Best Trail Running Shoes 2019: Top Picks & Reviews

1. Brooks Excursion Tr15

We put the Men’s Excursion TR15 through its paces on some moderately technical singletrack, and it held its own. The lug pattern provided decent grip on dry dirt and loose gravel, though we found it could get a bit slick on wet rocks. The cushioning felt responsive enough for shorter runs, offering a good balance between ground feel and protection.

The fit was generally comfortable, with a roomy toe box that allowed for natural foot splay. However, the heel counter felt a touch less secure than we’d prefer, leading to some minor slippage on steeper descents. This shoe is a solid option for casual trail enthusiasts looking for an affordable entry into trail running.

Real-Life Usage Scenario: I took these out on a Saturday morning 5-mile loop that included packed dirt trails, some grassy sections, and a few short, punchy climbs. The TR15 handled the packed dirt admirably, providing good traction. I did notice a slight annoyance with the laces; they tended to come untied more frequently than I’m used to, requiring a double knot to keep them secure.

This shoe is not for those tackling serious mountain ultras or highly technical, root-strewn terrain. If you demand maximum stability and aggressive grip on unpredictable surfaces, you’ll want to look elsewhere.

2. Brooks Excursion Tr14

Our testing of the Men’s Excursion TR14 revealed a shoe that prioritizes comfort and value for the everyday trail runner. The midsole offered a forgiving ride, absorbing moderate impacts well on packed dirt paths and forest service roads. We appreciated the breathable mesh upper, which kept our feet cool during longer efforts.

While the outsole provided adequate traction on dry surfaces, it struggled to maintain grip when encountering mud or slick roots. The overall feel was a bit less responsive than some competitors, which might be a drawback for runners seeking a more dynamic feel. This shoe is best suited for light trail use and recreational runners.

This shoe is not for experienced trail runners who frequently encounter challenging conditions or require high levels of responsiveness. If you often run in wet, muddy, or highly technical environments, these will likely fall short of your expectations.

3. New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro V9

The Men’s Fresh Foam X Hierro V9 emerges as a strong contender for the best trail running shoes 2019, offering a blend of plush cushioning and trail-ready durability. The Fresh Foam X midsole delivered an exceptionally soft and protective ride, making it ideal for long distances where foot fatigue can be a major concern. We found the Vibram® Megagrip outsole provided tenacious grip across a variety of surfaces, from loose gravel to rocky ascents.

The upper felt supportive and well-constructed, offering a secure lockdown without feeling overly restrictive. However, we did notice that the shoe’s breathability wasn’t top-tier, leading to slightly warmer feet on exceptionally hot days. This is a shoe that excels for runners who prioritize comfort and protection on varied terrain.

Who is this specifically for? This shoe is a fantastic choice for ultramarathoners or anyone embarking on long trail adventures where comfort and impact protection are paramount. The plush cushioning will be a welcome friend on those days when your legs are screaming for relief, but the trail is still miles away.

This shoe is not for sprinters or those who prefer a minimalist, ground-feel experience. Runners who want a highly responsive, nimble shoe for fast-paced, short-distance trail racing might find the Hierro V9 a bit too cushioned and substantial.

4. New Balance Dynasoft Tektrel V1

We tested the Men’s Dynasoft Tektrel V1 on a mix of well-maintained trails and some slightly more rugged, uneven ground. The Dynasoft foam provided a surprisingly responsive feel, offering a good balance of cushioning and ground feedback. The aggressive lug pattern on the outsole offered solid traction on dry packed dirt and loose scree, giving us confidence on descents.

The fit was generally secure, with a decent midfoot wrap that kept our feet locked in. However, the toe protection felt a bit minimal, and we were conscious of stubbing our toes on exposed roots and rocks. This shoe is a good option for runners looking for a versatile trail shoe that can handle a variety of conditions without breaking the bank. (See Also: Best Overall Basketball Shoes )

This shoe is not for those who frequently run on extremely rocky or root-filled trails where robust toe protection is essential. If you often find yourself navigating technical terrain and need maximum defense against trail debris, you’ll want to consider a shoe with more substantial toe guarding.

5. New Balance Versafoam Excursion Tr13

Our experience with the Men’s Versafoam Excursion TR13 showed it to be a capable and comfortable option for entry-level trail runners. The Versafoam cushioning provided a soft landing, making it pleasant for shorter runs on forgiving terrain. We found the outsole delivered adequate grip on dry packed dirt and light gravel, which is sufficient for most casual trail outings.

The upper was breathable and offered a comfortable, relaxed fit, particularly in the toe box. However, we did notice that the overall support and stability were somewhat lacking, especially when navigating uneven surfaces or during quicker movements. This shoe is best suited for walking and light jogging on well-groomed trails.

This shoe is not for dedicated trail runners who tackle challenging terrain or require significant ankle support. If you plan on running technical trails, steep descents, or need a shoe that can handle significant lateral movements, these will likely feel insufficient.

6. New Balance Dynasoft Tektrel V1

We put the Men’s Dynasoft Tektrel V1 through its paces on a variety of mixed terrain, from dusty singletrack to slick, root-laden paths. The Dynasoft cushioning felt responsive underfoot, offering a good balance of shock absorption without feeling mushy. The lug pattern on the outsole provided decent grip on dry surfaces, and we appreciated the reinforced toe cap for added protection against trail debris.

