The Best Trail Runners for Thru-Hiking in 2026

Are you planning a long-distance backpacking trip? If so, it’s essential that you choose the best trail runners for thru-hiking (if trail runners are your jam*). Think of this as an investment in your future happiness. Your feet are your most important asset as a thru-hiker, after all. You’re counting on them to carry you thousands of miles through thick and thin.

If you treat them right, it’s possible to complete an entire thru-hike without so much as a blister. But if you don’t take care of them, any number of (progressively more horrifying) foot afflictions could take you out of action in a heartbeat. That’s why it’s so important to choose proper footwear for your hike.

Shoes are highly personal — more so than most gear — because everyone’s foot shape, gait, and preferences are unique. You’ll only figure out what’s right for you through trial and error, but it helps to know a bit about the fit and features of some top models in advance.

*Boots and hiking shoes also exist. We cover the latter in this separate roundup.

Best Trail Runners for Thru-Hiking: Quick Navigation

• Altra Lone Peak (Top Trail Runner on the AT)
• Saucony Peregrine (Best Trail Runner for Narrow Feet)
• Astral Designs TR1 Mesh (Best Shoe for Wet Trails)
• Topo Traverse (Best Thru-Hiking-Specific Trail Runner)
• Hoka Challenger (Best Maximum Cushion Trail Runner)
• Inov-8 Trailfly (Most Durable Trail Runner)
• La Sportiva Mutant (Best for Off-Trail Hiking)
• Salomon XA Pro 3D V9 (Best High Drop Trail Runner)

Best Trail Runners for Thru-Hiking FAQs

• Trail runners or boots for thru-hiking?
• Hiking footwear terminology
• Are minimalist/zero-drop trail runners worth it?
• After-market insoles
• Blister prevention

The Best Trail Runners for Thru-Hiking

Altra Lone Peak Men’s | Women’s (Top Trail Runner on the Appalachian Trail)

MSRP: $145
Weight (pair): 22 oz men’s | 19 oz women’s
Drop: 0mm
Cushioning: Moderate
Rock plate: Yes
Waterproof: Men’s | Women’s

Pros: Widest toe box around; iconic among thru-hikers; gaiter-compatible; lightweight; available in wide
Cons: Not the grippiest; other brands offer more durable uppers; annual updates are hard to keep up with

Details

Altra Lone Peaks have been the most popular footwear choice on the Appalachian Trail every year since 2017, according to our annual Appalachian Trail thru-hiker surveys. In 2025, roughly one in five hikers in our survey reported wearing this shoe.

 Lone Peaks are known for their minimalist, zero drop design and their wide toe box. (Incidentally, we’ve tested a lot of trail runners that claim to have a wide toe box, but very few have ever seemed quite as roomy as this iconic shoe.)

The latest version features modest updates to the upper, midsole, and — most notably — the outsole, which now features more heel splay and more wrapping around the front to improve grip and stability. The shoes continue to feature a seamless, stitch-less upper and Altra’s proprietary EGO midsoles.

Classic Lone Peak features like the Gaiter Traps and wide FootShape toe box are also around to stay, and the distinctive tread pattern on the bottom of the shoe remains the same. The Lone Peak is available in wide sizes.

While major changes are possible in the future, more likely is that these shoes continue to adapt gradually. While small changes may seem minor, even the slightest tweaks can trash the feet of the most loyal customer, so don’t take your favorite generation for granted.

That said, Lone Peaks have remained insanely popular among thru-hikers throughout the ups and downs of their many incarnations, and we expect that trend to continue.

We have griped in the past about the excessive frequency with which footwear brands tend to update their models — often every year, and seemingly just for the sake of generating a sales boost by dropping a new model rather than actually improving on the existing design. Refreshingly, Altra has said it will hold off on releasing a Lone Peak 10 until next year.

If the Lone Peak doesn’t quite hit the mark for you, the Topo Terraventure is a fairly comparable shoe that many thru-hikers have been happy with. It has the advantage of a Vibram outsole, as does the Altra Lone Peak 9+.

Read our review of the Altra Lone Peak 9.

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Saucony Peregrine Men’s | Women’s (Best Trail Runner for Narrow Feet)

MSRP: $150
Weight (pair): 19 oz men’s | 17 oz women’s
Drop: 4mm
Cushioning: Moderate
Rock plate: Yes
Waterproof: Men’s | Women’s

Pros: Lightweight; grippy; excellent heel grip; good for technical trails; gaiter-compatible
Cons: Some complaints about durability; frequent updates are hard to keep up with

Details

The Saucony Peregrine may not be one of the most popular trail runners for thru-hiking, but they have a small but fiercely loyal following on America’s long trails. Saucony loyalists say these shoes are comfortable and handle technical terrain particularly well thanks to their grippy Vibram outsoles, rock plates, and sturdy uppers. 

