Our elite runners from all corners of Canada have rigorously tested and reviewed the top trail running shoes on the market. With their expert insights and firsthand experience, you can confidently choose your next pair from their top picks, ensuring you’re well-equipped to explore the trails with comfort, durability, and peak performance.
What’s the ‘Drop’?
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.
ADIDAS
Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra
4.5/5 Stars | Women | $300 | Weight: 9.88 oz | Drop: 8 mm
www.adidas.ca
These shoes live up to the hype! The Lightstrike foam combined with the integrated energy rods provides maximum cushioning and excellent energy return. The highly rockered sole gives a road running shoe feel, while the traction performs well on mud, slush and rocks. These shoes fly over maintained trails, but are unstable on cambered trails. The toe box is generous and the sizing is large, so size down a ½ size.
JOANNA FORD, Calgary, AB – Ultramarathon runner with a passion for running long distances in the mountains.
ADIDAS
Terrex Soulstride
4/5 Stars | Men | $130 | Weight: 8.6 oz | Drop: 10 mm
www.adidas.ca
The Terrex Soulstride Trail Running Shoe strikes a great balance of lightness, breathability, and cushioned responsiveness. It feels secure without being restrictive. The Traxion Outsole offers reliable traction through a wide variety of terrain, making a smooth transition from pavement to trail in dry or wet conditions. It’s a solid shoe for short-to-medium-distance trail running.
SEAN ALLT, Chilliwack, B.C.– A 16-year veteran of the fitness industry, experienced ultrarunner, founder and head coach at BackcountryStrength.com, and one of IMPACT Magazine’s Canada’s Top Fitness Trainers in 2022 and 2024.
ALTRA
Lone Peak 9
4.5/5 Stars | Men | $180 | Weight: 11.02 oz. | Drop: 0 mm
www.altrarunning.com
This is the perfect affordable trail shoe for training and racing. With the wide forefront, snug heel cup, flexible upper and zero drop this shoe is built for trail confidence and comfort. Even on a frosty wood bridge and wet steps the traction was outstanding ultimately translating to faster speeds. On a technical section I stubbed my toe on a rock with no consequence because of the improved toe cap. The cushioning is enough to soften the ride but feel the ground. It simply works well for trail running but likely not recommended for sharp rocky mountain efforts. The wider forefoot also increases the surface traction area for those slippery steep slopes and downhills. This shoe is a no BS workhorse with all the fundamentals done right!
CAL ZARYSKI, Calgary, AB – Professional active lifestyle coach, 10x World XTERRA Triathlon Champion, 2021 Ironman 70.3 World Champion and holds the most Multisport world titles in Canada at 12.
ALTRA
Experience Wild
5/5 Stars | Women | $185 | Weight: 8.7 oz. | Drop: 4 mm
www.altrarunning.com
As someone curious about Altra but hesitant to go fully zero drop, I love this new 4mm option and lets me experience the benefits of the Altra brand. The outsole grip is fantastic, providing confidence on rugged terrain. Despite their wide look, these shoes fit like a sock and the extra toe room that is unique to the Altra brand, gets the tiny muscles in your feet engaged providing lots of proprioceptive feedback you want on a trail.
5/5 Stars |Women
MICHELLE CLARKE, Hamilton, ON – Sub-Elite Track, road and trail runner who now competes as an AG athlete. You will often find her running or hiking on the Bruce Trail, her training grounds for the Moab” Run the Rocks” 3-day stage trail race happening in March 2025.
ARC’TERYX
Sylan
5/5 Stars | Women | $240 | Weight: 10 oz | Drop: 6 mm
www.arcteryx.com
The Arc’teryx Sylan is a solid choice for all terrains. It runs large, so consider sizing down a half size, but the wide toe box accommodates broader feet. The knit collar keeps debris out, and there’s a convenient garage to tuck away your laces. With thicker tread and pronounced lugs, grip is secure, and the impressive rocker design encourages faster movement. Despite the lack of a rock plate, the shoe delivers a smooth, cushioned ride that still feels protective underfoot.
RACHAEL MCINTOSH, Calgary, AB – Retired Team Canada Track and Field athlete turned recreational road and trail runner.
