a pain free run. There is also the fact that uneven outdoor trails can be hard to navigate, especially when wet. A good pair of trail runners will have as much traction as you need for a slip free run.
Also, trail runners are usually made of very durable materials because Mother Nature can be really harsh. At the same time, this type of shoe is designed to be fairly lightweight and well-ventilated to keep your feet cool and comfortable. Also, many pairs of trail runners will also be resistant to water to keep your feet nice and dry as well.
Things To Keep In Mind Before Buying Trail Running Shoes
Trail running shoes can get up there in terms of pricing, so you really don’t want to waste your money on a pair that is not going to suit your needs. Here are some of the most important things you should look out for before you buy any pair of trail running shoes.
Outer Sole – Durability & Traction
Since trail running is going to involve a lot of dirt, up and down, sticks, rocks, puddles, and other obstacles, you definitely need a pair of trail running shoes with a good outer sole. One that is made of high-quality rubber is ideal because you need the outer soles of your trail running shoes to be resistant to normal wear and tear, plus resistant to damage from rocks and sticks. Moreover, the trail running shoes you get need to have a good outer sole which will not rip apart, especially not rip off of the bottom of the shoe.
You need the outer sole to be water repellent or water resistant so that your feet don’t get wet. Finally, trail running can be quite the ordeal and having a bunch of loose dirt, rocks, sticks, and water in your way calls for a lot of traction. This is why the outer sole of your trail running shoes need to have a deep pattern for awesome traction so you don’t slip, fall, and injure yourself out in the woods. You also need to look for a shoe with a relatively thick sole to protect the bottom of your feet from sharp sticks and rocks in the event that you step on them.
Material
Another very important thing that you need to consider before purchasing any pair of trail running shoes is what material they are made of. Something like a synthetic material will do just fine, but of course, one of the best things to go with is leather. Leather is strong, durable, and usually quite resistant to moisture as well.
All of that being said, what material your shoes are made of is going to come with a certain trade off. A heavier and more durable material is going to be more resistant to wear and tear, will take Mother Nature’s beating in stride, and will keep moisture out better, plus they will provide you with more protection from sharp rocks and sticks.
On the other hand, a thinner material like some synthetic materials or even mesh will provide you with a lightweight shoe that is most likely breathable too, but the downside is that they won’t offer you nearly as much protection or durability. It is good if you can find trail running shoes that have a good mix of all of these traits. Remember, when it comes to running rough trails, durability is probably more important than being lightweight and breathable.
Cushioning
Yet another extremely important feature to look out for when it comes to any pair of trail running shoes is how well cushioned they are, as well as what kind of a job they do at absorbing impact. Running on trails is going to come with a lot of stepping on rocks, sticks, and other things that are going to hurt your feet if you don’t have shoes with good cushioning.
Not only do you need a thick sole to fend off those nasty pointed sticks, but good cushioning as well. All of those blows to the bottom of your feet from ill-shaped rocks are really going to end up hurting, plus the impact of every step you take is not going to feel nice after a while either.
Therefore, a good trail running shoe needs to have superior cushioning in the rear, the midfoot, and the forefoot too. Moreover, being able to absorb that impact is one thing, but a really good trail running shoe will have different features which will transfer that touchdown impact into takeoff energy for longer and faster strides.
Support
A good pair of trail running shoes also needs to have adequate support in various places. Like we already said, running over long distances can really hurt your feet, which is only made worse by the rocks and sticks on trails.
Therefore, you need a pair of trail running shoes that has adequate support, especially in the arches. Your arches can wear down, bend, and bottom out with repeated impact, thus good arch support will help keep your arches in their natural shape, keep them from stretching out, and keep them from becoming too painful.
You will also want to look out for a pair of trail running shoes that has a high cuff in order to provide you with adequate ankle support. Trail running can be a little dangerous and stepping on a big stick or rock the wrong way can lead to a bent and sprained ankle. Good ankle support in the form of a high and thick cuff will prevent your ankle from rolling and becoming injured.
