8 Best Trail Running Shoes for Backpacking on Any Terrain
If you’re planning to cover serious miles with a pack, your trail shoes can make or break the trip. You need cushioning that won’t pack out, traction that grips wet roots and rock, and uppers that won’t blow out halfway through a climb. From waterproof stability models to lighter hybrid options, the right choice depends on how and where you hike—and one small detail many backpackers overlook can matter more than you think…
| Adidas Mens Terrex Tracefinder Trail Running |  | Durable All-Terrain Pick | Intended Use: Men’s trail running | Traction / Outsole Tech: Traxion rubber outsole with lugged tread | Cushioning Technology: Cushioned midsole (unspecified Adidas cushioning) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Saucony Excursion TR14 Women’s |  | Best Women’s Value | Intended Use: Women’s trail running | Traction / Outsole Tech: Durable outsole with 6mm lugs | Cushioning Technology: VERSARUN cushioning | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| New Balance Men’s 410 V8 Running Shoes |  | Everyday Trail Workhorse | Intended Use: Men’s trail running (road-to-trail) | Traction / Outsole Tech: AT Tread outsole | Cushioning Technology: Soft BIO Foam midsole | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Salomon Men’s XA PRO 3D Gore-Tex Waterproof Trail Running Shoes |  | Best Waterproof Stability | Intended Use: Men’s trail running / technical terrain | Traction / Outsole Tech: Wet Traction Contagrip outsole | Cushioning Technology: Stable cushioned platform with Advanced 3D chassis (foam unspecified) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X Hierro V9 Trail Running Sneakers |  | Plush Comfort Performer | Intended Use: Men’s trail running | Traction / Outsole Tech: Vibram® outsole with 6mm lugs | Cushioning Technology: Fresh Foam X dual-density cushioning | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Adidas Womens Terrex Tracefinder Trail Running |  | Women’s All-Terrain Pick | Intended Use: Women’s trail running | Traction / Outsole Tech: Traxion rubber outsole with lugged tread | Cushioning Technology: Cushioned midsole (unspecified Adidas cushioning) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Saucony Women’s Versafoam Excursion Tr13 Trail Running Shoe |  | Budget-Friendly Women’s Choice | Intended Use: Women’s trail running | Traction / Outsole Tech: Rugged traction outsole (Versafoam Excursion TR platform) | Cushioning Technology: VERSAFOAM cushioning | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| ALTRA mens Lone Peak All-wthr MidSneaker |  | All-Weather Backpacking Boot | Intended Use: Men’s trail hiking/trail running in varied weather | Traction / Outsole Tech: MaxTrac™ outsole | Cushioning Technology: Altra EGO™ midsole foam | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Adidas Mens Terrex Tracefinder Trail Running
If you’re a backpacker who likes to move fast and light, the Adidas Mens Terrex Tracefinder Trail Running shoes stand out for their blend of cushioned comfort and off-road toughness. You get enough underfoot padding to smooth out rocky approaches without feeling bulky or unstable.
Breathable materials keep your feet cooler when you’re grinding uphill under a pack. The reinforced upper adds support when you’re side-hilling, rock hopping, or pushing long days as your endurance grows. Underneath, the grippy Traxion rubber outsole with aggressive lugs bites into dirt, roots, and slick rock, giving you confident traction on mixed terrain.
- Intended Use:Men’s trail running
- Traction / Outsole Tech:Traxion rubber outsole with lugged tread
- Cushioning Technology:Cushioned midsole (unspecified Adidas cushioning)
- Upper Construction:Reinforced breathable upper for off-road durability
- Weather / Water Protection:Standard breathable trail upper (no specific weather tech)
- Stability / Support:Reinforced upper for off-road support
- Additional Feature:Cushioned long-distance comfort
- Additional Feature:Breathable trail-focused design
- Additional Feature:Reinforced off-road upper
Saucony Excursion TR14 Women’s
Saucony’s Excursion TR14 Women’s stands out as a smart choice when you want trail-worthy performance on a budget. You get VERSARUN cushioning that absorbs impact and smooths out rocky, rooty paths, so your feet stay fresher on long backpacking days. Supportive overlays lock your foot in, helping reduce slip on uneven ground.