ARC’TERYX
Sylan
5/5 Stars | Men | $240 | Weight: 10 oz | Drop: 6 mm
www.arcteryx.com
Arc’teryx has nailed it with the Sylan! Known for researching and developing to the ends of the earth, you can tell they have taken no shortcuts with the Sylvan. I love the knitted upper, lace pocket, extra protection around the forefoot, the rocker sole, and amazing Vibram grip. As the trails get wetter and the rocks get more slick, the fit, the feel, and the grip has performed every step of the way. Every small detail adds up to the Sylvan being a shoe that I cannot wait to put on and blast through the trails. Fits true to size.
LOGAN ROOTS, Cumberland, BC – 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.
ASICS
Trabuco Max 3
5/5 Stars | Women | $210 | Weight: W 9.70 oz |Drop: 5 mm
www.asics.com/ca
Think running on clouds. Super comfortable upper with a lace tuck system that actually stays put. GUIDESOLE technology encourages an easy forward momentum for a flowy ride. Traction on climbs was excellent with no energy wasted and an effortless push off. The max cushion reduced impact providing a comfortable descent. I found the absorption affected the response time on technical cornering and I’d choose a lower stack shoe for this terrain. I’m excited to try them on snow!
MEGAN MACDONALD, Calgary, AB – Competitive distance runner and triathlete, believer in trail therapy and 3x Guinness World Record Holder.
ASICS
Fuji Lite
4/5 Stars | Men | CAD: 170 | Weight: 9.34 oz | Drop: 8 mm
www.asics.com/ca
I’ve always been a fan of Asics shoes and this new Fuji Lite 5 is no exception. I would call this shoe a great all-around shoe for a runner who runs on the road to get to the smooth trails. The toe box is spacious for wide feet, heel cup snug for hill climbing, and the stack height is perfect for smooth non-technical trail. The cushioning is ample for some mid-range pavement runs but caters to trail adventures of all distances. The tread is ideal for hard pack and tacky trails. Extreme mud and rocky ground is a stretch for this affordable shoe. I would not hesitate to trail race in these 4mm drop, lightweight shoes (262 grams). All in all, great value and a very versatile shoe that looks good charging down the trails.
CAL ZARYSKI, Calgary, AB – Professional active lifestyle coach, 10x World XTERRA Triathlon Champion, 2021 Ironman 70.3 World Champion and holds the most Multisport world titles in Canada at 12.
BROOKS
Cascadia 18
4/5 Stars | Women | $170.00 | Weight: 9.9 oz |Drop: 8 mm
www.brooksrunning.com
The newest version of Brooks’ Cascadia Trail Shoe lives up to being reliable out on the trails while running longer miles on rugged terrain. I have trained in many generations of the Cascadia, including last year’s Cascadia 17, and there have only been a few tweaks made to this year’s Cascadia 18. The overall fit is comfortable, and continues to fit my foot true to size. Similar to the Cascadia 17, it has an outsole that can handle most terrain, including both slippery and dry rock. The only difference between last year’s Cascadia 17 and this year’s Cascadia 18 seems to be the upper. The high-wear areas have been bulked up with an extra layer on the mesh for improved wear but this makes it slightly heavier. Overall, the Cascadia trail shoe is known for being heavier than other trail shoes on the market, making it an ideal high-mileage rugged trainer.
JEN MILLAR, Victoria B.C. – Competitive distance runner; three-time Masters Champion at National Cross Country Championships; winner of 2022 TC 10K.
BROOKS
Cascadia 18
4/5 Stars | Men | $170.00 | Weight: 11.8 | Drop: 8 mm
www.brooksrunning.com
It’s been many years since I’ve run in a Cascadia model. Familiar, stable and trustworthy are how I would describe it. The Cascadia is many runners’ first trail shoe, and for good reason. It’s durable and versatile – a true all-rounder. It’s not the lightest, or the flashiest, but there’s a reason it’s been around for 18 versions and has a strong following – It’s a workhorse in the trails that won’t let you down.
MATTHEW CECILL, Salt Spring Island, B.C. – Trail runner and running coach, represented Canada at the Trail World Championships and holds various trail FKTs.