Finally, the heel of your foot should also be well supported to stop lateral movement and to help prevent overpronation. Something like a good heel cup is definitely a big bonus when it comes to supporting your heels and ankles at the same time.
Ventilation & Weight
We touched on this before, and like we said, there is going to be a tradeoff between durability and lightweight ventilation. However, there are great trail running shoes out there that will have a mesh upper or some kind of perforations which allow for ventilation.
At the end of the day, while durable shoes are important, you do want to look for a certain degree of breathability, because nobody wants hot and sweaty feet, especially not after running for only a few minutes. The same thing can be said for the weight of the shoe too.
Moisture Resistance & Wicking
Trail running is most likely going to involve a certain degree of moisture, either in the form of puddles, morning dew, or even little streams. Therefore, you are going to want to look for a pair of trail running shoes that is waterproof or water resistant at the least. Keep in mind, the more water resistant they are, the heavier and less breathable they are likely to be.
On that same note, a good inside liner which wicks away sweat and other moisture to keep your feet dry is also a bonus. Wet feet are not fun to run with, and a good inner lining can help take care of that moisture issue. Also, a good lining will help to prevent the buildup of bacteria and stinky foot odors.
Fit
The final thing to look out for when buying trail running shoes is that they have a really good and snug fit. You need a snug fit so that your feet don’t move around too much, movement which can cause calluses and blisters. You also want a snug fit so that you know exactly where you are stepping, and so that if you step on an uneven surface, that your shoes don’t come right off or lead to you falling down.
Trail Running Shoes For Men Reviews
Our Rating
This is perhaps one of the best trail running shoes that we have seen in a very long time. These things are built to withstand virtually anything, to be comfortable, and to offer your lightweight protection from the trail. The Salomon Men’s Speedcross 4 Trail Runner is made for soft and technical trails, for durability, and for the ultimate in comfort too.
Design
One of the things that everybody can appreciate about these trail running shoes is that they feature anti-debris mesh. This means that the top of the shoe is made with mesh in order to keep the shoe lightweight, yet at the same time, it does a fantastic job at keeping debris out.
The tongue and collar of this shoe are also designed to keep debris out of them, something which comes in handy on trails no doubt. Even better is that the textiles which this shoe is made of are highly resistant to water to keep your feet dry no matter what conditions you run in. Everything about this trail runner is designed to be strong and to withstand the test of time.
Something else that we can all appreciate about this particular trail running shoe is that it provides you with a very snug, secure, and stable fit. This is thanks to the QuickLace technology which lets you quickly tighten these shoes for an even and snug fit. Also, the Sensifit technology helps to cradle your feet from all sides to keep them in place and free of lateral movement inside of the shoes at all times.
The Salomon Speedcross 4 Trail Runner is also very well cushioned along the insole and works well to keep your feet as comfortable as can be. This cushioning does a fantastic job at providing you with a soft running surface and works well to absorb impact from rocks and sticks. Moreover, the special shape of the cushioning helps to keep your feet well supported from the bottom for an ultimately pain free trail running experience.
This trail running shoe also features a fourth generation Speedcross lug pattern on the outsole. This pattern is specially designed to give you maximum traction on wet surfaces, soft surfaces, and surfaces covered in debris. The outsole is extremely durable and quite thick in order to protect your feet, and the pattern on it is fantastic for giving you the traction you need for a fast and very safe trail running routine. These shoes do absolutely everything that you need a good trail running shoe to do and that is a fact.
Value for money
This trail running shoe is going to cost you around 100 dollars, which may seem quite expensive, but it brings a whole lot of value to the table and is definitely worth the investment. While it is one of the more expensive shoes on this list, it is an extremely durable shoe that is water resistant, won’t let in debris, has optimal cushioning and support, provides for a snug and stable fit, and has a ton of traction too.
