Our elite runners from across Canada have once again tested and reviewed the best trail running shoes so that you can choose your next pair from their favourites to explore the trails.
What’s the ‘Drop’ You Say?
This is the difference between the heel and the forefoot measurements, or in other words, how much your toes ‘drop’ below your heel. Why is this important? Because a higher drop can lead to more heel striking and also transfers some strain away from the lower leg and up towards the knee. A lower drop will shift the load further down to your calf. Check with an expert, choose what feels comfortable to you and take into account your running mechanics and history of injuries.
ARC’TERYX
Norvan SL 3
4.5/5 Stars | Women | 6 oz | 7 mm Drop | $180
A remarkable shoe that embodies sleekness, slimness, and lightness. Its “SL” designation stands for “super light” and its Vibram Megagrip sole provides excellent traction without the bulkiness of traditional lugs, while the soft and slipper-like knit fabric upper keeps dirt and rocks out. It also features a lace garage to keep everything tidy and secure. With its comfortable and nimble feel, it is perfect for conquering technical terrain with ease, making uphill and downhill journeys a breeze.
GRACE HIOM, Kamloops, B.C. – Grace’s love for the mountains is contagious, and she motivates others to run through the Dirty Feet Trail Series races and Run Training programs. As an experienced and knowledgeable Race Director, Running Coach, and Ultramarathon Runner, Grace is a shining example of someone who is truly committed to helping others achieve their goals and conquer the trails.
ARC’TERYX
Norvan SL 3
5/5 Stars | Men | 6 oz | 7 mm Drop | $180
www.arcteryx.com
An ultralight, durable, supportive shoe for running technical trails. These shoes feel light and fast! The highly abrasion-resistant upper delivers outstanding flex and breathability. The outsole provides excellent grip. I initially found the width of the toe box of the shoe to be a bit narrower than I was used to, but after a few runs it seemed to adapt and I enjoyed running with these shoes on the Canmore trails.
MYRON TETREAULT, Calgary, AB is a former national champion in the sport of water polo and a national age group champion in the sports of swimming, running and triathlon.
ASICS
Fuji Lite 4
4/5 Stars | Women | 8.2 oz Drop | 4 mm | $170
www.asics.com
Designed to be lightweight and nimble, the plush FF BLAST midsole felt cloud like on the trail. The outsole lugs felt aggressive on gravel and dirt trails. The toe box isn’t overly wide, and the stack height was responsive to match all trail needs. Light and responsive, a great shoe to wear when exploring rugged trails.
EMILY SETLACK, Trenton, ON – Canadian Marathoner & Mountain Runner.
ASICS
Fuji Lite 4
5/5 Stars | Men | 9.5 oz | 4 mm Drop | $170
www.asics.com
A great option for the trail runner who is looking for a lightweight shoe with a good grip to handle speedy runs on technical and challenging trails. The FF BLAST cushioning provides excellent impact absorption and contributes to a nice “springy” feel. The heel-lock lacing paired with ASICS tongue wing construction contribute to a very secure feeling through the upper. Pair that with a fairly roomy toe box and you’ve got a trail runner’s dream.
SEAN ALLT, Squamish, Chilliwack, B.C. – A 15-year veteran of the fitness industry, experienced ultrarunner, founder and head coach at BackcountryStrength.com, and one of IMPACT Magazine’s Top Trainers in 2022.
BROOKS
Cascadia 17
5/5 Stars | Women | 9.8 oz | 8 mm Drop | $170
www.brooksrunning.com
Many years ago my trail running adventures started in the first generation of Cascadia, and my love affair with trails continues as I hit the mountains in the Cascadia 17. The sticky rubber sole offers superb traction along the dry BC trails, and for extra bonus points it’s made of 25 per cent recycled materials. The roomy toe box and soft cushioning are guaranteed to keep your feet happy so that you keep moving comfortably across the terrain of your choice. The best trail shoe I have had in a long time.
JEN MILLAR, Victoria B.C. – Competitive distance runner, Two Time Masters Champion at National Cross Country Championships, winner of 2022 TC10K.
