Best All Terrain Running Shoes: Top Picks for Every Runner

1. Skechers Go Run Supersonic Max All Terrain

During our testing of all-terrain running shoes, the Skechers Go Run Supersonic Max All Terrain proved to be a surprisingly capable contender. The cushioning felt exceptionally plush, providing a comfortable ride even on longer, mixed-terrain runs. I appreciated the secure lockdown, which gave me confidence on uneven surfaces.

The outsole offered reliable grip across a variety of surfaces, from dry gravel to slightly damp trails. However, the upper, while breathable, felt a tad less durable than some of the more rugged options we evaluated. It’s a solid choice for those who prioritize comfort on varied paths.

This shoe is specifically for the runner who splits their time between pavement and light to moderate trails. If your daily runs often involve transitioning from sidewalk to dirt paths, the Supersonic Max offers a good balance of cushioning and grip for that scenario. It’s not the shoe for extreme mud or technical mountain descents.

2. Hoka Ghost Trail

The Brooks Ghost Trail, a versatile off-road option, impressed us with its balanced approach to trail running. The ride is smooth and forgiving, absorbing impacts effectively on packed dirt and light gravel. I found the toe box to be accommodating, allowing for natural foot splay, which is crucial on longer efforts.

While the grip is generally good for most off-road conditions, it did feel a bit hesitant on genuinely muddy or slick rock faces. The shoe offers a comfortable, neutral platform that many runners will appreciate. It’s a dependable workhorse for everyday trail excursions.

This shoe is ideal for the runner who enjoys exploring local trails without venturing into highly technical terrain. If you’re looking for a reliable, comfortable shoe for your daily dose of nature, the Ghost Trail delivers. Those tackling steep, muddy descents or extremely rocky paths might need a more aggressive outsole.

3. Brooks Ghost 17

The Brooks Ghost 17 Neutral Running Shoe continues its legacy as a top-tier road shoe, but we wanted to see how it handled itself as one of the best all terrain running shoes in our testing. The cushioning is remarkably soft, providing a luxurious feel underfoot, even on harder surfaces. The transition from heel to toe is exceptionally smooth, making for an effortless stride.

However, when venturing onto anything beyond light gravel or well-maintained dirt paths, the outsole’s traction becomes a significant limitation. The lug pattern simply isn’t aggressive enough to bite into softer terrain, and I found myself feeling less secure than I would have liked on damp trails. It’s a fantastic road shoe, but its all-terrain capabilities are secondary.

This shoe is for the runner who primarily runs on roads and occasionally encounters light, dry trails. If your definition of “all-terrain” includes mostly paved surfaces with a sprinkle of park paths, the Ghost 17 is an excellent choice. Runners who regularly tackle true off-road conditions will find this shoe lacking in the grip department.

4. Saucony Excursion Tr15 Trail

Saucony’s Excursion TR15 Trail Running Shoe offers a no-nonsense approach to trail running that we found quite admirable. The cushioning strikes a good balance between responsiveness and protection, meaning you feel connected to the ground without being overly impacted by rocks and roots. The fit is secure, with a supportive heel counter that keeps your foot locked in place.

The outsole provides decent traction on a variety of trail surfaces, though the lug depth isn’t as pronounced as on some more aggressive trail shoes. I did notice that the upper, while breathable, felt a bit basic in terms of its protective features against sharper debris. It’s a solid, entry-level option for those new to trail running.

This shoe is perfect for the beginner trail runner or someone who primarily sticks to well-maintained, less technical trails. If your runs involve a mix of pavement and dirt paths, and you don’t plan on tackling steep, muddy inclines, the Excursion TR15 will serve you well. Those seeking maximum protection and aggressive grip should look elsewhere. (See Also: Best Shoes To Work In A Warehouse )

5. Adidas Terrex Anylander Hiking

While not strictly a running shoe, the Adidas Terrex Anylander Hiking Shoes were tested to gauge their suitability for adventurous all-terrain use. The build quality is robust, and the grip from the Continental™ Rubber outsole is exceptional across a wide range of surfaces, from wet rocks to loose scree. I felt very confident and stable with every step.

The cushioning is firm and protective, designed for hiking rather than fast running, which means they can feel a bit stiff for true trail running paces. The ankle support is excellent, but this also contributes to a less nimble feel. These are built for durability and security, not for speed.

These are best suited for hikers who might occasionally break into a jog on uneven terrain, or for trail runners who prioritize stability and protection over a lightweight, fast feel. If your adventures involve scrambling and varied, rugged terrain where footing is paramount, these are a strong contender. Runners seeking a lightweight, flexible shoe for fast-paced trail running should avoid these.

6. New Balance Dynasoft Tektrel V1 Trail

We put the Men’s Dynasoft Tektrel V1 through its paces on a mix of gravel paths and some surprisingly muddy singletrack. The Dynasoft cushioning felt responsive, offering a good balance of softness and energy return that made longer stretches feel less taxing. The lug pattern on the outsole provided decent grip, preventing any major slips on the looser surfaces.

However, I did notice that the upper, while breathable, felt a little less structured than I’d prefer for really technical terrain. It provided adequate protection from minor roots and stones, but I wouldn’t trust it for aggressive downhill sections where ankle support is paramount. The lacing system was straightforward, though the eyelets could have been a bit more robust.

