The last mile of a rocky descent is where a shoe with a soft midsole and shallow lugs starts to feel like a liability. Trail running shoes sold for hiking often look the part in photos, but the details that matter, lug depth, midsole density, and how the upper handles a wet sock, are exactly the ones the listing photos never show.
A shoe that works for both running and hiking has to do two jobs: absorb impact on hardpack and hold an edge on loose rock. I looked at the Best Trail Running Shoes For Hiking And Running to find the ones that state a real outsole compound, a midsole material, and a fit that does not require sizing up. My overall pick for best trail running shoes for hiking and running is the New Balance Men’s 410 V9 Trail Running Shoe, which pairs a Fresh Foam midsole with an AT Tread outsole for mixed on-road and off-road days. My top picks are just below.
Best Trail Running Shoes For Hiking And Running at a Glance
| Product | NT Score | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall New Balance 410 V9 Trail Running Shoe with Fresh | 9.9 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Best for Day Hikes NORTIV 8 Men's Trail Running Shoes with 4mm Lugs | 9.8 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Best for Wet Trails FENLERN Men's Trail Running Shoes with Waterproof | 9.6 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Best for Wide Feet FENLERN Men's Trail Running Shoes with 5mm Lug | 9.5 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| KEFUWU Women's Waterproof Slip-On Trail Running | 9.5 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Best for Dry Trails Kricely Men's Trail Running Shoes with EVA+RB+TPU | 9.4 | Check Price on Amazon | |
In-Depth Reviews
New Balance 410 V9 trail running shoe with Fresh Foam and BIO Foam midsole cushioning plus an AT Tread outsole for on and off road traction.
Key Facts
- Color
- Faded Black/Team Orange
- Size
- 10.5
- Midsole
- Fresh Foam and BIO Foam
- Outsole
- AT Tread
Pros
- +Fresh Foam and BIO Foam midsole combine for shock absorption
- +AT Tread outsole handles road and trail transitions
- +Mesh upper with reinforced overlays balances airflow and structure
- +Traditional lace closure allows locked-in fit adjustments
Cons
- −No waterproof rating or membrane listed for wet conditions
- −No weight or drop spec provided for comparison
- −Limited color and size options in this listing
Detailed Review
The New Balance 410 V9 pairs Fresh Foam and BIO Foam in the midsole, a two-layer cushioning setup aimed at softening rocky, uneven trail. The AT Tread outsole is built for mixed surfaces, so the same shoe can handle a paved warm-up before a dirt climb. Breathable mesh with reinforced overlays keeps airflow moving on long efforts.
I see this working best for runners and hikers who split time between road and trail and want one shoe for both. The traditional lace closure lets me dial in tightness for steep descents. Worth knowing: the listing states no waterproof rating, so wet shoulder-season days will soak through.
No weight or drop figure is provided, which matters if you compare grams before a long day out. For my money, this is a reasonable pick for mixed-surface days and casual trail runs.
NORTIV 8 Men's Trail Running Shoes in all black, size 9.5, with a flexible EVA midsole, full rubber outsole, and 4mm multi-directional lugs.
Key Facts
- Color
- All Black
- Size
- 9.5
- Outsole
- Full Rubber
- Lug Depth
- 4 mm
Pros
- +4mm multi-directional lugs for traction on mixed terrain
- +TPU toe cap adds protection against roots and bumps
- +Breathable mesh upper promotes airflow on warm days
- +Flexible EVA midsole delivers lightweight cushioning
Cons
- −No waterproof rating or membrane listed for wet conditions
- −No item weight disclosed in the product data
- −Limited to one color and size in this listing
Detailed Review
NORTIV 8's men's trail running shoe pairs a flexible EVA midsole with a full rubber outsole and 4mm multi-directional lugs, which is the kind of tread I'd want for dirt paths, packed gravel, and uneven singletrack where grip matters more than outright speed. The TPU toe cap is the other detail worth noting: it adds a layer against roots and rocks on descents, a small thing that matters over a long day.