Build quality
The build quality of these shoes is absolutely astounding. They are made with some of the toughest materials around to provide you with longevity, they don’t leak water or let in debris, they are good for support, impact absorption, and cushioning, they provide you with a snug fit, they have amazing traction, and much more. If you need a good trail running shoe, this is definitely one of your best options to consider.
Pros
- Great traction
- Extremely durable
- Awesome cushioning and impact absorption
- Good all-around support
- Snug and stable
- Water and debris resistant
- Lightweight
Cons
- Expensive
- Small and narrow – buy larger
Our Rating
A great all-around trail running shoe, the New Balance MT410V4 is a spectacular choice for many reasons. Durability, great comfort, awesome traction, protection from the elements, and superior cushioning all make this a worthwhile investment for any avid trail runner.
Design
One of the things that everybody is going to love about this New Balance Trail Running Shoe is the fact that it comes with a very durable outsole with a special traction pattern. The AT Tread is specially designed for all terrain types, so no matter if you are running on gravel or mud, you will have excellent grip and ground contact for a slip and slide free run. Moreover, the outsole is also designed to be nice and thick in order to protect the underside of your feet from being damaged by sticks and stones.
Moreover, this trail running shoe features an XLT Performance Foot Bed. This bed is made to give your feet, especially your arches, the support they need to remain totally pain free no matter how long you run for. Even better is the IMEVA foam midsole, something which helps to provide you with an adequate amount of cushioning to make it feel like you are running on a cloud. Impact absorption and keeping your feet protected from rough terrain are things which this trail running shoe does extremely well.
To improve the comfort level even more, these shoes also come with a padded tongue and collar to keep them from digging into your feet and ankles. The ghillie lacing loops help to provide you with an extremely snug fit at all times, plus the heel pull tab makes them very easy to pull on and off. Also, the synthetic materials which these shoes are made of are built to last for a very long time, and the lightweight mesh upper helps to provide you with decent ventilation to keep your feet cool, plus it keeps the shoes themselves from being too heavy as well. All in all, this really is a fantastic trail running shoe in many respects.
Value for money
For the 60 or so dollars that you will spend on this New Balance MT410V4 Trail Running Shoe, you definitely get a lot of value. 60 bucks is not a lot to be spending on a pair of shoes that offer you great protection, keep you well supported and provide cushioning, that are lightweight and breathable, yet also very durable, not to mention that they have superior traction too.
Build quality
The build quality of this New Balance Trail Running Shoe is simply awesome. These things are built to last for many years to come, they are built to provide you with a lightweight and well ventilated running experience, one with awesome cushioning, good impact absorption, and great support too. These shoes do everything you need for a great trail run day after day.
Pros
- Awesome traction on all conditions
- Lightweight
- Well ventilated
- Very durable
- Great support
- Lots of cushioning and impact absorption
- Good bottom-up protection
Cons
- Glue that holds the sole may deteriorate after prolonged use
Our Rating
If you need a trail running shoe with awesome cushioning, stability, and support, then the ASICS Men’s Gel-Kahana 8 Trail Runner is the way to go. Great durability, traction, and resistance to all kinds of wear and tear are also things which these trail running shoes do extremely well.
Design
When it comes to cushioning and support, you would be pretty hard-pressed to find a trail running shoe that offers more of either of those than the ASICS Kahana 8 Trail Runner. First of all, these things feature a DuoMax support system, which consists of a dual density foam midsole which is specifically designed to offer maximum support and stability for all runs.
The DuoMax midsole combined with the speva midsole material help to provide you with an awesome level of cushioning which is fantastic for absorbing impact and transferring it into takeoff energy for fantastic speed, stride lengths, and ultimate comfort. This shock absorption is only improved by the rear foot gel cushioning system which helps to keep your heels totally pain free.
There is also the fact that all three of these features work in tandem to keep your feet very well supported, to reinforce that natural shape of your feet, and to keep your arches as comfortable as humanly possible. When it comes to awesome all-around support, stability, and cushioning, you really can’t find anything better than the ASICS Kahana 8 Trail Runner.
