10 Best Trail Running Shoes 2025 in the United States

The Altra Lone Peak 9 is designed with trail runners in mind, featuring a breathable mesh upper that keeps feet cool and comfortable during long runs. Its roomy toe box supports natural toe splay, which can improve balance on uneven terrain. The shoe includes a lace-up closure and pull tabs for easy on and off. Cushioning is provided by an EVA insole, offering decent comfort, though it may feel less plush compared to some heavily padded trail shoes.

Traction is managed by a rubber outsole that performs well on a variety of surfaces. Protection comes from an elevated, rounded toe design which provides additional space to prevent toe injuries on rocky trails, while the mesh upper offers limited water resistance and minimal shielding from debris. The shoe’s construction with mesh and EVA materials suggests a lightweight build, beneficial for speed but potentially less durable under very rough conditions.

The Lone Peak 9 is suitable for runners who prioritize comfort, natural foot movement, and breathability on moderate trails. For those needing high water resistance or heavy-duty protection, other options might be more appropriate.

The Altra Women's Lone Peak 8 trail-running shoes are designed with trail runners in mind, especially those who value a natural foot position thanks to its zero-drop platform, meaning the heel and forefoot are at the same level. Weighing about 9.16 ounces, these shoes are fairly lightweight, helping with speed and reducing fatigue over longer runs. The moderate cushioning with Altra's EGO midsole offers a good balance between comfort and ground feel, suitable for varied trail surfaces without feeling too soft or too firm.

Traction is provided by the MaxTrac outsole, which delivers reliable grip on dirt and rocky paths, making it a solid choice for most trail types. The shoe’s ankle-height shaft and synthetic upper provide decent protection against debris, while the roomy toe box typical of Altra shoes enhances comfort and allows toes to spread naturally, reducing the chance of blisters or cramps on long runs.

These trail shoes suit runners who want a lightweight, moderately cushioned shoe with good traction and comfort for a variety of off-road terrains. They do not include specific water resistance features, so additional protection may be needed for wet or muddy conditions.

The Altra Women's Lone Peak 9 is designed for serious trail runners who need a reliable shoe for varied and challenging terrain. Its standout feature is the secure wrap-around fit, which locks your foot in place to prevent slipping during intense movement. The shoe uses Altra's EGO midsoles, offering a high level of cushioning that supports long or tough trail runs while maintaining comfort.

Traction is another strength here, thanks to the DuraTread rubber outsole combined with a multi-directional TrailClaw lug pattern, providing dependable grip on different surfaces including loose or uneven trails. In terms of protection, the shoe covers the basics well but doesn’t emphasize heavy-duty shields, so it’s best suited for moderate rock and root encounters rather than extremely rugged trails. The breathable mesh upper enhances ventilation but may allow water to enter, so the shoe is more suitable for moderate weather conditions rather than very wet environments.

This shoe fits well for women who prioritize comfort, stability, and traction in their trail running footwear, especially on mixed terrain and moderate weather.