The Peregrines have excellent heel grip and a more snug, low-volume fit through the midfoot but still have a relatively wide toe box, making this an ideal thru-hiking shoe for anyone with more narrow feet who still wants room for their toes to wiggle and splay. 

The Peregrine 16 dropped early in 2026, so we’ve yet to see how they will perform long-term. They represent a fairly significant overhaul of the 15: the Vibram Megagrip outsole is new this year, and Saucony has added 4mm of additional foam in the midsole for a more plush feel. Despite all that, they remain among the lightest shoes on this list.

Some users have complained about the durability of past Peregrine models, which will be a primary concern for thru-hikers. The 16s are supposed to be more durable in the upper, but let’s see if that pans out in 2026.

For non-slenderfoots who still want to take advantage of the Peregrine’s features, know that this model is also available in wide.

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Astral TR1 Mesh (Unisex) | Best Trail Runner for Wet Trails

MSRP: $160
Weight (pair): 21.4 oz
Drop: 0mm
Cushioning: Moderate
Rock plate: Midsole top shank
Waterproof: Not available

Pros: Anti-odor insole; lightweight; mesh uppers and drain holes in the midsole for quick drying; wide toe box; tacky outsole
Cons: No waterproof option; unisex design may not suit everyone; thin mesh offers minimal protection

Details

As a company, Astral specializes in watersports — so while a trail running shoe is a departure from the brand’s typical wares, it’s fitting that their main entry in this market is a water-ready shoe.

The TR 1 Mesh isn’t a conventional thru-hiking shoe, but it’s a great choice for wet trails with frequent stream crossings. Even more than most trail runners, the TR1 Mesh is unmatched in its ability to drain excess water quickly thanks to its thin, breathable mesh uppers and the inclusion of literal drain holes in the toe cap. There’s something deeply cathartic about stepping out of a stream crossing and watching water literally spout out of the front of your shoe.

Add a wide toe box and wonderfully grippy tread (their patented G Rubber excels in wet and slippery conditions), and you have a shoe that’s comfortable and deeply appealing for hikers.

Version 2 just came out earlier this month. It retains many of the same design features as the original, with perhaps the biggest change being that the shoe is now unisex. The upper has been reworked with more durable mesh in an attempt to address complaints about abrasion in this area. The shoe has also gone from 1mm of drop to 0mm.

“I’ve hiked thousands of miles in Astral’s TR1 Mesh model, including miles on the Oregon Desert Trail and the CDT, which together cover practically every terrain imaginable,” said contributor and hiking guru Katie Gerber of the original T1 Mesh. “These are my go-to trail runners through spring, summer, and fall.”

Meanwhile I (hi, it’s Kelly) have been wearing Version 2, which dropped in 2025, for the past few months — albeit mainly for day hikes, trail runs, and around town. I also find them comfortable and grippy enough on trail. They do dry well, better than most trail runners, although they’re not going to defy the laws of thermodynamics (i.e., in excessively sloppy, cold, and/or humid conditions, you’ll still end up waiting a while before you get dry feet again). 

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Topo Athletic Traverse Men’s | Women’s (Best Thru-Hiking-Specific Trail Runner)

MSRP: $155
Weight (pair): 21.2 oz men’s | 17.4 oz women’s
Drop: 5mm
Cushioning: Moderate
Rock plate: Yes
Waterproof: No

Pros: Vibram outsole; nice colorways; wide toebox + good heel grip; designed for long hauls; gaiter-compatible; quick-drying; durable
Cons: Possible abrasion issues in side-panel mesh; less cushioned than some models

Details

The Topo Traverse isn’t the first or only shoe that’s built specifically with thru-hikers in mind: the Altra Timp was designed to fill a similar nice, and the Salomon XA Pro 3D also straddles the line between lightweight trail runner and long-haul hiking shoe. But the Traverse’s excellent build and balanced feature set puts it ahead of the competition.

Indeed, this shoe was the second-most popular footwear model on the Appalachian Trail last year, according to our annual thru-hiker survey, and users reported strong satisfaction with the Traverse overall. It was, by a wide margin, the most-worn model from Topo Athletic, a brand that has surged in popularity on the AT in recent years and now regularly contends with Altra for the top shoemaker on the trail. 