The durable outsole uses 6mm lugs for reliable grip on dirt, gravel, and light mud. A trail-specific mesh upper resists debris while staying breathable. At 8.8oz with an 8mm offset, it feels balanced and approachable for most hikers and runners.
- Intended Use:Women’s trail running
- Traction / Outsole Tech:Durable outsole with 6mm lugs
- Cushioning Technology:VERSARUN cushioning
- Upper Construction:Trail-specific mesh upper with supportive overlays
- Weather / Water Protection:Breathable mesh; no dedicated weatherproofing
- Stability / Support:Supportive overlays for secure fit
- Additional Feature:Value-focused trail option
- Additional Feature:Streamlined, sleek appearance
- Additional Feature:Trail-debris resistant mesh
New Balance Men’s 410 V8 Running Shoes
New Balance Men’s 410 V8 Running Shoes stand out as a budget-friendly option for backpackers who split time between pavement and dirt. You get a true hybrid: they’re designed for trail running, yet roll smoothly on roads when your route connects via asphalt or gravel.
The AT Tread outsole gives you dependable grip on packed dirt, light mud, and rocky paths, so you won’t feel wary on uneven sections. Underfoot, the soft BIO Foam midsole cushions long days with a pack, taking the sting out of hard landings. Durable overlays and breathable meshes help the shoes hold up through repeated trips.
- Intended Use:Men’s trail running (road-to-trail)
- Traction / Outsole Tech:AT Tread outsole
- Cushioning Technology:Soft BIO Foam midsole
- Upper Construction:Durable overlays and mesh upper
- Weather / Water Protection:Standard mesh/overlays; no dedicated weatherproofing
- Stability / Support:Durable overlays for structural support
- Additional Feature:Road-to-trail versatility
- Additional Feature:Soft BIO Foam midsole
- Additional Feature:Durable overlays and mesh
Salomon Men’s XA PRO 3D Gore-Tex Waterproof Trail Running Shoes
Salomon Men’s XA PRO 3D Gore-Tex Waterproof Trail Running Shoes stand out if you want a backpacking shoe that feels secure and sure-footed on mixed terrain. You get a versatile, protective runner that’s light enough (around 350–400 g) for long days yet built for stability when your pack’s loaded.
The Gore-Tex membrane keeps your feet dry through rain, mud, and shallow streams. Salomon’s Quicklace system lets you tighten once and go, while Sensifit cradles your foot to reduce hot spots and blisters. Underfoot, the Wet Traction Contagrip outsole and Advanced 3D chassis deliver confident grip and lateral stability on slick, uneven trails.
- Intended Use:Men’s trail running / technical terrain
- Traction / Outsole Tech:Wet Traction Contagrip outsole
- Cushioning Technology:Stable cushioned platform with Advanced 3D chassis (foam unspecified)
- Upper Construction:Sensifit upper with Gore-Tex membrane
- Weather / Water Protection:Gore-Tex waterproof membrane
- Stability / Support:Advanced 3D chassis and Sensifit for high stability
- Additional Feature:Lightweight for long workouts
- Additional Feature:Quicklace no-knot system
- Additional Feature:Advanced 3D chassis
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X Hierro V9 Trail Running Sneakers
If you’re a backpacker who wants trail runners that feel soft underfoot but still grip confidently on rough terrain, the Fresh Foam X Hierro V9 deserves a hard look. New Balance builds this shoe around a Fresh Foam X midsole with dual-density cushioning, so you get plush comfort plus a stable platform when you’re carrying a pack.
Underneath, a Vibram® outsole with 6mm lugs and a revamped tread pattern bites into loose dirt, rock, and wet roots. Up top, the breathable knit upper and gusseted tongue keep trail debris out, making these a strong comfort-focused option for long miles.
