Best running shoes for hard-packed trails 2024 | Tested and reviewed

It’s difficult not to be excited when the word carbon is involved, especially when your heart rate numbers suggest a faster than usual run is going very, very easily. And what does that run feel like? A harder-type ride with acceptable rather than sensational grip – greasy surfaces were a small problem.

The fit is comfortable and certainly built for long, long days – the UTMB, marathons – but such is the response that you’ll find them the shoe of choice for shorter efforts. The technical details include that all-important 3D Carbon Filter Plate and a super responsive Rocker Geometry midsole, all working from a 6mm drop.

These shoes combine plush cushioning, a tough and highly protective upper, good support throughout the foot, and superb grip on wet or dry trails. The offset lacing wraps the upper around the top of the foot for a really snug fit. Underfoot protection is top-notch. Sizes are slightly short.

Although road running shoes, the high-stack Cloudmonsters have a place on hard-packed trails, offering incredibly cushioning and fatigue-free miles for long and middle-distance runners (On reckon 5-20km is the sweet spot for these).

The upper, made from recycled polyester, is easy to wipe clean, but not as flexible as some mesh uppers. The midsole foam feels firm but gives a cushioned feel between the foot and running surface, the speed board (thin snappy thermoplastic layer) has been designed to help for a faster toe-off and you definitely have the feeling of being able to run faster.

It looks a bit bulky and sort of slow, but one run later and you’ll be stunned by the responsive, lightweight, and general zippiness this shoe provides. Very much a wolf in sheep's clothing. And on rough ground at that...

The zonal rubber placement ensures traction and grip where you need it the most and the 5mm lugs (and 4mm drop) provide flexible and sticky multi-directional traction as you tackle awkward ascents and daring descents. The lugs ensure additional support and stability. One reviewer sums it all up like this: “I don't think I have been this impressed with a shoe right out of the box... ever.”

The first thing you notice when slipping your feet into the Merrells is the amount of cushioning on offer a far cry from the brand's previous focus on zero-drop, barefoot footwear. And this FloatPro foam is one of the Agility Peak 4's trump cards; the hard-packed ground is bounded over with ease.

An aggressive tread pattern provides grip where you need it, and the sticky Vibram MegaGrip sole has more than ample traction. The lacing is secure, there's a rock plate for protection, a decent toe bumper, and even a D-ring attachment point for gaiters. A 6mm drop puts them just on the right side of 'pacey', too.

Ultra legend Tom Evans is behind this shoe. 'I wanted it to look sleek, aggressive and fast,' he said. 'I also like seeing my socks through the shoe; it gives me the feeling that the shoe is very light. The team used translucent materials to achieve that. And I also wanted to make this shoe as lightweight as possible without compromising on performance.'

So, did he? On a five-mile spin, we ran more than two minutes quicker than the previous outing, proving they're very much about hitting the gas! Details include an 8mm drop, 2.5mm lugs, a cushioned outsole that develops 20% more response than the original Boost, and a breathable upper.

The sixth iteration of the Stinson ATR packs a lot of comfort and cushioning into an already decent long-distance shoe. Working off a 5mm drop, they're easier to adapt to than that stat might suggest, with an easy transition and toe-off through the gait cycle aided by phenomenal shock absorption.

Widely spaced lugs and a wide footprint offer stability on trails and even occasional road, with a clever lacing system that spreads the load. They might not be the most featherweight shoes we've tested, but they're some of the comfiest. Also, they're constructed from post-consumer waste plastic, which is a major plus.

If you're looking for a pair of shoes for your next fast race, these are a solid option. Think of the Race Light as a racing flat for trail running. Their 4mm drop gets you up on your toes, cushioning is there, though minimal, and the mesh upper is thin.

Aggressive 5mm lugs slice through most terrain and really key into both wet and dry rocks. Everything about them is purposeful - they're built upon a narrow last and you barely notice the 225g on each foot. PB hunting time is here. But bear in mind that, while the toebox is roomy, they do come up a bit long so it's worth considering sizing down.

With a close fit and tipping the scales at just 215g, the Sense 8 SGs are a fit-and-forget solution to tackle every type of terrain. The high-topped silhouette and bright red colour certainly catch the eye, but once you slip them on and get going, it's like they're hardly there.

The upper is formed from elasticated knit fabric that is surprisingly supportive thanks to the lockdown from the Quicklace system. At 4mm of drop, the midsole ride is responsive without being clunky or hard. They offer a nimble ride across most off-road terrain - especially on grassy or soft trails - thanks to Salomon's Contragrip outsole.

Following the launch of the graphene-outsole G 270 three years ago, the innovative brand has now introduced the world's strongest and thinnest material to the midsole foam, too. The result, it's claimed, is 25% more energy return, with the foam lasting twice as long.

Offering more cushioning than perhaps any other Inov-8 trail shoe (and a 6mm drop) these are all about comfort over longer distances. However, they won't be ideal if you prefer light shoes or being closer to the ground. Better for harder-packed trails, and even road than thicker mud, they're a great choice for mixed-terrain runners who pack in the miles.