Another thing that we can all appreciate about this particular trail running shoe is that it has a very thick and sturdy outsole which is specially designed to protect the underside of your feet from various obstacles found on trails. Even better is the trail specific outsole traction with reversed lugs. This helps to give you awesome traction whether on flat, inclined, or declined surfaces, and on wet and slippery surfaces too.
This whole shoe is made out of very durable textile and synthetic materials which are built to withstand the harsh trail environments which you love to run in. Although these shoes are very durable, they also feature mesh along the front, sides, and back in order to provide you with a good amount of ventilation as well as keeping them lightweight as well.
Value for money
This particular trail running shoe is going to cost you under 70 dollars, which is a more than fair price when you look at the big picture. The awesome level of support, stability, and cushioning that these shoes provide are more than enough to keep you really comfortable, not to mention that they are lightweight and well ventilated for a very enjoyable run. These things do everything you need for a great run on the trails.
Build quality
The build quality of the ASICS Gel Kahana 8 Trail Runner is simply awesome. All of the materials used are very durable, they feature an unprecedented amount of cushioning and support, they are lightweight and durable, and bring more to the table than most other trail running shoes out there. When it comes to a high-quality shoe, this is one of the best choices out there without a doubt.
Pros
- Lots of cushioning
- Great support
- High impact absorption
- Good energy transfer
- Awesome traction and durable outsole
- High-quality build
- Lightweight and breathable
Cons
- Narrow and small
- A little too stiff for some people
Our Rating
When it comes to a minimalistic trail running shoe with high performance, the Merrell Trail Glove 3 Minimal Trail Running Shoe is the way to go. These things are all about being lightweight, minimal, and well ventilated. They have other good features such as traction and some cushioning, but these shoes are really all about their minimalistic design to make feel like you almost aren’t wearing any shoes at all.
Design
These particular trail running shoes are made with mesh, TPU synthetics, and fabric too. The point of their design is to be as minimal and lightweight as possible. The synthetics and fabrics used in their build are very strong and resistant to wear and tear, yet also very lightweight.
To make the Trail Glove 3 even more lightweight and breathable, the upper features a mesh overlay which allows for great ventilation and greatly reduces the weight of the shoe as well. In fact, the inside of these shoes also features a mesh lining which helps to make them more breathable than ever. Also, the lining on the inside is designed to wick away moisture for dry feet and to control odors too.
Something else that everyone can appreciate is the OMNI-FIT lacing system which helps to provide you with a glove like fit, a snug run, and a slip free experience inside of the shoe. These things fit really well and help to provide you with a lot of stability, something which is helped by their very low profile too.
Yet another thing that makes these particular shoes awesome for trail running is the Vibram outsole. This outsole is about as durable as it gets and is specially made to protect your feet from the bottom up against the variety of things that can be found on any trail. Moreover, the outsole is also specially made to provide you with maximal traction in a number of different conditions like rain, mud, on gravel, and on dirt trails as well.
This shoe also comes with a TrailProtect underfoot pad to help minimize the impact suffered from oddly shaped rocks and sticks. Also, the MBound midsole is engineered to provide you with an adequate amount of cushioning and arch support. This means that you aren’t going to feel every rock and stick on the path, it feels like you are running on a pillow, plus these shoes help to transfer impact energy into takeoff energy for a fast and enjoyable running experience.
Value for money
These particular trail running shoes are going to cost you around 80 dollars, which is a pretty affordable price when you consider all of the things they do for your feet. Good support, cushioning, and impact absorption, bottom up protection from the trail, lightweight breathability, durability, and a great high traction outsole are all things which these trail runners do for you.
Build quality
There really is nothing to complain about when it comes to the build quality of these specific trail running shoes. They have awesome cushioning and support, they have good impact absorption and energy transfer, they have a durable high traction outsole, a protective insole, they are lightweight, well ventilated, and control odors really well too.
