The 21 best trail running shoes 2024

We face the final stretch of the 2024 season, and in our particular roadmap -based on informing you of all the news and updates of models- we already have a list of trail running shoes that is quite extensive. And the good news is that there are still new releases to come, so the number of components on this list will continue to grow and grow. The RUNNEA's commitment can only be that we will be telling everything, in detail, during this last four months of the year Do not miss a detail!

As we always tell you, the lines of this article of RUNNEA Magazine serve to update you on the main models that the most prominent brands in the universe of trail running shoes have already launched during these months already elapsed of 2024, and that promise to help you improve your performance both in training and in competition.

Best trail shoes 2024, most outstanding news of the year

As you can see, it's an extensive list but still... not all of them are here... because there are still some models to come! But our editorial team is on the lookout for more release dates, and we promise you that we will update this recurring list with all the new trail running shoes that are announced between now and the end of the year. Stay tuned and follow RUNNEA!

We present you a detailed selection of the trail shoes that are making waves this 2024.

1. New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v8
2. New Balance Venym
3. ASICS Gel Trabuco 12
4. ASICS MetaFuji Trail
5. Brooks Caldera 7
6. Brooks Catamount 3
7. HOKA Speedgoat 6
8. Joma TR 9000
9. The North Face Summit Vectiv Pro 2
10. Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra
11. Adidas Terrex Agravic 3
12. Nike Zegama 2
13. Nike Pegasus Trail 5
14. Mizuno Wave Daichi 8
15. Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 Matryx
16. Salomon S/Lab Genesis
17. La Sportiva Prodigio
18. Altra Montblanc C
19. Dynafit Ultra Pro 2
20. Scarpa Spin ST
21. NNormal Tomir 2.0

New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v8

The eagerly awaited New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v8 features a number of improvements that will keep this model as one of the great benchmarks of training and near-trail shoes for mountain terrain. New upper with 3D mesh for improved fit, while using recycled material to make it more sustainable. Performance-wise, the combination of Fresh Foam X foam and Vibram rubber compound are a sure-fire winner in comfort, protection and safety for long distances.

• Release date: spring 2024.

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

New Balance Venym

One of Boston-based brand New Balance's 2024 releases in the trail running category is the New Balance FuelCell Venym. This hybrid shoe is designed for use on the road, but adapted for mountain terrain. It stands out as an exceptionally lightweight model, offering excellent cushioning and high responsiveness.

• Surface: Trail
• Use: Mixed
• Cushion: Neutral
• Running gait: Neutral
• Drop: 6 mm
• Pace: High
• Weight: 264 gr

ASICS Gel Trabuco 12

The ASICS Gel Trabuco 12 remains one of the Japanese brand's most beloved and iconic shoes. In this latest iteration, there aren't significant changes from its predecessor, as it continues to deliver exceptional comfort for long-distance running. Notably, it enhances one of the best soles on the market, the ASICS Grip, further solidifying its reputation.

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

ASICS MetaFuji Trail

The ASICS MetaFuji Trail represents a significant breakthrough in the trail running universe, being the brand's second full carbon plate model in this category. Developed and extensively tested, including in elite competitions, these shoes combine cutting-edge technologies such as FlyteFoam Turbo and FlyteFoam Blast+ in their midsole for exceptional responsiveness. Weighing 261 grams with a 5 mm drop, they are designed for light to intermediate weight trail runners. The carbon plate, strategically divided for greater flexibility, provides reactivity without compromising adaptability on varied terrain. Ideal for medium distances and high paces on less technical trails, the MetaFuji Trail offer a unique balance between speed and stability, standing out as a premium option for trail runners looking for high-level performance on not overly technical terrain.

• Surface: Trail
• Technology: Carbon plate
• Use: Racing
• Cushion: Neutral
• Running gait: Neutral
• Drop: 5 mm
• Pace: Medium
• Weight: 261 gr

Brooks Caldera 7

The trail running shoe with maximum cushioning from the Run Happy philosophy for long distances. As main new features with respect to its previous version, these Brooks Caldera 7 bring with them the midsole with DNA Loft foam that offers a greater feeling of rebound, but also increases its control, thanks to the fact that it is a lighter model and has reduced the geometry of its height.