Breathability comes from the mesh upper, so I see this working best for warm-weather runs, weekend hikes, and gym sessions rather than cold or wet conditions. The all-black colorway keeps it wearable off the trail, and the size 9.5 option here is straightforward.
Worth knowing before you buy: the listing gives no waterproof rating, so I'd treat this as a dry-conditions shoe and not a wet-weather pick. No weight is disclosed either, which makes it hard to compare against lighter race-day options.
The FENLERN Men's Trail Running Shoes are waterproof hiking sneakers in size 13 with a grooved rubber outsole for traction on loose terrain.
Key Facts
- Size
- 13 Men
- Color
- Black Blue
- Water Protection
- Waterproof Fabric
- Outsole
- Rubber with Grooved Texture
Pros
- +Waterproof fabric construction for wet outdoor conditions
- +Lightweight build reduces fatigue on long walks
- +Grooved rubber sole for traction on loose ground
- +Versatile styling works for hiking and casual use
Cons
- −No specific weight or waterproof rating disclosed in listing
- −Limited to one color and size 13 in this variant
- −No warranty term or durability guarantee stated
Detailed Review
The FENLERN Men's Trail Running Shoes pair a waterproof fabric upper with a grooved rubber outsole, a combination aimed at wet hiking and trekking days where dry feet matter. The lightweight structure is meant to ease foot fatigue on long-distance walks, which I'd consider useful for extended trail sessions or daily commutes.
The outsole's grooved texture is designed to boost grip on soft, loose, and rugged terrain, so I see this working best for muddy paths and gravel tracks rather than technical rock. The listing also positions it for urban jogging, casual walking, and gym use, making it a crossover shoe rather than a dedicated trail runner.
Worth knowing before you buy: the listing discloses no specific weight, waterproof rating, or warranty term, so I'd treat the waterproof claim as general water resistance rather than a verified standard. It suits someone wanting one shoe for light trails and everyday wear.
FENLERN Men's Trail Running Shoes in Midnight Black, size 13, with a breathable mesh upper, 5mm lug TPR+MD outsole, and wide width options.
Key Facts
- Color
- Midnight Black
- Size
- 13
- Outsole
- 5mm Lug TPR+MD
- Upper Material
- Reinforced Mesh
Pros
- +5mm lug outsole grips packed dirt and gravel descents
- +Wide width sizes available for broader feet
- +Reinforced mesh upper with abrasion-resistant overlays
- +Integrated tongue helps block debris on loose ground
Cons
- −No waterproof membrane rating disclosed despite waterproof title
- −TPR+MD sole may pack out faster than rubber on rock
- −Limited brand track record for long-term durability
Detailed Review
The FENLERN Men's Trail Running Shoes in Midnight Black, size 13, pair a reinforced mesh upper with a 5mm lug TPR+MD outsole. That lug depth sits in the middle ground for mixed dirt and gravel, and the multi-directional pattern is aimed at keeping grip on descents rather than just straight-line speed.
For my money, the standout detail is the wide width option, which lets you match your actual foot shape instead of sizing up and risking toe bang on downhills. The integrated tongue and adjustable lacing also help lock the midfoot and keep grit out on loose ground.
Worth knowing before you buy: the listing calls these waterproof, but no membrane or hydrostatic rating appears in the specs, so I would treat them as water-resistant at best. The TPR+MD sole is also a softer compound than full rubber, so expect faster wear if you log serious rocky mileage.
KEFUWU women's slip-on trail running and hiking shoes with a waterproof fabric upper, breathable mesh, and textured rubber outsole for wet-weather walking.
Key Facts
- Material
- Breathable Mesh Upper with Rubber Outsole
- Water Protection
- Waterproof Fabric Upper
- Closure
- Slip-On
- Color
- Phantom Black
Pros
- +Slip-on build speeds entry and exit on busy mornings
- +Waterproof fabric upper suits wet-weather walking and light trails
- +Textured rubber outsole grips sidewalks and dirt paths
- +Breathable mesh upper reduces heat during extended wear
Cons
- −No weight or packed size disclosed in the listing
- −Wide sizing limited to select variants only
- −Waterproofing is fabric-based, not a stated rating
Detailed Review
The KEFUWU women's slip-on trail shoe pairs a waterproof fabric upper with a textured rubber outsole, a combination aimed at wet-weather walking and light trail days rather than technical terrain. The slip-on construction is the defining feature, letting you step in and go on travel mornings or quick errands without lacing up.