BROOKS
Cascadia 17
4/5 Stars | Men | 11 oz | 8 mm Drop | $170
This shoe is a blast! Comfortable out of the box and on an epic first run handled variations in conditions like a champ. From pebbles, through puddles, over roots, and deep into jagged rocks there was nothing this shoe didn’t handle well. The outsole is flexible and affords grip on all manner of trail. Its “integrated sandwich midsole” provides cushion and comfort over the span of moderate to hostile terrain. The upper is light, breathable and water repellant held together with a comfortable lacing system.
PETE ESTABROOKS, Calgary, AB – One of IMPACT Magazine’s Canada’s Top Fitness Trainers, ultrarunner and coach is happiest when running in the mountains.
COLUMBIA
Montrail Trinity MX Trail
5/5 Stars | Women | 10.2 oz | 8 mm Drop | $190
www.columbiasportswear.ca
This shoe’s outsole has a uniquely wide base, so it’s very stable. Dry, loose dirt trails are a piece of cake even on the steep ups and downs. Lots of cushion without being too heavy. Ideal for longer more rugged terrain. Lacing system and toe box are perfect. Super secure and comfortable for a narrow, high arched foot and looks versatile for other foot shapes. A great all season trail shoe with just enough mesh in the upper and a bit of waterproof in the lower outsole.
MELISSA ROSS, Nanaimo, B.C. – Competitor at the Canadian 10K Championships, Canadian Cross-Country Championships and World Mountain Running Championships, enjoying running all over Nanaimo with her son in the stroller.
COLUMBIA
Montrail Trinity MX Trail
3/5 Stars | Men | 12.2 oz | 8 mm Drop | $190
www.columbiasportswear.ca
A super-sized maximum cushioning trail shoe. It features a large Techlite PLUSH sole that has a 36 mm ride height at the heel and foam that forms four bubble-like sections on both sides to give an unusual but very supportive ride. The wide midsole offers plenty of stability, while the lugs will help you navigate even the most demanding terrain during long runs on the trails.
KEITH BRADFORD, Calgary, AB – Elite masters runner, coach and crisis communications consultant who has worked with athletes at multiple World Cups, World Championships and Olympic Games.
HOKA
Zinal 2
5/5 Stars | Women | 6.6 oz | 5 mm Drop | $160
http://www.hoka.com
I normally find HOKA shoes too cushioned, but this is their paired back version, better suited for shorter outings, and I’ve instantly fallen in love. They are super light with just enough cushion to absorb the pounding without losing the feeling of contact with the ground. The toe box is snug but comfortable. The wide Vibram sole makes for a stable landing with every foot strike. These would be the perfect shoe for those who want to run fast at shorter, mid-technical trail races, and I’ll be lacing them up for my next 50 miler.
NICKI REHN, Calgary, AB – ultra-marathon runner, orienteer, and adventurer who loves to travel the world doing crazy races, disappear deep into the mountains, and rip up the local single-track.
HOKA
Zinal 2
4.5/5 Stars | Men | 8 oz | 5 mm Drop | $160
http://www.hoka.com
I wasn’t a huge fan of the original HOKA Zinal but the latest iteration is a big upgrade that will bring a smile to your face! I would rate this as a speedy, lively and lightweight sub-ultra racer. The entire upper is redesigned with a built-in knitted cuff to keep rocks out. The midsole is lively and offers just enough cushion for fast rips on rocky trail; the Vibram outer is perfect for technical descents and scrambles. This is definitely a more minimalist HOKA, but it’s one that even hardcore maximalists will appreciate! Recommended for technical fast runs and workouts!
ANDY REED, Canmore, AB – Sport medicine physician, mountain ultra-trail runner, numerous podium finishes in mountain ultras throughout North America.
MERRELL
Agility Peak 5 Zero GORE-TEX
4/5 Stars | Women | 9 oz | 6 mm Drop | $300
Ample cushioning provides supreme comfort on long runs and fastpacking trips. I also loved how the integrated GORE-TEX gaiter kept my feet dry in the morning dew. Unfortunately, these shoes have poor ground feel so I felt clumsy running on technical terrain. The gaiter is very durable and the tread provides excellent grip. The foam on the midsole got chewed up on rocky terrain, but this did not affect shoe performance.
