As fall approaches, it’s the perfect time to look for a change in your workouts
Here we take a look at the best trail running gear for this season.
All of these reviews are independent and unbiased views and are based on actual miles driven in these shoes. This section contains affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission when you follow these links.
Brooks – Cascadia 18 – £135.00
A fan favorite and returns for his 18thth season, the Cascadia is the perfect all-around trail shoe. An updated mesh upper with reinforced protective overlays ensures a secure, durable and well-fitting top, while a grippy rubber outsole provides versatile traction wherever you venture.
The bracing comes from the brand’s DNA Loft v2, which is used in popular road models like the Adrenaline GTS, so it works great on the trails. The rocker plate also serves to provide adaptive stability, as well as adding a little “spring” to the tip when you pick up the pace.
The Cascadia is a great go-anywhere choice for regular trail workouts.
Brooks at Cascadia 6 p.m
HOKA – Speedgoat 6 – £140.00
The original max-cushion off-road shoe gets a seasonal update with an improved overall feel for a smoother and more responsive running experience. The weight reduction immediately gives the shoe a lively feel, while the lining remains soft and welcoming, able to absorb any impact.
A new breathable mesh upper provides a plush fit around the ankle collar and tongue to hug the foot with reassuring security. The Vibram Metagrip sole offers great traction and is perfect for the variety of trails most runners will encounter on their daily trail rides.
Hoka Speedgoat 6:
Nike – Zoom X Zegama 2 – £164.99
The ZoomX midsole instantly gives the Zegama 2 a soft and springy feel. The shoe feels fast and encourages speed with a highly responsive level of “energy return”. The unique Vibram Zegama outsole uses a variety of tread patterns with wide mud spacing to shed mud and deep lugs to provide more traction on technical terrain.
The raised cushioning level is ideal for longer rides or just as much for those who just want a softer feel. A newly designed mesh upper is both breathable and durable to create an upper that aids stability by keeping the foot firmly in place. A comfortable ankle channel design around the ankle collar provides a snug fit and also helps keep debris away.
The Zegama is great for those who prefer a softer, more cushioned shoe that can still tackle technical trails.
Nike Zegama Trail 2
Ronhill – Reverence – £135.00
Designed “in the heart of fell running country” in the English Lake District, the Reverence marks the return of the Ronhill footwear brand. Designed specifically for technical and muddy terrain, this shoe uses the latest True-Fit for a wider toe box that allows the foot to bounce naturally, perfect for long days on the trails.
The MATRYX fabric upper uses Kevlar yarn for durability and also provides a secure fit. A wrap over the tongue also reinforces a secure fit and gives confidence around the foot. As you’d expect for an off-road shoe from the British brand, it’s got plenty of grip, and it comes with a Michelin rubber compound designed specifically for wet surfaces.
7mm deep lugs provide plenty of traction on even the roughest trails. For those who want an aggressively grippy shoe for technical terrain, it’s a great option.
Ronhill Reverence
Adidas – Terrex Agravic 3 – £120.00
A great value all-rounder, the Agravic 3 uses a new, softer Lightstrike midsole for a softer yet more dynamic ride. This is a versatile shoe for any terrain and with 4mm diameter rubber lugs in the center of the sole and 5mm boots around the toe, the shoe can adapt perfectly to different conditions.
The Lightstrike midsole provides plenty of cushioning thanks to a 31mm heel stack and 8mm drop, making it an instantly versatile running shoe similar to many of the brand’s road models. The TPU stability plate doubles as a rock guard and provides a level of stability that can easily adapt to variations in terrain and contours. The Agravic 3 is a good value, durable shoe.
Adidas Terrex Agravic 3
NNormal – Vein 2.0 – £150.00
With new supercritical foam, the second generation Tomir is lighter, more cushioned and more comfortable. The brand took feedback from runners on where to improve the shoe and did just that. Designed specifically for trail running, the 8mm drop midsole uses EExpure foam and sits directly under the foot, no insole is used. This creates a shoe that feels more connected to the foot and the ground and hopefully reduces potential irritation over longer distances.
The midsole also features a revised rocker shape for a smoother heel-to-toe transition and reduced impact load at ground impact. All this allows for a softer, more responsive and smoother ride. The top is secure and uses a puncture-resistant construction for durability in the roughest terrain. Traction is provided by the Vibram METAGRIP Litebase sole with 5mm lugs. This sole reduces weight but increases traction with 5mm deep lugs. For a “grounded” feeling, Tomir is the best choice.
Abnormal vein 2.0
Other – Olympus 6 – £155.00
The brand’s longest running shoe, the Olympus 6 features a “max-cushioned” 33mm CM-EVA midsole with a zero-drop construction for a soft, balanced and natural riding feel.
Despite the deep cushioning, the shoe does not feel unstable, and this is due to the wide, forefoot last, which allows the foot to spread naturally and provide natural stability. The upper is neatly constructed with a premium fit and feel, with plush padding around the ankle collar and Achilles to hug the foot firmly and securely. An updated Vibram Metagrip lug pattern improves traction and means the shoe is as versatile as it is cushioned. For zero sag and balance rides, the Altra is the perfect option.
Another Olympus 6
On – Ultra Vest 5L – £130.00
Carry your essential trail extras without carrying extra weight. This wrap weighs just 127g, so it’s probably a lot lighter than your t-shirt. With strategically placed stretch and non-stretch straps to reduce bounce, you can load it up and carry gels and a jacket with ease. There are multiple stretch pockets to provide storage options, including a dedicated, easy-to-clean trash pocket. Twin 500ml Hydrapak Soft Flasks take care of hydration, complete conditioning.
5L on the Ultra Vest
Hilly – Trail Anklet Med Sock – £15.00
Pair your perfect shoe with off-road specific socks. These from Hilly offer a cushioned Merino wool blend with extra coverage where it’s needed most – in the toe, ball of the foot and heel. Smooth seams and a supportive arch provide a great fit, while a ventilated crotch helps keep you cool throughout the day.
Ronhill Trail Anklet Sock
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