Best trail running shoes for heavy runners (over 85 kilos)

Best trail running shoes for heavy runners (over 85 kilos)
Mikel Bejarano
Mikel Bejarano
Journalist and inveterate trail runner
Posted on 21-03-2025

More and more runners are mustering up the courage to try new experiences and enter the world of trail running. That's why at RUNNEA we get a lot of questions about which trail running shoes are best suited for different runner profiles. In today's post, we propose a variety of models for heavy runners.

Best trail shoes for heavy runners (over 85 kilos)

To do this, we must first be clear about the concept of trail running shoes. What are trail running shoes? Trail running shoes are distinguished from regular running shoes mainly by their soles. Trail running shoes are characterized by having a lugged sole with a very marked tread pattern in order to grip the ground effectively and avoid slipping or falling. Even so, it should be noted that the type of sole we should choose depends on the terrain on which we want to run.

It is not the same to move on stones as on wet grass; we need a different grip on each one. In any case, all of them have a sole with a lot of tread, in addition to the fact that they all have specific materials and the latest technology in the upper to protect us from the weather, such as rain, low temperatures or mud.

Best trail running shoes for heavy runners (over 85 kilos): Models

But... How long do trail running shoes last? It should be noted that trail running shoes usually provide greater durability than road running shoes, as they are not only more rigid, but also more aggressive. That is why these specific shoes for mountain running can be used for up to 1,200 or 1,300 kilometers.

New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v3

The concept of maximalist shoe, New Balance takes it to the mountain terrain with its exclusive model of the New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail, which reaches its third version with improvements with respect to its version, but maintaining its original essence of being a trail shoe with maximum cushioning to roll in the mountain.

HOKA Torrent 4

One of the best allies for heavy runners over 85 kilos is undoubtedly the Hoka Torrent 4, a shoe designed for all those who start running on mountain trails and need a versatile shoe with great support and cushioning in the midsole. A model of the most versatile, safe and stable that will allow you to enjoy trail running without having to worry about anything but to keep running.

ASICS Gel Trabuco Max 4

Another of the great models within maximalism in trail are the ASICS Gel Trabuco Max 4, mountain shoes that thanks to their comfort, cushioning and support are perfect for runners with a slightly higher weight. The Flyte Foam BLAST PLUS ECO technology provides great shock absorption and the GUIDESOLE system favors better transitions. A very complete model that weighs only 315 grams and has a drop of 5 mm.

Brooks Caldera 8

We continue with Brooks to present the Brooks Caldera 8, a trail running shoe perfectly adaptable to large runners. The upper includes a renewed mesh with a great fit that, together with the DNA Loft v3 nitrogen infused midsole, guarantees excellent cushioning and shock absorption even for runners weighing more than 85 kilos. Overall, we are talking about a top model that also comes with just 300 grams and a 6 mm drop.

Joma TR-5000

Joma returns to the mountain world with the Joma TR-5000. We are talking about a model of great comfort and versatility, oriented towards facing each and every one of your trail running challenges, whatever the conditions and the demands of the terrain. Its highly cushioned midsole made of foam and phylon offers a reactive and dynamic running, without forgetting the cushioning and protection necessary for mountainous terrain. The upper features a combination of nylon and TPU for exemplary durability and fit. In addition, the outsole will provide maximum traction on all types of terrain in what is a model of 8 mm drop and light weight that will not leave any runner indifferent.

Merrell Agility Peak 5

One of the great novelties of the second half of 2023 is the new Merrell Agility Peak 5, which debuts receiving one of the awards at the renowned ISPO trade fair. The new version of the brand's best-selling shoe is more modern and more versatile than in previous editions.

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 5 mm of prominence in what is a model of 8 millimeters of drop and 340 grams of weight.

Nike Zegama 2

The Nike Zegama 2 will arrive to the market with a clear renovation in respect to what we have seen in its original version. We are talking about a shoe for mountain running very well-balanced in stability, grip, support and, of course, cushioning. Its design is designed so that you have the possibility to adapt to any type of terrain and any distance. Great performance with sensations that few models can match.

  • Estimated release date: May 2024.

Salomon Ultra Flow

The new Salomon Ultra Flow arrives as one of the most versatile and all-terrain ultra-distance models in the French company's catalog. We are talking about a model suitable for all types of runners looking for a feeling of maximum comfort, effective and durable cushioning and perfect grip. Its midsole comes with Energy Foam foam, in profiles of between 32 and 26 millimeters to leave us with a drop of 6 millimeters and a total weight of around 244 grams. With Contagrip technology in the outsole, this is a model with great grip, which also comes with a completely lightweight and breathable upper.

The North Face Vectiv Enduris 4

Designed to maximize energy in every stride, The North FaceVectiv Enduris 4 are versatile, high-performance trail running shoes. From the upper, the shoe's upper is constructed with breathable, lightweight materials, while the TPU-infused nitrogen midsole provides efficient cushioning without sacrificing lightweight, offering a responsive ride. In addition, the innovative ultra-lightweight DREAM foam reduces weight and improves longevity compared to traditional EVA foams. The Surface CTRL outsole, its weight of 280 grams and 6 mm drop makeit a complete model for all types of runners, even the heaviest ones, thanks to its great stability.

Adidas Terrex Agravic 3

We could not forget one of the most important firms worldwide in the running and trail running market. That's why we present the Adidas Terrex Agravic 3, one of the shoes oriented towards high-level competition and prepared to offer maximum dynamism in the mountains, but with great support. It is a new design of the Agravic line that is positioned as an ideal choice for heavy runners looking to perform intense sessions or high-level races.

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 remains that of being a very reliable all-terrain shoe to face any type of adventure in mountain terrain, including long distances.

Saucony Xodus Ultra 3

And before we say goodbye we do not want to forget the Saucony Xodus Ultra 3, a shoe designed to comfortably run any long distance challenge in the mountains. This is a model that brings together some of the best technologies of the company, so we can ensure that it is a reactive, comfortable and safe model. A great choice for runners looking for stability, support and resistance.

Read more news about: Trail news

Mikel Bejarano

Mikel Bejarano

Journalist and inveterate trail runner

An Alexander Supertramp from '96. With the same passion for literature as for nature, my adventurous soul seeks to merge the most beautiful aspects of journalism with the most addictive aspects of mountain trail running. Traveling the world with my camera and my shoes, a dream come true. Enjoying every minute and squeezing my two great passions. Without the need to achieve great feats, but with a whole future ahead to reach my personal summits, I define myself as a constant, happy and insatiable worker with the desire to continue accumulating miles of travel, mountain and life, now with Runnea.