JOANNA FORD, Calgary, AB – Ultramarathon runner with a passion for running long distances in the mountains.
MERRELL
Agility Peak 5 Zero GORE-TEX
5/5 Stars | Men | 12.5 oz | 6 mm Drop | $300
This shoe has adventure written all over it! With an integrated, zippered, ankle gaiter this all-weather version of the popular Agility Peak will handle the most adverse conditions you can throw at it. A robust shoe with versatile feel over all terrain. The mid-sole feels quite responsive while protecting the foot nicely. Wide through the toe box and a secure heel cup round out a unique shoe that will keep you exploring through Canadian winters!
ANDREW RUSSELL, Saanichton, B.C. – A young parent seeking out roads, trails and mountains with the family, dog and friends. Forever competitive on the road and trail scene, constantly discovering new events to challenge myself and experience new places.
Mizuno
Mujin 9
5/5 Stars | Women | 10.1 oz | 10 mm Drop | $195
What I most liked about this shoe is its versatility. As an urban trail runner there are always roads to navigate and the shoe felt lightweight and flexible but when I got to the trail it felt stable and robust. While I did not get to test it this way, I know the shoe is going to be great in the snow; it gave me the stability I need when I ran through sand. What really stands out for me is Mizuno’s commitment to sustainability, using eco-friendly recycled materials.
SASHA GOLLISH, Toronto, ON – 2015 bronze medallist, Pan Am Games; running roads to the trails and recently breaking World Masters Record in the Indoor Mile – now a Masters World Record holder.
MIZUNO
Mujin 9
4.5/5 Stars | Men | 12 oz | 10 mm Drop | $195
I have been searching for new trail shoes for quite a while. Trying these Mizuno trail shoes they had a great feel on the multi-surfaces that trail running demands. Sand, mud, dirt and gravel? They gave excellent and intimate surface contact through them all. The outsole is a near perfect balance of mildly aggressive lugs that provide terrific traction without collecting mud or leaving you feeling disconnected from the trail. I loved the last/form of this shoe. I felt supported and in proper running position uphill, downhill and on any cross slopes of single track. This is an all-around great shoe.
LAWRENCE WARRINER, Calgary, AB – a former 5 Peaks Ontario Overall Champion, 2014 Brooklyn Marathon Champion, has run 20 Boston Marathons and Age Group winner at 2019, 2023 Arches 50k and 2019 North Face 50k California. He just finished his first 100k and has his fingers crossed for the Western States Lottery in 2023.
NORDA
001
5/5 Stars | Women | 8.18 oz | 5 mm Drop | $285
www.nordarun.com
This rookie has the litheness and weight of a trail flat, yet the resilience and protection of a hiker. Incorporation of Vibram in the outsole and midsole coupled with a Dyneema upper deftly shield the foot from jagged rocks, scraggly roots, and sharp thorns without, other than some dirt, a hint of wear after many gnarly miles. A gusseted tongue and no-slip laces provide an extremely secure fit whilst still offering a spacious toe box. A neutral runner looking for a stable, durable, reliable, and stellar trail performer will love this smooth ride. Size up a half a size.
SYL CORBETT, Calgary, AB – World Cup and World Championship competitor in triathlon, duathlon, mountain running, snowshoeing and marathons. Private consultant to pro-athletes.
NORDA
001
5/5 Stars | Men | 9.4 oz | 5 mm Drop | $285
www.nordarun.com
This is norda’s more cushioned shoe which takes everything that I wished running shoe brands would do with a shoe and actually does them. The heel cup is deeper, the tongue is fixed in place, and there are no seams that could potentially cause blisters. I loved the fit of this shoe immediately; I laced them up once and never had to re-tie them. The cushioning is responsive on technical trails and rides smooth on the roads. The Vibram Litebase sole on the Norda 001 is flexible, aids in the cushioning and is incredibly grippy. I loved the feel of the shoe at an easy pace over all terrain for hours on end. The norda 001 fits small so go up half a size.
LOGAN ROOTS, Moose Jaw, SK – Logan is a road, trail, and mountain running enthusiast who enjoys crushing big mileage, ego-altering workouts and running just fast enough to qualify for elite entry.
