The 5 best trail running shoes in 2026: comparison and buying guide
The 5 best trail running shoes in 2026
The best trail running shoes in 2026 are: Salomon Speedcross 6 (mud), Hoka Tecton X3 (ultra), La Sportiva Bushido III (rock), Nike Ultrafly (all-round) and Merrell Agility Peak 5 (beginner). The average price is 140–180 EUR.
Choosing the right shoe is the most important decision in trail running. A good choice can make the difference between enjoying a race and suffering for hours. We’ve tested dozens of models on the most varied terrain in Spain to select the 5 best options for 2026.
Quick comparison
| Shoe | Ideal terrain | Weight | Drop | Price | Grip | Cushioning |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salomon Speedcross 6 | Mud and technical | 310g | 10mm | 140 EUR | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Hoka Tecton X3 | Ultra and long distance | 290g | 5mm | 180 EUR | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| La Sportiva Bushido III | Rock and skyrunning | 285g | 6mm | 155 EUR | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Nike Ultrafly | Mixed terrain | 305g | 8mm | 190 EUR | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Merrell Agility Peak 5 | Beginner and mixed | 295g | 6mm | 120 EUR | 3/5 | 4/5 |
Salomon Speedcross 6: the queen of mud
The Salomon Speedcross 6 is the best-selling trail running shoe in the world. Ideal for mud and technical terrain thanks to its deep Contagrip lugs. Price: 140 EUR. Weight: 310g. Drop: 10mm.
The Speedcross has been a trail running benchmark for over 15 years and version 6 doesn’t disappoint. Its Contagrip MA rubber lugs provide exceptional grip on mud, wet grass and technical terrain. The Quicklace system makes for quick adjustment, and the reinforced toe cap protects against rock impacts.
Best for: Races with mud, wet grass, technical terrain. Ideal for Zegama-Aizkorri, races in Asturias and Cantabria.
Pros: Exceptional grip on mud, toe protection, comfortable Quicklace system, water drainage.
Cons: Average durability on tarmac, narrow fit for wide feet, limited cushioning for ultras.
Hoka Tecton X3: the best for ultras
The Hoka Tecton X3 is the best trail shoe for ultra-distance races in 2026. Carbon plate for efficiency, maximum cushioning and Vibram Megagrip outsole. Price: 180 EUR. Weight: 290g. Drop: 5mm.
Hoka has revolutionised trail running with their maximalist soles, and the Tecton X3 is their most advanced model. The carbon fibre plate provides energy efficiency over long distances, while the PEBA foam cushions impact kilometre after kilometre.
Best for: Ultras over 50K, Transgrancanaria, Ultra Pirineu, Ultra Sierra Nevada.
Pros: Maximum cushioning, carbon plate, low weight for an ultra shoe, Vibram outsole.
Cons: High price, less sensitivity on technical terrain, not ideal for deep mud.
La Sportiva Bushido III: Italian precision
The La Sportiva Bushido III is the quintessential skyrunning shoe. FriXion sole with exceptional grip on rock, low profile and maximum sensitivity. Price: 155 EUR. Weight: 285g. Drop: 6mm.
The Bushido is the shoe of choice for many elite skyrunners. Its Italian construction prioritises precision and ground contact. The FriXion White sole with Impact Brake System offers extraordinary grip on both dry and wet rock.
Best for: Skyrunning, technical rock races, Zegama-Aizkorri, Picos de Europa limestone terrain.
Pros: Exceptional grip on rock, low weight, sensitivity, lateral protection.
Cons: Limited cushioning for long ultras, not ideal for mud, snug fit.
Nike Ultrafly: the new all-round benchmark
The Nike Ultrafly is the most versatile trail shoe of 2026. Vibram outsole, ZoomX foam, good cushioning and solid grip on all terrain types. Price: 190 EUR. Weight: 305g. Drop: 8mm.
Nike has entered the trail running market with force and the Ultrafly proves they know how to make mountain shoes. The ZoomX foam (the same as the road Vaporfly) offers exceptional energy return, and the Vibram Megagrip outsole provides the traction that was missing from earlier models.
Best for: Mixed terrain, non-extreme trails, runners transitioning from road.
Pros: Versatile, good cushioning, Vibram outsole, smooth transition.
Cons: High price, less grip than specialised models on mud or rock, limited availability.
Merrell Agility Peak 5: best value for money
The Merrell Agility Peak 5 is the best trail shoe for beginners and mixed terrain. Comfortable, versatile and affordably priced: 120 EUR. Weight: 295g. Drop: 6mm.
With the Agility Peak 5, Merrell delivers an honest and functional shoe, perfect for those starting out in trail running or looking for a versatile option without spending over 120 euros. The Vibram TC5+ outsole provides good all-round grip and the FloatPro foam is comfortable from the first kilometre.
Best for: Beginners, short races, non-extreme terrain, training.
Pros: Affordable price, immediate comfort, versatile, good durability.
Cons: Limited grip on mud or technical rock, not ideal for demanding ultras.
Which shoe to choose for your race
| Race | Recommended shoe | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Ultra Sierra Nevada | Hoka Tecton X3 | Ultra with scree and snow, you need cushioning |
| Zegama-Aizkorri | La Sportiva Bushido III | Technical skyrunning, wet grass and rock |
| Transgrancanaria | Nike Ultrafly | Mixed terrain and long distance |
| Picos de Europa | Salomon Speedcross 6 | Technical limestone and wet terrain |
| Travesera | La Sportiva Bushido III | Extreme limestone rock terrain |
| Ultra Pirineu | Hoka Tecton X3 | Night ultra, you need comfort |
Sizing guide
Most trail running brands recommend half a size up from your road shoe size. For ultras over 50K, go a full size up: feet swell with heat and hours of racing. Always try shoes with the socks you’ll wear on race day.
If you want to calculate how much your next race will cost (shoes included), check our budget guide for running an ultra in Spain. To find out what else you need to carry according to race regulations, see the guide on mandatory gear for ultra trail or use the interactive gear checklist.