8 Best Trail Running Shoes — From Budget Grip to Premium GORE-TEX · July 2026

🥇Pricier, but Vibram grip earns the top spot

The NB Hierro brings a proper Vibram sole to the mix, so traction on loose or wet trails should be solid. The colorway alone makes it worth a look.

🥈Same brand and look, most affordable here

Same brand, way friendlier price. That speckled sole and loud colorway make it one of the more eye-catching picks here without breaking $60.

🥉Priciest in the lineup, but looks premium

Brooks Ghost Trail has that expensive look and feel down pat. It costs the most in this lineup, but it reads like a shoe built to last.

The Lone Peak 9 is basically a cult classic at this point — that wide, foot-shaped toe box has a loyal following among trail runners for good reason.

Technically leans more road than trail, but the Adrenaline GTS 24 has the modern silhouette and support that make it a comfortable crossover pick.

A GORE-TEX membrane means this one's built with wet, muddy trails in mind. Everything about it, from the build to the price, says premium.

Saucony Excursion keeps things simple and bright, and at under $60 it's an easy, practical pick if you just want reliable grip without overthinking it.

The Charged Bandit brings some bold color accents to an otherwise straightforward trail shoe — a solid middle-of-the-road pick for $80.