Our reviewer was impressed with the Traverse’s adaptability across different terrains and activities, saying the shoe has just the right level of support and grip, and that it breathes and dries well. He did mention some issues with abrasion on the side mesh panels (above the instep), but even after more than 500 miles of wear, these were mostly cosmetic and he still expected to get several hundred more miles from the shoes.

Topo footboxes are wide, though not as wide as Altras, while the heel end of the shoe has a more snug fit. Most users are satisfied with the shoes’ comfort, though as with any footwear choice, this will be deeply personal.

Read our review of the Topo Traverse.

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Hoka Challenger Men’s | Women’s (Best Max-Cushion Trail Runner)

MSRP: $155
Weight (pair): 20 oz men’s | 16 oz women’s
Drop: 7mm
Cushioning: Maximal
Rock plate: No
Waterproof: Men’s | Women’s

Pros: Oversized midsoles add cushioning and shock absorption; gusseted tongue keeps debris out; nice color options this year
Cons: Outsole isn’t the grippiest; some users report issues with fit; not as lighweight/nimble as previous versions

Details

Hoka’s signature cloud-like midsole foam has always been the brand’s main claim to fame. While most people think first of the Hoka Speedgoat when asked to picture a highly cushioned trail runner, the Challenger actually has a higher level of cushioning, complete with an extra 5mm of foam in the heel area compared to the Speedgoat.

Cushioning is a matter of personal preference. Some find maximally cushioned shoes clunky and awkward, like walking on a squishy mattress at all times. But others find that it offers some relief from plantar fasciitis and other foot pains, as well as extra shock absorption and protection on hard surfaces, which should interest thru-hikers who anticipate doing a lot of road walking. 

The Challenger has gone through a lot of changes in the past few years, with a slight boost of stack height and a revamp of the upper materials in V7, and significant gains in stack height, especially in the heel (which in turn means the shoe has gone from 5 to 7mm of drop) for V8.

Unfortunately, all that extra foam means a shoe that was once the lightest trail runner on our list has gained several ounces, putting it firmly in the middle of the pack in terms of weight.

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Inov8 Trailfly V2 Men’s | Women’s (Most Durable Trail Runner)

MSRP: $160
Weight (pair): 21.4 oz men’s and women’s (average across all fits and sizes)
Drop: 6mm
Cushioning: Maximum
Rock plate: Yes
Waterproof: Not available

Pros: Graphene grip for enhanced durability and traction; available in wide sizes
Cons: No waterproof option; may run small; not gaiter compatible

Details

Aptly named Inov8 takes a novel approach to their trail runners, incorporating a graphene compound into the rubber outsoles to improve durability and traction. We once thought this sounded like a gimmick, but several of our reviewers, including the person currently typing these words, have tested different Inov8 models and have all reported the shoes holding up well even after 600+ miles, including the Trailfly highlighted here.

It’s hard to overstate the value of this, especially for thru-hikers who intend to put in 2,000-plus miles in a year. The extra miles you’ll get out of every pair of Inov8s could save you the expense and hassle of at least one shoe replacement (and keep one more pair of shoes out of the landfill) over the course of a thru.

This shoe has the same wide toe box that many hikers love in trail runners, plus a minimalist 4mm heel-to-toe drop. After thoroughly testing the Trailfly Zero in Canada this summer, I (Kelly) can say that the Trailfly’s advertised durability, grippiness, and wide toe box all lived up to the hype.

The Trailfly is available in both standard and wide fits. At $160, it’s middle-of-the-pack in terms of price — and as mentioned above, the superior durability means it may actually be a more economical option in the long run, as you hopefully won’t need to replace it as often.

Inov8 updated the entire Trailfly line in December 2025, adding drainage holes in the midsole, tweaking the graphene outsole compound to make it apparently even grippier than before, and revamping the midsole and upper to improve fit and durability. 

Read our review of the Inov-8 Trailfly.

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La Sportiva Mutant Men’s | Women’s (Best for Off-Trail Hiking)

MSRP: $185
Weight (pair): 22.4 oz men’s | 18.2 oz women’s
Drop: 10mm
Cushioning: Moderate
Rock plate: No
Waterproof: Unavailable

Pros: Grippy rubber with deep lugs; durable; supportive lacing system
Cons: Runs small, more constricting fit; expensive

Details

If grip on rugged terrain is one of your most coveted trail runner features, then look no further than La Sportiva. The brand makes kicks with some of the stickiest rubber around. This, combined with a narrower, more precise fit, makes their shoes great for high routes and off-trail scrambles. Ditto for mucky stuff.

