Best Shoes For PCT
The 10 Best Trail Runners for Thru-Hiking
Altra Lone Peak Men’s | Women’s (Most Popular with Thru-Hikers)
MSRP: $140 Weight (pair): 21 oz. Drop: 0mm Cushioning: Moderate Rock plate: Yes Waterproof: Men’s | Women’s ($160)
Best trail runners for thru-hiking: Altra Lone Peak.
Pros: Widest toe box around; iconic among thru-hikers; gaiter-compatible; affordable; lightweight; available in wide.
Cons: No waterproof version; not the grippiest; other brands offer more durable uppers.
Details
Lone Peaks are easily the most popular shoe model among thru-hikers: almost a third of respondents in our 2021 AT Survey reported using Lone Peaks, which 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 none have ever seemed quite as roomy as this iconic shoe.) The latest version has seen redesigns of the lacing system, heel overlay, and laser-cut drainage holes. The shoes feature Altra’s proprietary EGO midsoles, which are designed to deliver the best of both worlds: somehow soft and firm at the same time, and grippy MaxTrac outsoles. Classic Lone Peak features like the Gaiter Traps and wide FootShape toe box remain. The distinctive tread pattern on the bottom of the shoe remains broadly similar to that of the 5s. The Lone Peak is available in wide sizes. Many hikers and trail runners reported serious heel rub / blistering / Achilles tendon issues with previous incarnations of the Lone Peak. With the 6s, Altra addressed that issue by simplifying the design of the heel overlay for a more accommodating fit. It’s worth noting that the 6s have only been out for a few weeks as of this publication, so their long-term performance and durability relative to previous models remain to be seen. That said, Lone Peaks have been insanely popular among thru-hikers throughout the ups and downs of its many incarnations, and we expect that trend to continue.Brooks Cascadia Men’s | Women’s (Best Trail Runner for Narrow Feet)
MSRP: $130 Weight (pair): 19 oz. Drop: 8mm Cushioning: Moderate Rock plate: Yes Waterproof: Men’s | Women’s ($160)
Best trail runners for thru-hiking: Brooks Cascadia.
Pros: Gaiter-compatible; sticky outsole for added grip; lightweight; soft and adaptable midsole.
Cons: Stiff; higher drop isn’t for everyone; narrow cut will feel cramped for some.
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In a world of wide toe boxes, Brooks keeps it old-school with their slim and snug-fitting Cascadias. Although some may object to the closeness of this design, it’s ideal for slenderfoots who can’t seem to avoid slipping and sliding in more generously proportioned shoes. “I rate the grip above average and durability looks great,” said contributor Owen Eigenbrot of the Cascadia 15s (last year’s model). “The new upper material is breezy and dries quickly.” The latest version of the Cascadia (16) has been streamlined to bring the total weight down by nearly a quarter pound to a scant 19 ounces, making it one of the lightest shoes on our list. The mid and outsole have both been redesigned to make the shoe more flexible and adaptable on rough trails. The new midsole is also lighter and softer than previous versions. Meanwhile, the updated rock plate provides ample protection from rough, technical terrain, making the Cascadia ideal for hikers/runners who prefer a firmer, more responsive ride. The TrailTack outsole is both wonderfully grippy and notably more durable than many competitor models. Thoughtful additions like drain holes and gaiter traps will be appreciated by many hikers.Hoka One One Speedgoat Men’s | Women’s (Most Comfortable Trail Runner)
MSRP: $145 Weight (pair): 21.6 oz. Drop: 4mm Cushioning: Maximum Rock plate: No Waterproof: Men’s | Women’s ($160)
Best trail runners for thru-hiking: HOKA ONE ONE Speedgoat.
Pros: Vibram outsole; 3D-printed midsole overlays for added support; wide toe box.
Cons: Bulky; expensive; not everyone likes the plushy midsole; flat tongue can be uncomfortable.
