Looking for new trail running shoes? Once again we’ve asked some of the best runners from across Canada who live and breathe running to cover miles of trails for us. Whether you run local trails in the park or rugged mountain terrain, you will be prepared for the most epic trail experience possible with the right trail shoes.
Consider 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.
Check out our 2022 Trail Shoe Review!
adidas
TERREX Agravic Flow 2
5/5 Stars | Men | 10.5 oz | 8 mm Drop | $180
www.adidas.ca
The Agravic Flow 2 is a surprising combination of light and sturdy while paying attention to the planet you are bounding over. You can pat yourself on the back for cruising in a shoe made with recycled materials, whose upper features at least 50 per cent recycled content. It handles sharp exposed ridges, fast steep turns, root ripping and forest bounding with equal ease. The mesh upper is supportive and breathable so that you’ll always have a comfortable, cool, dry foot strike. Sturdy enough to put in piles of miles, this is my favourite this season.
PETE ESTABROOKS, Calgary, AB – One of Canada’s foremost fitness experts, ultrarunner and coach, is happiest when running in the mountains.
adidas
TERREX Agravic Flow 2
4.5/5 Stars | Women | 10.58 oz | 8 mm Drop | $180
www.adidas.ca
I was skeptical of this shoe at first because it is stiff and hefty with a high, rigid heel collar. However, I tested it while orienteering off-trail, and it felt fantastic on the lumpy, uneven ground. I was confident with each foot landing and felt stable as I ran. The toe box was particularly roomy, and I liked the 8 mm drop. While I won’t lace these up for any racing, they will be my go-to training and orienteering shoe. Perfect for those who worry about twisting an ankle on rough terrain.
NICKI REHN, Calgary, AB – ultramarathon 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.
Altra
Outroad
4.5/5 Stars | Men | 10.68 oz | 0 mm Drop | $180
www.altrarunning.com
These new shoes from Altra offer an excellent choice for mellow terrain: something of a balance between trail and road running. The Outroad offer maximal comfort on easy terrain. They were superb underfoot running on gentle trails in the woods of central Alberta. The shoes have generous padding, flexibility and wide midsole alongside Altra’s typical wide toe box. As is Altra’s approach, the Outroad have a 0 mm drop. I thoroughly enjoyed training in the Outroad.
IAN MACNAIRN, Calgary, AB – Trail runner, guy with a PhD in ultrarunning community.
Altra
Outroad
4/5 Stars | Women | 8.8 oz | 0 mm Drop | $180
www.altrarunning.com
These shoes are very comfortable to run in on both road and trail. The toe box is slightly smaller than other Altra models and the heel is secure. Unfortunately, the soft foam that makes for a comfortable ride does not provide adequate protection on rocky trails. I bruised my heel on more than one occasion. The lugs also do not grip well on clay-based mud, but the grip is much better on loamy soil. I’d recommend these shoes for non-technical dirt trails.
JOANNA FORD, Calgary, AB – Ultramarathon runner with a passion for running long distances in the mountains.
ARC’TERYX
Men’s Norvan LD 3
4/5 Stars | Men | 10 oz | 6 mm Drop | $185
www.arcteryx.com
This long-distance trail shoe is perfect for serious adventures. The Vibram MEGAGRIP works well on all trails and tarmac. They are lightweight and feel great on foot but tend to be a little stiff. The wide toe box serves those longer runs with amazing engineering for durability, but I would likely choose a half size larger. They are stable, have great grip and look great. The lacing system and tongue provided a secure and comfortable fit with no issues on super steep slopes. This is a serious mountain shoe for running and speed hiking.
CAL ZARYSKI, Calgary, AB – Professional active lifestyle coach, 9x World XTERRA Triathlon Champion, 3x Triathlon Canada Coach of the Year, 3x Alberta Triathlon Coach of the Year.
ARC’TERYX
Women’s Norvan LD 3
5/5 Stars | Women | 9 oz | 6 mm Drop | $185
www.adidas.ca
Designed for long distances, Arc’teryx made this shoe comfortable and durable. I loved how breathable and streamlined the CORDURA upper felt. The Norvan LD 3 felt light and plush on descents and ascents. The durable outsole was aggressive with 4 mm Vibram MEGAGRIP lugs and a good bite on rocky and technical terrain. The Norvan LD 3 felt responsive on technical trails and short stints on the road. An excellent trail shoe for technical and urban trails.
EMILY SETLACK, Trenton, ON – Canadian marathoner and mountain runner.
