The first run off pavement usually ends the same way: a slide on a muddy switchback, a bruised foot from a sharp rock, and the realisation that a road shoe has no business on a trail. Trail running is a different sport underfoot. The ground moves, tilts and changes texture every few strides, and the shoe has to grip, protect and stay put on your foot through all of it. Choosing the right trail running shoes starts with the ground you actually run on, not with a spec sheet.
Read the Terrain First
Most trails mix surfaces, but one usually dominates. Match the shoe to that, and the rest of the run takes care of itself.
- Rock and roots: you want deep cushioning to take the sting out of hard edges, a protective toe and a firm, grippy outsole.
- Mud and soft ground: lug depth matters most. Deeper, widely spaced lugs bite into soft surfaces and shed mud instead of clogging.
- Wet seasons and puddles: a waterproof upper keeps feet warmer and drier on cold, rainy runs, at the cost of some breathability in summer.
- Fast, groomed paths and races: a lighter, closer-to-the-ground shoe with a propulsive midsole makes quick efforts feel easier.
Three Details That Matter on the Trail
Outsole rubber is the first. A sticky compound with well-shaped lugs is the difference between confident footing on a wet slab and a slow, careful shuffle. Toe protection is the second, because roots and rocks find toes more often than any other part of the foot. The third is a gusseted tongue, stitched to the upper so grit and small stones cannot slip in around it. The best waterproof trail running shoes cover all three.
Six Shoes, Matched to the Ground
Each one is listed with the terrain it suits best, so you can go straight to the conditions you run in most from this trail shoe range.
Fresh Foam X Hierro v9
Best for: long days on rock and roots. Dual-density cushioning pairs plush comfort with a more stable underfoot feel, and the Vibram Megagrip outsole carries a revamped tread with deeper 6mm lugs. A knit upper with a gusseted tongue breathes well while keeping loose debris out. It is the shoe for runners who spend hours on technical ground and want their legs fresh at the end.
Hierro v9 GORE-TEX
Best for: wet seasons and muddy hikes. The same trusted platform with a GORE-TEX waterproof fabric that keeps wind and rain out. Toe Protect technology guards against rocks and roots, and the gusseted tongue keeps the fit secure. At 345 grams it is the heaviest here, but it doubles as a hiking shoe for year-round wear.
DynaSoft Nitrel v6
Best for: mixed road-to-trail routes. A responsive DynaSoft midsole and an AT Tread outsole give traction on both pavement and dirt, with no-sew overlays keeping the upper clean. At 286 grams it suits runners who leave from the front door and finish on a park trail.
FuelCell Rebel Trail
Best for: fast efforts on groomed paths. For runners who like a close-to-the-ground feel, it balances traction, support and durability with FuelCell foam that feels propulsive. A full-length Vibram Megagrip outsole and a breathable mesh upper with 3D printed overlays keep it light and grippy.
FuelCell SuperComp Trail v2
Best for: trail races. A PEBA-blend midsole with an updated carbon-fibre plate is built for energy return when speed matters, with a full-length Vibram Megagrip outsole underneath. At 277 grams it is the lightest pick, and it is designed for race day rather than everyday miles.
Tektrel
Best for: rough ground with a bit of style. An aggressive lug design and an AT Tread outsole grip both paved and off-road surfaces, while a lifestyle-inspired upper means it does not look out of place after the run.
Before Your First Trail Run
Go half a size up if your toes touch the front on downhills; feet swell and slide forward on long descents. Tie a heel-lock lace on steep routes. Rinse mud off after each run and let shoes dry naturally, away from a radiator. Start on a familiar trail, and let the shoe earn your trust before the technical stuff.
Wrapping Up
A good trail shoe is the one matched to your ground: cushioning and protection for rock, deep lugs for mud, waterproofing for the wet months and a light, propulsive build for race day. Pick the terrain you run most and the right pair of trail runners becomes obvious.
All six shoes above are part of the trail range from New Balance. Plenty more short, practical reads for runners are waiting on 2minuteread.