Pros
- Odor controlling
- Durable outsole with awesome traction
- Protect your feet from the trail
- Good cushioning and support
- Lightweight and breathable
- Minimalistic design
Cons
- Very rigid arch support – not very flexible
Our Rating
When it comes to a durable and long lasting trail running shoe, the Saucony Excursion Tr10 Trail Running Shoe is the epitome. These things are very rugged, they have a thick and sturdy sole, and help to provide you with an unrivaled amount of traction, comfort, and stability that you would expect any trail running shoe to have.
Design
One of the things that these shoes do very well is offer you amazing cushioning and support for a totally pain free running experience. First of all, they feature GRID midsole cushioning, which is designed to help give you a soft running surface, plus to absorb as much impact as possible with every step.
Moreover, this midsole cushioning is shaped to support your arches from the bottom up to reinforce the natural shape of your foot. In terms of support, the Saucony Grid Excursion Tr10 Trail Running Shoe also has a supportive upper weld, which is specially designed to provide your feet with support from all angles. This is useful for providing a really snug and stable fit that will lock your feet into place and be about as comfortable as can be.
Next, these shoes also feature an XT-600 Rubber outsole, which is thick and sturdy, or in other words, perfect for trails that have lots of sticks and stones which could hurt your feet. Also, the sole features a pattern which is more than ideal for traction on a variety of wet, rough, and slippery surfaces, not to mention that the outsole is reinforced to be as strong as can be.
Yet another thing that we love about these Saucony Trail Running Shoes is that they are made out of a good mix of fabrics, synthetics, and mesh. These materials help this shoe to be quite durable and resistant to wear and tear, plus they are fairly water resistant too. There is also the fact that the mesh upper helps to keep these shoes fairly lightweight, plus quite breathable as well. These things are light, ergonomically designed, and breathable for the ultimate in comfort.
Value for money
For the 60 bucks that you spend on these trail running shoes, you really can’t complain about their value. These things are very affordable, yet they still manage to provide you with a high level of durability, comfort, support, and awesome trail running traction. For the awesome price that these shoes come in at you really couldn’t expect anything more from them.
Build quality
The build quality of these shoes is about as good as it is going to get, especially for the fairly low price which they come in at. The materials used in their build and made to withstand the test of time and the rigors of trail, they have good cushioning and support, are lightweight and have good ventilation, and of course, they have superior traction for all terrains as well. Quality is definitely not an issue when it comes to the Saucony Grid Excursion Tr10 Trail Running Shoes.
Pros
- Great traction
- Durable build and very strong sole
- Good outsole for underfoot protection
- Decent cushioning
- Good all-around support
- Lightweight and breathable
- Affordable
Cons
- Not waterproof as advertised
Our Rating
If you want a good affordable trail running shoe, the ASICS Gel Venture 5 Trail Running Shoe is a model to keep in mind for sure. Great cushioning, support, traction, durability, and all-around comfort are all things which these shoes do extremely well without question.
Design
One of the reasons why the Venture 5 Trail Running Shoe is such a great option to consider is because they have a fantastic outsole. The outsole is made with AHAR rubber, or in other words, it is engineered to last for a very long time and to be very resistant towards wear and tear in high wear areas.
Even better is the reverse traction lugs specifically designed for trails. Running on rough and slippery trails is not an issue with these shoes, even if you are running up and down steep hills. There is also the fact that the thick sole helps to protect your feet from various things that are on the ground too.
Something else we can all appreciate about this trail running shoe is that it comes with rear foot gel cushioning, plus a decent amount of cushioning in the rest of the shoe too. This goes a long way in absorbing the impact of each touchdown and transferring that impact energy into takeoff energy for longer and faster strides, not to mention that it feels like you are running on a foam mattress. These shoes are also ergonomically designed to fit the shape of your feet and to reinforce your arches to reduce the pain associated with a strenuous running routine.
