Best maximalist trail running shoes for running with great cushioning

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From a few seasons ago to the present day, maximalism in shoes is a trend that has been consolidating over the past few years. More and more brands are launching new models on the market, whether for running or trail running, with very high tops and great cushioning.

The maximalist shoes stand out for their high tops, they are shoes with great protection for the feet and great cushioning, so we can also find heavier and bulkyshoes that delight the heaviest runners and runners who prioritize comfort over speed in their routes through the mountains. On many occasions, attempts have been made to compare maximalist shoes with minimalist shoes. They are not better or worse, just different, each with their pros and cons. Each runner must be clear about their characteristics and needs in order to choose the best trail running shoe to run comfortably in off-road terrain.

Best maximalist trail running shoes for cushioned trail running

Here is RUNNEA's selection with the best maximalist trail running shoes that currently exist in the market, however, as we always do with our listings, we will be attentive to the latest developments to incorporate them into the list.

1. New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v3
2. Brooks Caldera 6
3. ASICS Trabuco Max 2
4. Nike ZoomX Zegama
5. Merrell Agility Peak 4
6. Adidas Terrex SoulStride Ultra
7. HOKA Challenger 7
8. Salomon Glide Max TR
9. Under Armour Charged Bandit Trail 2
10. The North Face Vectiv Enduris III
11. Joma Sima
12. Altra Mont Blanc Boa

New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v3

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

• Surface: Trail
• Use: Training, Racing
• Cushion: High
• Running gait: Neutral
• Drop: 4 mm
• Pace: Low, Medium
• Weight: 323 gr

Brooks Caldera 6

The Brooks Caldera 6 has been one of Brooks Running's big launches for the 2022 season. It's obvious that this renewed model reflects a radical change in one of the most awarded sagas in the outdoor segment. The maximalist trend takes over this best-selling mountain running shoe designed to complete the most demanding runs on the most uneven terrains.

• Surface: Trail
• Use: Training
• Cushion: Neutral, High
• Running gait: Neutral
• Drop: 6 mm
• Pace: Low
• Weight: 311H/277M

ASICS Trabuco Max 2

After over a year of waiting, the Japanese brand ASICS is finally back with one of the most complete oversized models on the market. Thaat is, of course, the ASICS Trabuco Max 2, the shoes that every mountain lover needs for long runs with great cushioning

• Surface: Trail
• Use: Training, Racing
• Cushion: High
• Running gait: Neutral
• Drop: 5 mm
• Pace: Medium

Nike ZoomX Zegama

The Nike ZoomX Zegama trail running shoe is the name with which the American brand intends to pay tribute to the iconic mountain marathon that runs through some of the most emblematic summits of the Aizkorri mountain range (Basque Country).

• Surface: Trail
• Use: Training, Racing
• Cushion: Neutral
• Running gait: Neutral
• Drop: 4 mm
• Pace: Low, Medium

Merrell Agility Peak 4

The Merrell Agility Peak 4 trail running shoes land on the market with a renewed look. With the same essence as always but with radical changes in some of the most important features of its silhouette, this fourth version by the American company aims to take over its predecessor and establish itself as one of the greatest models of the season. If you are looking for reliability in the mountains made with the best materials and technologies, don't miss the opportunity to get the new Merrell Agility Peak 4.

• Surface: Trail
• Use: Training, Racing
• Cushion: High
• Running gait: Neutral
• Drop: 6 mm
• Pace: Low, Medium
• Weight: 300 gr

Adidas Terrex SoulStride Ultra

Adidas joins the trend of maximalism in the mountains with its new model, the Adidas Terrex SoulStride Ultra. We are talking about a high profile trainer designed to offer durable cushioning and protection for many kilometres and, as its name suggests, it's perfect to face even ultramarathons.

• Surface: Trail
• Use: Training, Racing
• Cushion: Neutral, High
• Running gait: Neutral
• Drop: 8 mm
• Pace: Medium, High
• Weight: 305 gr

HOKA Challenger 7

A new edition of the HOKA Challenger 7 has arrived, which incorporates interesting new features compared to its previous version. It's a trainer fit to run on asphalt as well as on mountain trails of little technical difficulty, where we will be able to get the most out of it.

• Surface: Road, Trail
• Use: Training
• Cushion: High
• Running gait: Neutral
• Drop: 5 mm
• Weight: 252H/207M

Salomon Glide Max TR

One of the silhouettes par excellence of Salomon's last campaign in regards to trainers for asphalt, the brand has released its homonymous version for mountain lovers. We are referring, of course, to the Salomon Glide Max TR, a model oriented to offer the greatest softness and comfort in running, now suitable for all trail runners.

• Surface: Trail
• Use: Training, Racing
• Cushion: High
• Running gait: Neutral
• Drop: 6 mm
• Pace: Low, Medium
• Weight: 283 gr

Under Armour Charged Bandit Trail 2

These Under Armour Charged Bandit Trail 2 are made for all trail running lovers. The American brand bets for renewing a trail shoe, which already surprised at its launch by adapting one of the brand's most emblematic shoes for asphalt to this terrain.

• Surface: Trail
• Use: Training
• Cushion: Neutral
• Running gait: Neutral
• Drop: 8 mm
• Pace: Medium
• Weight: 312H/255M

The North Face Vectiv Enduris III

The North Face Enduris III is the training shoe par excellence of The North Face VECTIV line and the one that provides the most support and stability to runners thanks to the 3D TPU plate in the midsole.

• Surface: Trail
• Use: Training, Racing
• Cushion: Neutral
• Running gait: Neutral
• Drop: 6 mm
• Pace: Medium

Joma Sima

The Joma Sima is the Spanish company's fastest and lightest model as far as trail running shoes go. Optimized for lightweight runners, it incorporates some of Joma's most outstanding technologies in order to offer a perfect balance of protection, traction and safety.

• Surface: Trail
• Use: Training
• Cushion: Neutral
• Running gait: Neutral
• Drop: 8 mm
• Pace: Low, Medium
• Weight: 345 gr

Altra Mont Blanc Boa

The Altra Mont Blanc Boa live up to their name, as they are shoes designed for mountain running, especially over long distances, even exceeding the marathon distance. A model with high sides and the characteristic 0 mm drop that the North American brand includes in all its shoes, which allows a more natural and comfortable tread.

• Surface: Trail
• Use: Mixed
• Cushion: High
• Running gait: Neutral
• Pace: Low
• Weight: 317 gr