- Intended Use:Men’s trail running
- Traction / Outsole Tech:Vibram® outsole with 6mm lugs
- Cushioning Technology:Fresh Foam X dual-density cushioning
- Upper Construction:Knit upper with gusseted tongue
- Weather / Water Protection:Breathable knit with debris protection; not specified waterproof
- Stability / Support:Dual-density midsole for stable underfoot feel
- Additional Feature:Dual-density midsole cushioning
- Additional Feature:Fresh Foam X responsiveness
- Additional Feature:Deeper 6mm Vibram lugs
Adidas Womens Terrex Tracefinder Trail Running
Adidas Womens Terrex Tracefinder Trail Running shoes stand out for backpackers who want cushioned comfort without sacrificing trail-ready grip. You’ll feel the plush underfoot support on long approaches, yet still stay agile when your route turns steep, rocky, or rooty.
A reinforced upper boosts durability and midfoot support, so your stride stays stable as your daily mileage climbs. The breathable design helps your feet stay cooler on warm, exposed ridgelines. Underneath, the lugged Traxion rubber outsole gives you confident traction on loose gravel, wet dirt, and packed singletrack, making these a strong pick for women tackling mixed terrain.
- Intended Use:Women’s trail running
- Traction / Outsole Tech:Traxion rubber outsole with lugged tread
- Cushioning Technology:Cushioned midsole (unspecified Adidas cushioning)
- Upper Construction:Reinforced breathable upper for off-road durability
- Weather / Water Protection:Standard breathable trail upper (no specific weather tech)
- Stability / Support:Reinforced upper for off-road support
- Additional Feature:Comfort-focused women’s fit
- Additional Feature:Breathable, cushioned ride
- Additional Feature:Supportive reinforced upper
Saucony Women’s Versafoam Excursion Tr13 Trail Running Shoe
Saucony’s Versafoam Excursion TR13 is a smart pick if you want reliable trail performance without paying premium prices. You get Saucony’s VERSAFOAM cushioning, which softens landings on packed dirt and uneven paths without feeling mushy under a backpack load.
This shoe targets price-conscious runners and hikers who still demand real trail capability. The rugged outsole grips loose gravel, roots, and mild mud, so you don’t slip when the terrain changes. Durable overlays add protection from rocks and debris, extending the shoe’s life on rough routes. It’s a solid, no-nonsense option for everyday trail miles and light backpacking.
- Intended Use:Women’s trail running
- Traction / Outsole Tech:Rugged traction outsole (Versafoam Excursion TR platform)
- Cushioning Technology:VERSAFOAM cushioning
- Upper Construction:Durable protective upper (trail-oriented)
- Weather / Water Protection:Standard trail upper; no dedicated weatherproofing
- Stability / Support:Durable protection and rugged design for basic support
- Additional Feature:Budget-friendly trail choice
- Additional Feature:Essential comfort-focused design
- Additional Feature:Rugged, protective build
ALTRA mens Lone Peak All-wthr MidSneaker
Water-resistant protection and a roomy, natural fit make the ALTRA Men’s Lone Peak All-Wthr Mid Sneaker a strong pick for backpackers who log long miles in mixed conditions. You get a lightweight, bootie-style upper that shrugs off light rain and wet brush without feeling bulky or stiff.
Altra’s Original FootShape™ Fit lets your toes splay naturally, reducing hot spots during long days under a pack. Underfoot, the responsive Altra EGO™ midsole cushions and rebounds on rocky climbs and fast descents. The grippy MaxTrac™ outsole bites into mud, slab, and loose gravel so you can hike confidently across shifting terrain.
