Ready to hit the trails but not sure which shoes to choose? Whether you're taking on muddy forest paths, rocky ridgelines, or gravel fire roads, we’ve pulled together the 10 best trail running shoes of 2025 — hand-picked by the experts at Running Bear.
We specialise in gait analysis and proper fitting, so when we recommend a shoe, you know it’s tried and tested by real runners on real trails.
🥇 1. Hoka Speedgoat 6
Best for: Long-distance trail runs & ultra comfort
Why we love it: A legend in the trail community, the Speedgoat 6 is plush, protective, and has outstanding grip thanks to its Vibram® Megagrip outsole. Perfect for mountain trails or long, muddy miles in the UK countryside.
🥈 2. Salomon Speedcross 6
Best for: Mud, grass & technical terrain
Why we love it: The Speedcross 6 features aggressive 5mm lugs and Salomon’s renowned Quicklace system. It’s fast, secure, and built for soft, slippery ground — making it ideal for UK fells and wet woodland trails.
🥉 3. Asics Gel-Trabuco 13
Best for: Stability, support & rocky routes
Why we love it: With a rock protection plate and grippy ASICSGRIP outsole, the Trabuco 13 handles technical terrain with ease. It’s a solid all-rounder that delivers reliable support and cushioning for long days out.
4. Altra Lone Peak 9+
Best for: Natural feel & wide toe boxes
Why we love it: Zero drop and FootShape™ fit give your toes room to splay naturally. It’s a great option for runners who want a more minimalist ride without sacrificing grip or protection.
5. New Balance Fresh Foam x Hierro v9
Best for: Comfort & cushioning on rugged trails
Why we love it: The Hierro v9 blends soft Fresh Foam X cushioning with a Vibram® outsole, making it ideal for runners who want comfort over rough and rocky terrain.
6. Saucony Peregrine 15
Best for: Speed & grip on muddy ground
Why we love it: Light, agile, and aggressive — the Peregrine is built for fast running on technical trails. It’s also a fantastic choice for those training for trail races or quick sessions off-road.
7. Salomon Ultra Glide 3
Best for: Long-distance comfort
Why we love it: Designed with comfort in mind, the Ultra Glide 3 offers a higher stack height, cushioned ride, and excellent grip — perfect for ultra distances or long adventure days.
8. Brooks Cascadia 18
Best for: Protection & stability on technical terrain
Why we love it: Built with a rock plate and TrailTack rubber outsole, the Cascadia 18 is a dependable option for rough terrain. It’s stable, grippy, and offers a secure fit that performs on unpredictable trails.
9. Hoka Challenger 7
Best for: Road-to-trail versatility
Why we love it: With a smoother outsole and cushioned midsole, the Challenger 7 is perfect for mixed terrain. Whether you’re starting your run on tarmac or heading into the hills, this hybrid handles it all.
10. Salomon S/LAB Ultra
Best for: Competitive trail runners
Why we love it: Lightweight, responsive, and engineered for performance, the S/LAB Ultra is a go-to for serious racers. It’s a technical shoe built to handle long races in demanding conditions.
🧭 Need Help Choosing the Right Trail Shoe?
At Running Bear, we offer free in-store gait analysis and expert fittings to make sure you’re running in the perfect shoe for your foot, terrain, and goals.
📍 Visit our Alderley Edge or Nantwich store