The best trail running shoes for heavy runners (over 85 kg)

Mikel Bejarano
Journalist and inveterate trail runner
Posted on 19-08-2024

More and more runners are getting into the world of trail running and trying new experiences. That's why at RUNNEA we get a lot of questions about which trail running shoes are best suited for different runner profiles. In today's post, we propose a variety of models for heavy runners.

Best trail shoes for heavy runners (over 85 kilos)

To do this, we must first be clear about the concept of trail running shoes. What are trail running shoes? Trail running shoes are distinguished from regular running shoes mainly by their soles. Trail running shoes are characterized by having a lugged sole with a very marked tread pattern in order to grip the ground effectively and avoid slipping or falling. Even so, it should be noted that the type of sole we should choose depends on the terrain on which we want to run.

It is not the same to move on stones as on wet grass; we need a different grip on each one. In any case, all of them have a sole with a lot of tread, plus they all have specific materials and the latest technology in the upper to protect us from the incidences of the weather, such as rain, low temperatures or mud.

But... How long do trail running shoes last? It should be noted that trail running shoes usually provide greater durability than asphalt running shoes, as they are not only more rigid, but also more aggressive. That is why these specific shoes for mountain running can be used up to 1,200 or 1,300 kilometers.

HOKA Torrent 3

The HOKA Torrent 3 is a mountain shoe with maximum versatility ready to give its best in all kinds of situations. From the most intense short runs to ultramarathon distances, it is a model that fits perfectly with the race of each runner and will adapt seamlessly to your foot and your footprint.

  • Surface: Trail
  • Use: Training, Racing
  • Cushion: High
  • Running gait: Neutral
  • Drop: 5 mm
  • Pace: Medium
  • Weight: 248 gr

Joma TR-5000

Joma returns to the mountain world with the Joma TR-5000. We are talking about a model of great comfort and versatility, oriented towards facing each and every one of your trail running challenges, whatever the conditions and the demands of the terrain. Its highly cushioned midsole made of foam and phylon offers a reactive and dynamic running, without forgetting the cushioning and protection necessary for mountainous terrain. The upper features a combination of nylon and TPU for exemplary durability and fit. In addition, the outsole will provide maximum traction on all types of terrain in what is a model of 8 mm drop and light weight that will not leave any runner indifferent.

  • Surface: Trail
  • Use: Training, Racing
  • Cushion: Neutral, High
  • Running gait: Neutral
  • Pace: Low, Medium

Merrell Agility Peak 5

One of the great novelties of the second half of 2023 is the new Merrell Agility Peak 5, which debuts receiving one of the awards at the renowned ISPO trade fair. The new version of the brand's best-selling shoe is more modern and more versatile than in previous editions.

  • Surface: Trail
  • Use: Training
  • Cushion: Neutral
  • Running gait: Neutral
  • Drop: 6 mm
  • Pace: Medium
  • Weight: 297 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 5 mm 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

Nike Zegama 2

The Nike Zegama 2 will arrive to the market with a clear renovation in 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 is designed so that you have the possibility 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

Salomon Ultra Flow

The new Salomon Ultra Flow arrives as one of the most versatile and all-terrain ultra-distance models in the French company's catalog. We are talking about a model suitable for all types of runners looking for a feeling of maximum comfort, effective and durable cushioning and perfect grip. Its midsole comes with Energy Foam foam, in profiles of between 32 and 26 millimeters to leave us with a drop of 6 millimeters and a total weight of around 244 grams. With Contagrip technology in the outsole, this is a model with great grip, which also comes with a completely lightweight and breathable upper.

  • Surface: Trail
  • Use: Training, Racing
  • Cushion: High
  • Running gait: Neutral
  • Drop: 6 mm
  • Pace: Low, Medium
  • Weight: 244 gr

The North Face Vectiv Enduris III

We add to the list a shoe for those who like to do the Camino de Santiago at a good pace, The North Face Enduris III is the training shoe par excellence of the VECTIV range of The North Face and has a 3D TPU plate in the midsole.

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

New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v3

The concept of maximalist shoe, New Balance takes it to the mountain terrain with its exclusive model of the New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail, which reaches its third version with improvements with respect to its version, but maintaining its original essence of being a trail shoe with maximum cushioning to roll in the mountain.

  • Surface: Trail
  • Use: Training, Racing
  • Cushion: High
  • Running gait: Neutral
  • Drop: 4 mm
  • Pace: Low, Medium
  • Weight: 323 gr

Adidas Terrex Agravic Pro

The adidas Terrex Agravic Pro has been specifically designed to join you on your most demanding adventures on the most technical terrain. The high-performance adidas Terrex Agravic Pro offers a perfect balance of cushioning, comfort and protection. The midsole with Lightstrike technology redefines the concept of speed, with a super lightweight midsole that brings dynamism to your movements. Plus, they land with an integrated BOA® Fit System lacing system for a snug fit and added support, and a Continental rubber outsole for excellent grip.

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

La Sportiva Ultra Raptor 2

An icon of the Italian brand that is renewed to maintain its privileged position in the segment of trail running shoes with maximum cushioning and protection. There are improvements, yes, but the essence of these La Sportiva Ultra Raptor 2 remains that of being a very reliable all-terrain shoe to face any type of adventure in mountain terrain, including long distances.

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

ASICS TRABUCO MAX 3

The ASICS TRABUCO MAX 3 is a trail running shoe that combines maximum protection with ultimate comfort for mountain running. It is a trail running shoe with the best protection so far from the company. The improved FF BLAST PLUS foam ensures ultra-comfortable landings, and the ASICSGRIP outsole provides incredible grip on days with changing weather conditions. A model that will fit perfectly even in ultras distances of more than 100 kilometers of 5 millimeters of drop and around 298 grams of weight.

  • Surface: Trail
  • Use: Training, Racing
  • Cushion: High
  • Running gait: Neutral
  • Drop: 5 mm
  • Pace: Low, Medium
  • Weight: 298 gr

Brooks Caldera 7

The trail running shoe with maximum cushioning from the Run Happy philosophy for long distances. As main new features compared 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.

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

Saucony Peregrine 13 ST

The Saucony Peregrine 13 ST, Saucony's trail running shoe, features numerous new features compared to its previous version, which further enhance the shoe's protection and grip on wet and muddy terrain in the mountains.

  • Surface: Trail
  • Use: Training
  • Cushion: Neutral
  • Running gait: Neutral
  • Drop: 4 mm
  • Pace: Low
  • Weight: 275 gr

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