Hitting your daily step count is one of the best (and simplest) ways to bolster your health. Whether it’s hiking or trail running, notching 7 000 or more strides can boost your psychological wellbeing, slash blood pressure and cut your risk of illnesses. Couple these better-health boons with those served up by spending time out in nature, and you’ll be doubling down on the perks of both cardio and capering. To help get you moving, we’ve scoured the burgeoning foot locker of options to equip you with the best trail shoes on the market. Whether you’re hiking, notching a 5km amid scenic vistas or planning to tackle marathon distances off the grid – there’s a perfect shoe out there for you.
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1. Salomon X ULTRA 5 MID GORE-TEX
A hiking boot should not only give you sticky traction on unpredictable surfaces, but also protect your feet from rocks and shifting climes (think moisture and rain). They should also be seriously stable so you’re not feeling the drag across long distances. Salomon’s offering checks all the boxes and then some. Lightweight and stable, it’ll help you heroically tackle hills and descents alike. The durable Contagrip outsole can take a beating, too, so these’ll last no matter your mileage.
2. Hi-Tec Cascade WP
Engineered from durable canvas and ripstop materials while sporting a toe bumper for protection, this juggernaut pair can handle anything the trail throws your way. Chuck in a waterproof lining for always-dry trudging and reflective bands so your mates never lose sight of you when you’re leading the expedition, and you’ve got shoes that can conquer every mountainside in South Africa (and beyond). We like the built-in heel brake that gives you control and stopping power on descents so that you’re never left scrambling.
3. Brooks Cascadia 20
The consummate all-rounder, Brooks’ Cascadia 20 does double duty as a hiking and trail running shoe. The name of the game here is stability and comfort, with smart engineering and plush features converging to give you a smooth ride from first ascent to final stretch. Despite squeezing in more next-level tech than its predecessors, they’re no heavier than what you’ve come to expect from the range.
4. HOKA Speedgoat 7
Efficient energy return on tricky terrain can be a complex formula, but the GOAT definitely makes a case for being the ‘greatest of all time’ when it comes to balancing the equation. The seventh iteration is incredibly responsive, putting a spark in your step while still dishing out admirable traction throughout your route. (The Vibram MegaGrip with Traction Lug sticks to rock and bites into loose terrain so you’ll always find your footing.) The woven textile makes them super breathable, too, so this is the ideal pair if you have long-distance aspirations.
5. adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra 2
Incorporating the LightstrikePro midsole found in many of its road race-winning pairs, the Terrex is the perfect trifecta of lightweight cushioning, energy return and oh-so-satisfying responsiveness. A Continental Rubber outsole gives you traction on demand on both wet and dry trails, while a series of seamless overlays keep your feet protected. We’re fans of the mono mesh upper, which gives you a personalised, comfortable fit. Chasing a new PB away from the concrete jungle? This shoe is the new secret weapon in your running armoury.
6. New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9
Like the Terrex and Speedgoat, the Hierro sports a Vibram outsole for sticky traction. But this pair leans more long-distance comfort stability than race-day ambitions (à la adidas). Dual-density cushioning fuses snug comfort with a more stable underfoot feel that keeps you kicking on the trail, while a knit upper with a gusseted tongue opens up the vents for all-day airflow that keeps this shoe light and breathable while still keeping your toes shielded from pesky debris. Unsurprisingly, it’s an office favourite.
7. ASICS Trabuco 14
Setting out to explore? The Trabuco is designed to deal with even the trickiest terrain. Their grip tech, positioned in the outsole, gives you advanced traction when you head off-road, while an extra 2mm of FF BLAST MAX cushioning underfoot absorbs the impact of your strides. The result? Cloud-like softness as you conquer your chosen trail while still giving you responsive energy return at toe-off. Bonus: it’s approximately 4g lighter than its predecessor. In short, this is a lightweight, ultra-comfortable warrior that can handle anything in the great outdoors.
8. UA Infinite Pro Trail
Ultra distances are the ultimate goal for any trail enthusiast, and these shoes are engineered to help ferry you towards the endurance you need to chase the ‘Holy Grail’ of PBs. Extra-springy cushioning nixes impacts while giving you plenty of energy return for explosive propulsion on your lift-offs. The upper isn’t just lightweight and breathable; it’ll keep your feet locked in for a snug fit that stays secure even when you ramp up the mileage and intensity. We like the die-cut EVA sockliner that cradles your foot for enhanced step-in comfort.