To be honest, we have the most extensive experience with the brand’s Bushido lineup, but the Mutant’s 6.5mm lugs are seriously deep and are ready to handle rocky and/or sloppy conditions such as you might find on an off-trail hike. With shoe compatibility being so personal, deciding between the Mutant and the Bushido (and the LS Ultra Raptor, while we’re at it) might come down to personal preference anyway.

Point is, the Mutants’ deep lugs, higher heel-to-toe drop, and narrower, more structured fit make them great for more challenging tread. Even if you love your roomy Altras for on-trail cruises, the confidence of reliable traction and slop-free fit on sketchy terrain is worth the slightly more restrictive feel.

At $185 per pair, these are on the expensive end of the spectrum for trail runners.

Read our review of the La Sportiva Bushido II.

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Salomon XA Pro 3D V9 Men’s | Women’s (Best High Drop Trail Runner)

MSRP: $150
Weight (pair): 22.8 oz men’s | 19.2 oz women’s
Drop: 11mm
Cushioning: Moderate
Rock plate: Yes
Waterproof: Men’s | Women’s

Pros: Quicklace system = no more untied shoes or fumbling with laces on freezing mornings; high level of stability and protection.
Cons: Heavy for a trail runner; high heel-toe drop will appeal to some hikers; relatively stiff midsole can be uncomfortable; quicklace precludes precision lace tensioning.

Details

If you’re on the fence between trail runners and burlier hiking shoes, the XA Pro 3D V9 (what a mouthful) does a decent job bridging the gap between the two categories. It’s a little heavy for a trail runner, but it offers more stability and support than minimalist, ultralight models.

In particular, hikers who suffer from heel pain may appreciate the additional support offered by the 11mm heel-to-toe drop. That’s substantially more than most shoes on this list. Meanwhile, we think this shoe’s superior traction, stability, a rock plate for added protection, and thoughtful features like Salomon’s easy single-pull lacing system make it the best-executed high-drop shoe on the list.

The XA Pro 3D V9 builds on the iconic XA Pro 3D. It’s two ounces lighter than the original (for the pair) and uses thinner, softer materials. The eponymous “3D chassis,” a thin layer of dense foam between the midsole and outsole that provides additional support and reinforcement, has been redesigned to improve precision, responsiveness, and energy control.

Any offering featuring Salomon’s Quicklace system could also be given the “Best Trail Runner for Raynaud’s Syndrome Sufferers” award, as well, since the single-pull lacing setup is easy to manage, even with cold-addled fingers. (Admittedly, the Quicklace system is polarizing; some hikers hate it with a passion, especially because it makes special lacing techniques like heel lock lacing impossible).

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Best Trail Runners for Thru-Hiking: FAQs

Trail runners vs. boots: Which are better for thru-hiking?

Trail runners are much more popular than boots for thru-hiking because they are lightweight and breathable. Of course, there are pros and cons to both styles.

If you want to save energy (they say a pound on the feet is worth five on the back), keep your feet relatively cool and dry (trail runners’ lightweight mesh uppers allow moisture to escape quickly), and be able to “feel” and react to the changing trail surface through a flexible, responsive pair of shoes, go with trail runners.

READ NEXT – Boots vs. Trail Runners: Two Loyalists Compare and Contrast

If you want footwear that will last a long time, protect your tender soles from the impact of rough terrain, and provide unyielding foot and ankle support, hiking boots are the way to go. They’re heavier, yes, but they provide a lot more protection. And while they cost more than trail runners up front, they often last two to three times as long, meaning fewer shoes in the landfill and more dollars in your pocket over the course of a thru-hike.

Hiking shoes are essentially low-top boots. They’re beefier and more supportive than trail runners, but not quite as bulky as boots. They’re a good compromise solution if you can’t decide between trail runners and boots.

