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Best Trail Running Shoes for Hiking 2026 (Better Than Hiking Boots?)

Trail Shoes Reviewed

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Trail running shoes have completely changed hiking in 2026. Modern trail shoes are lighter, more cushioned, grippier, and far more comfortable than many traditional hiking shoes or boots.

Check the latest prices on Amazon below:
Men’s Shoes
• Topo MTN Racer 4 Men’s - https://amzn.to/3PA79tH
• New Balance Hierro v9 Men’s - https://amzn.to/4nn490b
• HOKA Stinson 7 Men’s - https://amzn.to/48UqYlX
• Nike ACG Pegasus Trail Men’s: https://roadrunnersports.sjv.io/4aEvxM
• ASICS Trabuco Max 5 Men’s - https://amzn.to/4nEaSmR

Women’s Shoes
• Topo MTN Racer 4 Women’s - https://amzn.to/4tp9PYS
• New Balance Hierro v9 Women’s - https://amzn.to/4deg9fJ
• HOKA Stinson 7 Women’s - https://amzn.to/3RuGWx8
• Nike ACG Pegasus Trail Women’s: https://roadrunnersports.sjv.io/KBzMvA
• ASICS Trabuco Max 5 Women’s - https://amzn.to/4doapR0

In this video, I break down the best trail running shoes for hiking based on grip, cushioning, stability, comfort, terrain performance, and foot mechanics from the perspective of a foot and ankle specialist.

Featured shoes in this video include:
• Topo MTN Racer 4 – one of the best technical hiking trail shoes with an anatomical toe box
• New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 – highly cushioned comfort for long hikes and easier trails
• HOKA Stinson 7 – ultra stable and supportive for long days on your feet
• Nike ACG Pegasus Trail – versatile option for mixed terrain and everyday wear
• ASICS Trabuco Max 5 – rockered and protective for smoother long-distance hiking

If you enjoy evidence-based trail running, hiking, footwear, and injury prevention content, make sure to subscribe for weekly videos.

Amazon Affiliate Disclaimer
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This comes at no extra cost to you and helps support the channel.

Healthcare Disclaimer
This video is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your footwear, training, or rehabilitation program.

20 Comments

@TrailShoesReviewed Creator 4 months ago Pinned

What do you currently hike in… hiking boots or trail shoes?

@miss.stability 4 months ago

this is why i have for now :) 4 pair of Hierro v9

@n3clar 4 months ago

I see the Brooks Cladera 8 in the back... That will do 😁

@yuraer 1 month ago (edited)

I really like my Brooks Cascadia 16

@keithmcmean4902 4 months ago (edited)

Altra Experience Wild 3+ for me every time. Great shoe and so comfortable with just the right amount of ground feel.

@randallpoole6315 4 months ago

I went with the Topo Terraventure, low drop, lower cushion than most with a rock plate. Loving them after the first 15 miles.

@MarkPharaoh 4 months ago

Mtn racer 4 over their ultraventure is definitely a choice

@InfiniteBeing8 4 months ago

Thanks for this. Very concise excellent review…

@atari934 4 months ago

Hi, could you also do a review of some boots for walking in adverse conditions?

@ChrisRobato 7 days ago

Sorry but there are places you need true hiking shoes or boots. It's the difference of choosing a Hoka Kaha from a Speedgoat, or a Salomon X Ultra from an Aero Glide Gravel or an Adidas Terrex Freehiker from a Speed Agravic. It must also be said that even within brand line ups, there are trail runners that do better for technical trails, some for timed runs, and others for road to trail.

@mcmeeve 4 months ago

I bought a pair of merrils recently but after a few miles the top of my foot on one leg went completely numb

@uk.gardners 4 months ago

I recently tried a bunch of these while trying to decide on a hike/run spring/summer shoe.

For context I have a fairly wide and flat midfoot...

I tried salomon genesis, loved these but (too narrow - the midsole chasis pressed into my arch)

Hierro (hotspots around my outside midfoot, seemed to rub against the stitching/tongue gaiter)

trabuco (very stiff pronounced arch support pressed into my sole)

In the end i selected the nnormal tomir 2. They werent really the type of shoe i was necessarily looking however i just loved the fit for my foot - no heel slip, wider in the midfoot and the vibram grip. So far ive really enjoyed them and the firmer midsole is great for technical hiking.

@andrebruinhorst5565 4 months ago

I like the La Sportiva Akyra II for hiking! Top comfort and plenty of grip on all terrains/surfaces.

@loopdyloo22 4 months ago (edited)

Hey there. Thanks for your videos. I’ve been hiking a forested mountain in Croatia and continuously my uppers are blowing out on the sides. ASICS running shoes, no problem. But ASICS Trabuco gel 11, 12, 13 have all fallen apart within a few weeks. HOKA challenger, same thing. I go 4x per week, about 40-50 km and 2000m+ elevation gain weekly and push hard. We have some steep inclines, rocks and roots. I’ve also been experiencing significant lower leg cramping this year. I have a wider forefoot and run more with pressure towards the front of my feet. Relatively normal to high arches. Maybe shoe flexibility is an issue? What do you recommend for steep technical climbs, agile runs down and decent support for better lower leg stability? I’m not looking for a diagnosis, just maybe some idea what might be some options worth trying. Thanks 🙏🏼

@numerothirtyseven8407 4 months ago

I think question of boots vs trainers should address the downsides of the latter. Often people miss that boots better protect the ankle. I’m sure boots, at times, have saved me from breaking an ankle. Also, on boggy ground you will just end up with wet feet. Similarly, crossing streams etc without footbridges can overwhelm the low sides of trainers & again you end up with wet feet. So, as with anything, it depends - I wouldn’t recommend trainers in wet & boggy conditions. Ultimately, I do wear trainers sometimes but in drier conditions & easier terrain.

@kayakerjer 4 months ago

I have very wide feet, a high instep and arthritic toes that don’t bend (“hallux rigidus”). MY feet run very hot and sweat a lot. I wear custom orthotics for my toes, and need shoes with good cushioning, and a stable midfoot but pronounced rocker in the toe. After experimenting (and failing) with many trail runners and low top boots, I walked 800km on the Camino Frances, the Rota Vicentina, South Downs Way and a chunk of the South West Coast Path alternating between Topo Mountain Racers (better on rougher terrain) and Hoka Stinson 7’s (better overall except on rougher terrain). Love them both. The Topos have been more durable, both sole and uppers. I used low top hiking boots for walking much rougher/steeper/wetter terrain on Wainright’s Coast to Coast. Horses for courses…. Waterproof socks worked great for heavy rain days on the Camino.