In case you do not like the amount of cushioning or support present, you can always take out the removable sock line in order to add your own custom orthopedic insole for maximum comfort. The shoes themselves are made of synthetic materials which are very strong and made to last a long time.
They also include a special mesh overlay which helps these shoes stay lightweight and well-ventilated for a more comfortable running experience than ever before. Even though they are lightweight and breathable, they are still very tough, plus they do a pretty good job at keeping out moisture and debris as well.
Value for money
For the 50 bucks that these trail running shoes come in at, you really can’t complain about their value. When it comes to a tough and durable, comfortable and well cushioned, supportive, and high traction trail running shoe, the ASICS Venture 5 Trail Runner is one of your best options. It is very affordable, yet it does everything that you need a good trail running shoe to do.
Build quality
The build quality of this shoe is simply phenomenal. All of the materials used in its build are made to withstand the test of time no doubt. Things like awesome cushioning and impact absorption, great energy transfer, a supportive shape, lightweight breathability, great durability, and maximum traction on a variety of trail types make the ASICS Venture 5 Trail Running Shoe a quality choice indeed.
Pros
- Very good traction
- Good rear foot cushioning
- Impact absorbing and energy transferring
- Snug fit
- Very durable outsole
- Lots of underfoot support
- Lightweight breathability
- Affordable
Cons
- Could have more midfoot and frontal cushioning
Our Rating
This is a truly fantastic trail running shoe option to go with. It has awesome traction, great underfoot protection, lots of cushioning and stability, it is lightweight and well ventilated, and much more too. The Salomon XA Pro 3D Trail Running Shoe is an awesome choice that you should definitely consider.
Design
One of the things that we really like about this trail running shoe is that it features a fairly thick and durable outsole. You can tell that these shoes were designed for trail running because the outsole is meant to protect your feet from rocks and sticks, which is why it’s nice and thick.
Perhaps one of the best parts of this shoe is the Salomon 3D Chassis which provides you with ultimate transitions, stability, and flexibility too. In layman’s terms, these things are meant to be very flexible to work with the shape of your foot, give you a good transition by reinforcing your natural running gait, and it helps provide you with a stable platform for a slip free experience that will help protect you from rolled ankles.
Another thing that makes these shoes ideal for trail running is the Endofit internal sleeve which hugs the foot for a superior snug fit in order to provide you with more stability than ever. There is also the fact that these particular trail running shoes feature a good amount of cushioning and impact absorption for an optimally comfortable running experience. Not to mention that these things are designed with an ergonomic shape to reinforce the natural shape of your feet for a pain free and well supported run.
We also really like these shoes because they are made with very durable yet lightweight materials. The synthetic and textile build of these shoes helps to keep them very durable and strong, and the mesh upper helps to add a certain amount of ventilation and a lightweight feel that you expect from any trail running shoe. To keep these shoes running for a long time they also feature durable zigzag overlays on the sides to keep them in one piece, plus the overlays help provide for all-around support from all angles.
Value for money
The Salomon XA Pro 3D Trail Running Shoes are going to cost you just shy of 100 bucks, which is a pretty decent price considering all of the good that these things can do for your feet. Stability, transitioning, durability, flexibility, protection from the elements, and great traction are all things which make this trail running shoe a very valuable find.
Build quality
There is absolutely nothing wrong with the build quality of these particular trail running shoes. They do everything you need for a fun, rewarding, and very comfortable run on the trails. The materials are durable and breathable at the same time, plus comfort, cushioning, and underfoot protection are no issue, not to mention that they provide you with a lot of stability too.
Pros
- Very stable
- Snug and secure fit
- Decent cushioning and support
- High traction and very durable outsole
- Lightweight and well ventilated
- Good all-around support
Cons
- Very small and narrow toe box
- Need lots of breaking in
Our Rating
If you need a fairly durable, yet lightweight and flexible trail running shoe, you should definitely look into the New Balance 510v3 Trail Running Shoe. Decent cushioning, support, and an all-around comfortable experience are all things which these trail runners provide for you.