HELLY HANSEN
Skyhawk Trail
5/5 Stars | Women | $175 | Weight: 9.17 oz | Drop: 7 mm
www.hellyhansen.com
I love this shoe. Who knew Helly Hansen made lightweight, performance trail shoes? They are light and bouncy, and the rock plate gives stability and protection. This shoe is narrow, which means it fits snug around the midfoot. They might be the most comfortable running shoes I’ve ever tested, and I didn’t want to take them off. I recommend the Skyhawk TR for those who want to run fast on rough, technical trails. They are going straight into my rotation.
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.
HELLY HANSEN
Skyhawk Trail
4.5/5 Stars | Men | $175 | Weight: 10.9 oz | Drop: 7 mm
www.hellyhansen.com
The Skyhawk Trail is a lightweight, versatile trail runner with a cushioned midsole and a breathable upper. The rock plate insert provides protection on rocky terrain and adds some stability to the midsole. However, I found the midsole a bit stiff on flowy trails. The tread design delivered ample grip on a variety of surfaces. If you are looking for a shoe that provides moderate cushioning without sacrificing agility, consider the Skyhawk.
RICHARD MACDONALD, Calgary, AB – A competitive triathlete, marathoner, ultra-marathoner and 5 X Guinness World Record holder who is passionate about suffering in the beautiful outdoors.
HOKA
Tecton X3
5/5 Stars | Women | $300 | Weight: 7.9 oz | Drop: 5 mm
www.hoka.com
I felt so free, fast and nimble running around Batawa Ski Hill in the Tecton X3. Arguably, the best trail shoe I have ever laced up. It’s evident a lot of thought and research went into the design; every detail seems to be well thought. I loved how plush fast and bouncy the midsole felt–similar feeling to a road carbon shoe. Light, fast and responsive, I’ll be wearing the Tecton X3 in my next trail race!
EMILY SETLACK, Trenton, ON – Canadian Marathoner and Mountain Runner.
HOKA
Tecton X3
5/5 Stars | Men | $300 | Weight: 10 oz | Drop: 5 mm
www.hoka.com
The Tecton x 3 is worth every penny. HOKA hits a homerun with a plush, yet responsive trail shoe that is exceptionally light and stable. This unique combination is made possible by strategically placed carbon fibre plates. A spacious toe-box breathes well and is supportive. The Vibram outsole provides the traction you need without adding excess weight. Finally, a distinct knit collar keeps out unwanted debris so that you can perform on race day, and it adds just enough ankle support to confidently open up on a big descent.
NATHAN BODEWITZ, Calgary, AB – Founder and head strength coach at Peak Fitness YYC. He is a trail runner, OCR athlete, mountain biker, big mountain skier, and proud dad.
ICEBUG
NewRun BUGrip GTX
5/5 Stars | Women | $259.95 | Weight: 9.70 oz | Drop: 7 mm
www.icebug.ca
This winter running shoe is designed for icy conditions, with 17 carbide spikes per shoe for unbeatable traction on slick surfaces. Its GORE-TEX upper keeps feet dry in wet, winter weather, and the BOA lacing system provides a secure fit that stays tight during runs. The fit is snug, so consider going up half a size if you prefer thicker socks. This shoe is reliable for runners seeking stability and waterproof protection in harsh winter conditions.
SYL CORBETT, Calgary, AB – World Cup and World Championship competitor in triathlon, duathlon, mountain running, snowshoeing and marathons. Private consultant to pro athletes.
ICEBUG
NewRun BUGrip GTX
4.5/5 Stars | Men | $259.95 | Weight: 11.64 oz | Drop: 7 mm
www.icebug.ca
This shoe is described as a road runner for icy conditions. I’m on the West Coast, so this time of year we don’t have much ice, but we do have mud! These shoes fit my feet well right out of the box. I love the Boa lacing system and that locked in feel. The shoe felt fairly light and nimble in my test runs, and the built-in lugs provided great grip on mud and grass. I can’t speak to the grip on ice, but the lugs do seem like they would do a nice job in true winter conditions.
MATTHEW CECILL, Salt Spring Island, B.C. – Trail runner and running coach, represented Canada at the Trail World Championships and holds various trail FKTs.
