Increasingly, there is more love for running long distances, whether on asphalt or in the mountains. The big marathons already seem an almost unavoidable appointment for the popular runners, and the same happens to the lovers of the mountain with the marathons and ultra marathons.
To run long distances in the mountains is necessary, in addition to an intense planning and preparation, and we do not refer only to the physical training, but also mental and nutritional. In addition, a very important aspect that can determine the success or not of our participation, is to choose the right type of shoes to use, depending on the terrain, expected weather and the characteristics of each runner, among other aspects.
Best trail running shoes 2024 for ultras
For this reason, the editorial team of RUNNEA presents this recurring list of trail running shoes recommended for long distances in the mountains and in which we wanted to compile different types of shoes to reach a wide range of different profiles of runners, as always, we will be attentive to the latest developments to incorporate them into the list.
- New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v7 GTX
- Brooks Cascadia 17
- HOKA Tecton X 2
- Nike Wildhorse 8
- ASICS Gel Trabuco 12
- Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra
- Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 Matryx
- Salomon S/Lab Genesis
- Evadict MT Cushion 2
- NNormal Tomir
- La Sportiva Ultra Raptor 2
- Mizuno Wave Mujin 10
- The North Face Summit Vectiv Sky
- Dynafit Ultra Pro 2
New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v7 GTX
New Balance's best-selling trail running shoe has been updated and features new aesthetics and improved performance with the inclusion of the signature Gore-Tex lining for training and/or racing in adverse weather conditions. So these revamped New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v7 GTX become the ideal choice for long distance training in the winter outdoor terrain.
- Surface: Trail
- Use: Training, Racing
- Cushion: High
- Running gait: Neutral
- Drop: 8 mm
- Pace: Low, Medium
Brooks Cascadia 17
The Brooks Cascadia 17 is one of the most outstanding and popular trail shoes of the brand. This new version is presented with interesting new features, updated materials and maintaining the essence that make it one of the most complete trail running shoes on the market.
- Surface: Trail
- Use: Training
- Cushion: High
- Running gait: Neutral
- Drop: 8 mm
- Pace: Low
HOKA Tecton X 2
The HOKA Tecton X 2 is a trail shoe that combines the best technologies and materials of the brand and that reaffirms, in its second edition, as one of the most powerful shoes in the mountain market. It is a carbon plate model that will help you run from medium to long distances with unbeatable safety and comfort that is not incompatible with dynamism. A model of 252 grams of weight and 5 millimeters of drop with a profile of 32 millimeters that will not leave any runner indifferent.
- Surface: Trail
- Technology: Carbon plate
- Use: Training, Racing
- Cushion: Neutral
- Running gait: Neutral
- Drop: 5 mm
- Pace: Medium
- Weight: 252 gr
Nike Wildhorse 8
Nike's all-terrain shoe to adapt to mountain surfaces arrives with a major redesign and significant improvements over previous versions. All this without detracting from its capabilities when it comes to offering a maximum level of comfort to run very comfortably on any type of terrain. This is the Nike Wildhorse 8.
- Surface: Trail
- Use: Training
- Cushion: Neutral, High
- Running gait: Neutral
- Drop: 8 mm
- Pace: Low, Medium
- Weight: 300 gr
ASICS Gel Trabuco 12
The ASICS Gel Trabuco 12 is one of the most iconic shoes of the Japanese brand. They are running and hiking shoes for the mountain with great comfort and cushioning, and the perfect combination of support and durability to perform the Camino de Santiago successfully.
- Surface: Trail
- Use: Training, Racing
- Cushion: Neutral, High
- Running gait: Neutral
- Drop: 8 mm
- Pace: Medium
- Weight: 314 gr
Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra
The new adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra features a new, more dynamic rocker, but this revolutionary design features a midsole with exclusive LIGHTSTRIKE PRO foam. This means a perfect combination of cushioning and energy return for the purpose of adding extra speed to every stride. An ideal shoes for an experienced and demanding trail runner, lightweight and looking for a high performance trail running shoe that allows you to run very fast, but also very reliably.
- Surface: Trail
- Technology: Carbon plate
- Use: Racing
- Cushion: Neutral
- Running gait: Neutral
- Pace: High
Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 Matryx
The most technical shoe of the American brand, the Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 Matryx is updated with its innovative Matryx fabric, and also with a cushioning system that provides comfort and stability over long distances. The Vibram compound and 5mm lug pattern ensure maximum traction.