ASICS
FUJI LITETM 2
4.5/5 Stars | Men | 9 oz | 4 mm Drop | $150
www.asics.com
The Fuji Lite has a new FlyteFoamTM midsole made with recycled materials, providing lightweight shock absorption that propels you forward through the trails. It has exceptional grip with the ASICSGRIPTM outsole and a unique tread pattern. The upper is equipped with a lace garage to keep your laces tucked in. This is a versatile, lightweight shoe designed for a variety of trail surfaces and would be an excellent choice for shorter trail races.
BLAINE PENNY, Calgary, AB – Competitive masters runner with notable accomplishments consisting of a marathon PB 2:28, 3x Canadian Ultramarathon Champion, 6x Guinness World Record holder and winner of the 2015 Wings for Life run (North American).
ASICS
FUJISPEED
3.5/5 Stars | Women | 7.3 oz | 4 mm Drop | $150
www.asics.com
Right out of the box this is a stunning, lightweight trail runner. It is built for faster trail runs, with ample cushioning and a focus on the materials and grip remaining light but durable. The laces are comfortable, stay done up, and have a fantastic lace garage on the tongue. I would recommend going up a half size as they run a bit small and are on the narrow side.
RACHAEL MCINTOSH, Calgary, AB – Retired Team Canada Track and Field athlete turned recreational road and trail runner.
BROOKS
Caldera 6
4/5 Stars | Men | 11.3 oz | 6 mm Drop | $190
www.brooksrunning.com
The Brooks Caldera 6 is the latest iteration of the Brooks vision for trail maximalism! This shoe did not disappoint. It looks huge out of the box, but on my feet on a smooth groomed trail, it did not feel at all clumsy, and the ride was springy, with a much nimbler feel than I was expecting. The midsole foam is a winner if you are looking for all-day trail comfort. Despite a less aggressive outsole, I didn’t have any issues with grip. The nice wide toe box will keep your toes comfy. Overall, highly recommended.
ANDY REED, Canmore, AB – Sport medicine physician, mountain ultra-trail runner, numerous podium finishes in mountain ultras through North America.
BROOKS
Cascadia 16
5/5 Stars | Women | 9.5 oz | 8 mm Drop | $160
www.brooksrunning.com
Put your feet in the Brooks Cascadia 16 for a soft, cushioned and stable run! The shoe has a comfortable fit with room in the toe box and a snug fit around your heel; there’s no need to worry about heel slippage. The lightweight feature of the new DNA LOFT v2 midsole makes hitting the trails light and bouncy. The grooves on the midsole provide enough traction to feel confident on any terrain with roots, hills, gravel or dirt. This is the ideal shoe for comfort, durability and traction!
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.
COLUMBIA
Men’s Escape™ Thrive Endure™
4/5 Stars | Men | 15 oz | 8 mm Drop | $210
www.columbiasportswear.ca
The Columbia Escape Thrive Endure is a hiking boot for foul weather. I typically opt for a running shoe, but this boot felt comfortable when I first put it on. For those who prefer to hike in boots but prefer a more athletic look, this hybrid option has a sportier look and offers a comfortable, stable ride. It felt quite grippy on loose dirt and rock and the membrane should keep your foot dry while splashing through puddles. It would be a good hiking boot to cover more distance and is more than a standard trail running shoe.
ADAM CAMPBELL, Squamish, B.C. – Lawyer, endurance athlete, happy in the mountains on foot, bike, rocks and skis.
COLUMBIA
Women’s Escape™ Thrive Endure™
4/5 Stars | Women | 15 oz | 8 mm Drop | $210
www.columbiasportswear.ca
This is an ultra-cushioned trail shoe with great traction and a comfortable waterproof upper. I was impressed with the overall mobility and ‘running shoe’ feel considering the ankle-hugging height of the shoe, and while I would not choose it for a trail race, it’s a great shoe for someone who wants cushioning and something lightweight to play around all day in trails or any sort of rough terrain.
LUCY SMITH, Victoria, B.C. – Elite athlete in distance running, duathlon and triathlon for more than 30 years, coach and motivational speaker.
HOKA
Men’s TECTON X
4.5/5 Stars | Men | 8.5 oz | 5 mm Drop | $240
www.hoka.com
HOKA’S Slogan, “Time to Fly” describes this trail shoe accurately. These modern carbon-plated endurance trail shoes have all the best features for any trail runner. The shoes are stable and lightweight with great cushioning. The fit is true to size. The soles are great for a hard-packed trail. The lacing system and super lightweight tongue creates a comfortable and secure fit. I had no issues with heel slip or hot spots after several longer trail runs. This shoe is ideal for a wide forefoot and both road and a variety of trails. It’s the perfect all-rounder shoe!