MERRELL
Agility 5
4.5/5 Stars | Men | $190.00 | Weight: 10.58 oz | Drop: 6 mm
www.merrell.com
The Merrell Agility Peak 5 combines exceptional cushioning with a responsive forefoot, delivering an energetic push-off that’s ideal for technical trails. Versatile enough for short to ultra distances, this shoe’s comfort and versatility stand out, while the forefoot responsiveness and grip inspire confidence on challenging terrain. With a supportive fit and reliable impact protection, it’s an excellent choice for trail runners seeking both comfort and performance.
BLAINE PENNY, Calgary, AB – Blaine Penny is an elite master’s runner with a marathon PB of 2:27 at age 48 (finishing 2nd in 2022 the Abbott World Major Marathon Age Group Championships), 1:11 half marathon PB, 3x Canadian Ultramarathon Champion, 6x Guinness World Record holder.
MERRELL
Agility 5
4/5 Stars | Women | $190.00 | Weight: 8.57 oz | Drop: 6 mm
www.merrell.com
This was an all-round rugged and versatile trail shoe. I tested it on flat gravel, rocky elevation and muddy trails and was pleased with the performance, especially the awesome tread. I found it a bit wide in the heel cup, but once I locked down the lacing system, I found a perfect fit and it is a really dependable and comfortable trail running shoe.
LUCY SMITH, Victoria, B.C. – A Canadian Champion of road and cross country. Now a Masters athlete, she coaches runners, leads community runs, and has an active lifestyle in her hometown.
NIKE
Pegasus Trail 5
4.5/5 Stars | Men | $190 | Men | Weight: 8.25 oz | Drop: 9.5 mm
www.nike.com
A shoe that’s true to you, if you are like me. Lean, light and agile. The snug heel fit wide toe box made for a confident comfortable run. I picked a route single track to rocky ridges to shallow stream crossing, wrapping with a steep dirty, loose gravel descent. The ATC rubber outsole provided great grip, wet or dry. The lugs provide grip, but are unobtrusive, might need more on technical mountain trips but crazy comfortable on my trails. The firewire lacing made for terrific stability throughout the entirety of the foot, heel to toe, whether I was grinding uphill or speeding down. The single layer mesh outer results in a shoe that dries quick, breathes easy and avoids hot spots (potential blisters. Love the shoe, but white? Who picks white for a trail shoe! A winner on the trails.
PETE ESTABROOKS, Calgary, AB – One of IMPACT Magazine’s Canada’s Top Fitness Trainers, ultrarunner and coach is happiest when running in the mountains.
NIKE
ZoomX Zegma
4/5 Stars | Women | $235 | Women | Weight: 9.3 oz | Drop: 4 mm
www.nike.com
This trail shoe was immediately comfortable when I put it on my feet. The upper fabric was soft, and arch support sufficient for both neutral and mild pronation feet. The toe box felt wider than past Nike’s shoes I’ve tested making for a better fit. The cushioning in the shoes felt great and it was quite responsive on the trails. The lugs offered good traction and I appreciate the Vibram soles. The shoe felt durable and although it looks slightly bulking, it didn’t feel as such during my run.
CATRIN JONES, Victoria, B.C. – Canadian 50 mile and 6 Hr record holder. Ultra, road and trail runner and mother to two kids.
NNORMAL
Kjerag
5/5 Stars | Unisex | $249.90 | 10.75 oz | Drop: 6 mm
www.nnormal.com
NNormals Kjerag ticks all the boxes: stable, lightweight, responsive, comfortable AND exceptional grip. A comfortable upper, soft gusseted tongue, accommodating toe box and supportive heel cup all lend to its exceptional fit. The midsole is on the firmer side out of the box but softens up after a few runs. This is your shoe, if you are looking for a durable workhorse that is not shy to toe a starting line.
ANDREW RUSSELL, Victoria, BC – Seeks 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. Winner of the 2023 Grouse Mountain Seek the Peak.
NNORMAL
Tomir 2.0
4/5 Stars | Unisex | $229.99 | Weight: 10.01 oz| Drop: 8 mm
www.nnormal.com
A great all round trail shoe built to last and seemingly to get better with wear. The first feature I noticed on these shoes were the asymmetrical lacing system and padded tongue designed to reduce pressure points on the top of the foot. This was definitely the case when I got out to test the shoe. The shoe felt snug and supportive. The toe box provided ample room for my toes to splay. They fit true to size with a secure heel cup. The EExpure foam felt firm and responsive underfoot. Lastly, the Vibram sole allowed me to handle whatever the trail presented me from muddy roots and twisty single tracks to steep climbs and descents.
