The best trail running shoes 2024 for ultras

Mikel Bejarano
Journalist and inveterate trail runner
Posted on 15-07-2024

There is increasingly more and more love for running long distances, whether on asphalt or in the mountains, the big marathons already seem an almost unavoidable appointment for the popular runners and the same happens to the lovers of the mountain with marathons and ultra marathons.

To run long distances in the mountains it is necessary, in addition to an intense planning and preparation, and we do not refer only to the physical training, but also mental and nutritional. In addition, a very important aspect that can determine the success or not of our participation, is to choose the right type of shoes to use, depending on the terrain, expected weather and the characteristics of each runner, among other aspects.

Best trail running shoes 2024 for ultras

For this reason, the editorial team of RUNNEA presents this recurring list of trail running shoes recommended for long distances in the mountains and in which we wanted to compile different types of shoes to reach a wide range of different profiles of runners, as always, we will be looking out for the latest developments to incorporate them into the list.

New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v8

La New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v8 es una de las shoes de trail running más populares del mercado y que, en esta nueva versión, incorpora interesantes novedades para seguir destacando como una shoe todoterreno, realmente cómoda para una travesía como el Camino de Santiago.

  • Surface: Trail
  • Use: Training
  • Cushion: Neutral, High
  • Running gait: Neutral, Supination
  • Drop: 8 mm
  • Pace: Low

Brooks Cascadia 18

Las Brooks Cascadia 18 son unas shoes de trail running diseñadas específicamente para aportar el mayor grado de protección y dinamismo de la company en lo que a montaña se refiere. Hablamos de una model de perfil medio, que mantendrá el grosor de su mediasuela DNA Loft v2 y su placa Trail Adapt, para favorecer una pisada más cómoda, guiada y resistente. La suela exterior del nuevo modelo ofrecerá una tracción y adherencia ejemplares, tal y como ocurriera con la versión predecesora, las Brooks Cascadia 17, gracias a su sistema TrailTack Green, con tacos de buena prominencia y multidireccionales. Por ello, estamos ante un modelo de gran versatilidad y ajuste que mejora en protección y acabados.

  • Surface: Trail
  • Use: Training, Racing
  • Cushion: High
  • Running gait: Neutral
  • Drop: 8 mm
  • Pace: Low, Medium
  • Weight: 314,7

HOKA Tecton X 2

The HOKA Tecton X 2 is a trail shoe that combines the best technologies and materials of the brand and that reaffirms, in its second edition, as one of the most powerful shoes in the mountain market. It is a carbon plate model that will help you run from medium to long distances with unbeatable safety and comfort that is not incompatible with dynamism. A model of 252 grams of weight and 5 millimeters of drop with a profile of 32 millimeters that will not leave any runner indifferent.

  • Surface: Trail
  • Technology: Carbon plate
  • Use: Training, Racing
  • Cushion: Neutral
  • Running gait: Neutral
  • Drop: 5 mm
  • Pace: Medium
  • Weight: 252 gr

Nike Zegama 2

Las Nike Zegama 2 son la última incorporación a la familia de shoes de trail running de Nike, diseñadas para ofrecer una combinación perfecta de amortiguación y capacidad de respuesta en terrenos técnicos y distancias diversas. Estas shoes han sido desarrolladas con un enfoque especial en la velocidad y la resistencia, convirtiéndolas en una opción ideal para los corredores/as que buscan rendimiento y confort en cada paso. La entresuela de las Zegama 2 está equipada con la tecnología Zoom X de Nike, conocida por su ligereza y capacidad de respuesta. La mayor altura de la pila proporciona una protección superior bajo los pies, especialmente en carreras de larga distancia, asegurando que cada zancada sea suave y eficiente. Esta característica no solo mejora la comodidad, sino que también ayuda a reducir la fatiga durante recorridos prolongados.

Para hacer frente a cualquier tipo de terreno y condición meteorológica, las Nike Zegama 2 cuentan con una suela exterior de goma Vibram. Este material, combinado con un dibujo de tacos más profundo y diverso, ofrece una tracción y un agarre sin precedentes. Ya sea en terrenos rocosos, fangosos o resbaladizos, estas shoes aseguran estabilidad y control, permitiendo a los corredores/as mantener el ritmo y la confianza en cada paso.

  • Surface: Trail
  • Use: Training
  • Cushion: Neutral
  • Running gait: Neutral
  • Drop: 4 mm
  • Pace: Medium, High
  • Weight: 320 gr

ASICS Gel Trabuco 12

The ASICS Gel Trabuco 12 is one of the most iconic shoes of the Japanese brand. They are running and hiking shoes for the mountain with great comfort and cushioning, and the perfect combination of support and durability to perform the Camino de Santiago successfully.

  • Surface: Trail
  • Use: Training, Racing
  • Cushion: Neutral, High
  • Running gait: Neutral
  • Drop: 8 mm
  • Pace: Medium
  • Weight: 314 gr

Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra

The new adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra features a new, more dynamic rocker, but this revolutionary design features a midsole with exclusive LIGHTSTRIKE PRO foam. This means a perfect combination of cushioning and energy return for the purpose of adding extra speed to every stride. An ideal shoes for an experienced and demanding trail runner, lightweight and looking for a high performance trail running shoe that allows you to run very fast, but also very reliably.