Breathable mesh sits under that waterproof shell, so extended wear should stay comfortable on warm days, and the rubber outsole is meant to hold traction on sidewalks and dirt paths. I'd consider this a reasonable pick for casual hikers and travelers who want one shoe for wet streets and easy trails.
Worth knowing before you buy: the listing gives no weight, no waterproof rating, and wide sizes only in select variants, so check the size options carefully. I see this working best for daily walking, light hikes, and travel.
Kricely Men's Trail Running Shoes in khaki, size 9.5, with an EVA+RB+TPU outsole and lightweight fly-knit upper. Built for trail runs, hikes, and gym workouts.
Key Facts
- Material
- Fly-Knit Fabric Upper, EVA+RB+TPU Outsole
- Color
- Khaki
- Size
- 9.5
- Closure
- Lace-Up
Pros
- +EVA+RB+TPU outsole with traction patterns for varied ground
- +Fly-knit upper trims carried weight on long runs
- +Breathable mesh holes help move heat and moisture
Cons
- −No waterproof or water-resistance rating disclosed
- −Sizing runs narrow for wide feet, consider a half size up
- −No weight in grams or ounces listed for the pair
Detailed Review
The Kricely Men's Trail Running Shoes pair an EVA+RB+TPU outsole with professional traction patterns, which I see as the main reason to consider them for mixed ground. The fly-knit upper keeps the build light, so they suit long-distance runs and complex climbs without adding much carried weight.
Underfoot, an EVA midsole and high-elasticity sponge layer handle shock absorption, while the breathable mesh holes target heat and moisture. For my money, that combination works best on warm-weather trail runs, gym sessions, and casual hikes where ventilation matters more than weather protection.
The main trade-off is that the listing gives no waterproof rating, so I would not rely on these for wet, muddy trails. Sizing also runs narrow for wide feet, and no weight in grams or ounces is listed for the pair. I rate this a reasonable pick for dry-condition trail running and cross-training.
FAQs
Can you use trail running shoes for hiking?
Trail running shoes work for hiking when the outsole has enough lug depth and the midsole is firm enough to carry a loaded pack. On day hikes with light loads, the lighter weight and breathability help. On multi-day trips with a heavy pack, a shoe with a softer midsole can compress and feel unstable on descents.
Do you need waterproof trail running shoes for wet trails?
A waterproof upper helps on wet, muddy trails and stream crossings, but it also traps sweat on warm days. If your hikes are mostly dry and warm, a breathable mesh upper dries faster. For cold, wet shoulder-season days, a water-resistant or waterproof model keeps feet more comfortable.
How much should trail running shoes weigh for hiking?
Lighter shoes reduce fatigue on long days, but very light models often trade away midsole support and outsole durability. For mixed hiking and running, a shoe in the middle range balances cushioning and weight. If you carry a heavy pack, prioritize midsole support over saving a few ounces.
Is it better to size up or get a wide fit?
A wide fit is better than sizing up when your feet are wide, because extra length lets the foot slide and causes blisters on descents. Several models here offer wide width options. Check the size chart before ordering, since fit varies between brands.
Final Thoughts
The deciding factors for trail running shoes used on hikes come down to outsole grip, midsole support under load, and a fit that holds the heel without squeezing the toes. Get those three right and the shoe disappears underfoot, which is exactly what you want on a long descent.
My overall pick for best trail running shoes for hiking and running is the New Balance Men’s 410 V9 Trail Running Shoe. It suits mixed on-road and off-road days, with a Fresh Foam midsole for cushioning and an AT Tread outsole for grip on varied terrain. Runners who want a firmer, more technical feel on steep rock, or hikers who need maximum ankle support, should look at a dedicated hiking boot instead. For everyone else, check the current price on Amazon and start with the fit.