CAT YOUNG, Calgary, AB – Competitive runner and life-long endurance athlete.
NORDA
002
5/5 Stars | Men | 002 | $295 | Weight: 8.78 oz. | Drop: 4 mm
www.nordarun.com
Norda’s 002 is one of my two favourite trail runners of all time. My other favourite is Norda’s 001. 002 is incredibly comfortable and lightweight, designed for racing and high-intensity efforts. I’ve ran more than 1,000km on one pair without any signs of wear. They feature a shorter stack height than the 001, a Vibram midsole and outsole, and a Bio-Dyneema upper, which is incredibly strong and resilient to abrasion from tough trails and elements, whether root, rock, mud, sand, snow, or other.
IAN MCNAIRN, Calgary, AB – Trail and ultrarunner; fellow with a PhD in anthropology from studying ultra running community.
NORDA
001
4/5 Stars | Women | $285 | Weight: 9.45 oz. | Drop: 5 mm
www.nordarun.com
Straight out of the box these are one nice looking shoe. I’m tempted to get a second pair just to wear around (and keep clean). Finally, fashion meets function!
The makers have done their homework combining a cutting edge durable seamless upper with wrap around high vis reflective, a functional soleplate and lightweight cushioning. The 001 is unfortunately not waterproof and runs small so plan on a 1/2 size up.
SABRINA WILKIE, Surrey, B.C. – BC Masters 2023 XC Champion and 2:45 marathoner; Mom of four, wife, and physiotherapist.
ON
Cloudsurfer
4/5 Stars | Women | $200 | 7.9 oz | Drop: 7 mm
www.on.com/en-ca/
This trail running shoe delivers a durable and reliable outsole, perfect for moderately rugged terrains. The light weight is appreciated yet the stack height makes the shoe best suited only for slightly uneven ground. It has the comfort and responsiveness of a roadie and provides a smooth ride throughout the gait. Overall, it’s a solid option for trail runners seeking durability and support that move at a decent pace over somewhat uneven trails.
SYL CORBETT, Calgary, AB – World Cup and World Championship competitor in triathlon, duathlon, mountain running, snowshoeing and marathons. Private consultant to pro athletes.
ON
Cloudvista
4.5/5 Stars | Men | $190 | 10.75 oz | Drop: 6 mm
www.on.com/en-ca/
I love the feel of this shoe! ON has struck a nice balance of comfort, cushioning and performance with the Cloudvista 2. Overall, the shoe has a quality feel. The upper, lacing system and tongue work well together to lock in the foot. The 6mm drop keeps things sporty, while overall the shoe feels stable and confident in the trails. I found myself reaching for these again and again.
MATTHEW CECILL, Salt Spring Island, B.C. – Trail runner and running coach, represented Canada at the Trail World Championships and holds various trail FKTs.
PUMA
Seasons Fast-Trac Nitro 3
4/5 Stars | Men | $180 | Weight: 10 oz | Drop: 8 mm
www.puma.com
I gave these shoes a healthy dose of dirt, rocks, roots, mud, snow and ice, and they handled everything admirably. The traction was excellent, giving me complete confidence running on all surfaces, while the foam in the sole provided a comfortable cushion without sacrificing ground feedback. One caution: the toe cap is lightweight, so stubbing your toe on rugged trails can be extra painful! Overall, it earns a solid 4/5.
JOEL NEUMANN, Calgary, AB – Endurance athlete, Linked half-marathon Guinness World Record holder, 2:46 marathoner, Ironman 70.3 finisher.
PUMA
Seasons Fast-Trac Nitro 3
4/5 Stars | Women | $180 | Weight: 8 oz | Drop: 8 mm
www.puma.com
This trail running shoe is a sleek and grippy shoe with a soft, flexible upper that keeps your feet cool. It’s incredibly comfortable and has a responsive fit, although some may find it slightly narrow in the forefoot. The NITROFOAM is lightweight and provides enough cushion for easy hill running. Overall, this Puma shoe has everything you need for your next trail run!
