Best trail running shoes for ultra distance

The Salomon Ultra Glide 3 is designed for 80-167 km ultra trails, prioritizing long-term protection and comfort. Its enveloping upper with Quicklace and spacious toe box is ideal for foot swelling, while the Contagrip outsole ensures traction on mixed terrain, making it one of Salomon's most cushioned shoes.

Considered a 'super shoe' with a carbon plate, the Hoka Tecton X 3 offers excellent energy return and a soft, reactive PEBA foam midsole. It is perfect for fast and long runs, combining comfort, reactivity, and a solid grip thanks to its Vibram Megagrip outsole.

Designed to dominate ultra-distance races, this trail 'super shoe' incorporates a Vibram outsole with good grip and durability, along with PEBA foam for high energy return. Its premium MATRYX upper offers stability and protection against terrain obstacles, making it versatile for long runs and ultras.

The Merrell Agility Peak 6 is an excellent option for technical terrains, offering a secure fit and good stability, crucial for ultra-distance in complicated environments. Its Vibram outsole with Traction Lug technology provides reliable traction, while its more flexible and lighter design improves agility.

The Altra Olympus 6 is a shoe that prioritizes comfort for ultra-distance, especially for zero-drop enthusiasts and those who need toe space. It combines cutting-edge technology with maximum cushioning and a very generous toe box (FootShape Toe Box).

A classic for trail running, the Altra Lone Peak 9 is ideal for long days on the trail, offering a combination of cushioning, responsiveness, and Altra's characteristic toe space. Its redesigned upper and improved MaxTrac™ outsole guarantee durability and superior grip, crucial in ultras.

Launched in 2025, the Saucony Xodus Ultra 4 is a maximum cushioning trail shoe, stable, protective, and comfortable for long ultra-distance days on mixed terrain. Considered Saucony's best ultra trail shoe, it is a very capable option for long-distance cruisers seeking protection and comfort.

Launched in 2025, the Nike ACG Ultrafly is a trail racing shoe that incorporates ultra-reactive ZoomX foam and a full-length carbon fiber plate. It is ideal for long and fast runs on technical terrain, offering Nike's maximum energy return and exceptional grip.

The La Sportiva Prodigio Pro is a high-performance trail shoe, considered a 'crossover' option ready for competition. It offers a balance between protection and agility, making it suitable for runners looking for a versatile shoe for ultras and technical races, combining comfort and responsiveness.

The Hoka Speedgoat 6 is one of the most popular shoes for ultra-distance, known for its generous cushioning and its ability to tackle varied and technical terrains. Its ultra-cushioned design ensures comfort over long distances, while its robust grip provides security on any trail.

Considered one of the best overall trail shoes for 2026, the NNormal Kjerag 02 is lightweight, very comfortable, and excellent on technical trails. Its Matryx upper and great durability make it stand out for its performance on technical terrain, despite its more minimalist design, making it suitable for ultra-distance.

Renewed in 2026, the New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 stands out for its increased stack height and maximum Fresh Foam X cushioning, offering remarkable agility within its category. It's a very balanced option for those seeking stability and comfort in the mountains, with cushioning that is appreciated over long distances.

The ASICS Trabuco Max 3 is known for its maximum cushioning, ideal for mellow days in the forest and long distances. It provides exceptional comfort and foot protection in ultra-distance races, especially on less technical terrains where cushioning is key to maintaining performance.

The Saucony Peregrine 16 has evolved to be more comfortable on longer trail runs, maintaining its agility and grip in a variety of conditions. With additional cushioning and a Vibram Megagrip outsole, it is a versatile trail shoe that adapts to the demands of ultra-distance.

The Hoka Mafate 5 is a current model for 2026 that offers maximum protection and performance on demanding terrains, with ample and stable cushioning. It is ideal for absorbing impacts on long and technical routes, providing a firm grip and solid foot support, especially valued in technical mountain terrain.

The Brooks Caldera 8 prioritizes comfort and high profiles, making it ideal for runners who seek to roll on trails without aiming for speed, but for comfort. It offers great cushioning and protection, making it a very comfortable option for long distances and ultra-marathons.

The Mizuno Wave Mujin 11 is an ultra-distance shoe with great protection and stability, designed for all types of terrain. Its high profiles and robustness make it ideal for heavier runners who need excellent security and support to tackle long distances on difficult terrain.

The Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4 offers an excellent balance of comfort, stability, and forefoot freedom, thanks to its FootShape last. Its Vibram XS Trek EVO outsole provides reliable traction on soft to moderate trails, making it a versatile and cushioned shoe ideal for long runs or adventures on mixed terrain.

Launching in summer 2026, the Nike ACG Zegama 3 is designed for cushioned, long runs, with a generous stack height and ZoomX foam. It incorporates a carbon fiber plate for a stable and responsive stride, offering excellent cushioning and support for long distances with a good balance between protection and ground feel.