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Our reviewer says the Speedgoats’ famously plush, highly cushioned EVA foam midsole is similar to walking on clouds. Pair that with a durable, grippy Vibram outsole with 5mm lugs, and you’ve got yourself a damned smooth ride (in a variety of wild color schemes to boot). Despite the extra cushioning and boxy design, the Speedgoats are middle-of-the-road in terms of weight, perhaps in part because they eliminate the rock plate favored by many trail runner models. The Speedgoat 4s feature an updated midsole that provides slightly more cushioning, amazingly, than previous iterations. The toebox is also noticeably roomier. This model weighs a hair more than the Speedgoat 3, though Hoka used some weight-saving measures, like reducing padding in the tongue/ankle area to mostly offset this gain. In any case, for a shoe that’s this cushioned and supportive to weigh at just 21.6 ounces is pretty remarkable. Lightweight comfort indeed. Worth noting: this brand seems to be on a dramatic upswing in the thru-hiking world. We saw a 77% increase in the number of thru-hikers wearing Hokas in our 2021 AT thru-hiker survey compared to 2019. Also worth noting: if you love the look of the Speedgoat but require more ankle support than a trail runner can offer, know that Hoka also offers a mid-boot version of the Speedgoat.Astral TR1 Mesh Men’s | Women’s (Best Trail Runner for Wet Trails)
MSRP: $125 Weight (pair): 21.2 oz. Drop: 1mm Cushioning: Moderate Rock plate: Midsole top shank Waterproof: Not available
Best trail runners for thru-hiking: Astral TR1 Mesh.
Pros: Anti-odor insole; near-zero drop; mesh uppers and drain holes in midsole for quick-drying; wide toe box; tacky outsole.
Cons: Some users report durability issues; no waterproof option.
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This offering from Astral Designs 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 and dry quickly thanks to lightweight mesh uppers and literal drain holes cut in the midsole. There’s something deeply cathartic about stepping out of a stream and watching water literally spout out of your midsoles. Add a wide toe box, wonderfully grippy tread (their patented G Rubber excels in wet and slippery conditions), and near-zero drop to the equation and you have a shoe that’s comfortable and deeply appealing for hikers. These shoes are great for wet hikes, but they’ll hold up on a wide array of technical terrains as well. “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 Katie Gerber. “These are my go-to trail runners through spring, summer, and fall.”Topo Ultraventure Pro Men’s | Women’s (Most Versatile Trail Runner)
MSRP: $145 Weight (pair): 20.8 oz. Drop: 5mm Cushioning: Moderate Rock plate: Yes Waterproof: Not available—check out the Topo Hydroventure 2 instead ($140)
Best trail runners for thru-hiking: Topo Ultraventure Pro.
Pros: Vibram outsole; drainage gills for quick drying; wide toe box.
Cons: Can feel stiff and clunky compared to the traditional Ultraventure 2.
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If you love the wide toe box of Altra trail runners but would prefer to avoid the Lone Peak’s zero drop-ness, the Topo Ultraventure Pro may be your perfect shoe. It’s wide in the toes, like Altras, and has a modest 5mm drop that will provide more support for heel strikers. Its grippy Vibram outsole also outperforms Altras in terms of traction and is carefully designed for a perfect fit that hits the sweet spot between sloppy-roomy and too tight. The Ultraventure Pro, just released in 2020, is a beefed-up version of the Ultraventure 2. Compared to the Ultraventure 2, the Pro has a stiffer feel thanks to the addition of a rock plate and higher-density midsole foam. A more abrasion-resistant mesh upper and slightly roomier fit make this trail runner better suited than most to the rigors of a thru-hike. Topo Athletic designed this shoe to combine the rugged, all-terrain durability of a long-distance hiking shoe with the streamlined minimalism of a trail runner.Hoka One One Challenger ATR 6 Men’s | Women’s (Best Medium-Cushion Trail Runner)
MSRP: $140 Weight (pair): 19.7 oz. Drop: 5mm Cushioning: Moderate Rock plate: No Waterproof: Men’s | Women’s ($150)
Best trail runners for thru-hiking: HOKA ONE ONE Challenger ATR 6.
Pros: Lightweight; oversize midsoles add cushioning and shock absorption; gusseted tongue keeps debris out.
Cons: Outsole isn’t the grippiest; some users report issues with fit.