NORDA
002
5/5 Stars | Women | 7.7 oz | 4 mm Drop | $295
www.nordarun.com
The Benz G-Class of footwear. A workhorse with style, technology, and posh you can immediately feel. The EVA midsole and eTPU insole give a plush relaxed underfoot sensation. Combined with a very resilient yet smooth and seamless upper, the ride is 360° comfort and performance. The light weight, midsole responsiveness, and appropriate compliance to the terrain lend the 002 a brilliant indulgence in which to blissfully run upwards of 50 off-road clicks. Size up a half a size.
SYL CORBETT, Calgary, AB – World Cup and World Championship competitor in triathlon, duathlon, mountain running, snowshoeing and marathons. Private consultant to pro-athletes.
NORDA
002
5/5 Stars | Men | 8.7 oz | 4 mm Drop | $295
www.nordarun.com
A responsive and lightweight trail shoe that is a lovely compliment to norda’s lineup. The upper is a seamless material called Dyneema which fits beautifully. The 002 feels speedy on trails but lacks the cushioning to be enjoyable on the roads. This is not a knock against the 002 as it would lose some of its trail magic if they catered it to be comfortable on asphalt. These shoes brought out an audible “wow” from me as I started my run and kept the wow factor going all the way through. The norda 002 fits small so go up half a size.
LOGAN ROOTS, Moose Jaw, SK – Logan is a road, trail, and mountain running enthusiast who enjoys crushing big mileage, ego-altering workouts and running just fast enough to qualify for elite entry.
NIKE
Pegasus Trail 4 GTX
4/5 Stars | Women | 8 oz | 9.5 mm Drop | $160
www.nike.com
The shoe fits the bill splendidly for wet, cool, and non-technical terrain. The GORE-TEX upper feels surprisingly light, pliable, and breathable for the great protection it offers. The ‘gaiterish’ ankle collar and nicely padded wide tongue give a sock-like feel contouring the foot and providing excellent coverage preventing debris from entering the shoe. Dual pull tabs are especially useful with these softer upper elements. The midsole is responsive, yet soft enough to dampen the load from firmer ground. A heel-striking runner that doesn’t veer too far off trail will appreciate the reliability and traditional road feel of yet another very impressive iteration of the Pegasus.
SYL CORBETT, Calgary, AB – World Cup and World Championship competitor in triathlon, duathlon, mountain running, snowshoeing and marathons. Private consultant to pro-athletes.
NIKE
ZoomX Ultrafly Trail
5/5 Stars | Women | 8.7 oz | 8.5 mm Drop | $250
www.nike.com
Likely the softest most cushioned trail shoe currently on the market, it’s hard not to love and appreciate the plush underfoot feel of this shoe as much at the end of a long run as in the first mile. The rigidity of a full length carbon Flyplate is hardly noticeable given the encapsulation by the exceptionally comfortable and forgiving Zoom X midsole. With shallow lugs and a narrowed midfoot, this shoe rolls beautifully on gravel and other smooth trails. A wide forefoot, a Vibram including side walled outsole, and light but highly effective overlays, all contribute to a stable and secure ride allowing one to push the pace without hesitation. Similar to the game changing Vapourfly on the road, this shoe sets a trailblazing precedence.
SYL CORBETT, Calgary, AB – World Cup and World Championship competitor in triathlon, duathlon, mountain running, snowshoeing and marathons. Private consultant to pro-athletes.
NIKE
ZoomX Ultrafly Trail
4/5 Stars | Men | 10.5 oz | 8.5 mm Drop | $250
www.nike.com
If you are like me and a lot of trail runners are, you often try to get away with wearing your road shoes on the trails. The comfort and lightweight feel of a road shoe is enticing. This shoe feels very much like a road shoe with a rugged outsole. I really appreciated how light and responsive it was particularly on the uphills and more technical terrain. The outsole provided plenty of traction and the combination of the carbon plate and foam gave a fast thrill ride feeling to my run. The toe box was a little too roomy for me as I like a narrow fit but that is a preference not a criticism. Overall an excellent shoe.