  • Surface: Trail
  • Technology: Carbon plate
  • Use: Racing
  • Cushion: Neutral
  • Running gait: Neutral
  • Drop: 8 mm
  • Pace: High
  • Weight: 274 gr

Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 Matryx

The most technical shoe of the American brand, the Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 Matryx is updated with its innovative Matryx fabric, and also with a cushioning system that provides comfort and stability over long distances. The Vibram compound and 5mm lug pattern ensure maximum traction.

  • Surface: Trail
  • Use: Racing
  • Cushion: Neutral
  • Running gait: Neutral
  • Drop: 4 mm
  • Pace: Medium

Salomon S/Lab Genesis

The Salomon S/Lab Genesis has been specifically designed to run through the most demanding mixed terrain, while enjoying high-performance grip and lasting comfort. The midsole incorporates lightweight, reactive Energy Surge foam, a combination of EVA and olefinic fiber [OBC] that offers durable cushioning and energy return with rebound. Its All Terrain Contagrip® outsole is designed to offer quality response on a wide variety of surfaces, while the unit maintains a 8 mm drop, with a heel depth of 4.5mm and a contained weight of 258 grams.

  • Surface: Trail
  • Use: Racing
  • Cushion: High
  • Running gait: Neutral
  • Drop: 8 mm
  • Pace: Medium, High
  • Weight: 258 gr

Kiprun MT3

La Kiprun MT3 es una shoe fabricada por la multinacional francesa que nos permitirá afrontar cualquier aventura por montaña, ya sea corriendo o caminando como es el caso del Camino de Santiago. El nuevo modelo fusiona comodidad con durabilidad para aportarle una gran polivalencia en una amplía tipología de terrenos.

  • Surface: Trail
  • Use: Training, Racing
  • Cushion: Neutral
  • Running gait: Neutral
  • Pace: Low, Medium
  • Weight: 310 gr

NNormal Tomir 2.0

Las renovadas NNormal Tomir 2.0 son la apuesta de la marca creada por Kilian Jornet para los/as corredores/as populares ya que destacan por su gran amortiguación, mejorada en esta versión y en la que se presenta también con mayores protecciones para correr cómodo medias y largas distancias por montaña.

  • Surface: Trail
  • Use: Training, Racing
  • Cushion: Neutral
  • Running gait: Neutral
  • Drop: 8 mm
  • Pace: Medium, High
  • Weight: 288 gr

La Sportiva Ultra Raptor 2

Todo un icono de la marca italiana que se renueva para mantener esa posición de privilegio que tiene en el segmento de shoes trail running de máxima amortiguación y protección. Hay mejoras, sí, pero la esencia de estas La Sportiva Ultra Raptor 2 sigue siendo la de ser una todoterreno muy fiable para afrontar cualquier tipo de aventura en terreno de montaña, incluyendo las largas distancias.

  • Surface: Trail
  • Use: Training
  • Cushion: High
  • Running gait: Neutral
  • Drop: 9 mm
  • Pace: Low, Medium
  • Weight: 335 gr

Mizuno Wave Mujin 10

The Mizuno Wave Mujin 10 is one of the most emblematic trail running shoes of the Japanese brand. One of the keys to the success of the range is the perfect balance between cushioning and stability. It has a new knitted fabric, more resistant and breathable, as well as a midsole with a new composition and design, which will present a combination of Mizuno Enerzy and U4ic. For this new version the Michelin compound present in previous versions is replaced by a new Vibram Megagrip outsole with 5mm of prominence in what is a model of 8 millimeters of drop and 340 grams of weight.

  • Surface: Trail
  • Use: Training
  • Cushion: Neutral
  • Running gait: Neutral
  • Drop: 8 mm
  • Pace: Low

The North Face Summit Vectiv Sky

The North Face Summit Vectiv Sky are mountain running shoes prepared to offer maximum response in high intensity races and medium and short distances. We are talking about a model of the Vectiv line of The North Face that stands out for its stability and protection thanks to its carbon fiber plate. In addition, its heel positioning technology guarantees freedom of movement on uneven terrain. With a drop of 4 millimeters and a weight of 272 grams, in addition to the Surface CTRL rubber outsole, with 35 millimeter lugs, and the 4 millimeter Pebax insert, this is one of the best performing models of the season.

  • Surface: Trail
  • Technology: Carbon plate
  • Use: Racing
  • Cushion: Neutral
  • Running gait: Neutral
  • Drop: 4 mm
  • Pace: Medium, High
  • Weight: 272 gr

Dynafit Ultra Pro 2

The Dynafit Ultra Pro 2 is a trail running shoe that gives us everything we need, such as comfort, protection and good cushioning. It has a practical quick lacing system, with which we can customize the fit of the shoes perfectly according to our needs. Speedlite technology provides maximum cushioning and comfort, while its weight of 310 grams in the men's version and 270 grams in the women's version, with a drop of 8 millimeters, offers a natural and efficient stride.

  • Surface: Trail
  • Use: Training
  • Cushion: Neutral
  • Running gait: Neutral
  • Drop: 8 mm
  • Pace: Medium

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