Hiking Footwear Terminology

Before we dig into our picks for the best trail runners for thru-hiking, let’s first establish some common footwear terminology so that we’re all on the same page:

• Upper: The “main body” of the shoe/the flexible material above the midsole. Usually made of durable mesh or leather.
• Insole: A removable footbed insert located inside the shoe that provides cushioning to your foot. Many hikers upgrade to aftermarket insoles like Superfeet that offer better and more targeted support than the factory version.
• Midsole: The rubber bit between the insole and the outsole.
• Outsole: The grippy rubber bottom of your shoe where all the tread is located.
• Rock plate: A nylon shank found in the midsole of some trail runners to protect your sole from sharp rocks.
• Heel-to-toe drop: The height differential between the shoe’s heel and toe, normally measured in millimeters. The heel is elevated higher than the toe in most shoes so that the toe points slightly down, but some minimalist shoes have zero drop (no height difference between the heel and toe).

Are zero-drop hiking shoes worth it?

It’s complicated. Many thru-hikers swear by zero-drop shoes, but they certainly aren’t necessary. You’ll need to test a pair for yourself to decide whether they’re for you.

Minimalist, zero-drop footwear is meant to mimic bare feet, the idea being that less shoe support will lead to stronger muscles, improved stability, and a more natural gait. In contrast, many podiatrists argue that cushioning exists for a reason, and wearing unsupportive footwear can create new foot problems and exacerbate existing ones. With that in mind, hikers with flat feet and other pre-existing foot problems should be especially cautious with minimalist footwear.

If you’re considering zero-drop shoes, we recommend you buy a pair or two from a retailer with a decent return policy (we’re looking at you, REI) and try them out on trail. There’s really no other way to know whether a certain style will work for you.

If you go the zero drop route, break the shoes in slowly and know that you’ll likely experience calf and Achilles fatigue at first as your muscles adjust. This is normal, but be careful not to push yourself too hard at first lest you hurt yourself.

Check out High Drop or Zero Drop: How to Choose Shoes that Work for You for a detailed breakdown of the respective pros and cons of high and zero-drop shoes.

Should I get Superfeet for thru-hiking?

After-market insoles like Superfeet are a common footwear upgrade among thru-hikers. However, they’re quite expensive, so we recommend testing your shoes with the standard insoles first. If you have foot problems on your thru-hike, a change of insole can sometimes make a huge difference and is definitely worth a try.

Many hikers swap out the flimsy insoles that come standard with most hiking footwear for a beefier, more supportive after-market offering. Superfeet, which are available at REI and most other outfitters, are especially popular. If you go this route, swap out your Superfeet every time you replace your shoes to get the maximum benefit out of them.

Yes, they’re a bit expensive, but you won’t be able to finish your thru-hike if you ruin your feet, so this is an area worth investing a little extra. If you really struggle with foot pain, it might be worth visiting a podiatrist and getting custom orthotics that are molded to your unique foot shape.

How do I prevent blisters while thru-hiking?

Make sure you’re wearing a shoe that fits well, air out your feet on breaks during the day, and put preventive tape over hotspots to minimize your risk of blisters while thru-hiking.

Finding a shoe that fits your foot perfectly (and finding the correct size of that shoe) is probably the most important step you can take toward blister prevention. Everyone’s foot is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to this problem: you just have to figure it out through trial and error.

If you’ll be thru-hiking, bear in mind also that your shoe size may increase over the course of your hike. Because you can’t predict whether and to what extent your shoe size will change, we recommend starting with a pair of shoes that fits your feet now, rather than starting a size too big in anticipation of a change that may or may not happen. The start of a thru-hike is challenging enough without adding the difficulty of too-big shoes.

Other methods include:

• Cover potential hotspots with Leukotape as soon as you feel them.
• Slather on some Vaseline to reduce friction.
• Wet skin is the enemy. Air your feet frequently and change into dry socks when possible.
• Wear a thin, protective pair of liner socks under your primary socks. Opt for toe socks for maximum protection.
• Use the heel lock lacing method to keep your feet from sliding around in your shoes.

Why should you trust us?

Because we’re so incredibly intelligent, of course! Attractive, too. (Not to mention extremely humble).

But if that isn’t enough to impress you, there’s also the fact that everyone who contributed to this article is an experienced thru-hiker with thousands of on-trail miles under their belt. We’re gear nerds who love putting our equipment to the test on trails long and short, and we’ve tested dozens of shoes in pursuit of a smoother, more comfortable hike.

Moreover, we survey hundreds of Appalachian Trail thru-hikers every year to learn about their behaviors, demographics, and—you guessed it — gear preferences. That means our picks for the best trail runners for thru-hiking aren’t just our opinions; they’re based on years of feedback from the thru-hiking community.

Check out AT hikers’ favorite footwear from the 2022, 2023, and 2024 thru-hiker surveys.