CAL ZARYSKI, Calgary, AB – Professional active lifestyle coach, 9x World XTERRA Triathlon Champion, 3x Triathlon Canada Coach of the Year, 3x Alberta Triathlon Coach of the Year.
HOKA
Women’s TECTON X
5/5 Stars | Women | 6.9 oz | 5 mm Drop | $240
www.hoka.com
These might be my new favourite trail shoes! They’re nice and light, but the treads take me everywhere I want to go. I’ve used them on all of the Invermere trails and the rockier Canmore ones. Lots of room in the toe box, they keep my heels nice and snug, and they keep all the fine dust out. I was surprised at how supportive they were without being too heavy or clunky or restrictive.
AMY PUZEY, Invermere, B.C. – 2x Team Canada member at the World Mountain Running championships, mother of six.
MIZUNO
Wave Rider TT
4/5 Stars | Men | 10.1 oz | 12 mm Drop | $175
www.mizunousa.com
The Mizuno Wave Rider TT is a great shoe for anyone who is looking for a lightweight, well-cushioned shoe. The shoe handled well on groomed trails and cross-country terrain and gave a lot of comfort over those conditions. I will be looking at using these shoes for light trail runs up to 21-kilometre routes. I would recommend sticking to less technical trails as I did not find them supportive and stiff enough for mountain trails or overly rocky and rooted trails. Overall, a great shoe for a mix of light to moderate trails and roads.
PHIL HIOM, Kamloops, B.C. – Runner who spends most of his time training on the trails around Kamloops, training for 100 km Lost Soles Ultra in Lethbridge, AB, hoping to qualify for the Western States Endurance Run Lottery.
MIZUNO
Wave Rider TT
4/5 Stars | Women | 8.3 oz | 12 mm Drop | $175
www.mizunousa.com
The Wave Rider TT (Total Terrain) is meant for varied surface running. Like most Mizuno shoes, they fit slightly smaller than true to size. The toe box is more narrow than other brands, which will appeal to some runners. This shoe performed well on mixed terrain including crushed gravel and some more technical terrain. The shoe itself is a great weight for all types of terrain. This versatile shoe has a responsive ride and a breathable upper, but I definitely recommended it for a narrower fit foot.
CATRIN JONES, Victoria, B.C. – 50-km, 50-mile and 6-hour Canadian record holder.
NEW BALANCE
Fresh Foam X 880v12
3.5/5 Stars | Men | 10.5 oz | 10 mm Drop | $179.99
www.newbalance.ca
The New Balance 880 v12 was the perfect fit! The knitted upper was extremely comfortable for my wider foot. My heel felt locked in right away and the tongue and laces disperse the pressure across the top of the foot evenly. The sole is a two-part foam consisting of Fresh Foam X for softness and FuelCell for responsiveness; this combination is the perfect match. The thick rubber on the outsole provides great protection on gravel trails and asphalt. If you are a wider-foot runner who is looking for your next everyday trainer, this is it.
LOGAN ROOTS, Courtenay, B.C. – Road, trail, and mountain running enthusiast who enjoys crushing big mileage, ego-altering workouts and running just fast enough to qualify for elite entry.
NEW BALANCE
Fresh Foam X 880v12
5/5 Stars | Women | 8.4 oz | 10 mm Drop | $179.99
www.newbalance.ca
From the first step out the door, the 880 felt fast and springy. It felt like I had been training in it for years. The Fresh Foam midsole was a pleasure to run on, feeling plush but responsive. The slightly higher volume fit would accommodate an orthotic nicely but held onto my foot with the stock insole as well. If you are looking for a neutral, everyday training shoe with cushion and comfort, the New Balance 880 might just be your new favourite.
JEN MILLAR, Victoria B.C. – Winner of Times Colonist 10K 2022, National Masters X-Country Champion 2021, mom of two.
NIKE
Air Zoom Terra Kiger 8
3.5/5 Stars | Men | 9.9 oz | 6 mm Drop | $180
www.nike.com
Disappointing to see this shoe gaining weight with each iteration. As Nike’s trail racer, the Kiger feels overbuilt and unable to react to quick changes in terrain. The midsole provides plenty of protection but lacks ground feel. On the plus side, the new upper breathes well and locks the foot in nicely.
ANDREW RUSSELL, Saanichton, B.C. – 2019 Vancouver Island Race Series champion, 2019 Finlayson Arm 28K champion and course record holder.
