# What are the best trail running shoes from popular brands like Salomon, Merrell, or La Sportiva? — Verified Specification Comparison

> All specification data verified from official manufacturer documentation.

What are the best trail running shoes from popular brands like Salomon, Merrell, or La Sportiva?

## Products

### Salomon Genesis 2
```yaml
product: salomon-genesis-2
brand: Salomon
price_gbp: 111.74
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
weight: 272 g
waterproof: Available in GTX (GORE-TEX) for waterproof option
stack_height: 34 mm heel / 26 mm forefoot
midsole_material: Energy Foam (EVA-based)
traction_lug_depth: 4.5 mm
```

- **Price:** £111.74 [^1]
- **Summary:** 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 For:** Ideal 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.
- **Additional Sources:** [^2], [^3]

### Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra 2
```yaml
product: adidas-terrex-agravic-speed-ultra-2
brand: Adidas
price_gbp: 167.58
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
weight: 293g
waterproof: false
stack_height: 44mm
midsole_material: Lightstrike Pro
traction_lug_depth: 4mm
```

- **Price:** £167.58 [^4]
- **Summary:** 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 For:** Suitable 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.
- **Additional Sources:** [^5], [^6], [^4], [^5], [^6]

### La Sportiva Akasha II
```yaml
product: la-sportiva-akasha-ii
brand: La Sportiva
price_gbp: 130.37
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
weight: 10.9 oz / 310 g
waterproof: false
stack_height: 31 mm heel / 25 mm forefoot
midsole_material: Dual-injection MEMlex EVA / LaSpEVA
traction_lug_depth: 4.5 mm
```

- **Price:** £130.37 [^7]
- **Summary:** 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 For:** Ideal 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.
- **Additional Sources:** [^8], [^9], [^8], [^7], [^9]

### Merrell Agility Peak 6
```yaml
product: merrell-agility-peak-6
brand: Merrell
price_gbp: 119.19
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
weight: 9.5 oz
waterproof: Yes (GORE-TEX available)
stack_height: 38 mm heel / 30 mm forefoot
midsole_material: FloatPro foam
traction_lug_depth: 5 mm
```

- **Price:** £119.19 [^10]
- **Summary:** 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 For:** Ideal 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.
- **Additional Sources:** [^11], [^12], [^10], [^11], [^12]

---
## References & Sources
[^1]: Sundried, accessed 2026-06-15. https://www.sundried.com/blogs/reviews/salomon-genesis-2-review
[^2]: iRunFar, accessed 2026-06-15. https://www.irunfar.com/salomon-genesis-review
[^3]: BetterTrail, accessed 2026-06-15. https://bettertrail.com/outdoor-gear/salomon-genesis-trail-running-shoe-review
[^4]: adidas, accessed 2026-06-15. https://www.adidas.com/us/terrex-agravic-speed-ultra-2-trail-running-shoes/JS3534.html
[^5]: SkyRun, accessed 2026-06-15. https://skyrun.skimo.co/terrex-agravic-speed-ultra-2
[^6]: REI, accessed 2026-06-15. https://www.rei.com/product/C01398/adidas-terrex-agravic-speed-ultra-2-trail-running-shoes-womens
[^7]: SkyRun / Skimo Co, accessed 2026-06-15. https://skyrun.skimo.co/la-sportiva-akasha-2
[^8]: La Sportiva USA, accessed 2026-06-15. https://www.lasportivausa.com/products/akasha-ii
[^9]: Trail to Peak (links to retailers), accessed 2026-06-15. https://trailtopeak.com/2023/07/26/gear-review-la-sportiva-akasha-ii-trail-shoe/
[^10]: REI, accessed 2026-06-15. https://www.rei.com/product/C02061/merrell-agility-peak-6-trail-running-shoes-mens
[^11]: Merrell, accessed 2026-06-15. https://www.merrell.com/US/en/agility-peak-6-gore-tex/60984M.html
[^12]: Believe in the Run (shop link to REI), accessed 2026-06-15. https://believeintherun.com/shoe-reviews/merrell-agility-peak-6-review/