• Release date: January 2024.

• Surface: Trail
• Use: Training, Racing
• Cushion: High
• Running gait: Neutral
• Drop: 6 mm
• Pace: Low, Medium
• Weight: 301 gr

Brooks Catamount 3

The Brooks Catamount 3 stands out as one of the swiftest trail running shoes from the American brand. Now, for the 2024 season, the latest version is already on the market, poised to maintain its status as one of Brooks' top sellers. This updated iteration seamlessly blends new materials and technologies, delighting even the most demanding and speedy runners.

• Surface: Trail
• Use: Training, Racing
• Cushion: Neutral
• Running gait: Neutral
• Drop: 6 mm
• Pace: Medium, High
• Weight: 266,5

HOKA Speedgoat 6

HOKA's all-terrain shoe that is a sure hit, because we are talking about an option that adapts to any distance, and any type of terrain. The innovative Matryx upper and improved midsole make these HOKA Speedgoat 6 offer both the safety and durability you need. The Vibram MegaGrip compound and new lug pattern ensure superior traction.

• Release date: July 2024.

• Surface: Trail
• Use: Training
• Cushion: High
• Running gait: Neutral
• Drop: 5 mm
• Pace: Medium, High
• Weight: 278 gr

Joma TR 9000

Joma's dedication to trail running this season is unwavering, evident in the introduction of the new Joma TR-9000. This revamped competition model is designed to deliver everything needed for fast-paced mountain running. In fact, it has been selected as the shoe of choice by some of the brand's most prominent athletes for their competitions.

• Surface: Trail
• Use: Racing
• Cushion: Neutral
• Running gait: Neutral
• Drop: 6 mm
• Pace: High
• Weight: 195 gr

The North Face Summit Vectiv Pro 2

The North Face Summit Vectiv Pro 2, the trail running shoe that adorned Zach Miller's feet during the last UTMB, is now available for purchase. This shoe seamlessly integrates the brand's finest technologies and materials, retaining its carbon plate and upholding its dynamic and responsive philosophy.

• Surface: Trail
• Technology: Carbon plate
• Use: Racing
• Cushion: Neutral
• Running gait: Neutral
• Drop: 6 mm
• Pace: Low, Medium

Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra

The brand of the three stripes took advantage of an event of the size of the UTMB 2023 in Chamonix to announce in society, and with help of a "megacrack" of trail running as Tom Evans, these adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra. Maximum speed for long distance races. They get attention for that double layer of Lighstrike Pro foam and its propulsion rod system. It is a model designed for less technical terrain and for fast running.

• Release date: April 2024.

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

Adidas Terrex Agravic 3

The adidas Terrex Agravic 3 are trail running shoes designed for runners looking for versatility and safety in their workouts in mountain terrain. These shoes stand out for their great versatility, which makes them an ideal choice for those who enjoy running at varied paces in not overly technical terrain. One of the most outstanding features of the Terrex Agravic 3 is their excellent value for money, offering remarkable performance. This positions them as an attractive option for those looking for a reliable mountain running shoe without the need to make a large investment. The Continental outsole is undoubtedly one of the strong points of these shoes. Renowned for its durability and exceptional grip, this outsole provides the confidence to tackle various types of terrain, making it a true insurance for the trail runner.

• Surface: Trail
• Technology: Carbon plate
• Use: Racing
• Cushion: Neutral
• Running gait: Neutral
• Drop: 8 mm
• Pace: Medium, High
• Weight: 275 g (talla 42 2/3)

Nike Zegama 2

The Nike Zegama 2 will arrive to the market with a clear renovation with respect to what we have seen in its original version. We are talking about a shoe for mountain running very well balanced in stability, grip, support and, of course, cushioning. Its design allows you to adapt to any type of terrain and any distance. Great performance with sensations that few models can match.

