Best trail-running shoes by Nike
Buying guide
These shoes give trail runners the cushioning and support needed to be trail-ready.
The surfaces trail runners encounter are unlike those they find when running on the street, track or treadmill. Trail runners never know what they might encounter, from mud to water, fallen trees to steep inclines, rocks to debris. Wearing the right pair of running shoes, be it on more basic or technical terrain, is key to ensuring the utmost in comfort, durability and performance.
Not all trails are created equal, though, nor are all trail-running shoes. A more technical trail run with extensive mountainous terrain requires a max-cushioned running shoe built with traction. Fortunately, Nike has appropriate trail-running shoes for men and women whatever the location or conditions.
Must-have features for trail-running shoes
The best trail-running shoes for hiking and running are designed with versatility, comfort, responsiveness, durability and the ability to handle the elements in mind.
According to Natasha Lewis, expert product line manager at Nike for Global Footwear, the best trail-running shoes feature underfoot grip and traction, more durable upper materials to protect from the elements and more room in the forefoot for foot expansion and splay, especially when running longer distances in hotter conditions. Depending on the model, each trail-running shoe is designed to support distances of 5K to ultra-distances of more than 100 miles. With the additional room and support found in a Nike trail-running shoe, you may even find trail-running shoes more comfortable than your typical running shoe.
Crossover from road to trail
There are times when you need a versatile running shoe that is trail-worthy and can also handle the road. Nike's crossover from road-running shoes to trail-running shoes offer runners "a neutral ride with trail-performance elements welcoming all different kinds of runners to the trail", Lewis says. "They will give you a smooth ride on the road but extra durability and protection that you need for trail and off-road surfaces—both in the upper and outsole".
The Nike Pegasus Trail and Nike Pegasus Trail GORE-TEX or the Juniper Trail and Juniper Trail GORE-TEX running shoes will do you good, both on and off the trails. These are the only trail-running shoes Lewis recommends for typical running or street use.
Shop Nike trail-running shoes
Both trail shoe models are also considered waterproof. Even on non-waterproof models, Nike considers how trail shoes will handle water. As Lewis explains, Nike has a unique approach to designing shoes to handle water. "It's very common to encounter water on all kinds of different trail runs, whether it's dew from the greenery, streams on the trails or even buckets of water being poured on you at aid stations", she says. "Nike focuses on quick-drying materials and getting the water to evacuate. All of our trail-running shoes are designed to have breathable uppers with drainable properties".
Cushioning for ultimate comfort
A well-cushioned running shoe is a must for trail running or hiking. Whether it's a challenging, rocky landscape going uphill or a steep, slick decline down a treacherous trail, you should feel confident when you decide to off-road it. The Zegama trail-running shoe is your answer. The highlight of the shoe is its ZoomX core, which "provides soft cushioning with great energy return", Lewis says. The core, she explains, provides the optimal cushioning you'll need for longer runs of more than 100 miles.
Responsiveness for optimal performance
The responsiveness of a running shoe helps you maintain a fast pace and efficient stride. The Ultrafly is a trail-running shoe known for its responsiveness. "This shoe features a three-quarter-length, two-pronged, carbon flyplate cradled between a full ZoomX midsole to provide response and snappiness on the trail", Lewis says. The shoe's full ZoomX midsole will help keep your feet feeling good when running longer distances of at least 100 miles. "The protective fabric wrap on the midsole protects the foam from the trail elements while still being very minimal to give you that full ZoomX feel", Lewis says.
Similarly, the Kiger trail-running shoe provides both speed and comfort when encountering rocky terrain.
Handling of the elements and mountainous terrain
According to Lewis, the best trail-running shoes for hiking and running are made from more durable materials to help protect you from trail elements, such as rocks, roots and debris. Look for trail-running shoes with a bulkier, chunkier design and stronger traction and grip. She points out that these features make the Zegama and the Wildhorse ideal for muddier trails, explaining that both feature a firmer carrier for the stability you need when facing mud, rocks, water and other natural elements.
The Zegama and the Wildhorse are also well-suited for trail runners exploring mountainous terrain. "From their upper materials to their outsoles, each is equipped to handle whatever Mother Nature has in store", Lewis says. The uppers are designed to support more lateral movements when running on trail terrain and uneven surfaces, and the more robust outsoles feature a thicker lug design with extra traction and rubber compound. "These trail-running shoes are designed to keep our trail runners feeling indestructible to conquer any and all terrains with far distances", she says.
Words by Erica Brooke Gordon