Trail running doesn't have a one-size-fits-all answer. The terrain changes, the distance changes, and what you need underfoot changes with it. Steph takes us through four of the best trail shoes on the floor at UTA right now — each built with a different runner in mind. Watch the full rundown below.
Arc'teryx Sylan Pro
If the terrain is rocky, technical, or mountainous, this is the shoe. The Sylan Pro is Arc'teryx's most refined in-house trail runner yet — precise, agile, and built for runners who want control over cushion. A tightly woven Matryx® Micro upper delivers serious abrasion resistance without losing breathability, while the InFuse™ midsole — a blend of EVA and polyolefin — provides a soft yet high-rebound ride. An aggressive forefoot rocker promotes propulsion and a natural forward stride, and underfoot the Vibram® Megagrip Litebase outsole handles whatever technical ground you put it on. Less plush, more control — this is the shoe you trust when the stakes are high.
HOKA Speedgoat 7
The Speedgoat is one of those trail shoes that most runners will end up in at some point, and for good reason. Seven iterations in and it keeps getting better — more refined cushioning, a lighter but structured engineered mesh upper, and Vibram® Megagrip traction that digs in when the trail turns unpredictable. If the goal is time on feet — long days out, sustained efforts on varied ground — the Speedgoat 7 is the one to reach for. Cushioned, grippy, and ridiculously comfortable. You can't really go wrong.
Salomon S/LAB Ultra V2
Built for runners who go long and hard on mixed terrain, the S/LAB Ultra V2 is Salomon's serious ultra distance option. A dual-layer optiFOAM midsole keeps things soft underfoot without feeling vague, while a profeel plate filters out sharp impacts to keep the feet fresher deep into a run. A lightweight Matryx® upper with Sensifit wraps the foot securely without trapping heat, and quickLACE™ lets you dial tension fast on the move. The redesigned lug pattern and All-Terrain Contagrip® outsole handle the kind of variable conditions that ultra distances tend to throw at you. Protective, stable, and built to go the distance — with the added bonus of being able to write your name, race, and time directly on the shoe.
norda™ 001
The norda™ 001 is doing something genuinely different. The entire upper is constructed from Dyneema® — the world's strongest and lightest fibre — making it the first trail shoe to bring a bio-based version of the material into a functional running upper. The result is exceptional abrasion resistance at minimal weight. Underfoot, a bespoke Vibram® SLE midsole provides generous cushioning without sacrificing responsiveness, and Vibram Litebase® technology cuts overall sole weight by 30%. Less about racing, more about longevity — a shoe that earns its place across trail runs, hikes, and everyday miles alike.
Overall
There's no single perfect trail shoe — it comes down to your terrain, your distance, and how your feet want to feel at the end of it. Come into UTA, try them on, and the team will help you find the one that fits your trail running best.
