What I've quickly learned about trail running, though, is that you have to have the right shoes. My current sneakers are amazing on the pavement I usually run on. But uneven, sometimes muddy terrain requires a sturdier, grippier footwear, ideally with some ankle support.
So I went looking for the best trail running sneakers on the market. Some of these picks might feel a little bulky for a city jog, but they're just right when you're taking your runs off road.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Allbirds Trail Runners SWT
Why we love them: Name a more fly-looking sustainable sneaker. We'll wait. In addition to looking swaggy as heck, Allbirds' debut trail runner is as cushioned and tractioned as we'd expect from any off-road shoe, but with added perks of being made from eucalyptus tree fiber, sugarcane-based EVA foam, and a natural rubber outsole.
Allbirds Trail Runners SWT, $, available at Allbirds
Salomon Sense Ride 4
Why we love them: I know the "quicklace" drawstring laces are meant to be primarily functional, but they're also just fun to use — and deliver surprisingly comfortable support.
Salomon Sense Ride 4 GORE-TEX® Invisible Fit, $, available at Zappos
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 3
Why we love them: They look, dare we say... trendy? But they deliver in terms of performance too, with lugs for traction and a wonderfully breathable upper.
Nike Pegasus Trail 3, $, available at Nike
Hoka Challenger ATR 6
Why we love them: A sleek silhouette and lightweight construction make this Hoka style a fan-favorite for hiking and all-terrain runs.
Hoka One One Challenger ATR 6, $, available at Hoka One One
Brooks Caldera 5
Why we love them: They're lightweight for a trail runner, and this particular version is made with the brand's new "TrailTack" rubber sole, which gives you great traction on wet or dry trails.
Brooks Running Caldera 5, $, available at Brooks Running
New Balance Summit Unknown v2
Why we love them: Don't let the trendy two-tone sole fool you. The lugs on the bottom offer unmatched grip to keep you steady on uneven paths. Plus, they're waterproof.
New Balance Summit Unknown v2, $, available at Zappos
Merrell MQM Flex 2 Low Hiking Shoes
Why we love them: The brand cut its teeth making high-performance hiking boots, which means it knows how to engineer a shoe that handles terrain like none other. This sneaker gives support and protection without weighing you down.
Merrell MQM Flex 2 Low Hiking Shoes, $, available at REI
Adidas Rockadia Trail 3
Why we love them: These have plush cushioning that'll pamper your feet while you're in the wild.
Adidas Rockadia Trail 3.0, $, available at Amazon
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
Is It Safe To Run Outside During Coronavirus?
You Need These Chic Running Leggings
The Only Running Playlist You'll Need This Year
from Refinery29 https://ift.tt/3a0V9Xc
via IFTTT
