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Trail Running & Speed Hiking Shoes

Lighter and more flexible than hiking boots, built for fast day trips. Dry paths need 3 to 4 mm lugs, mud calls for 5 to 7 mm. With a heavy pack, on scree or in snow, take a hiking boot instead.

Guide

Trail Running & Speed Hiking Shoes

Trail running and speed hiking shoes are lighter and more flexible than hiking boots, made for fast day trips on good paths. For a heavy pack, scree and snow, choose a hiking boot.

Key points

Dry paths: 3 to 4 mm lugs, mud: 5 to 7 mm.
Gore-Tex keeps rain out but dries slowly.
Heavy pack, scree, snow: hiking boot.

Which shoe for which trail?

Use	Choice	Limit
Runs on forest trails, paths, in the mountains	ChoiceTrail running shoe	LimitLow cut, little support on boulder fields.
Fast day trips, huts and summits with a light pack	ChoiceSpeed hiking shoe	LimitToo soft for heavy packs and multi-day trips.
Wet meadows, rain, autumn	ChoiceMultisport shoe with membrane	LimitWater from above stays inside and dries slowly.
Stony paths, wet grass, autumn	ChoiceMid-cut speed hiker	LimitHeavier. Not enough for scree and snow.

Types compared

Trail running shoe (Running off-road)
For runs on forest trails, paths and in the mountains.
- Advantage: Light and cushioned
- Drawback: Little ankle support
Example: La Sportiva Bushido III ›
Speed hiking shoe (Walking fast)
For fast uphill walking with a light pack.
- Advantage: Sole made for walking and climbing
- Drawback: Too soft for heavy loads
Example: Salewa Pedroc 2 MAX M ›
Multisport shoe (With Gore-Tex)
For hiking, speed hiking and runs in the wet.
- Advantage: Membrane keeps rain out
- Drawback: Dries slowly once water gets in
Example: Merrell Moab Speed 2 GTX Men ›

What to check before you buy

Question	In short	Why
How deep should the tread be?	In shortLugs of 3 to 7 mm	WhyOn dry, firm ground, lugs 3 to 4 mm deep are enough and the shoe runs smoothly. Mud and loose scree need 5 to 7 mm: the lugs bite deeper and shed mud.
What protects against sharp stones?	In shortPlate and toe cap	WhyA stiff plate in the midsole keeps sharp stones out; Lowa, for example, uses a carbon reinforcement. A rubber cap at the front protects your toes when you stub them on roots.
Membrane or mesh?	In shortWet or heat	WhyA membrane such as Gore-Tex keeps dew, rain and puddles out. Water that runs in over the top stays inside and dries slowly. In summer and at streams, open mesh dries faster.
How much drop?	In shortMedium: 5 to 8 mm	WhyDrop is the height difference between heel and forefoot. 5 to 8 mm counts as versatile off-road. 0 to 4 mm brings you closer to the ground and puts more load on your calves.

Frequently asked questions

Can I hike in trail shoes?

On day hikes on good paths, yes. The soft rubber sole grips on wet rock and roots.

What does a toe cap do?

A rubber cap at the front of the shoe protects your toes when you stub them on stones or roots. On rocky paths it pays off; on soft forest trails it is not essential.

How do I care for Gore-Tex shoes?

Brush off the dirt and proof the upper. Water-based products go on the damp shoe. If the upper soaks through, sweat can no longer get out through the membrane.

Do trail shoes work on tarmac?

For short stretches, yes. On long stretches of tarmac a road running shoe runs more smoothly: deep lugs are made for soft ground.