# Best trail running shoes for hiking

Source: https://trailandlace.co.uk/best/best-trail-running-shoes-for-hiking
Publisher: Trail and Lace. Picks are based on what the Amazon listings state, not on hands-on testing. Method: https://trailandlace.co.uk/how-we-pick

More walkers now head into the hills in trail running shoes. They are light, they flex with the foot and they need no breaking in, which makes long days feel shorter. The trade-off is less support and protection than a boot, softer uppers that wear faster on rock, and less room for error with a heavy pack or a rolled ankle. The big choice is the membrane. A Gore-Tex shoe keeps feet dry in wet grass and light rain but stays wet for longer once water gets in over the top; a shoe without one drains and dries quickly, which some walkers prefer in British bogs. This guide compares five trail shoes by cut, membrane, upper and the cushioning level each listing states, and notes where a listing says little.

## Products

### 1. HOKA Men's Speedgoat 6 Mid GTX Sneaker

Cut: Mid; Membrane: Gore-Tex (GTX); Upper: Synthetic; Listed cushioning: Maximum; Listed surface: Trail and road

The Speedgoat 6 Mid GTX is Hoka's trail shoe with a mid cut and a Gore-Tex lining. Listed with maximum cushioning, it suits fast hill walks where you want a little ankle cover.

In its favour:
- A mid cut is in the model name, which keeps grit and wet grass out better than a low shoe.
- The listing states maximum cushioning, helpful on long descents and hard paths.
- Gore-Tex is named and the shoe is listed as waterproof, for wet British trails.

Good to know:
- A tall stack of cushioning can feel less stable on rough, rocky ground than a firm boot.
- The listing does not name the outsole rubber or give lug depth.

### 2. LA Sportiva Bushido III Goretex Trail Running Shoes EU

Cut: Low; Membrane: Gore-Tex; Upper: Polyester; Listed cushioning: Not stated; Listed surface: Trail

La Sportiva's Bushido III GTX is listed as a waterproof mountain and trail running shoe with sure grip and stability. A good choice for rocky hill paths and scrambly ground.

In its favour:
- The listing describes it as a waterproof performance mountain and trail running shoe.
- Grip and stability are named as aims, which matter on wet rock and loose paths.
- The upper is listed as polyester with a Gore-Tex lining, so it stays light and dry.

Good to know:
- No cushioning level is stated, so compare with the Hoka if you want a soft ride.
- As a low shoe it gives no ankle cover, which matters on rough ground.

### 3. Salomon Damen Xa Pro 3D Gore-texTraillaufschuhe

Cut: Low; Membrane: Gore-Tex; Upper: Synthetic and textile; Listed cushioning: Moderate; Listed surface: Firm ground

The women's Salomon XA Pro 3D GTX is a waterproof trail running shoe with a Gore-Tex lining, speed laces and a listed weight of 345 g. It suits brisk walks on firm, mixed trails.

In its favour:
- Hiking is named as a specific use alongside trail running in the listing.
- Speed laces are listed, quick to tighten and loosen with cold hands.
- The listed weight of 345 g is light for a shoe with a Gore-Tex lining.

Good to know:
- The listing recommends firm ground, so it is less suited to deep mud and bog.
- This listing is the women's version; men need to look for the men's model.

### 4. Hoka Women's Speedgoat 6 GtxSneaker

Cut: Low; Membrane: Gore-Tex (GTX); Upper: Textile; Listed cushioning: Moderate; Listed surface: Trail and dirt

The women's Hoka Speedgoat 6 GTX is the low version of the Speedgoat with Gore-Tex. Listed for trail running and hiking at 241 g, it is the lightest shoe in this guide.

In its favour:
- Trail running and hiking are both named as sport types in the listing.
- A listed weight of 241 g makes it the lightest pick here.
- Recommended surfaces are trail and dirt, a good match for most hill paths.

Good to know:
- A low cut lets wet grass and grit in more easily than the Speedgoat 6 Mid.
- The listing does not describe the outsole or its rubber compound.

### 5. INOV8 Men's TRAILFLY Zero V2 Running Shoe

Cut: Low; Membrane: None stated; Upper: Mesh and TPU; Listed cushioning: Not stated; Listed surface: Trail

The Inov8 Trailfly Zero V2 is a trail running shoe without a waterproof membrane, listed with all-weather grip and a breathable, flexible build. For walkers who prefer to drain, not seal.

In its favour:
- No membrane means water can drain out, which some walkers prefer in bogs and streams.
- The listing names all-weather grip, breathability and flexibility as features.
- A mesh upper with TPU is listed, light and quick to dry after a wet day.

Good to know:
- It is listed as not water resistant, so feet will get wet in rain and wet grass.
- No cushioning level is given, so it is hard to compare comfort with the Hoka shoes.

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