GRACE HIOM, Kamloops, B.C. – Grace is an experienced ultrarunner who has completed numerous 50 km, 100 km, and 100-mile trail running races over the past decade. Her ultimate goal is to run a 100 km race in 2024, with the hope of qualifying for the Western States 100.
REEBOK
FloatZig 1
3/5 Stars | Women | $175 | Weight: 9.8 oz | Drop: 6 mm
www.reebok.ca
This is a great shoe for athletes who run a mix of road and trail. It promises soft cushioning, reliable traction, and impressive durability. I had no problems with slippage on wet surfaces, even in Vancouver where there is an endless supply of that! The shoe performs best on flat, packed gravel trails. My biggest complaint is that I would have liked more padding around the ankle collar—it was stiff and not especially soft at first, however, this became a non-issue once I broke in the shoe after a few days. Overall, the FloatZig has grown on me-primarily because of how comfortable it is! It fits true to size and has ample room in the toe box.
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.
REEBOK
Floatzig Symmetros
4/5 Stars | Men | $200 | Weight: 9.8 oz | Drop: 6 mm
www.reebok.ca
It has been many years since I laced up a pair of Reeboks, and I was eager to discover how they’ve evolved. Right out of the box, these shoes wrapped my feet in incredible comfort. The upper is light yet sturdy, holding my foot securely even during sharp turns. The foam is cushioned and provides a great rebound and energy return under fast-moving conditions. The outsole boasts exceptional grip, making it a perfect everyday running companion in any weather. While it may not be the fastest race shoe, it embodies the spirit of a reliable training partner. With that traction, it’s ready for gravel trails, embracing every challenge that comes my way on my running journey.
PHIL HIOM, Kamloops, B.C. – If you don’t find Phil on his local trails training for ultra races you will find him in the gym doing strength training to ensure he stays healthy and strong for all of his trail running adventures. Once again Phil is hopeful that 2025 will be the year he gets into Western States Endurance Run.
SALOMON
Genesis
4.5/5 Stars | Men | $220 | Weight: 11.11 oz | Drop: 8 mm
www.salomon.com
If trail shoes were super heroes the Salomon Genesis would be Ironman. Unbreakable. A snug yet roomy fit. Heel is held in place, and the forefoot has ample space. Its quicklace system is easy to batten down and has quick release. The woven Matryx upper while technically not waterproof kept me surprisingly dry-ish during a stream crossing and shed water quickly once out. The toe box? Near bulletproof. The energy foam midsole makes for a light comfortable foot strike and the Contagrip outsole completes the shoe with its grip and rip responsiveness.
PETE ESTABROOKS, Calgary, AB – One of IMPACT Magazine’s Canada’s Top Fitness Trainers, ultrarunner and coach is happiest when running in the mountains.
SALOMON
Genesis
5/5 Stars | Women | $190 | Weight: 8.5363 oz | Drop: 8 mm
www.salomon.com
If you’re looking for a single, all-around trail shoe, this is the one to have. This trail shoe features a durable and breathable Matryx upper that withstands rough terrain, protecting your foot on any trail. With a Quicklace system and secure lace garage, it fits true to size and delivers reliable cushioning with an 8mm drop for both speed and stability. Offering exceptional comfort, fit, and traction, this shoe is ideal for everyday training.
SASHA GOLLISH, Toronto, ON – 2015 bronze medallist, Pan Am Games; running roads to the trails and recently breaking the World Masters Record in the Indoor Mile – now a Masters World Record holder.
SAUCONY
Peregrine
4.5/5 Stars | Women | $170.00 | Weight: 8.5 oz | Drop: 4 mm
www.saucony.com
I enjoyed my first run in Saucony’s classic Peregrine trail shoe. The shoe has plenty of room in the forefoot and the heel cup kept my foot secure running both up and downhill. I enjoyed the natural and nimble feel of a lower stack height and the 5mm lugs on the outsole offered great traction on the loamy soil and rock faces on my home terrain. A fun trail shoe to train in that would easily double as a superlight hiker.
Melanie McQuaid, Victoria, BC – Professional Triathlete/Coach at melrad.com, 3x XTERRA World Champion, 2x ITU Multisport World Champion.
