Best Trail Running Shoes UK 2026
How to Choose Trail Running Shoes
Trail running shoes are not road shoes with chunkier soles. They are a different category of footwear engineered for unpredictable surfaces, and getting the choice right matters more than it does on tarmac. A wrong shoe on a wet Pennine descent is not just uncomfortable — it is dangerous.
Four factors separate trail shoes from each other, and understanding them before you buy will save you from expensive mistakes:
Grip (Outsole)
The single most important factor on UK trails. Deep lugs (5mm+) bite into mud and soft ground. Shallower lugs with harder rubber compounds work better on rocky, dry terrain. Salomon’s Contagrip and Saucony’s PWRTRAC are purpose-built compounds — they are not the same as road shoe rubber.
Cushioning
Stack height determines how much material sits between your foot and the ground. More cushioning absorbs impact on long runs but reduces ground feel. Less cushioning gives better proprioception — the ability to feel the trail and adjust your stride. Ultra runners favour maximum cushioning. Fell runners favour minimal.
Drop (Heel-to-Toe Offset)
Most road shoes have an 8–12mm drop. Trail shoes range from 0mm (Altra) to 8mm (Salomon). Lower drop encourages midfoot striking and stronger ankle engagement. Higher drop feels more natural if you are transitioning from road running. Zero-drop shoes require an adaptation period.
Waterproofing
GORE-TEX lined shoes keep water out but trap heat. Non-waterproof shoes breathe better and dry faster. For UK winter running, waterproof (GTX) versions are worth the trade-off. For summer or if you run through streams intentionally, non-waterproof versions drain and dry within hours.
Salomon XA Pro 3D V9 GTX
Salomon has been building trail shoes in the French Alps since 1947, and the XA Pro 3D is the brand’s most versatile trail runner. Now in its ninth version, this shoe has been refined over decades for one purpose: reliable performance across every terrain type you will encounter in the UK.
What Makes It Stand Out
Contagrip MA is the outsole compound — a medium-density rubber that grips wet rock, loose gravel, packed earth, and muddy paths with equal confidence. The lug pattern is multi-directional, providing traction on both ascents and descents without clogging in thick mud. The V9 update introduced an updated Ortholite sockliner and a more responsive EnergyCell+ midsole that returns energy on longer runs without sacrificing stability.
The GTX version uses a GORE-TEX membrane that keeps feet dry in puddles, stream crossings, and persistent rain — the conditions that define trail running in northern England, the Lake District, Snowdonia, and the Scottish Highlands. The trade-off is reduced breathability on warm days, but for the 10 months of the year when UK trails are wet, it is worth it.
Best For
- Mixed terrain — bridleways, fell paths, forest tracks, rocky scrambles
- Year-round UK running in wet conditions
- Runners who want one shoe that does everything well
- Hikers who also run — the XA Pro bridges both activities
Key Specs
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Drop | 8mm |
| Weight | 370g (UK 9) |
| Outsole | Contagrip MA |
| Waterproofing | GORE-TEX |
| Midsole | EnergyCell+ |
| Lacing | Quicklace — single-pull lock |
| Price at OD’s | From £160 |
On Running — Trail Range
On Running arrived on the trail scene from a road running background, and it shows — in a good way. The Swiss brand’s CloudTec technology, originally designed for pavement cushioning, has been adapted for off-road use with wider spacing between the “cloud” pods and a more aggressive rubber compound on the outsole.
The Cloudventure Approach
On’s trail philosophy is different from Salomon’s. Where Salomon builds shoes from the ground up for technical terrain, On builds shoes that make trail running feel closer to road running — smooth transitions, responsive cushioning, and a ride that does not punish your joints on longer distances. This makes On trail shoes the best choice for runners who split their time between road and trail, or who are transitioning to trail running from road.
The Cloudventure uses Missiongrip rubber on the outsole — a compound designed for varied terrain rather than extreme mud. It works well on packed paths, light mud, wet rock, and grass. It is not the shoe for ankle-deep bogs or technical fell running, but for the mixed surfaces of most UK trail runs (canal paths, bridleways, parkland, forest tracks), it performs with confidence.
Best For
- Road-to-trail crossover runners
- Mixed surface running — paths, parks, light trails
- Runners who prioritise comfort and cushioning over aggressive grip
- Those who want one shoe for both surfaces
Saucony Peregrine 16 GTX
The Peregrine is Saucony’s dedicated trail runner, and at version 16 it has been refined to the point where nothing is wasted. American running heritage meets modern trail engineering — this shoe is built for runners who want to feel the trail without being punished by it.
PWRTRAC Outsole
Saucony’s PWRTRAC rubber compound uses aggressive, widely spaced lugs that shed mud effectively while gripping wet rock and loose surfaces. The Peregrine 16 has a slightly wider lug spacing than previous versions, improving mud clearance on heavy clay trails — the type you find across Merseyside, Lancashire, and the Peak District.
PWRRUN Cushioning
The midsole uses Saucony’s PWRRUN foam, which sits between the minimal cushioning of fell shoes and the maximum stack height of ultra shoes. It provides enough protection for two-hour runs on rocky terrain without feeling disconnected from the trail surface. The 4mm drop encourages a natural, midfoot strike pattern that works efficiently on both ascents and descents.
