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Best trail running shoes for beginners

To start you do not need the most aggressive shoe: look for comfort, cushioning and moderate lugs that work on paths and a bit of road.

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Before you buy

  • Go half a size up if you will descend a lot: feet swell and toes hit the front.
  • A versatile shoe covers most outings; specialise once you know which terrain you run most.
  • Try shoes on at the end of the day, when your feet are most swollen.

Each shoe has its specs (weight, drop, stack height, lugs, toebox width) taken from the manufacturer's listing or RunRepeat lab measurements, and the source is recorded in the catalog. The score adds points for terrain, distance, cushioning and special needs; there are no made-up percentages and no paid placements: the order depends only on your answers. We earn a commission if you buy through our Amazon links, at no extra cost to you. This is general guidance, not medical or podiatry advice: if you have injuries or doubts, see a professional and always try the shoe on.

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