It’s time to shake off the cold and hit the dirt. Our roundup of the best trail running gear for 2025 will help keep your right stride.
Scarpa
Golden Gate 2 ATR
Need a running shoe that can pull double duty on dirt and pavement? The key is in the cushioning. Weighing in at 290 grams (in a men’s size 42), this versatile kick features a dual-density EVA Bounce Foam midsole that feels plush and mitigates the jarring effects of hard surfaces. Built with rocker in the forefoot but traditional stability in the heel, it rolls over dirt but stays stable on the streets—and the springy outsole gives you plenty of grip without feeling funky on the pavement. $169; scarpa.com
Altra
Lone Peak 9
Great for those of us with a wide toe box, the latest iteration of this comfy standby makes everything that made this shoe a winner even better. The zero-drop shoe features a light midsole and ripstop mesh upper that can handle the slings and arrows of serious miles. Meanwhile the new MaxTrac outsole digs into dirt and sticks to wet roots and rocks. Put it all together and you have a shoe that can handle big runs and serious fastpacking. $140; altrarunning.com
La Sportvia
Prodigo
Here’s a sports car of a trail runner. Sleek yet comfy, it utilizes a high-tech nitrogen-infused foam, XFlow, in the midsole to provide lots of cushioning at a lower weight than the usual EVA. With a wide footbed and progressive rocker it sucks up gnarly terrain but also races like a gazelle on smooth singletrack. Wrap it all up with an upper that dries in a hurry and adapts to different foot shapes and you have a winner on Blue Ridge runs. $155; lasportiva.com
Leki
UltraTrail FX.One Poles and Ultra Trail Breeze Shark Gloves
We can’t stress how much we appreciate running with poles in tricky terrain. It takes a bit of getting used to but once you figure it out, they help with balance and movement. Light and surprisingly durable, the UltraTrail FX.One provides stability without bogging you down. Likewise, the Shark grip system keeps the poles at hand without getting in the way. On cold days, you will want to upgrade to the Trail Breeze Shark gloves which not only keep your hands toasty but also connect directly and seamlessly into the poles. $220 poles, $90; lekiusa.com
Montane
Gecko VP 20L+
Tipping the scales at just under 12 ounces and able to haul two 500ml water bottles (included) as well 20 liters worth of stuff in the pack, this hauler moves with your torso as if it were a shirt. That makes it the ideal pack for those long adventure runs. If you need less, the same design comes in vest, 5-liter, and 12-liter sizes. $195; us.montane.com
Vuori
Kore Short
Stretchy with a built-in liner, this do-it-all short is ideal for trail runs. It comes in a standard 7-inch length but those of use who like the fit a bit baggy can opt for a 9-inch version and the show-it-off crowd can get them in 5-inch. $68; vuoriclothing.com
Patagonia
W’s Capilene Cool Trail Graphic Shirt
With just a dash of branded style, this shirt does everything you need on a trail run. It dries fast, stays cool, and wicks sweat. And the sustainable fabric doesn’t feel synthetic, keeping you comfy as you move. $49; patagonia.com
Osmo
Rapid Recovery
Hydration before and during a run is always essential, but that recovery drink is just as important. Osmo gets the formula just right in this chocolate brew that pumps you up post-run with carbohydrates, protein, and a shot of caffeine. $38; osmonutrition.com
Suunto
Race-S
This wrist-op training companion is just what you need to track your training on the trail and keep you on pace on race day. It’s packed with features—heart rate, GPS, sleep analysis, calories, steps—and the slick Amoled display is easy to read and use mid-run. Plus, the Suunto Coach AI will analyze your workouts. $349 stainless steel, $469 titanium; suunto.com