NIKE
Air Zoom Terra Kiger 8
4/5 Stars | Women | 9.1 oz | 6 mm Drop | $180
www.nike.com
A light and nimble shoe for urban and rugged trails with multidirectional traction lugs and a dynamic fit system through midfoot. I felt confident running on rocky and uneven descents and ascents. The midfoot React foam provided ample cushion, and I loved how light and breathable the upper was. The shoe really moved with me and provided exceptionally good sensitivity while running on rocky and rough terrain while providing a good amount of cushion. The Kiger comes into its own on urban and rough trails.
EMILY SETLACK, Trenton, ON – Canadian marathoner and mountain runner.
ON
Cloudultra
4/5 Stars | Men | 8.99 oz | 11 mm Drop | $209.99
www.on-running.com
The Cloudultra is a nicely cushioned all-around performer in the trails. The 8mm drop, stable ride and grippy outsole give me confidence in this shoe for long run or ultra race duty. Things felt a little stiff out of the box but loosened up nicely after a couple runs. The unique FlipRelease systems allows subtle width adjustment in the toe-box which could prove useful as feet swell over long distances.
MATTHEW CECIL, Victoria, B.C. – Trail runner and running coach, represented Canada at the Trail World Championships and holds various trail FKTs.
ON
Cloudultra
5/5 Stars | Women | 8.64 oz | 8 mm Drop | $209.99
www.on-running.com
When you want an ultra-cushioned, ultra-comfortable, ultra-versatile trail running shoe, the On Cloudultra is unbeatable. The biggest highlights of this shoe for me were its traction, grip, long-term comfort on ultramarathon trail race days, durability, breathability, and a unique feature called FlipRelease found in the lower lacing, where flipping the plastic switch provides an option for variable lacing width and pressure release at the forefoot. For a sock-like fit no matter a short or long number of kilometres, this is your light and reliable shoe!
MANDY GILL, Vancouver, B.C. – Ultramarathon runner (road & trail), keynote speaker, IMPACT Top Vegan Athlete.
SAUCONY
Endorphin Edge
5/5 Stars | Men | 9 oz | 6 mm Drop | $259.99
www.saucony.com
The long wait for a trail super-shoe may be over. The Endorphin Edge succeeds where other carbon-plated trail racers have failed because it’s as stable as it is snappy. The soft, squishy midsole offers plenty of comfort and protection, but it’s also nimble on rocks or roots and smooth on corners. When you pick up the pace on downhills, it just flies. The Carbitex carbon plate propels you forward like you’ve got a rocket strapped to each heel. It’s like having a Ferrari under your feet with the traction of a four-wheel drive.
KEITH BRADFORD, Calgary, AB – Elite masters runner with a passion for road racing, run coach and crisis communications consultant who has worked with athletes at multiple world cups, world championships and Olympic Games.
SAUCONY
Endorphin Edge
5/5 Stars | Women | 7.8 oz | 6 mm Drop | $259.99
www.saucony.com
If you have a trail race coming up or like to rip it on the trails, the Saucony Endorphin Edge is your shoe. It’s light, fast and race-ready! Tackle the hills with pop thanks to the carbon fibre plate. The lugs (grip) on the bottom of the shoe are great for the trails but a bit much if you plan on any road running. The upper will keep your feet dry in moderately wet weather and provide a snug fit for average to wider width feet. Overall, I was thoroughly impressed with the shoe and can’t wait to hit the trails!
SABRINA WILKIE, Surrey B.C. – Physiotherapist, mother of three, 2:45 marathoner and winner of the 2016 Victoria Marathon.
TOPO
Mtn Racer 2
5/5 Stars | Men | 10 oz | 5 mm Drop | $220
www.topoathleticcanada.ca
These shoes crush everything from technical mountain runs to blasting through the trails. They hug the heel and midfoot and leave the toes room to breathe without sacrificing any feeling of speed. The Topo Mtn Racer 2 is stable and grips everything from wet rock to sloppy mud. They are compatible with gaiters and expel water quickly after a river crossing. These are my new favourite trail shoes!
LOGAN ROOTS, Courtenay, B.C. – Road, trail, and mountain running enthusiast who enjoys crushing big mileage, ego-altering workouts and running just fast enough to qualify for elite entry.
TOPO
ULTRAVENTURE 2
4.5/5 Stars | Women | 8.3 oz | 5 mm Drop | $210
www.topoathleticcanada.ca
A brand that I didn’t recognize, but one that I will remember. The Topo Ultraventure 2 is the most comfortable trail runner that I have ever worn because of its wide toe box and generous cushioning. This shoe offers a perfect balance of stability and plushness without adding too much bulk or weight. Plus, the lugs provide excellent grip on varied terrain. This shoe even comes with added gator holds! The Ultraventure 2 inspires me to hit the trails and explore!
