Gear Not Stuff: Trail Shoes

Today is the second Friday of the month. Which means it’s time for Gear Not Stuff, the internet’s best, most BS-free gear column.

Over the last five years, Michael has been on a trail running shoe saga—one filled with rolled ankles, blisters, discomfort, and wasted money.

He’s gone through perhaps 20 to 25 pairs. But he found four winners.

We’ve separated the picks into three categories and given one to two picks in each category.

* Best overall: These work well for most scenarios and most people most of the time. They strike a balance between comfort, performance, and cushion.

* Best cushioned: For those who like to run with lots of cushioning—the footwear equivalent of Cadillacs with four-wheel drive.

* Best zero-drop: For those who prefer and run better with no drop.

We have selections from four different brands: Arc’Teryx, Solomon, Hoka, and Altra.

Even if you don’t trail run, more hikers and ruckers are using trail runners. Trail runners are lighter and faster than boots but often more supportive, grippy, and protective than road running shoes.

Have fun, don’t die, cover ground no matter what shoes you do it in.