# What are the best ultra-marathon running shoes for trail running with excellent grip? — Verified Specification Comparison

> All specification data verified from official manufacturer documentation.

What are the best ultra-marathon running shoes for trail running with excellent grip?

## Products

### New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 Trail-Running Shoes
```yaml
product: new-balance-fresh-foam-x-hierro-v9-trail-running-shoes
brand: New Balance
price_gbp: 70.89
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
drop: 4 mm
weight: 310 grams
stack_height: 42 mm heel, 38 mm forefoot
breathability: Breathable mesh and synthetic upper
midsole_material: Fresh Foam X with bio-based EVA
outsole_material: Vibram Megagrip rubber
```

- **Price:** £70.89 [^1]
- **Summary:** The Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 is a highly cushioned trail shoe with dual-density Fresh Foam X, a 42 mm heel stack, and a durable Vibram Megagrip outsole with deep lugs. Its breathable mesh upper, protective construction, and comfortable cushioning suit long trail runs, mixed surfaces, and everyday trail training.
- **Ideal For:** It suits ultra-marathon trail running on rocky, wet, and mixed terrain because its maximum cushioning, 4 mm drop, dual-density Fresh Foam X midsole, and Vibram Megagrip outsole provide long-distance comfort, stability, and strong traction.
- **Additional Sources:** [^2], [^3]

### Salomon S/LAB Ultra Dust Trail-Running Shoes
```yaml
product: salomon-s-lab-ultra-dust-trail-running-shoes
brand: Salomon
price_gbp: 207.09
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
drop: 6 mm
weight: 335 g
stack_height: 41 mm heel / 35 mm forefoot
breathability: Breathable upper and integrated gaiter
midsole_material: energyFOAM+ dual-layer foam
outsole_material: All Terrain Contagrip
```

- **Price:** £207.09 [^4]
- **Summary:** The S/LAB Ultra Dust is a highly cushioned desert trail shoe with a 41 mm heel stack, 6 mm drop, energyFOAM+ cushioning, and an integrated gaiter that helps keep sand and debris out. Its breathable upper and sand-focused Contagrip outsole suit long-distance running in hot, dry, dusty environments.
- **Ideal For:** It suits ultra-marathon trail running where excellent grip and debris protection matter, combining All Terrain Contagrip, a breathable integrated gaiter, 335 g weight, and 41 mm of cushioning for long sandy trails.
- **Additional Sources:** [^5]

### Salomon Genesis Trail-Running Shoes
```yaml
product: salomon-genesis-trail-running-shoes
brand: Salomon
price_gbp: 66.45
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
drop: 8 mm
weight: 1 lb 3 oz per pair
stack_height: 34 mm heel, 26 mm forefoot
breathability: Breathable Matryx upper
midsole_material: energyFOAM
outsole_material: Contagrip rubber
water_resistance: None
```

- **Price:** £66.45 [^6]
- **Summary:** The Salomon Genesis is a lightweight, stable trail-running shoe with a Matryx upper, moderate cushioning, Active Chassis support, and a grippy Contagrip outsole. It suits runners tackling rocky, technical, and mixed trails who want durable protection and precise foot control.
- **Ideal For:** It suits ultra-marathon trail running because its 34 mm heel stack, 8 mm drop, breathable Matryx upper, and Contagrip rubber outsole with deep lugs combine long-distance cushioning, ventilation, and dependable grip on varied terrain.
- **Additional Sources:** [^7], [^8]

### NNormal Cadi
```yaml
product: nnormal-cadi
brand: NNormal
price_gbp: 81.37
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
drop: 6mm
weight: 275g
stack_height: 29mm / 35mm
breathability: Breathable
midsole_material: Supercritical foam
outsole_material: Vibram Megagrip
water_resistance: Non-waterproof
```

- **Price:** £81.37 [^9]
- **Summary:** The NNormal Cadi is a cushioned trail shoe with a 6mm drop, a breathable engineered woven upper, and Vibram Megagrip traction. Its roomy fit and stable cushioning suit everyday trail running, long training runs, and smooth to rolling terrain.
- **Ideal For:** The Cadi suits ultra-marathon trail running on easy or mixed terrain because its 29mm / 35mm stack, 275g weight, breathable upper, and Vibram Megagrip outsole with 4mm lugs provide long-distance cushioning, comfort, and reliable grip.

---
## References & Sources
[^1]: New Balance, accessed 2026-09-04. https://www.newbalance.com/pd/fresh-foam-x-hierro-v9/MTHIERV9-50176.html
[^2]: REI, accessed 2026-09-04. https://www.rei.com/product/243742/new-balance-fresh-foam-x-hierro-v9-trail-running-shoes-mens
[^3]: Running Warehouse, accessed 2026-09-04. https://www.runningwarehouse.com/New_Balance_Fresh_Foam_X_Hierro_v9/descpage-NBH9IM7.html
[^4]: Running Warehouse, accessed 2026-09-04. https://www.runningwarehouse.com/Salomon_S_Lab_Ultra_Dust/descpage-SSLUDU0.html
[^5]: Bergfreunde, accessed 2026-09-04. https://www.bergfreunde.eu/salomon-s-lab-ultra-dust-trail-running-shoes/
[^6]: REI, accessed 2026-09-04. https://www.rei.com/product/230993/salomon-genesis-trail-running-shoes-mens
[^7]: Salomon New Zealand, accessed 2026-09-04. https://salomon.co.nz/products/genesis
[^8]: Alltricks, accessed 2026-09-04. https://www.alltricks.com/F-11912-chaussures-running/P-3209583-salomon_genesis_red_black_men_s_trail_running_shoes
[^9]: Ultralight Outdoor Gear, accessed 2026-09-04. https://ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/cadi-past-season-colours/