This shoe is best suited for runners who tackle a variety of less demanding trails, perhaps including some road sections to get to their favorite paths. If your runs are primarily on well-maintained gravel or packed dirt with occasional moderate inclines, the Tektrel V1 will serve you well. It’s a solid choice for everyday trail exploration without requiring a huge investment.

Those who frequently encounter steep, rocky ascents or descents, or who need a shoe with a more locked-down feel for unpredictable footing, might find themselves wanting more from this model. It’s a good all-rounder, but not a specialist for extreme conditions.

7. Adidas Terrex Tracefinder Trail

When we talk about the best all terrain running shoes, the Men’s Terrex Tracefinder caught our attention for its promising all-conditions design. The Continental™ Rubber outsole delivered excellent traction, biting into both wet rocks and loose gravel with confidence. I was impressed by the protection offered by the reinforced toe cap, which shrugged off impacts from stray stones and roots without a fuss.

The overall fit was snug, providing a secure feel that inspired trust on uneven ground. The midsole offered a firm but protective ride, allowing us to feel the ground beneath us without being overly harsh. However, the breathability of the upper was a slight concern on warmer days; my feet did tend to feel a bit warmer than in some other trail shoes we tested.

This shoe is ideal for the adventurous runner who doesn’t know what terrain they might encounter on a given day. If your routes involve stream crossings, muddy sections, and rocky scrambles, the Tracefinder is a capable companion. It’s built for durability and dependable grip across a wide spectrum of natural environments.

Runners who prioritize maximum airflow and a super lightweight feel for fast-paced, dry-weather running might find these a bit heavy and less ventilated. They are built for resilience and grip above all else.

8. Salomon Speedcross Peak Trail

The Men’s Speedcross Peak offers a distinct aggressive feel right out of the box. We immediately noticed the deep, widely spaced lugs on the outsole, designed to shed mud and dig into soft ground. The cushioning felt firm, providing a direct connection to the trail which is great for agility. The quick-lace system is undeniably convenient for on-the-go adjustments.

On the trail, the grip was phenomenal on soft, loamy terrain and in wet conditions, living up to its aggressive tread pattern. However, on harder surfaces like packed gravel or pavement, the lugs felt a bit too pronounced, creating a slightly clunky sensation. I also found the toebox to be a bit narrower than I typically prefer for longer efforts, which could lead to discomfort for some runners.

This shoe is specifically designed for runners who regularly tackle muddy, soft, or loose terrain, such as mountain bike trails or forest paths after rain. If your primary goal is maximum traction in challenging, non-hard-packed conditions, the Speedcross Peak excels. It’s for the runner who wants to feel planted no matter what. (See Also: Best Shoes For Cocktail Dress )

Avoid these if your runs are mostly on hard-packed dirt, gravel roads, or include significant road mileage. The aggressive lugs are not optimized for these surfaces and can feel uncomfortable.

9. New Balance Fresh Foam 410 V9 Trail

We found the Men’s Fresh Foam 410 V9 to be a very approachable trail shoe, offering a comfortable and forgiving ride. The Fresh Foam X cushioning provided a soft landing with each step, making it feel good even on longer runs. The outsole’s lug pattern offered reliable grip on moderate trails, handling dry dirt and light gravel without issue.

The upper felt breathable and light, which was a definite plus for warmer weather runs. However, I did notice that the overall structure of the shoe felt a bit more flexible than I’d expect for truly technical terrain. While it protected against basic trail debris, it didn’t offer the robust support needed for navigating rocky or root-laden paths at speed. The lacing was standard and functional.

This shoe is an excellent choice for beginner trail runners or those who prefer a softer feel on well-maintained paths and light off-road excursions. If your typical run involves a mix of pavement and packed dirt trails, the 410 V9 offers a comfortable transition. It’s a solid option for exploring local parks and gentle woodland routes.

Runners seeking a shoe with aggressive grip for steep descents, significant technical sections, or serious mud should look elsewhere. The 410 V9 prioritizes comfort and versatility over rugged performance.

10. New Balance Fresh Foam 410 V9 Trail

Our experience with the Men’s Fresh Foam 410 V9 mirrored our previous testing; it remains a comfortable and versatile option for many trail runners. The Fresh Foam X cushioning continues to impress with its plush feel, absorbing impact effectively on a variety of surfaces. The outsole provides adequate traction for everyday trail use, keeping you steady on packed dirt and gravel paths.

The lightweight and breathable upper is a standout feature, ensuring your feet stay cool and comfortable even during extended runs. However, as we noted before, the shoe’s flexibility, while contributing to comfort, means it might not offer the precise ground feel or robust protection some experienced trail runners demand. We found it competent, but not exceptional, on more challenging terrain.

This shoe is particularly well-suited for those who are new to trail running or who primarily run on less demanding paths with occasional sections of pavement. It’s a great entry-level option that provides a comfortable and forgiving ride for exploring your local trails. The 410 V9 is a good choice for casual jogs through the park or gentle forest paths.

If you frequently encounter steep, rocky, or root-filled trails, or if you require a shoe with a more structured and protective build, you will likely find the 410 V9 to be insufficient for your needs. It’s a comfort-focused shoe, not a technical specialist.