Design
One of the things which we really like about this New Balance Trail Running Shoe is that it comes with an IM ethylene vinyl acetate midsole. This goes a really long way in helping to provide you a cushioned surface to run on. This midsole is designed to offer you a decent level of cushioning and impact absorption in order to protect your feet from the painful ground of the trail, not to mention from running impact too.
Even better is the memory top comfort insert which helps to provide more cushioning and impact absorption that ever. Both of these things combine to add a certain level of arch support to the mix, which is great for keeping your arches in their natural shape and pain free too.
Something else that we really like about this particular trail running shoe is that it has an extremely durable outsole designed to withstand the rocks and sticks that come inherently in trail running. The outsole will definitely protect your feet from damage due to sharp rocks or sticks. Moreover, the outsole features special AT tread which is specially designed to provide you with a maximal amount of traction on wet, slippery, and rough surfaces such as dirt and gravel. These things were definitely made to challenge Mother Nature.
Another thing that makes these New Balance Trail Running Shoes so awesome is the leather and textile build which is combined with a mesh upper toe box. The leather and textile elements are extremely durable and built to withstand the test of time. At the same time, the mesh toe box as well as the perforations on the side of the shoe helps to keep these things fairly lightweight and very well ventilated.
This is a great trail running shoe in many regards. It provides you with fantastic traction, it is built tough, they are lightweight and breathable, and have a good amount of cushioning and support too. There is also the fact these things are also fairly flexible and will conform to the shape of your feet.
Value for money
This particular New Balance Trail Running Shoe is going to cost you just over 50 bucks. This is a fantastic price and these things definitely bring value to the table. No, they aren’t the fanciest or most expensive shoes, but they do a great job at keeping you comfortable in many respects. When it comes to trail running, the 510v3 is a very valuable option to consider.
Build quality
The build quality of the New Balance Men's 510v3 Trail Running Shoe is pretty good indeed. They are made out of very durable textiles and leather, both of which are built to withstand the test of time. Moreover, they are also very lightweight and breathable, plus they have good cushioning and support, all things which make this a very comfortable shoe to wear. Plus there is the fact that they have an extremely durable outsole with awesome traction too.
Pros
- Durable build
- Strong outsole – good traction
- Fairly lightweight and breathable
- Decent cushioning
- Fair amount of support
- Very affordable
Cons
- Run a ½ size too small
- Very narrow
- Sole may come loose after vigorous and prolonged use
Our Rating
Adidas never fails to make a good shoe and they have really outdone themselves with the Rockadia M Trail Runner. This shoe is lightweight and durable, well ventilated, quite flexible, has good traction, and offers you all of the protection you need from a rough and troublesome trail.
Design
One of the things that we really like about this Adidas Trail Runner is that it features an extremely durable and thick outsole. This thing is perfect for protecting your feet from errant sticks and rocks which could damage the underside of your feet. There is also the fact that this durable outsole features a special traction design which is ideal for trail running. Slipping on rocks, gravel, dirt, or mud is not an issue with these shoes.
Moreover, these shoes are designed to fit the shape of your feet without question. They feature an ergonomic build which is specially made to offer your feet decent arch support for a pain free run. Also, while these shoes do not have an overly large amount of cushioning, they still do a decent job at absorbing some of the impact produced when running. Your feet will definitely be comfortable in these shoes no matter how long you run for.
These particular trail running shoes are made out of textile and synthetic materials, both of which are durable and made to withstand the test of time and Mother Nature. Also, these things feature a mesh upper, something which is awesome for providing you with lightweight ventilation to keep your feet from getting too tired, hot, and sweaty. Next, the synthetic overlays which these things feature are perfect for providing your feet with all-around support and a very snug fit for a slip free run.
