What are the best trail running shoes from popular brands like Salomon, Merrell, or La Sportiva?
| Product ⇅ | Price ⇅ | Weight (oz) ⇅ | Sole Thickness (mm) ⇅ | Waterproof ⇅ | Traction Lug Depth (mm) ⇅ | Stack Height (mm) ⇅ | Midsole Material ⇅ |
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Salomon Genesis 2
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£111.74 ≈ | 272 g | — | ✓ | 4.5 mm | 34 mm heel / 26 mm forefoot | Energy Foam (EVA-based) |
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The Salomon Genesis 2 is a cushioned, stable all-mountain trail shoe with a Matryx upper, Active chassis for support, and All-Terrain Contagrip outsole featuring 4.5 mm lugs. It offers 34/26 mm stack heights (8 mm drop) and an EVA-based Energy Foam midsole, aiming to balance protection and agility on technical terrain. A GORE-TEX (GTX) variant provides waterproofing. ★ Ideal forIdeal as a do-it-all trail shoe because its 34/26 mm stack (8 mm drop), 4.5 mm lugged Contagrip outsole, and Energy Foam midsole deliver cushioning, durable traction, and stability for technical mountain running.
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Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra 2
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£167.58 ≈ | 293g | — | ✗ | 4mm | 44mm | Lightstrike Pro |
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A high-cushion, highly responsive trail-racing shoe with a dual-layer Lightstrike Pro midsole, TPE energy rods for propulsion, and a Continental rubber outsole with aggressive lugs. It's lightweight and built for fast, runnable trails rather than very technical terrain. Suited to racers and fast long-distance trail runners seeking a springy, high-stack ride. ★ Ideal forSuitable for racing against shoes from Salomon, Merrell, or La Sportiva because its 44mm stack height, Lightstrike Pro midsole and TPE energy rods deliver high cushioning and strong propulsion for fast, runnable trail performance. |
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La Sportiva Akasha II
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£130.37 ≈ | 10.9 oz / 310 g | — | ✗ | 4.5 mm | 31 mm heel / 25 mm forefoot | Dual-injection MEMlex EVA / LaSpEVA |
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The Akasha II is a high-stack, stable mountain trail shoe with a protective, dual-injection MEMlex EVA midsole, TPU STB stabilizers, and a FriXion XT 2.0 outsole with 4.5 mm lugs. It's built for technical terrain and long distances where protection, durability, and traction matter more than minimal weight. The upper is breathable 3D AirMesh with TPU reinforcements for durability and fit security. ★ Ideal forIdeal for runners wanting a durable, stable mountain trail shoe-its 31 mm/25 mm stack, TPU STB inserts, and FriXion XT outsole provide protection and grip comparable to other popular trail models. |
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Merrell Agility Peak 6
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£119.19 ≈ | 9.5 oz | — | ✓ | 5 mm | 38 mm heel / 30 mm forefoot | FloatPro foam |
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A rugged, moderately cushioned trail shoe with a protective rock plate, Vibram Megagrip outsole and 5 mm lugs for strong traction; available in a GORE-TEX waterproof version. It suits technical, rocky trails and longer runs where stability and protection matter. The ride is firmer and built for durability rather than maximum bounce. ★ Ideal forIdeal for runners seeking a stable, protective trail shoe comparable to offerings from Salomon or La Sportiva because it combines a FloatPro midsole, a protective rock plate, Vibram Megagrip outsole and 5 mm lugs for superior traction on technical terrain. |
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