Choosing the Right Trail Running Shoes

That runner’s high we’re all after? It gets even better on a trail. The buzz goes full electric on epic alpine ridgelines, sure. But the same thing happens close to home, when you follow a gravel road to find a wooded path threading through a neighborhood greenbelt.

And it’s not just the scenery that makes trail running so special. Getting off the pavement invites you to explore, to discover a wider world—and a wilder one—connected by paths of all kinds. As a bonus, it’s also lower impact on your joints, which pays off in both the short- and long-term.

But for all its benefits, trail running can be intimidating for newcomers. The smorgasbord of shoe options, tech jargon, price points, and terrain choices can make it hard to know where to start. Luckily you’ve got REI’s trail running experts in your corner. Whether you’re transitioning from turkey trots or tackling a mountain ultra, REI’s Green Vests have you covered. They can help match your stride, experience, and terrain preference with footwear designed to help you move with confidence and comfort. An in-store consultation is the surest way to feel equipped for whatever trail you go down.

Ready to launch from the front door in search of gravel paths and mellow singletrack? You want a door-to-trail shoe. The HOKA Stinson 8 pairs the walking-on-a-cloud cushioning HOKA is famous for with enough multi-directional traction to handle dirt roads, smooth trails, and everyday mileage without feeling overbuilt on pavement connectors or morning street runs. Similarly, the Topo Athletic Ultraventure 5 strikes a balance between comfort and versatility, offering a roomy toe box and stable ride on Vibram® XS rubber that shines on long days exploring mixed terrain. Think of it as a daily backyard beater that can easily carry you into your first offroad race.

As you start to stray farther from civilization, durability, purpose-built features, and versatility become paramount: Rolling forest, rocky ridgelines, loose dirt, creek crossings, and the transitional sections connecting it all demand an all-terrain ATV for your feet. The Altra Olympus 7 combines maximum cushioning with a wide, natural foot shape that big-mile trail runners appreciate during longer efforts. A grippy Vibram® Megagrip outsole delivers confidence when the path gets shifty and technical—dust, mud, and damp be damned.

When your route gets steep, muddy, or rocky-rooty technical, reach for something dialed for the challenge. Over years of mountain racing and thrashy backcountry adventures, the Salomon Speedcross 6 has earned that reputation by pairing aggressive lugs with a foot-hugging upper that delivers ultimate comfort and control in decidedly uncomfortable conditions. This legendary mud murderer digs into soft ground, loose scree, and wet rock so naturally you’ll start thinking tough trails are easier than they are. For years, it’s emboldened runners to go farther and steeper—and the newest version comes in at an even lighter 11 ounces.

Shoes are only part of the trail-running equation, but they’re the most essential. And REI’s in-store experts can help take the guesswork out of choosing footwear to make it easier to find the gear that matches your growing ambitions. It only takes a few outings to understand that trail running isn’t really about specs. It’s about the scenery, peace, and beauty you can find unencumbered and on foot—on another continent, or in your own backyard.

REI is a specialty outdoor retailer, headquartered near Seattle. The nation’s largest consumer co-op, REI is a growing community of 25 million members who expect and love the best quality gear and outstanding customer service. REI is a purpose-driven and values-led company dedicated to enabling life outside for all. www.rei.com