Value for money
The Adidas Rockadia M Trail Running Shoe is going to cost you close to 70 dollars. This makes it a great mid-range priced shoe. It is not too expensive, but also not so cheap that you might think that it is not a good buy. Good traction, protection from the elements, lightweight breathability, durability, and decent comfort all make this shoe a valuable buy.
Build quality
The build quality of this Adidas Trail Runner is quite superior to many other models out there today. All of the materials used in the build of these shoes are very durable and meant to provide you with ultimate longevity. The thick and durable outsole will last for a long time, protect the underside of your feet, and provides you with amazing traction too. The lightweight and well-ventilated design of these shoes only makes them that much better.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Well ventilated
- Quite durable
- Thick and strong sole
- Protection for the underside of your feet
- Good traction
- Decent all-around support
Cons
- Could have some more cushioning
- Not much arch support
Our Rating
This is a very low profile and lightweight shoe which is intended for trail running. The Merrell Vapor Glove 2 Trail Running Shoe is designed to make it feel like you aren’t wearing anything at all, while at the same time providing you with ultimate comfort.
Design
One of the things that make this a great trail running shoe is the hardcore Vibram rubber outsole. This outsole is designed to be extremely resilient towards the wear and tear that comes with trail running. Moreover, the outsole is also specially made to provide you with the utmost in traction in hot and cold, plus wet and dry conditions too. Slipping and falling is simply not an option when wearing the Vapor Glove 2.
Even better is that the upper of the shoe is made out of a mixture of mesh and thermoplastic polyurethane. This is a very neat combination because the thermoplastic helps to keep your feet relatively warm in cold conditions, plus it does a decent job at repelling moisture.
At the same time, the mesh aspect helps to keep these shoes very lightweight and breathable in order to keep your feet well ventilated and prevent them from getting too hot and sweaty. These shoes are great in terms of temperature control. Also, the material is designed to mold to the shape of your foot to make it feel almost like a sock with a good outer sole. In other words, these things are very flexible and work with the shape of your feet instead of against it.
Something else that we really like about the Merrell Vapor Glove 2 Trail Running Shoe is that it is a very low profile shoe meant to provide you with stability. Your feet stay very close to the ground when running in this shoe, thus providing you with a very low center of gravity and a whole lot of stability. Keep in mind that this shoe does sacrifice cushioning and arch support for being low profile and lightweight. That being said, it is designed to let your arches flex naturally for a comfortable run.
Yet another thing that makes this an ideal trail running shoe is the long lasting M-fresh insoles which help to wick away moisture from the inside to keep your feet nice and dry. Even better is that the same insole is designed to hinder the growth of bacteria and control bad odors too. One thing that some of you may like is that this trail running shoe is made with 100% vegan and animal friendly products.
Value for money
The Merrell Vapor Glove 2 Trail Running Shoe is going to cost you slightly over 70 dollars. This is a pretty decent price considering that you get a great durable, breathable, lightweight, and extremely flexible trail running shoe. These are perfect for anyone who likes to run in what feels like they aren’t really wearing any shoes at all.
Build quality
The build quality of these particular trail running shoes is quite superb. They are made with some really durable materials for longevity, they are well ventilated, have good temperature control, are very lightweight, and provide for an extremely snug fit. There is also the fact that these things have an excellent outsole with amazing traction in any condition.
Pros
- Very durable outsole
- Amazing traction
- Good temperature control
- Moisture repelling and moisture wicking
- Very flexible
- Lightweight breathable upper
- Snug fit
Cons
- No cushioning
- No arch support
Conclusion
The best trail running shoes for men are ones that provide good underfoot support, are well cushioned and do a good job at absorbing impact, are very durable, protect you from the elements, have a strong outsole with good outdoor traction, and are lightweight and breathable too. These are all aspects which you will find in great volume if you check out the top 10 trail running shoes we have listed above.
If you have any issues or questions, feel free to contact us and we will do our best to put your concerns to rest!