- Surface: Trail
- Use: Racing
- Cushion: Neutral
- Running gait: Neutral
- Drop: 4 mm
Salomon S/Lab Genesis
The Salomon S/Lab Genesis has been specifically designed to run through the most demanding mixed terrain, while enjoying high-performance grip and lasting comfort. The midsole incorporates lightweight, reactive Energy Surge foam, a combination of EVA and olefinic fiber [OBC] that offers durable cushioning and energy return with rebound. Its All Terrain Contagrip® outsole is designed to offer quality response on a wide variety of surfaces, while the unit maintains a 8 mm drop, with a heel depth of 4.5mm and a contained weight of 258 grams.
- Surface: Trail
- Use: Racing
- Cushion: High
- Running gait: Neutral
- Drop: 8 mm
- Pace: Medium, High
- Weight: 258 gr
Evadict MT Cushion 2
The Kiprun Evadict MT Cushion 2 trail running shoes' main strength is that they offer a higher level of cushioning and comfort for long distances, including ultra-distance events. Another of their most outstanding features is that they offer a high degree of durability. The MATRYX fabric of their upper is able to ensure a great lightness and breathability. Furthermore, their advanced KALENSOLE technology delivers a remarkable increase of 18% in cushioning and 57% in energy return compared to the original version. Featuring 5 mm high lugs and a rubber outsole, these trainers provide outstanding grip on various mountain terrains. All of these elements are meticulously designed to optimise performance during extended mountain trail runs.
- Surface: Trail
- Use: Training, Racing
- Cushion: Neutral
- Running gait: Neutral
- Drop: 4 mm
- Pace: Low
NNormal Tomir
The NNormal Tomir is a trail running shoe that offers durability and performance combined with great style. The midsole construction of the NNormal Tomir features EVA foam. A material that ensures lightness, but also comfort, and enough cushioning to cope with long distance workouts. Stitched to the midsole, it offers a Matryx upper that provides more robustness against abrasion and possible tears. As if that were not enough, the Vibram Megagrip+ Litebase compound, an exclusive compound, will adapt to any type of terrain. Although its great argument in favor is that it is a material up to 30% lighter and up to 50% thinner than other compounds. A model with a drop of 8 millimeters and a weight of about 250 grams.
- Surface: Trail
- Use: Training, Racing
- Cushion: High
- Running gait: Neutral
- Drop: 8 mm
- Pace: Medium
- Weight: 250 gr
La Sportiva Ultra Raptor 2
An icon of the Italian brand that is renewed to maintain its privileged position in the segment of trail running shoes with maximum cushioning and protection. There are improvements, yes, but the essence of these La Sportiva Ultra Raptor 2 is still to be a very reliable all-terrain shoe to face any type of adventure in mountain terrain, including long distances.
- Surface: Trail
- Use: Training
- Cushion: High
- Running gait: Neutral
- Drop: 9 mm
- Pace: Low, Medium
- Weight: 335 gr
Mizuno Wave Mujin 10
The Mizuno Wave Mujin 10 is one of the most emblematic trail running shoes of the Japanese brand. One of the keys to the success of the range is the perfect balance between cushioning and stability. It has a new knitted fabric, more resistant and breathable, as well as a midsole with a new composition and design, which will present a combination of Mizuno Enerzy and U4ic. For this new version the Michelin compound present in previous versions is replaced by a new Vibram Megagrip outsole with 5mm of prominence in what is a model of 8 millimeters of drop and 340 grams of weight.
- Surface: Trail
- Use: Training
- Cushion: Neutral
- Running gait: Neutral
- Drop: 8 mm
- Pace: Low
The North Face Summit Vectiv Sky
The North Face Summit Vectiv Sky are mountain running shoes prepared to offer maximum response in high intensity races and medium and short distances. We are talking about a model of the Vectiv line of The North Face that stands out for its stability and protection thanks to its carbon fiber plate. In addition, its heel positioning technology guarantees freedom of movement on uneven terrain. With a drop of 4 millimeters and a weight of 272 grams, in addition to the Surface CTRL rubber outsole, with 35 millimeter lugs, and the 4 millimeter Pebax insert, this is one of the best performing models of the season.
- Surface: Trail
- Technology: Carbon plate
- Use: Racing
- Cushion: Neutral
- Running gait: Neutral
- Drop: 4 mm
- Pace: Medium, High
- Weight: 272 gr
The North Face Summit Vectiv Sky
The North Face Summit Vectiv Sky
Dynafit Ultra Pro 2
The Dynafit Ultra Pro 2 is a trail running shoe that gives us everything we need, such as comfort, protection and good cushioning. It has a practical quick lacing system, with which we can customize the fit of the shoes perfectly according to our needs. Speedlite technology provides maximum cushioning and comfort, while its weight of 310 grams in the men's version and 270 grams in the women's version, with a drop of 8 millimeters, offers a natural and efficient stride.
- Surface: Trail
- Use: Training
- Cushion: Neutral
- Running gait: Neutral
- Drop: 8 mm
- Pace: Medium
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