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The Challenger ATR is perfect for hikers who love the springy feel of the Speedgoats in principle but find it too squashy to allow for comfortable/efficient hiking in practice. Although this moderately-cushioned offering still rocks Hoka’s signature chunky midsole, it’s noticeably firmer than that of the Speedgoat, which has so much midsole that it can feel stiff and unresponsive compared to the more maneuverable Challenger ATR. The Speedgoats have a higher stack height and a “stickier” Vibram outsole than the Challenger ATRs (which are standard rubber). These features only add to the feeling that the Challenger is a nimbler, more stable shoe overall. It was once Hoka’s go-to model for wide feet, but the brand has since expanded its offerings to include “wide” Speedgoats as well. Despite this, the Challenger still has an overall roomier design. The ATR 6, the latest version of this shoe, is fairly similar to its previous incarnation (the ATR 5), though it’s one ounce heavier and features a more tightly woven mesh upper.Inov-8 Terraultra G 270 Men’s | Women’s (Most Durable Trail Runner)
MSRP: $160 Weight (pair): 19 oz. Drop: 0mm Cushioning: Maximum Rock plate: No Waterproof: Not available
Best trail runners for thru-hiking: Inov-8 Terraultra G 270.
Pros: Graphene grip for enhanced durability and traction; lightweight; breathable; zero drop.
Cons: Expensive; no rock plate; no waterproof option.
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Aptly named Inov-8 took a novel approach to their trail runners, incorporating a graphene compound into the rubber outsoles to improve durability and traction. We thought this sounded like a gimmick, but our reviewer tested a pair of Inov8 Terraultra G 270s thoroughly and found them to be every bit as durable and grippy as advertised: their pair was going strong at 650 miles and counting at the time of the review. This shoe has the same wide toe box and zero-drop that many hikers love in minimalist trail runners. The icing on the cake: it’s also the lightest shoe on this list. The G 270 builds on its predecessor, the G 260, with enhanced cushioning and breathability. The new version has four additional millimeters of POWERFLOW MAX midsole foam and three more millimeters of overall stack height. At $160 per pair, these are the priciest trail runners on our list. “But due to their durability, they could end up cheaper over the course of a thru-hike,” testers Joal and Jenny pointed out.La Sportiva Wildcat Men’s | Women’s (Best Budget Trail Runner)
MSRP: $120 Weight (pair): 25 oz Drop: 12mm Cushioning: Moderate Rock plate: No Waterproof: Men’s | Women’s ($155)Best trail runners for thru-hiking: La Sportiva Wildcat.
Pros: Affordable; durable; high heel-toe drop favors heel strikers. Cons: Heavy for a trail runner; no rock plate; runs small.Details
At 25 ounces for a pair, this is the heaviest trail runner on this list. But it’s also the most affordable at just $120, especially when you factor in the Wildcat’s durability, which is superior to that of many higher-priced shoes. And in a world dominated by no- or low-drop trail runners, the Wildcat is one of the few models that keep to the old ways with a precipitous 12mm heel-to-toe differential. This isn’t the roomiest shoe on the list, but it’s not cramped either, and it provides a degree of structured support not found in most lightweight footwear. The design makes it ideal for heel strikers. The Wildcat’s upper is very breathable, with a mostly-mesh upper that has a distinct lack of mudguards and reinforcements. It’s actually remarkable that the Wildcat is so durable given this near-total lack of reinforcement. If you’re in the market for a decently comfortable and affordable trail runner that won’t leave you flat-footed, La Sportiva’s Wildcat may be the shoe for you.Salomon XA Pro 3D V 8 Men’s | Women’s (Best High Drop Trail Runner)
MSRP: $130 Weight (pair): 24 oz. Drop: 11mm Cushioning: Moderate Rock plate: Yes Waterproof: Men’s | Women’s ($150)
Best trail runners for thru-hiking: Salamon XA Pro 3D V8.
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.
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If you’re on the fence between trail runners and burlier hiking shoes, the XA Pro 3D V8 (what a mouthful) does a decent job straddling the line between the two categories. It’s undoubtedly 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. It’s not the highest drop shoe on this list: the budget-friendly La Sportiva Wildcat, listed above, takes that crown by a narrow margin. But with superior traction, stability, a rock plate for added protection, and thoughtful features like Salomon’s easy single-pull lacing system, we think it’s the best-executed high drop shoe on the list. The XA Pro 3D V8 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.Best Trail Runners for Thru-Hiking: FAQs
Trail Runners or Boots for Thru-Hiking?
Trail runners have surged in popularity in recent years and are now more popular than traditional hiking boots among thru-hikers. 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.
The Oboz Arete low-top hiking shoe is a good compromise between boots and trail runners. Photo via Carl Stanfield.
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 Minimalist / Zero Drop Hiking Shoes Worth It?
It’s complicated. 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.After-Market Insoles
