As autumn approaches it’s the perfect time to look for a change of scenery when it comes to training
Here we look at some of the best trail running gear this season.
All these reviews are independent and unbiased views and are based on running real miles in these shoes. This piece contains affiliate links which means we may receive a small commission when you purchase using these links.
Brooks – Cascadia 18 – £135.00
Fan favourite and returning for its 18th season, the Cascadia is the perfect all-around trail shoe. An updated mesh upper with reinforced protective overlays provides a secure, durable and great-fitting upper while a sticky rubber outsole provides versatile traction wherever you may venture.
Cushioning comes from the brand’s DNA Loft v2 as used on popular road models such as the Adrenaline GTS, so works perfectly well on the trails. A rock plate also serves to provide adaptable stability as well as add a little ‘spring’ to the toe-off when you pick up the pace.
The Cascadia is a great, go-anywhere choice for regular trail training.
Brooks Cascadia 18
HOKA – Speedgoat 6 – £140.00
The original ‘max-cushion’ off-road shoe gets a seasonal update with the overall feel improved for a smoother and more responsive running experience. A reduction in weight immediately gives the shoe a lively feel and the cushioning remains soft and welcoming, able to soak up any impact.
A new breathable mesh upper provides a plusher fit around the ankle collar and tongue to hug the foot with reassuring security. The Vibram Metagrip sole offers plenty of traction and is perfect for the variety of trails that most runners will encounter on their daily trail routes.
Hoka Speedgoat 6
Nike – Zoom X Zegama 2 – £164.99
The ZoomX midsole immediately gives the Zegama 2 a soft and ‘springy’ feel. The shoe feels fast and encourages the pace with its highly responsive level of ‘energy return’. A unique Vibram Zegama outsole uses a diverse lug pattern with wide spacing to shed mud and deep lugs to provide more traction on technical terrain.
The increased level of cushioning is ideal for longer trail distances or equally those who simply want a softer feel. A newly engineered mesh upper is both breathable and strong to create an upper that aids stability, keeping the foot securely held in place. A snug-fitting ankle gaiter design around the ankle collar fits well and also helps to keep debris at bay.
The Zegama is great for those who prefer a softer, more cushioned trail shoe that can still handle technical trails.
Nike Zegama Trail 2
Ronhill – Reverence – £135.00
Designed in the ‘heart of fell running country’, the English Lake District, the Reverence marks the return to footwear for the Ronhill brand. This shoe is designed specifically for technical and muddy terrain and uses a True-Fit last for a broader toe box that allows the foot to naturally splay, perfect for long days on the trails.
A MATRYX fabric upper uses Kevlar yarn for durability as well as create a secure fit. The wrap over tongue also enhances the secure fit and gives a confidence-enhancing enclosure around the foot. As you’d expect for a British brand off-road shoe, there’s plenty of grip and it comes courtesy of a Michelin rubber compound designed specifically for wet surfaces.
The 7mm deep lugs provide enough traction even on the harshest of trails. For those wanting an aggressively grippy shoe for technical terrain, it’s a great option.
Ronhill Reverence
Buy the Ronhill Reverance here
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. It’s a versatile shoe for any terrain and with Continental rubber lugs of 4mm in the centre of the sole and 5mm lugs around the edge, the shoe can adapt perfectly to varying conditions.
The Lightstrike midsole provides ample cushioning thanks to a 31mm heel stack and 8mm drop making it an instantly very runnable trail shoe, similar to many of the brand’s road-going models. A TPU stability plate acts as both a rock guard and provides a level of stability that can easily adapt to variations in the terrain and contours. The Agravic 3 is a good value, durable trail shoe.
Adidas Terrex Agravic 3
NNormal – Tomir 2.0 – £150.00
With a new supercritical foam, the second-generation Tomir is lighter, more cushioned and more comfortable. The brand has taken onboard feedback from runners on where to improve the shoe and has done just that. Engineered specifically for trail running the 8mm drop midsole uses an EExpure foam and sits directly under the foot, no inner sole is used. This creates a shoe that feels more connected to the foot and the ground and hopefully reduces possible irritation over longer distances.
The midsole also has a revised rocker shape for a smoother heel-to-toe transition and to reduce impact load at the point of striking the ground. It all makes for a softer, more responsive and smoother ride. The upper is secure and uses a snag-resistant construction for durability in the harshest terrain. Traction is provided by a Vibram METAGRIP Litebase sole with 5mm lugs. This sole reduces weight but increases traction thanks to the 5mm deep lugs. For a ‘ground-connected’ feel the Tomir is the best choice.
Nnormal Tomir 2.0
Altra – Olympus 6 – £155.00
The plushest of trail shoes from the brand, the Olympus 6 offers a ‘max-cushioned’ 33mm stack of CM-EVA midsole in a zero-drop construction for a soft, balanced and natural riding feel.
Although deeply cushioned, the shoe doesn’t feel unstable and that’s thanks to the broad, foot-shaped last that allows the foot to naturally splay 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 snugly and securely. An updated Vibram Metagrip lug pattern improves traction and means the shoe is as versatile as it is cushioned.For a zero-drop, balance ride, the Altra is the perfect option.
Altra Olympus 6
On – Ultra Vest 5L – £130.00
Carry your essential trail extras without carrying extra weight. This trail vest weighs in at just 127g, so probably much lighter than your t-shirt! With strategically placed stretch and non-stretch zones to reduce bounce, you can load it and carry gels and a jacket with ease. There are plenty of stretch pockets to provide storage options including a specific, easy-to-clean trash pocket. Twin 500ml Hydrapak soft flasks take care of hydration to complete the set-up.
On ultra vest 5L
Hilly – Trail Anklet Med Sock – £15.00
Pair up your perfect trail shoes with a great pair of off-road-specific socks. These from Hilly offer a cushioned Merino wool blend with additional padding where it’s most required, in the toe, ball of the foot and heel. Flat seams and a supportive arch make for a great fit and the ventilated instep helps keep you cool throughout the day.
Ronhill Trail Anklet Sock
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