LISSA ZIMMER, Vancouver, B.C. – An elite marathoner with a 2:42 PB set in 2016 and trail runner with goal of racing a 50-kilometre one day.
VIVOBAREFOOT
Primus Trail II FG
4/5 Stars | Men | 10.3 oz | 0 mm Drop | $288
www.vivobarefoot.com
The greatest attribute of this barefoot trail shoe is its ethical origins. The outer shoe, including a firm ground outsole, is made entirely of recycled plastic waste and is vegan. The shoe is zero-drop and has oversized, 4 mm lugs, which offered good traction on trails both dry and muddy. I found great freedom of movement throughout my whole foot, in part due to the wide toe box and supple upper and outsole.
IAN MACNAIRN, Calgary, AB – Trail runner, guy with a PhD in ultrarunning community.
VIVOBAREFOOT
Primus Trail II FG
5/5 Stars | Women | 8.8 oz | 0 mm Drop | $288
www.vivobarefoot.com
These are my go-to shoes for trail running. Throughout every season in Squamish, I use them for my short or long runs in the forest. The trails here are classic “mixed terrain,” with packed dirt, slippery tree roots, rock gardens, scrambles and lots of mud. Having a shoe to eat up all that usually means a compromise, but the flexible sensation of barefoot combined with extra grip makes the Primus the ideal tool for the job. Best all-rounder trail shoe in my arsenal.
JENNY TOUGH, Scotland – Adventure athlete currently involved in a project to run solo and unsupported across a mountain range on every continent. The first woman to win the Silk Road Mountain Race and Atlas Mountain Race.
VJ SHOES
XTRM 2
4.5/5 Stars | Men | 9.4 oz | 4 mm Drop | $230
www.spryactive.ca
What struck me right out of the box was the aggressive tread. I was keen to try these shoes on a steep, single track and headed out to put these puppies through their paces. I liked the heel support: snug with no rub spots. Up and down the trail there was no slippage inside the shoe, and I was grateful for the wider toe box. These shoes claim that they have the “best grip on the planet”. I can say that I can’t wait to get out again and tackle some new gnarly single tracks.
MARTIN PARNELL, Cochrane, AB – Endurance runner, fundraiser, adventurer and author, six Guinness World Records in endurance events, summited Mount Kilimanjaro in 21 hours.
VJ SHOES
XTRM 2
4/5 Stars | Women | 9.4 oz | 4 mm Drop | $230
www.spryactive.ca
Living on the west coast, the trails are often wet and slick, and this lightweight shoe did not disappoint as it offered excellent traction over slippery trail surfaces. The slipperier, the better for this shoe; it wants to get wet and dirty! The “fitflock” feature secured the midfoot in place while running over uneven ground and gave a snug feel around the instep while offering more room in the toe box. It lives up to its reputation as a shoe that grips, but there is less cushioning and protection against gnarly terrain.
JEN MILLAR, Victoria B.C. – Winner of Times Colonist 10K 2022, National Masters X-Country Champion 2021, mom of two.
XERO
Mesa Trail
5/5 Stars | Men | 15.2 oz | 0 mm Drop | $169.99
www.xeroshoes.com
This ideal minimalist trail shoe is light, lean, and flexible. Be protected yet connected with zero drop, no unnecessary arch support (and a perfect platform if you feel the need to add some), and a wide forefoot area. Delivering a great trail feel, it encourages natural forward motion across all terrain. The mesh upper is durable, breathable and fast-drying. Socks are optional. Remove the insoles to create space and allow more feedback. Run light, smooth, and easy. Great for building a stronger foundation, or for experienced minimalist runners to cover any distance.
RANDY KREILL, Beavercreek, OH – Wellness and truth seeker with 23 official 100-mile ultramarathons complete and roughly 80 total ultramarathons. Celebrating 60 soon with a goal to keep running ultras “injury free.”
XERO
Mesa Trail
4/5 Stars | Women | 12.8 oz | 0 mm Drop | $169.99
www.xeroshoes.com
Disappointing to see this shoe gaining weight with each iteration. As Nike’s trail racer, the Kiger feels overbuilt and unable to react to quick changes in terrain. The midsole provides plenty of protection but lacks ground feel. On the plus side, the new upper breathes well and locks the foot in nicely.
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 one-year-old son in the stroller.
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Photography by Graham McKerrell
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Featuring Brendan Brazier, athlete and pioneer in the plant-based sports nutrition industry. Trail Running 101 – plus this year’s Trail Running Shoe Review. Travel around the world to the top vegan-friendly destinations, recipes and much more!