LAWRENCE WARRINER, Calgary, AB – a former 5 Peaks Ontario Overall Champion, 2014 Brooklyn Marathon Champion, has run 20 Boston Marathons and Age Group winner at 2019, 2023 Arches 50k and 2019 North Face 50k California. He just finished his first 100k and has his fingers crossed for the Western States Lottery in 2023.
NNORMAL
Tomir
4/5 Stars | Women | 8.4 oz | 8 mm Drop | $230
www.nnormal.com
This is an exquisite example of a true mountain and trail running shoe. The midsole is light, well cushioned, and offers some rebound for extra comfort and efficiency on technical terrain. The grip of the Tomir can tackle any surface from dirt trails to steep, rocky surfaces. The fit is snug around the midfoot but the toe box is roomy. My only complaint was I did find the tongue to be on the longer side, but it’s not abrasive or irritating. Overall, I feel the Tomir is an optimal choice for outdoor adventures and it deserves the title of all-rounder trail running shoe!
LISSA ZIMMER, Vancouver, B.C. – An elite marathoner with a 2:42 PB set in 2016 and trail runner with a goal of racing a 50-kilometre one day.
NNORMAL
Kjerag
5/5 Stars | Men | 7.2 oz | 6 mm Drop | $250
www.nnormal.com
This is an amazing runner from the relatively new company NNormal. Founded by the GOAT of trail running Kilian Jornet and Emelie Forsberg, the Kjerag aims to provide the highest performance for trail running while leaving a maximally minimal trace on the land in its production. The shoe feels light, fits narrow throughout the foot, and was peppy and fast in all my runs. It is incredibly durable and can last for 1000 kilometres without significant deterioration. It excels in a myriad of terrain including rocky technical single-track, buffed-out trail, and even on paved surfaces.
IAN MACNAIRN, Calgary, AB – Trail runner; guy with a PhD in anthropology from studying ultrarunning community.
ON
Cloudultra 2
5/5 Stars | Women | 9.3 oz | 6 mm Drop | $229
www.on-running.com
This is my favourite trail shoe yet! The fit is light-weight with enough space in the toe box and snug around the heel – a perfect slipper like feel. The traction on the shoe provides stability and grip on all-terrain, whether you’re hiking up rock or running down a windy dirt trail. With the cushioning you won’t feel the rocks under your feet. I will take these shoes up the grouse grind every time!
REBECCA BASSETT, Coquitlam, B.C. – Canadian distance runner specializing in the 5000 m, All-American in cross-country, who loves to hit a hilly and tactical trail for long runs with her teammates.
ON
Cloudventure Peak 3
4/5 Stars | Men | 8.1 oz | 4 mm Drop | $199
www.on-running.com
On’s lightest trail shoe to date delivers speed and performance. Everything about this shoe screams elite runner blasting trails on race day. The Peak 3 is essentially a track cleat reinforced for the mountains. This minimal, low cushioning shoe has an impressive tread that holds it own on loose or muddy climbs. Whether you are looking to win your next race or local Strava segment this shoe will get you results.
NATHAN BODEWITZ, Calgary, AB – Founder and head strength coach at Peak Fitness YYC. He is a disc golf enthusiast, OCR athlete, mountain biker, big mountain skier, and proud dad.
PUMA
Seasons Voyage NITRO 2
4/5 Stars | Men | 10.5 oz | 8 mm Drop | $170
www.puma.com
Out of the box the Puma Seasons looked the part and ready to hit the trails. The reinforced heal area provided terrific support to absorb hammering from travelling over rocky and undulating single track. These shoes are extremely comfortable and have superior grip over any terrain. A wide toe box allowed unimpeded foot expansion over the long run. The tongue could use a little more padding however this wasn’t a problem on the trail. Awesome shoe.
MARTIN PARNELL, Cochrane, AB – Endurance runner, fundraiser, adventurer and author, six Guinness World Records in endurance events, summited Mount Kilimanjaro in 21 hours.