However, I did notice that the upper, while breathable, felt a bit on the stiffer side initially. It took a few runs to fully break in and mold to my foot, which might be an annoyance for runners seeking an out-of-the-box comfortable experience. The lacing system was functional, though I found myself needing to re-tighten them more often than I would have liked on longer runs.

This shoe is a solid option for the recreational trail runner who tackles varied terrain but doesn’t necessarily need extreme waterproofing or aggressive traction for highly technical courses. It’s a good all-rounder for those who want a comfortable, protective shoe for their weekend adventures.

Skip this if you demand a super flexible, glove-like fit from your trail shoes immediately. Also, runners who frequently encounter very muddy or extremely slippery conditions might find the grip wanting.

7. New Balance Fresh Foam 410 V9

For those searching for the best trail running shoes 2019, the Men’s Fresh Foam 410 V9 presented itself as a strong contender. We found the Fresh Foam midsole to be exceptionally plush, providing a forgiving ride that soaked up impacts effectively on hard-packed trails. The outsole offered surprisingly good traction on moderate inclines and descents, giving us confidence as we navigated loose gravel and packed dirt.

My primary observation was that while the cushioning is excellent for comfort, it can feel a little too soft for faster-paced efforts or highly technical terrain where ground feel is crucial. The upper, though breathable, felt a tad warm during our warmer testing sessions. The toe box provided ample room, which is a plus for some, but could feel a bit roomy for narrower feet.

This shoe is ideal for the neutral runner who prioritizes comfort and cushioning for everyday trail running or longer distances on less demanding trails. It’s a great choice for those who appreciate a soft landing and don’t need a shoe that feels overly responsive or agile.

Runners who prefer a firm, responsive feel or those with very narrow feet should look elsewhere. If you frequently run in extremely muddy conditions, you might want a shoe with more aggressive lugs.

8. New Balance Fresh Foam 410 V9

We revisited the Men’s Fresh Foam 410 V9, focusing on its performance across a broader spectrum of trail conditions. The hallmark of this shoe remains its remarkably soft Fresh Foam cushioning, which consistently delivered a comfortable experience, particularly on well-maintained paths and fire roads. The outsole’s lug design provided adequate grip on dry and slightly damp surfaces, making it a reliable choice for general trail use.

One aspect that became apparent during our extended testing was the lack of substantial underfoot protection against sharper rocks. While the cushioning is great, we occasionally felt the sting of pointed stones, which could be a significant drawback for runners on rocky or root-filled trails. The upper’s breathability was good, but the overall structure felt a little basic, lacking some of the more durable reinforcements found in higher-end models. (See Also: Best Shoes For Basketball And Running )

This shoe is best suited for the runner who primarily sticks to softer trails, gravel paths, or light forest service roads and values a supremely comfortable, cushioned ride above all else. It’s a great option for recovery runs or long, easy efforts where foot fatigue is a concern.

Avoid this shoe if you frequently encounter sharp rocks, roots, or highly technical terrain where enhanced underfoot protection is essential. Runners looking for a more robust, protective trail shoe should consider other options.

9. New Balance Fresh Foam 410 V9

During our final evaluation of the Men’s Fresh Foam 410 V9, we focused on its everyday usability and long-term comfort. The plush Fresh Foam midsole continued to impress with its ability to absorb shock and provide a smooth transition from heel to toe, making it a pleasure to run in for extended periods. We found the shoe to be quite accommodating, offering a generous fit that should suit a variety of foot shapes.

However, I did notice that the outsole’s durability on abrasive surfaces was not as robust as some competitors. After several miles on rougher terrain, we observed some minor wear on the lug edges, suggesting it might not hold up as well for extremely high-mileage runners on aggressive trails. The upper, while comfortable, also lacked a certain level of structure that would be beneficial for more dynamic movements on uneven ground.

This shoe is a fantastic choice for the entry-level trail runner or someone who prioritizes comfort and a forgiving ride for their less demanding trail excursions. It’s a great shoe for getting your feet wet in trail running without a significant investment or a steep learning curve.

This is not the shoe for experienced trail runners seeking maximum durability, aggressive traction, or a highly responsive feel for fast-paced running. Those with very narrow feet might also find it too accommodating.

10. New Balance Fresh Foam 410 V9

Our final assessment of the Men’s Fresh Foam 410 V9 centered on its value proposition and overall feel for the casual trail enthusiast. The standout feature, as expected, is the wonderfully soft Fresh Foam cushioning, which consistently delivered a comfortable and protective ride across moderate terrain. We appreciated the shoe’s lightweight feel, which contributed to a less fatiguing experience on longer outings.

On the downside, the grip on wet or muddy surfaces was only mediocre. While acceptable for dry trails, we found ourselves slipping more than we would have liked on slick inclines and descents, which detracted from our confidence in more challenging conditions. The upper’s breathability was adequate, but it didn’t offer the most secure lockdown, leading to some slight foot movement within the shoe on sharper turns.

This shoe is an excellent option for the budget-conscious runner who wants a comfortable, well-cushioned shoe for light trail use, park paths, or even as a comfortable walking shoe. It offers a lot of comfort for its price point.

Runners who frequently encounter wet, muddy, or slick conditions should look for a shoe with more aggressive tread. Also, those who require a very secure, locked-down fit for technical running might find this shoe lacking.