SAUCONY
Peregrine
4.5/5 Stars | Mens | $170.00 | Weight: 9.4 oz | Drop: 4 mm
www.saucony.com
Saucony made a classic even better! I can totally trust the Peregrine Trail 14 on dynamic downhill slopes, with the grip to handle sudden changes in terrain. The PWRTRAC outsole provides plenty of protection for my toes during constant forefoot landings. At just 9.4 oz, it doesn’t feel sluggish, even after trekking through mud, and the sockliner inside ensures a secure fit with no chafing.
Andre Morgan, Hamilton, ON, – Ultra-marathoner on road, trail and run leader of the Fewer Roads Trail Group.
HIKING
COLUMBIA
Konos TRS Outdry Mid
5/5 Stars | Men
www.columbiasportswear.ca
This is a comfortable, waterproof and versatile hiking shoe. The mid-height cut provides some ankle support without feeling overly restrictive. The midsole provides decent cushioning and stability, and excellent traction. The design is stylish and the pull loop at the back of the shoe makes it easy to slip on and off. I wore these shoes in late-fall conditions in Canmore and found them to be extremely functional in muddy and slippery terrain.
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.
KEEN
TARGHEE IV
4/5 Stars | Men | $220 | Weight: 20.35 oz | Drop: 14 mm
www.keenfootwear.ca
The Men’s Targhee IV Waterproof Hiking Boot excels with its durable, waterproof leather and expanded toe box, allowing natural toe splay for added comfort on long hikes. Its removable Luftcell air-injected insole provides extra cushioning, reducing fatigue over rough terrain and long days of hiking. The boot’s solid traction and lightweight design make it perfect for diverse trails, supporting both casual hikes and extended treks. Overall, it’s a dependable, comfortable choice for serious outdoor enthusiasts seeking durability and support.
BLAINE PENNY, Calgary, AB – Blaine Penny is an elite master’s runner with a marathon PB of 2:27 at age 48 (finishing 2nd in 2022 the Abbott World Major Marathon Age Group Championships), 1:11 half marathon PB, 3x Canadian Ultramarathon Champion, 6x Guinness World Record holder.
KEEN
Zionic Waterproof Hiking Shoe
3/5 Stars | Women | $200 | Weight: 11.46 oz | Drop: 14 mm
www.keenfootwear.ca
The Keen Zionic has the expected comfort and quality build of a Keen shoe, especially if you need a roomy forefoot. I would classify this shoe as a fast hiker though, as it doesn’t have the fit or responsive build of a true trail runner. Great for wet days on the trail when you want to move quickly and with assurance over a variety of terrain, but too stiff and heel heavy for fast trail running.
LUCY SMITH, Victoria, B.C. – A Canadian Champion of road and cross country. Now a Masters athlete, she coaches runners, leads community runs, and has an active lifestyle in her hometown.
VESSI
Stormburst Low Top
4/5 Stars | Women | $160 | Weight: 11 oz | Drop: 8 mm
www.vessi.com
These low tops are super comfortable. The brand refers to them as shoes with “cloud-like cushion”, and I have to agree! The outsole provides nice traction for hiking and so far, the upper has kept my feet dry in wet conditions, which is one of Vessi’s features. I personally love a bright white shoe, but I’m not sure they’ll ever be truly white again after some time on the trails! Fit is true to size.
JULIE HAMULECKI, Toronto, ON – Road and trail ultrarunner based in Toronto, Ontario, coached by husband Adam Takacs. Currently holds the Canadian Women’s 100 km road record.
VESSI
Tidal Sneaker
3.5/5 Stars | Men | $150 Weight: 8 oz / Drop: 6 mm Drop
www.vessi.com
If you’re looking to stay dry without compromising on comfort, this versatile all-rounder from Vessi is worth a spin. Fully waterproof and featuring generous cushioning, the ride is firm but forgiving enough to be worn all-day long in a variety of situations. Light and responsive on easy to moderate hikes and great for walking around town, this shoe doubles up as a smart and casual sneaker if you want to head straight from the trail to the restaurant without changing your footwear.
KEITH BRADFORD, Calgary, AB – Masters runner, communications consultant who has worked with athletes at multiple world cups, world championships and Olympic Games.
Photography by Graham McKerrell
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