- Intended Use:Men’s trail hiking/trail running in varied weather
- Traction / Outsole Tech:MaxTrac™ outsole
- Cushioning Technology:Altra EGO™ midsole foam
- Upper Construction:Water-resistant lightweight bootie-style upper
- Weather / Water Protection:Water-resistant construction for light rain
- Stability / Support:Mid-cut design and Original FootShape™ for natural, supported stance
- Additional Feature:Original FootShape roomy fit
- Additional Feature:Lightweight bootie construction
- Additional Feature:Responsive Altra EGO midsole
Factors to Consider When Choosing Trail Running Shoes for Backpacking
When you’re choosing trail runners for backpacking, you need to balance weight and packability with enough cushioning and support for long days under load. You’ll also want reliable traction and a smart outsole design, plus a fit, width, and overall comfort that match your feet and hiking style. Finally, consider durability and weather protection so your shoes can handle rough terrain and changing conditions without breaking down.
Weight and Packability
Beyond tread and cushioning, weight and packability play a big role in how well trail runners work for backpacking. Every ounce on your feet adds up over miles, so the shoe’s weight directly affects your endurance and energy use. Lightweight models, usually 8–12 ounces per shoe, help you move faster and stay fresher on long days.
Packability matters just as much. Shoes that compress easily or slide neatly into your pack make travel simpler and free up space for essentials. Many modern trail runners use thin, breathable uppers that keep weight down and dry quickly after creek crossings or rain, which is ideal for multi-day trips. When you’re choosing, weigh both ounces and pack volume to match your load and style.
Cushioning and Support
Although weight and tread often get the spotlight, cushioning and support are what keep your feet and joints feeling functional day after day on the trail. Effective cushioning absorbs impact on descents and rocky sections, cutting down fatigue so you can hold pace over long distances.
You’ll want midsoles that balance softness and responsiveness, giving you comfort without feeling mushy when you need quick, precise foot placements. Supportive features—like reinforced uppers, structured heel counters, and stabilizing midsole designs—help control unwanted foot roll on uneven ground, lowering your injury risk.
Match cushioning and support to your body weight, pack load, and running style. Heavier runners or those carrying big packs often benefit from thicker foam and added underfoot protection against rocks and roots.
Traction and Outsole Design
Traction starts at the outsole, and the right design can make the difference between confident strides and cautious steps. When you’re backpacking, your shoe’s grip determines how securely you move over mud, rock, roots, and scree.
Look first at lug depth and pattern. Lugs around 6mm or deeper bite into loose or uneven ground, making rugged trails feel more controlled. Multi-directional lugs improve braking and propulsion, giving you better grip on both climbs and descents.
Rubber compound matters just as much. A sticky, trail-specific rubber outsole boosts traction on wet rock, slick roots, and damp boardwalks, reducing slip risk in bad weather. Finally, a lightweight, flexible outsole keeps your stride agile and responsive, helping you quickly adjust to unpredictable terrain.
Fit, Width, and Comfort
Grip keeps you upright, but the way a shoe fits determines how long you can stay comfortable under a loaded pack. You want a snug, secure fit that still lets your toes move slightly on descents and long days. Too tight, and you’ll invite hot spots and bruised nails; too loose, and your foot will slide and rub.
Pay close attention to width. A narrow shoe can cause blisters and pinching, while an overly wide one can feel sloppy and unstable on uneven ground. Look for designs that match your foot shape—maybe a wider toe box or targeted arch support—to reduce fatigue.
Always try shoes on with the socks you’ll backpack in, since thickness changes volume and overall comfort.
Durability and Weather Protection
When you’re carrying a heavier pack over rough ground, your shoes need to shrug off abuse and weather, not just feel good out of the box. Look for reinforced uppers that resist tearing and stretching so they can handle rocks, roots, and repeated flexing. Durable outsoles with deep, grippy lugs give you traction and stability on mud, slab, and loose gravel.
Weather protection matters just as much. Waterproof membranes like Gore-Tex keep your feet dry in rain, snow, and shallow crossings, while still offering some breathability. In warmer, drier climates, prioritize well-ventilated uppers that let heat and sweat escape. Aim for lightweight construction that doesn’t skimp on cushioning and support, so you reduce fatigue while still getting all-day protection.