SAUCONY
Endorphin Rift
5/5 Stars | Women | 7.3 oz | 6 mm Drop | $220
www.saucony.ca
Definitely my favourite trail runner yet! From fit to fashion to function this shoe checks every box. It didn’t require any time to break in, and my first adventure was a comfortable 13 kilometres in the Rockies. With a roomy toe box, very soft cushioning, solid traction and durability, this is a shoe I will be buying again. Its outer has a slightly higher rise preventing rocks from getting inside, so this shoe will also be replacing my hiking boots.
RACHAEL MCINTOSH, Calgary, AB – Retired Team Canada Track and Field athlete turned recreational road and trail runner.
SAUCONY
Endorphin Rift
5/5 Stars | Men | 8.6 oz | 6 mm Drop | $220
www.saucony.ca
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I first got this pair as it looked quite different from my other shoes. However, the sock-style upper was easy to slip into and immediately felt comfortable. The outsole is equipped with large lugs that have provided excellent traction on my trail runs. These shoes are incredibly lightweight, but despite this they don’t feel unstable, which is usually the case with lighter shoes. The upper has held up well and still fits snugly, keeping trail grit out of the shoe where it belongs. They fit true to size and are wide enough to keep my feet comfortable even during long runs.
PHIL HIOM, Kamloops, B.C. – After tearing his Achilles tendon last year Phil is back on the trails and racing again. His main goal for now is to continue building up his leg strength and speed while staying injury-free. During the final months of summer and fall, you can find Phil running his favorite local trails and competing in races when he’s not organizing them for others to enjoy.
TOPO
Ultraventure 3
4/5 Stars | Women | 8.3 oz | 5 mm Drop | $230
www.topoathletic.ca
This is an amazing shoe. Even though I usually go for the higher drop due to Achilles issues, this one met all of my needs. They felt breathable and light, but with plenty of cushioning for rocks and roots. My only suggestion would be a rock plate or a little more protection for toes, but otherwise these were incredibly comfortable and I love that they use three recycled bottles per pair.
AMY PUZEY, Invermere, B.C. – 2x Team Canada member at the World Mountain Running Championships, mother of six.
TOPO
Athletic MTN RACER 3
5/5 Stars | Men | 10.1 oz | 5 mm Drop | $195
www.topoathletic.ca
A terrific looking shoe from the get-go. All round comfort means that you feel confident tackling any trail or single track. This was proven out in reality on rugged terrain along the mighty Bow River. The MTN Racer 3’s grip the ground like crazy and the solid toe protector prevented damage when making contact with rocks and tree stumps. The roomy toe box eliminates pinching and the mesh upper allows superior drainage and ventilation. Top trail choice.
MARTIN PARNELL, Cochrane, AB – Endurance runner, fundraiser, adventurer and author, six Guinness World Records in endurance events, summited Mount Kilimanjaro in 21 hours.
XERO
Scrambler Low
4/5 Stars | Women | 7.4 oz | 0 mm Drop | $225
www.xeroshoes.com
These minimalist shoes really let you feel the ground and connect with the trail. The Michelin brand tread allows a solid grip and gives you confidence to run fast on dirt, rocks or anything in between. I loved the roomy toe box fit and super light-weight design. This shoe has very little cushioning so best to use it for shorter runs or hiking. A fantastic zero drop option!
KAREN HOLLAND, Kimberley, ON – Avid trail runner and ultrarunner who holds the Bruce Trail FKT with her next focus on racing the 2022 Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run.
XERO
Scrambler Low
4/5 Stars | Men | 9.2 oz | 0 mm Drop | $225
http://www.xeroshoes.com
This is a terrific beginner barefoot shoe. Out of the box the Scrambler comes with a removable insole that does not impede movement and means a level of familiarity and comfort to gap the leap from a traditional to a barefoot shoe. Best parts? Built wide through the toe box with a protective rubber coating high over the toes means the occasional rock or branch kick isn’t going to slow forward momentum. A high padded tongue provides a comfortable ride and keeps debris on the trail and not in your shoe. A low and perfectly nubbed outsole guarantees traction not tripping.
PETE ESTABROOKS, Calgary, AB – One of IMPACT Magazine’s Canada’s Top Fitness Trainers, ultrarunner and coach is happiest when running in the mountains.
Photography by Graham McKerrell