• Estimated release date: May 2024.

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

Nike Pegasus Trail 5

No business card is needed when it comes to introducing the new Nike Pegasus Trail 5 The most popular and versatile model of the Oregon brand for mountain runners. In addition to its great comfort and softness, it also offers optimal traction and great durability. It is a model with which to enjoy smoother transitions.

• Release date: May 2024.

• Surface: Trail
• Use: Training
• Cushion: Neutral
• Running gait: Neutral
• Drop: 9,5
• Pace: Low

Mizuno Wave Daichi 8

The latest addition to the market, the Mizuno Wave Daichi 8, retains the essence of its predecessors, known for their exceptional comfort and reliability in mountain running. This new version doesn't introduce significant changes, as the major updates were implemented in the previous iteration.

• Surface: Trail
• Use: Training, Racing
• Cushion: Neutral
• Running gait: Neutral
• Drop: 6 mm
• Pace: Medium
• Weight: 300 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. While the Vibram compound and 5mm lug pattern ensure maximum traction.

• Release date: First quarter of 2024.

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

Salomon S/Lab Genesis

The Salomon S/Lab Genesis stands out as a competition trail running shoe crafted for the most discerning mountain runners. It achieves a flawless balance between protection, comfort, and grip, thanks to the incorporation of the brand's finest materials and technologies.

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

La Sportiva Prodigio

If La Sportiva Levante is the exclusive edition for women, these new La Sportiva Prodigio is the specific model for men. Performance and cushioning go hand in hand in a model that does not include such a marked structure and with great protections as the most emblematic models of La Sportiva. Lightweight, versatile and for running on terrain of little technical difficulty.

• Release date: February 2024

• Surface: Trail
• Use: Training
• Cushion: Neutral
• Running gait: Neutral
• Drop: 6 mm
• Pace: Medium
• Weight: 270 gr

Altra Montblanc C

The Altra Mont Blanc Carbon stands as a flagship model for long-distance running within the Altra brand. This trail running shoe elevates its status with the integration of the Carbitex carbon plate, a technological advancement that not only enhances responsiveness but also boosts protective capabilities. Featuring a cushioning system with an additional 3mm of foam, including nitrogen foam, the Altra Mont Blanc Carbon are impressively lightweight, up to 17% lighter than their predecessor, as emphasized by the American brand.

• Release date: March 2024.

• Surface: Trail
• Technology: Carbon plate
• Use: Training
• Cushion: Neutral
• Running gait: Neutral
• Drop: 0 (perfil 29 mm)
• Pace: Medium
• Weight: 280 gr

Dynafit Ultra Pro 2

The Dynafit Ultra Pro 2 stands out as a trail running shoe ideal for tackling long distances, including marathons, in mountainous terrain. It offers a combination of comfort, protection, and excellent cushioning, all crafted with the high-quality materials that define the brand's reputation.

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

Scarpa Spin ST

The Scarpa Spin ST is presented as an option to take into account for its combination of high traction, lightness and breathability, being a design intended to offer maximum performance in technical and muddy terrain. Its EVA foam midsole provides excellent cushioning, while the Vibram Megagrip outsole with 7 lugs ensures exceptional grip on steep slopes. Ideal for light to medium weight runners with a neutral stride, these shoes shine over short to medium distances and at medium to fast paces. Their more responsive and control-oriented design makes them perfect for trail runners looking for confidence on the most demanding routes.

• Surface: Trail
• Use: Training
• Cushion: Neutral
• Running gait: Neutral
• Drop: 4 mm
• Pace: Low

NNormal Tomir 2.0

The latest release, the NNormal Tomir 2.0, marks an evolution of Kilian Jornet's brand's first trail running shoe with enhanced cushioning. This iteration introduces new features and improvements, including heightened cushioning, additional reinforcements, and enhanced durability in the sole.

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