Best For
- Technical trail running on rocky and muddy terrain
- Fell running (with the 4mm drop)
- Runners who want ground feel without punishment
- UK winter running with the GTX version
Key Specs
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Drop | 4mm |
| Weight | 290g (UK 9) |
| Outsole | PWRTRAC |
| Waterproofing | GORE-TEX (GTX version) |
| Midsole | PWRRUN |
| Rock plate | Yes |
| Price at OD’s | From £160 |
Altra Lone Peak & Olympus
Altra is the brand that divides trail runners. Its zero-drop platform and wide, foot-shaped toe box are either the most natural way to run or completely wrong for your biomechanics — there is rarely a middle position. But for runners who have made the transition, Altra inspires a loyalty that no other trail brand matches.
Zero Drop — What It Means
Every Altra shoe has a 0mm heel-to-toe drop, meaning your heel and forefoot sit at the same height. This encourages a natural foot strike, strengthens the muscles in your feet and lower legs, and reduces the impact loading on your knees. The trade-off: if you have been running in 8–10mm drop shoes for years, you need 4–6 weeks of gradual transition to avoid calf and Achilles strain.
Olympus 6
The Olympus is Altra’s maximally cushioned trail shoe — 33mm of stack height combined with zero drop. This sounds contradictory, but the thick midsole absorbs impact on long descents while the zero drop keeps your foot in a natural position. It is the shoe of choice for ultra-distance trail runners who need protection over 30, 50, or 100-mile races.
FootShape Toe Box
Altra’s defining feature is its wide toe box, shaped to match the natural outline of the human foot rather than the pointed shape of most running shoes. This allows your toes to splay on impact, improving balance and power transfer. Once you run in an Altra toe box, standard-width shoes feel restrictive.
Best For
- Ultra-distance trail running (Olympus)
- Runners with wide feet or toe issues
- Natural running enthusiasts committed to zero-drop
- Long fell races and multi-day events
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Salomon XA Pro | On Cloudventure | Saucony Peregrine | Altra Olympus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drop | 8mm | 6mm | 4mm | 0mm |
| Grip type | Contagrip MA | Missiongrip | PWRTRAC | MaxTrac |
| Mud performance | Excellent | Good | Excellent | Good |
| Rock performance | Excellent | Good | Very good | Good |
| Cushioning | Medium | Medium-high | Medium | Maximum |
| Toe box | Standard | Standard | Standard | Wide (FootShape) |
| GTX available | Yes | Select models | Yes | Select models |
| Weight (UK 9) | 370g | 310g | 290g | 320g |
| Best distance | 5K–marathon | 5K–half marathon | 5K–marathon | Marathon–ultra |
| Price from | £160 | £140 | £160 | £62 |
Best Shoe by UK Terrain
Lake District Fells
Rocky, steep, wet. The Saucony Peregrine’s low drop and rock plate handle the technical terrain, while PWRTRAC grips wet Lakeland slate. Salomon XA Pro is the safer all-rounder if you also cover lower valley paths.
Peak District & Pennines
Peat bogs, gritstone edges, exposed moorland. Salomon XA Pro with GTX handles the waterlogged paths and variable surfaces. Its Quicklace system means no soggy laces dragging through mud.
Snowdonia
Rocky scrambles, scree, exposed ridges. The Saucony Peregrine’s lightweight build and aggressive grip handle the technical ascents. Altra Olympus cushions the long descents from Snowdon and Glyder Fawr.
Local Trails & Parkland
Mixed surfaces, canal paths, bridleways. On Running excels here — comfortable enough for tarmac sections, grippy enough for grass and packed earth. The closest thing to a do-everything shoe.
UK Trail Running Reality
Most UK trail runs involve mixed surfaces — a stretch of tarmac to the trailhead, packed earth through woodland, muddy field edges, and rocky sections on higher ground. If you run one type of terrain exclusively, specialist shoes win. If you run mixed terrain (which most UK runners do), the Salomon XA Pro 3D is the most capable all-rounder in 2026.
Shop Trail Running Shoes at OD’s
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need waterproof trail running shoes in the UK?
For autumn through spring running, GORE-TEX versions are strongly recommended. UK trails are wet for roughly 8–10 months of the year, and waterproof membranes prevent the heavy, sodden feeling of non-waterproof shoes on wet ground. In summer, or if you run through streams intentionally, non-waterproof shoes breathe better and dry faster.
What drop should I choose for trail running?
If you currently run in standard road shoes (8–12mm drop), start with the Salomon XA Pro (8mm) or On Running (6mm) for the smoothest transition. Lower drops like the Saucony Peregrine (4mm) and Altra (0mm) require gradual adaptation — reduce drop by 2–4mm at a time over several weeks to avoid calf and Achilles strain.
Are Salomon or On Running better for trail running?
Salomon is the specialist choice for dedicated trail running — deeper lugs, more aggressive grip, proven over decades on technical terrain. On Running is the better choice for runners who split time between road and trail, offering a smoother transition between surfaces. We stock both and can help you decide based on where you run most.
What is zero-drop and should I try it?
Zero-drop means your heel and forefoot sit at the same height, with no elevated heel. Altra is the main zero-drop brand. It encourages natural foot mechanics and can reduce knee loading, but requires a 4–6 week transition period. If you have a history of calf or Achilles problems, transition gradually. If you have knee issues, zero-drop may help.
Can I try trail shoes in store before buying?
Yes. We stock Salomon, On Running, Saucony and Altra at OD’s Designer Clothing, 44 Barrow Street, St Helens. Our team can advise on sizing, drop transition, and the best shoe for your running terrain. We are open Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm.
How long do trail running shoes last?
Trail shoes typically last 500–800km depending on terrain, running style, and shoe construction. Rocky terrain wears outsoles faster. Check the lugs regularly — when they are worn smooth, grip is compromised and it is time for a new pair. Rotating between two pairs extends the life of both.