Latest Gear: Trail Shoes — Editor’s Picks
A static, always-updating resource for UK trails — from muddy woods to rocky fells. We keep this list lean and practical so you can pick fast. Updated: 8 Sept 2025.
How to use this page: Browse the picks below. Each card highlights what the shoe does best, how it fits, and the surface it loves. We’ll swap models in/out as new versions land.
Hoka Speedgoat 6
A UK trail staple that blends plush cushioning with mountain-ready grip. Lighter and a touch nimbler than earlier versions.
- Drop: 5 mm
- Stack (heel/forefoot): ~40 / ~35 mm
- Best for: Mixed mountain terrain, long days, rocky paths
- Grip: Confident on wet rock; bites well on loose gravel
- Ride feel: Cushioned but stable; protective underfoot
- Fit: Secure midfoot, protective toe; true-to-size for most
- Watch-outs: Overkill for flat hardpack if you prefer ground feel
Salomon Speedcross 6
The mud master. Iconic deep chevron lugs and a locked-in fit for sloppy, steep, and grassy tracks.
- Drop: ~10–12 mm
- Stack (heel/forefoot): ~33 / ~21–23 mm (varies by size/tests)
- Best for: Boggy trails, winter slop, steep fell approaches
- Grip: Aggressive lugs that clear mud quickly
- Ride feel: Firm, direct, precise on technical foot placements
- Fit: Snug performance fit with Quicklace
- Watch-outs: Less fun on tarmac or dry hardpack
Brooks Catamount 3
Light, fast, and still protective — a great choice for tempo trail runs and race day on mixed terrain.
- Drop: ~6–7 mm
- Stack (midsole only): ~22 / ~16 mm
- Best for: Fast efforts, rolling singletrack, trail races
- Grip: Versatile outsole that handles wet-to-dry transitions
- Ride feel: Snappy with decent cushioning; agile platform
- Fit: Secure heel, performance midfoot; dialed lockdown
- Watch-outs: Not as plush for ultra-distance comfort
Nike Zegama 2
High-stack cushioning with improved outsole bite — built for long mileage when comfort matters most.
- Drop: 4 mm
- Stack (heel/forefoot): ~30 / ~26 mm
- Best for: Ultras, long steady days, rough tracks
- Grip: Much improved versus early Nike trail outsoles
- Ride feel: Very cushioned and protective; smooth roll
- Fit: Protective upper; secure midfoot; slightly heavier feel
- Watch-outs: Bulk can feel overbuilt on short, spicy routes
Saucony Peregrine 14
Do-it-all trailer: light enough to race, tough enough to train daily, with confident traction and drainage.
- Drop: 4 mm
- Stack (heel/forefoot): ~28 / ~24 mm
- Best for: Daily trail miles, door-to-trail, UK mixed terrain
- Grip: Reliable on wet roots and damp rock
- Ride feel: Balanced cushioning with plenty of ground control
- Fit: Secure lockdown; accommodating forefoot for many
- Watch-outs: Not the plushest option for ultras
Altra Lone Peak 8
Zero-drop classic with a roomy, foot-shaped toe box for natural movement and solid all-round traction.
- Drop: 0 mm (marketed)
- Stack (heel/forefoot): ~25 / ~25 mm
- Best for: Natural feel, hiking-to-running, varied trails
- Grip: Dependable on dry rock and mixed dirt
- Ride feel: Flexible forefoot; good ground feedback
- Fit: Roomy toe box; great for wider feet
- Watch-outs: Zero-drop requires a gentle transition period
Nike Pegasus Trail 5
Gateway trail shoe that’s comfortable from the first mile, ideal for door-to-trail and mellow routes.
- Drop: ~9.5–10 mm
- Stack (heel/forefoot): ~37 / ~27.5 mm
- Best for: Park paths, gravel, light woodland singletrack
- Grip: Versatile lugs that roll well on mixed surfaces
- Ride feel: Smooth, road-shoe comfort with trail stability
- Fit: Familiar Pegasus feel; easy daily-wear comfort
- Watch-outs: Not the pick for deep mud or sharp rock
Quick chooser: Mud & steeps → Speedcross 6 • Long comfort → Zegama 2 or Speedgoat 6 • Fast & light → Catamount 3 • All-round daily → Peregrine 14 • Natural feel → Lone Peak 8 • Door-to-trail → Pegasus Trail / Hierro.
Building your kit? See our latest Road Shoes and Running Tech, and don’t miss our Training Plans to put the miles to work.